Rebel killed in Antique encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2024): Rebel killed in Antique encounter (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

ENCOUNTER. Members of the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion (PA 61IB) clash with the New People's Army at Sitio Mapa, Barangay Calyat, Valderrama, Antique on Saturday (Aug. 24, 2024). A rebel was killed in the encounter. (Photo courtesy of the PA 61IB)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed when the communist group clashed with government troops in Valderrama town, Antique on Saturday morning.

Lt. Col. Arturo Balgos, Jr., commander of the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion, said the troop engaged seven NPA rebels in a five-minute firefight in upland Barangay Calyat at 9 a.m.

“The six rebels retreated, leaving one of their comrades dead,” he said in an interview.

The government forces recovered two assault rifles, an M16 and M14, with live ammunition and two long magazines for M16 rifle.

The slain rebel was transported to a Philippine Army Detachment in Valderrama for identification.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231895

Philippine Marines’ armaments arrive in Maguindanao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2024): Philippine Marines’ armaments arrive in Maguindanao Norte (By Edwin Fernandez)

COMBAT READY. Members of the Marine Reconnaissance Company guard the heavy war matériel intended for the First Marine Brigade based in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte. Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, and Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua, led the welcoming party at Polloc Port in Parang town of the province on Tuesday (Aug 27, 2024). (Photo courtesy of Kutangbato News)

COTABATO CITY – The military in mainland Mindanao on Tuesday afternoon welcomed additional war matériel and equipment for the First Marine Brigade (1MBde) stationed in Maguindanao del Norte.

“The equipment was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program and was sent here from the Philippine Marine headquarters in Manila,” the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said in a statement Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the 6ID commander, and Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua welcomed the military equipment and war materials at the Polloc Port in Parang town.

The equipment brought in by a Navy vessel includes two V150 Armored Personnel Carrier, a V300 Fire Support Vehicle, three V300 Armored Personnel Carriers, two Small Unit Riverine Craft, two 105mm and two 155mm Howitzers, one Light Tactical Vehicle and a Small Unmanned Aircraft System.

Accompanying the war materials were members of the 65th Force Reconnaissance Marine Company, which will be deployed under the 1MBde based in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232091

Troops unearth NPA’s high-powered firearm, magazines in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2024): Troops unearth NPA’s high-powered firearm, magazines in Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

FOUND. The rifle and magazines belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) unearthed by soldiers on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2024) in the mountainous Barangay Old Union in Sta. Rita, Samar. Soldiers found the war materiel through information from residents. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – Military troops unearthed a rifle and magazines belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the mountain of Old Union village in Sta. Rita, Samar.

Lt. Col. Eduardo Meclat Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion, said in a statement Wednesday that troopers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion found the Bushmaster 5.56mm rifle and three empty magazines on Aug. 27 based on information from residents.

The military confirmed that the discovered war materiel belonged to rebels, according to the official.

"The discovery of this firearm underscores the critical role that the partnership between the military and local communities plays in ensuring security,” Meclat said.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for their relentless efforts to uphold peace in the area. He also thanked the residents for their cooperation and concern for their community.

Samar used to be one of the strongholds of armed rebels, but the whole-nation approach crippled the organization, which led to the dismantling of NPA guerrilla fronts in the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232112

Caravan of services benefits 2 ELCAC barangays in Antique

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2024): Caravan of services benefits 2 ELCAC barangays in Antique (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

GOVERNMENT SERVICES. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) trainees receive toolkits during the caravan of services in Barangay Aningalan on Wednesday (Aug. 28, 2024). The caravan of services benefited 277 residents from Barangays Aningalan and Alegria, all from San Remigio town. (Photo courtesy of Antique Provincial Government Peace and Order and Public Safety)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The government’s caravan of services benefited 277 residents of two barangays considered as End to Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) areas in the municipality of San Remigio in Antique on Wednesday.

The activity gathered residents of barangays Aningalan and Alegria at the Aningalan Multi-Purpose Gym, where different services were made available by the Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Army, and Integrated Provincial Health Office of the Antique provincial government.

Around 200 residents got free haircuts or availed eye and dental check-ups.

San Remigio Municipal Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. said his constituents are recipients of Driving National Certificate (NC) II and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) training.

“During the caravan of services, the trainees were able to receive tool kits and allowances,” Mission said.

TESDA Antique acting Provincial Director Agnes Dimzon said 55 trainees of the Driving NC II received tool kits consisting of hydraulic jack and combination wrench, while 22 SMAW trainees received their allowances.

“The 22 beneficiaries or trainees of SMAW were able to receive a total of PHP59,840, which is 50 percent of their allowance given for their 34 days of training,” Dimzon said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232142

AFP deploys troops to assist PRO-11 in KOJC op

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2024): AFP deploys troops to assist PRO-11 in KOJC op (By Che Palicte)

AUGMENTATION. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. says in Davao City on Wednesday (Aug. 28, 2024) that Armed Forces of the Philippines units serving as augmentation force have been deployed as the Police Regional Office-Davao Region continues to search for fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy to serve an arrest warrant. As a deputized agency of the Philippine National Police, Teodoro said, the military will cooperate with all government agencies in serving processes of the law. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

DAVAO CITY – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Wednesday that Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units have been deployed here as the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-11) continues its search for fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.

However, Teodoro clarified that the deployment of AFP troops as an augmentation force has nothing to do with serving a warrant of arrest on Quiboloy, as it is a police matter.

Government troops, he said, only act as deputized personnel to aid the PNP in maintaining peace and order.

“There are protocols the police and AFP follow and there have been augmentations already to PRO-11,” he said in an interview during the 18th founding anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) in Panacan district.

As a deputized agency of the Philippine National Police, Teodoro said, the military aids in serving "processes of the law. Arresting Quiboloy is purely a law enforcement matter."

Quiboloy and five other KOJC members are facing charges of child abuse and human trafficking.

Courts in Davao City and Pasig City have ordered their arrest.

Meanwhile, Teodoro commended Eastmincom for its effective internal security operations and praised the command's role in fostering safer communities over the past year.

"First of all, I congratulate you on your relentless internal security operations, which have been met with great success, sustained by continuity," he said.

Also at the event, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. cited the administration’s commitment to "fostering lasting peace and security in Eastern Mindanao."

"The President is proud of the achievements of the Filipino soldiers and extends his congratulations to Eastmincom for their achievements,” Lagdameo told the EastMinCom servicemen.

On the other hand, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, who is also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) in Southern Mindanao, congratulated Eastmincom on its accomplishments.

Magno, who heads the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communists and Armed Conflicts (JRTF-ELCAC), said Eastmincom's commitment to creating a more peaceful Mindanao is now slowly paying off, as seen by its recent achievements.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232120

6 NPA rebels yield to Army in Agusan del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2024): 6 NPA rebels yield to Army in Agusan del Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SURRENDER. Rolando Baranggan (in photo), the secretary of the dismantled communist New People’s Army (NPA) Sub-Regional Committee 3, and five others, surrendered to government troops in Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte province on Aug. 26, 2024. The surrenderers handed over six high-powered firearms during their surrender. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – Six communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including three ranking leaders, yielded earlier this week in Agusan del Norte province, the military here reported Wednesday.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) commander, said the surrenderers – all under the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) – turned themselves in on Aug. 26 in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte.

Orio identified the NPA leaders as Rolando Baranggan, secretary of the dismantled Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of NCMRC; Rene Villa, a rebel platoon commander under Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay (SRSDG-Sagay); and Juvenille Sumo, the team leader of Platoon 2 SRSDG Sagay.

The three other surrenderers are identified as Romel Cahulogan, Mylene Odayao Domino, and Dangga Ayuma Huliao.

Orio said the group turned over four M16 rifles, an AK47 rifle, and an M203 grenade launcher to the troops of the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB).

“Our intensified military operations will carry on with the sustained support of other stakeholders, including the local government units and communities,” Orio said.

The continuing operations, he added, have severely restricted the movements of the remaining NPA rebels in the area, "leaving them with no other choice but to surrender."

All six surrenderers are currently under the custody of the 23IB for proper documentation and debriefing.

Orio said the group will undergo assessment for their enrollment in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232115

Conflict-free village in Negros gets support from civic groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29, 2024): Conflict-free village in Negros gets support from civic groups (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ASSISTANCE. Residents of the far-flung Sitio Madaha in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, receive relief goods and school supplies for children during the visit of representatives from civic organizations on Aug. 24, 2024.The Association of Negros Producers and the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion led the activity. (Photo courtesy of the Association of Negros Producers)

BACOLOD CITY – The remote community of Sitio Madaha in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City received more support from various civic organizations to help improve their lives after becoming a conflict-cleared area or free from the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

Led by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) and the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB), representatives of the Felix G. Yusay Foundation Inc. and Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. brought various assistance to residents on Aug. 24 after almost a day of travel, passing through the bounders of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

“This is the first time we’ve seen such a large number of stakeholders visit Sitio Madaha. It’s a testament to the growing commitment to support this community,” Sybel Nobleza, ANP officer-in-charge-external affairs manager, said in a statement on Thursday.

The foundation’s executive director Sharon Jornadal led the distribution of 90 packs of relief goods and school supplies.

“We will also provide support for the light materials needed to establish one classroom for the students in Sitio Madaha,” she said.

Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc., led by founder Kenneth Bacala, organized activities for children such as storytelling, interactive dance, and parlor games.

Members of the Central Philippines State University Comrades held hygiene awareness sessions, while personnel of the Department of Agrarian Reform Negros Occidental-II South distributed seeds to the Madaha Hand Weavers Association.

Nobleza said the ANP also distributed 90 packs of school supplies and conducted product monitoring in preparation for the 38th Negros Trade Fair in Manila on Sept. 17 to 22.

The ANP has been helping the community’s “tikog” weavers in marketing their products, such as sleeping mats, table runners, coin purses, hats, and fans with traditional patterns unique to Madaha.

Nobleza said the Barangay Council of Buenavista would allocate PHP1 million to put up a concrete annex school building in Sitio Madaha.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Ziegfred Tayaban, 94IB chief, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address the needs of marginalized communities.

“The stakeholders’ visit and community support activities bring hope and encouragement to the residents of Sitio Madaha, a once rebel-infested community,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232188

Army officer killed in CamSur clash with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29, 2024): Army officer killed in CamSur clash with NPA (By Connie Calipay)

IN THE LINE OF FIRE. Army soldier 2Lt. Ramir De Leon, who was killed in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Bula, Camarines Sur on Wednesday (Aug. 28, 2024). The clash occurred as soldiers responded to a report from a concerned villager about a group of rebels conducting extortion activities in Barangay Lubgan. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division, PA)

LEGAZPI CITY – An Army officer was killed in a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) members in Bula, Camarines Sur on Wednesday.

In a belated report on Thursday, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) and Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia chairperson Maj. Gen. Noe Alberto Peñafiel identified the slain soldier as 2Lt. Ramir De Leon.

“The firefight ensued around 2:22 p.m. Unfortunately, 2Lt. De Leon sustained a gunshot wound during the clash and later succumbed to his injuries,” the report said.

It added the clash occurred as soldiers responded to a report from a concerned villager about a group of rebels conducting extortion activities in Barangay Lubgan.

The JTF Bicolandia strongly condemns the NPA's continued atrocities that threaten the peace in the communities, Peñafiel said.

"The JTF Bicolandia will continue its pursuit of a peaceful and insurgency-free Bicol. His sacrifice strengthens our determination and reminds us of our duty for country and people. Patuloy kaming magtatrabaho para sa kapayapaan at kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan sa aming nasasakupan (We will continue to work for the peace and safety of each citizen in our area of jurisdiction)," he said.

Peñafiel expressed the military's deepest sympathy to the family of the slain trooper, saying De Leon was "a courageous officer who gave his life in service to our nation."

"His sacrifice exemplifies bravery and dedication. We grieve with his family as his memory shall continue to inspire us as we press on with our mission," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232247

AFP confident they can do RORE mission without outside help

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29, 2024): AFP confident they can do RORE mission without outside help (By Liza Agoot)

JOINT MILITARY BRIEFING. United States Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo (left), commander of the United States-Indo Pacific Command; and Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. answer questions from the media during a press conference at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on Thursday (Aug. 29, 2024). The briefing was held at the sidelines of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board meeting, which is a preparation for the 2025 joint military activities.(PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO CITY – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., on Thursday reiterated that it will conduct rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) missions unilaterally.

"We will exhaust all means possible and we will do it on our own first. Kaya natin ito (we can do this),” he said during a press conference on the sidelines of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting at Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Brawner cited as an example the recent RORE mission for BRP Teresa Magbanua at the Escoda Shoal where the AFP initially failed to deliver supplies when they used sea assets but later on succeeded using air assets sans any external help.

“When the troops are already hungry and on the verge of dying, that is the only time we will seek the help of our allies,” he said.

Joint military exercises

The MDB-SEB meeting at the the country’s premier military academy is a major activity between the US and the Philippines done annually before the start of another year and before another joint Philippines-United States military activity to plan and set guidelines for activities and investments.

The next activity is set sometime April and May 2025.

Brawner said it is the first time the meeting is held outside Metro Manila since the treaty was signed in 1951.

He said they are considering to include PMA cadets in the MDB-SEB trainings and are now determining the best mode for this.

“Our PMA cadets have different training schedules. By April and May they will already be in their academics,” he explained.

He pointed out that if this pushes through, the joint exercise will expand the cadets’ experience.

Through the exercises, Philippine military personnel are able to use advanced weapons that the AFP currently do not have.

US Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, during the same press conference, said they continue to innovate the joint exercises.

He said he was able to meet PMA’s cadet corps during the day for about 20 minutes and the cadets were given the opportunity to ask questions.

“They are very bright , intelligent and committed cadets,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232236

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: Red salute to the martyred Red fighters in Panay, and condemn the AFP's focused military operations

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 25, 2024): Red salute to the martyred Red fighters in Panay, and condemn the AFP's focused military operations

 


Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

August 25, 2024

NDF-Negros and its allied revolutionary organizations express the firmest Red salute to the 7 martyrs of Panay island namely Benjamin Cortel (Ka Mamang/Ruby), Jose Jerry Takaisan (Ka Miller), Romulo Ituriaga Gangoso (Ka Pedik/Regan), Armando Rogelio Sabares (Ka Nene/Kulot), Aurelio “Boy” Bosque (Ka Rio/Zarko/Baijan), Jovelyn Silverio (Ka Akay/Purang), Jielmor Gauranoc (Ka Tango/Doc), after successive encounters against combined troops of the 12th, 61st, 82nd IB, CAFGU along with RPSB-PNP elements. Red fighters valiantly faced the focused military operations (FMOs) of the AFP and remained steadfast and resolute to their commitment to offer even their lives for the just cause of the armed revolution.

The various backgrounds of comrades hailing from the peasantry, working class and youth proves the correctness of the revolutionary class line. The exploited classes and sectors of society deem the armed struggle as the sole solution against the tyrannical ruling system and its bloody trail. The deaths of comrades will serve as seeds that will spurt even more revolutionaries hailing from the cities and the countryside willing to lay their life to attain genuine social change and a just and lasting peace.

Akin to Negros Island, Panay has been targeted by the military’s relentless attacks in the desperate attempt to declare Western Visayas as insurgency-free and of a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status. However, the US-Marcos II regime’s warmongering methods prove to be futile against the long-standing socioeconomic crisis. Spreading terror and impunity will only strengthen the revolutionary consciousness of the masses to resist exploitation and oppression.

As we mourn the losses of Party cadres and Red fighters, NDF-Negros also demands an immediate investigation regarding the possible International Humanitarian Law violations. According to the martyrs’ kin, the bodies of Red fighters had bruises and broken limbs evident to torture committed by terrorist troops of the AFP. It is no longer a surprise that these bloodthirsty butchers commit extreme crimes to hapless hors de combat to pursue the illusion of dismantling guerilla fronts despite their obvious failure.

This coincides with the NSC’s recent statement of opposing the resumption of NDFP-GRP peace talks unless the revolutionary movement concedes the armed struggle. This downright stupid argument only solidifies the terrorist and fascist character of the state, phrasemongering for peace but in reality promoting war as toadies of imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat capitalism. Their incessant bloody war crimes only justify further the historical necessity and inevitability of the National Democratic Revolution.

Thus, NDF-Negros calls on its allied organizations, along with human rights and peace defenders, to remain vigilant and condemn the lies and continued onslaught of military operations by the AFP/PNP/NTF-Elcac combine that aims to spin the truth and poison the masses with false promises to facilitate the entry of foreign and local businesses to exploit our labor and natural resources. By now it is obvious that these FMOs and Retooled Community Support Programs (RCSPs) in Negros and Panay island alike are synonymous to human rights violations and reactionary state terrorism.

We should staunchly campaign for a just and lasting peace amid the rising inter-imperialist conflict that will undoubtedly worsen the semi-colonial and semi-feudal status quo. Only the path of the revolution remains to be the hope of the peasants, workers, youth, intellegentsia, and patriotic countrymen so we can break free from the chains of imperialist hegemony.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/red-salute-to-the-martyred-red-fighters-in-panay-and-condemn-the-afps-focused-military-operations/

CPP/CPP Central Committee: The August Heroes and Martyrs of Panay will forever be remembered

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 26, 2024): The August Heroes and Martyrs of Panay will forever be remembered

 

PilipinoSpanish

CPP Central Committee | Communist Party of the Philippines

August 26, 2024

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) gives its highest tribute to Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala (Ka Concha), Vicente Hinojales (Ka Hadjie/Ka Emil) and the August Heroes and Martyrs of Panay. They are Party cadres and Red fighters of the New People’s Army who died resisting the Marcos fascist regime, defending the rights of the oppressed masses of workers and peasants, and fighting alongside the Filipino people to attain their centuries-long aspirations for genuine freedom and democracy.

Ka Hadjie, Ka Concha, along with Aurelio B. Bosque (Ka Zarco/Baijan/Rio), Jose Jerry Tacaisan (Ka Miller/Bronze), Bemjamin Cortel (Ka Amor/Ruby/Mamang), Romulo Iturriaga Gangoso (Ka Reagan/Biboy/Pedik), Jielmor Gauranoc (Ka Doc/Tango/Baron), Juvylene Silverio (Ka Kaykay/Purang), Armando Savariz (Ka Nene/Kulot), Rewilmar Torrato (Ka Minerva/Mara/Moray) and John Paul Capio (Ka Ronron) were killed in a series of armed encounters with the bloodthirsty fascist troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from August 5 to 15 in Calinog and Lambunao towns, Iloilo province, and last August 24 in Valderrama, Antique.

They are martyrs of the broad masses of the Filipino people, and heroes of the Philippine revolution. They devoted their lives to the interests of workers, peasants and all democratic classes, in their struggle against all forms of oppression and exploitation in the country, and to attain national and social liberation.

The Party honors the August Heroes and Martyrs of Panay with the highest distinction. Their deaths are a great loss to the masses of Panay and the Filipino people and weigh heavily on our hearts. We express our deepest sympathies to their families, the revolutionary forces and the oppressed and exploited people of Panay, and share with them profound grief. At the same time, we express our indignation at the Marcos fascist terrorist regime that continues to wage a brutal war of suppression against the Filipino people.

We give our highest honors to Ka Hadjie, member of the Central Committee and Secretary of the Panay Regional Party Committee. He was among the younger cadres of the Party who have assumed important roles in leading the revolution in the past years. He assumed leadership of the Panay region in 2016, after having played an important part in the comprehensive growth of the revolutionary struggles in Northeast Mindanao from 2006 to 2016. Over the past years, Ka Hadjie and cadres of the Panay Regional Committee have led the revolutionary forces in the region in resisting the relentless and brutal campaign of the Marcos fascist regime. He was 55.

We also pay special tribute to Ka Concha, who dedicated her long life to the revolutionary cause. She started to work full-time as a cadre organizer in 1972. Other than serving as a key official of the Party’s Regional Committee in Panay, she was also assigned as consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in peace negotiations. Ka Concha abandoned all the comforts and privilege of the landlord class, and joined the oppressed peasant masses and Tumandok people in their struggle for land and justice. She would have turned 74 this August 26.

The names of the August Heroes and Martyrs of Panay will forever be etched in the collective memory of the Filipino people. Their contributions to the people’s democratic revolution will never be forgotten. Their lives of revolutionary service will always serve as inspiration to the people.

We call on all revolutionary forces of Panay and the entire Filipino people to remember the August Heroes and Martyrs of Panay. Let us conduct memorial meetings to pay tribute and honor their revolutionary deeds. Let us draw courage and determination from their examples and pledge to commit ourselves to continue the people’s struggle and armed resistance to achieve the people’s aspiration for genuine freedom and democracy.

While some Party cadres and revolutionary leaders in Panay have fallen, other leaders of the Party in the region are now picking up the mantle of leadership. Amid the worsening crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal system, aggravated by the anti-people and anti-national policies of the Marcos regime, more and more young workers and people, from both cities and rural areas, are heeding calls to join the Party and the New People’s Army. They are driven by the urgency of fighting back against the fascist and oppressive regime.

The broad masses of Filipino people have no option but to fight back against the abuses and ruthless war of the Marcos regime directed against them. Marcos uses the AFP to serve the interests of multinational corporations, their local big bourgeois comprador business partners, big landlords and bureaucrat capitalists. Peasants and minority people in their millions are being dispossessed of their land and driven away by Marcos and the AFP to make way for mining operations, plantations, dams, tourism and crony infrastructure projects.

Marcos and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are fooling only themselves when they claim that they can crush the armed revolution this year or next. Despite having experienced setbacks, the New People’s Army, under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is resolute in its determination to wage armed resistance relentlessly.

Inspired by the rectification movement, and driven by the desire to fight for the interests of the broad masses, Red fighters and commanders of the NPA are giving their earnest to surmount all obstacles, face all difficulties, overcome past errors, wage guerrilla warfare and launch tactical offensives, carry out mass work, help advance the peasant struggle for genuine land reform and build the organized strength of the masses. With the boundless support of the masses, it is only a matter of time that the NPA will recover from losses and regain strength.

No amount of state terrorism will stop the broad masses of the Filipino people from advancing their national and democratic cause. They are unwavering in their resolve to defend their rights and resist the Marcos puppet and fascist regime, the current most concentrated expression of the oppressive and exploitative ruling system.

Imbued with the spirit of selflessness and courage of the August Heroes and Martyrs of Panay, they will wage all forms of struggle against the US-Marcos fascist regime, advance the people’s war, and carry forward the struggle for national and social liberation until victory.

Let the memory of the August Heroes and Martys of Panay live forever! Inspired by their sacrifices, persevere in the national democratic revolution!

Long live the New People’s Army!

Long live the National Democratic Front of the Philippines!

Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!

Long live the Filipino people!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/the-august-heroes-and-martyrs-of-panay-will-forever-be-remembered/

CPP/CIO: Remember always the Heroes and Martyrs of the Philippine revolution

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 26, 2024): Remember always the Heroes and Martyrs of the Philippine revolution

 

Pilipino

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

August 26, 2024

We join the Filipino people in marking the Cry of Pugad Lawin of August 23, 1898. In the face of national oppression, the Filipino people rose nearly 130 years ago to fight for national freedom against Spanish colonialism. For more than a century and a quarter since, they have fought relentlessly to attain the same aspirations as their forefathers.

Genuine national freedom and social justice remain the ideals that motivate the broad masses of the Filipino people to continue their resistance and rise up in arms to be free from semicolonial domination and semifeudal oppression. They are even more determined to fight against the US-Marcos fascist regime which has aggravated the crisis and oppression and exploitation of the people.

Together with the Filipino people, the Communist Party of the Philippines, along with the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front, pledge to continue waging the national democratic revolution until complete victory is attained. This is by way of honoring all the heroes of this generation, whom we remember today:

Jose Maria Sison, Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Austria, Julius Giron, Mariano Adlao, Jorge Madlos, Menandro Villanueva, Antonio Cabanatan, Dionisio Micabalo, Eugenia Magpantay, Alfredo Merilos, Dennis Rodina, Agaton Topacio, Randall Echanis, Rosalino Canubas, Sandra Reyes, Ezequiel Daguman, Emmanuel Fernandez, Rolando Leyson Jr, Helenita Pardalis, Josephine Mendoza, Aprecia Alvarez Rosete, Rogelio Posadas, Jude Fernandez, Vicente Hinojales, Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, and countless others.

They are heroes because they selflessly dedicated their lives to the cause of the Filipino people and to the realization of their centuries-long aspiration for freedom and democracy.They carried the torch of the Philippine revolution, passed on from previous generations of fighters, cadres, organizers and propagandists. Imbued with the spirit of Andres Bonifacio, they treaded old paths and trailblazed new ones.

Because of their selfless deeds, the Filipino people have accumulated great accomplishments in the course of their struggle. Inspired by their sacrifices, the broad masses of the people are determined as ever to advance and realize the aims of national democracy and socialism, no matter how difficult and no matter how long it takes.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/remember-always-the-heroes-and-martyrs-of-the-philippine-revolution/

CPP/Negotiating Panel/NDFP: Statement of the NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel on the Death of Concha “Ka Minay” Araneta

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 26, 2024): Statement of the NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel on the Death of Concha “Ka Minay” Araneta

 


Julie de Lima

Chairperson

Negotiating Panel

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

August 26, 2024

The NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel is deeply saddened by the death of Ka Concha Araneta and nine other cadres and red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA).

We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and comrades of Ka Concha and all the martyrs who were killed during a series of military operations of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in the border area of Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, and Aklan in Panay Island from August 5 – 15, 2024.

The bodies of the martyrs bore signs of heavy beating, stab wounds and front-facing gunshot wounds. One of the victims had his feet bound when the family received his body.

This incident fits into the pattern of the AFP’s “take no prisoners” policy which is a gross violation of international humanitarian law, specifically the First Geneva Convention, which guarantees the rights of sick and wounded combatants, and Article 41 of Additional Protocol I, that prohibits any attack against enemy forces recognized as hors de combat.

Concha Araneta or fondly known by the masses in Panay as “Ka Minay”, was a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. She was also a member of the Joint Monitoring Committee to monitor the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

She returned to Panay when Duterte unilaterally terminated the peace negotiations in 2017.

Concha hailed from the elite Araneta clan in Iloilo City. She was the widow of Reynaldo Bocala or “Ka Bading”, who was summarily executed by fascist agents in 2021.

Concha studied at the Assumption Iloilo and later on at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. Despite her comfortable life, she opted to join the revolutionary resistance against the Marcos fascist dictatorship.

She was imprisoned during martial law, where she led a daring escape at the Iloilo Camp Delgado detention center on September 10, 1980.

She was one of the pioneers of revolutionaries who established guerilla zones in Panay. She led the revolutionary forces during the darkest periods of fascist military rule and helped develop forces in the countryside and the cities of Panay. Concha played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the revolutionary organization in Panay against internal enemy special agents who sought to destroy the organization.



She dedicated her whole life to serving the masses. Her undying commitment and boundless optimism in victory of the revolution serves as inspiration to all revolutionaries to carry on the struggle and overcome difficulties.

Mabuhay si Ka Concha!

Long live the revolution!

Down with the US-Marcos Jr. Puppet regime!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/statement-of-the-ndfp-peace-negotiating-panel-on-the-death-of-concha-ka-minay-araneta/

CPP/NPA-Northern Negros/Negros Island ROC: NSC disapproves peace talks; continued militarization and HRVs anticipated

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 28, 2024): NSC disapproves peace talks; continued militarization and HRVs anticipated

 


Cecil Estrella

Spokesperson

NPA-Northern Negros (Roselyn Pelle Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

August 27, 2024

Months after the joint communique to resume peace talks was signed by representatives of both the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and Government of the Philippines (GRP), GRP’s National Security Council Adviser Eduardo Año was quoted disapproving the resumption of peace talks should the revolutionary forces continue its armed revolution.

Revolutionary forces, Red commanders and fighters under Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-Northern Negros Guerilla Front of the New People’s Army (RJPC-NPA) condemn this militaristic approach of Año. Peace talks is conducted to address the root cause of armed conflict in the Philippines. With the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in waging revolution, the NPA will continue to build and strengthen the mass base, address the land and economic issue through agrarian revolution and conduct tactical offensives as part of the armed struggle, whether the NDFP-GRP is engaging in peace talks or not.

Año’s rejection of peace talks is a reflection of its personal military background and the dictate of US imperialism and Marcos, Jr. As a military man, his approach in solving issues tends to make way for militarist approach and hinders otherwise. With dictator and terrorist Marcos Jr being the leader of the reactionary GRP, his policy is to destroy all individuals and groups that seems to obstruct his ways; through his orders, state terrorism is operated. All-out US domination in the Philippines dictates the halt of peace talks in favor of its weapons industry should the civil war continues. It is the likes of Año, Marcos and its cohorts, US imperialist and local bureaucrats and landlords that benefit the rejection of peace talks and the eventual continuation of militarist ways to handle the armed revolution.

The basic masses, peasants and workers alike, do not benefit the rejection of peace talks and just the opposite, they push for the continuation of peace talks, all the more that the next agenda will be on socio-economic reforms that addresses the land issue, job security, wage and benefits, among others.

The people in Northern Negros do not wish that militaristic approach be continued, especially that most communities experienced or is experiencing heavy militarization by #DiMasaligan79IB through focused military operations (FMO) and Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) which outcomes are increased human rights violations (HRVs) and disruption of their livelihood.

#DiMasaligan79IB’s FMO and RCSP resulted to a handful of willful killings, community bombardment and air strikes, numerous assaults and physical injury, grave coercion, usual practice of community encampment and use of public structures, including fake encounters, fake recoveries and forced or fake surrenderees.

Just recently, #DiMasaligan79IB again presented to the public a couple they claimed to be members of NPA. The said couple are not active members of RJPC-NPA, and has long been disenfranchised from any NPA unit since 2022. It’s a laughable claim that they are holding high positions. The fact is, #DiMasaligan79IB recently presented to the public personalities who are long been connected to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Año’s humbug do not consider the welfare of the masses. For revolutionary NPA, to give up armed struggle is to give up the masses aspiration of economic stability, social justice and long-lasting peace. With that, the revolution lives on.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/nsc-disapproves-peace-talks-continued-militarization-and-hrvs-anticipated/

CPP/MPS-Masbate/Bicol ROC: Alay sa Masbatenyo ang hakbang pamamarusa ng NPA-Masbate sa kriminal na 2nd IBPA-Alpha Coy sa bayan ng Placer

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 28, 2024): Alay sa Masbatenyo ang hakbang pamamarusa ng NPA-Masbate sa kriminal na 2nd IBPA-Alpha Coy sa bayan ng Placer (The NPA-Masbate's move to punish the criminal 2nd IBPA-Alpha Coy in the town of Placer is dedicated to people of Masbate)

 


Luz del Mar

Spokesperson

NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

August 28, 2024

Isang hakbang tungong hustisya para sa mga biktima ng abusong militar sa Masbate ang matagumpay na operasyong haras na ilinunsad ng Jose Rapsing Command-NPA Masbate laban sa tropa ng 2nd Infantry Battalion sa Barangay Puro, bayan ng Placer nito lamang ika-26 ng Agosto, 11:00 ng gabi.

Pinaulanan ng bala at pinasabugan ng command-detonated explosive (CDX) ng isang tim ng NPA-Masbate ang isang yunit ng Alpha Company ng naturang batalyon na nakabase sa isang compound sa naturang baryo. Kasalukuyang kinukumpirma ng JRC-NPA Masbate ang bilang ng mga kaswalti sa panig ng militar. Ligtas na nakamaniobra ang Hukbo at walang natamong kaswalti sa kanilang hanay.

Sang-ayon sa internasyunal na makataong batas, pangunahing tiniyak ng NPA-Masbate ang kapakanan ng mga sibilyan sa naturang aksyon.

Nagagalak ang mga Masbatenyo sa panimulang parusang ipinataw ng NPA-Masbate sa kriminal na Alpha Company ng 2nd IBPA na nakabase sa Barangay Estampar, bayan ng Cataingan. Patung-patong ang krimen ng naturang yunit ng militar sa mga Masbatenyo, laluna sa mga mamamayan ng Cataingan, Placer, Esperanza at Pio V. Corpus. Kabilang rito ang mga sumusunod:

1. Pagpatay sa magkapatid na kabataang sina Ronel at Robert Monsanto noong Hulyo 8 sa Barangay Aguho, bayan ng Esperanza;

2. Pagpatay sa mag-asawang Jover at Aimee Villegas sa Barangay Nainday, bayan ng Placer noong Setyembre 21, 2023;

3. Pagpaslang sa senior citizen na si Genito Pautan noong Abril 11, 2024 sa So. Tadloy, Barangay Luna, bayan ng Placer;

4. Pagkamatay sa takot ng 80-anyos na babae na si Amparo Maglasang Juanillo dulot ng walang habas na pagpapaputok ng militar sa Barangay Liong, bayan ng Cataingan;

5. Pananakot at paggambala sa mga magsasaka ng Hacienda Mortuegue-Larrazabal;

6. Tangkang masaker sa mga magsasakang sina Julie Rabadon, Jovie Rabadon at Amy Olivar sa So. Milagro, Barangay Guindawhan, bayan ng Pio V. Corpus;

7. Walang pakundangang mga indiscriminate firing at palabas na engkwentro na nagdudulot ng takot sa mga komunidad;

Tumatayo rin silang private army at bantay sa malalawak na lupaing inagaw ni Gov. Kho sa naturang mga bayan.

Matagumpay na nailunsad ng NPA-Masbate ang naturang operasyong pambubulabog dahil sa suporta ng masang Masbatenyo. Patunay ito na kailanma’y hindi makapapayag ang mga Masbatenyo na mawala ang NPA sa kanilang buhay.

Kaugnay nito, iniaalay ng JRC-NPA Masbate ang matagumpay na aksyong gerilya para sa mga Masbatenyong biktima ng abusong militar at kanilang hangarin para sa hustisya. Armadong pakikibaka kasabay ng pagkakaisa ng mamamayan ang sagot sa terorismo ng estado.

Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang naturang aksyong gerilya na inilunsad ng NPA-Masbate upang mapagtibay ng mga Masbatenyo ang kanilang pagkakaisa at determinasyon upang harapin at labanan ang nagpapatuloy na paghaharing militar sa prubinsya.

Tiyak pang maglulunsad ang JRC-NPA Masbate ng mga taktikal na opensiba upang bigwasan at parusahan ang teroristang AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa kanilang mga krimen sa mamamayang Masbatenyo.

Dahil sa kahihiyan, walang pakundangang nagpaputok ng baril ang mga militar sa naturang baryo. Kasalukuyan ding ipinapataw ng militar ang news blackout at blokeyo sa Barangay Puro upang pagtakpan ang kanilang kaswalti.

Pinapaalalahanan din ng NPA Masbate ang mga militar at pulis na maawa sa kanilang mga sarili at tumiwalag na sa kanilang kinapapaloobang institusyon. Hindi kaya ng mga ordinaryong sundalong ito na maging pambala sa hibang na ilusyong durugin ang NPA. Hindi sila handang mamatay para sa sweldong maaaring kitain sa marangal at sibilyang pamamaraan.

Hindi matatalo ng mga mamamatay-tao at bayarang AFP-PNP-CAFGU ang makatarungan, suportado at pinakamamahal ng masa na Bagong Hukbong.Bayan. Ito ang dapat tandaan ng mga ordinaryong sundalo at pulis sa susunod na mapilitan silang sumama sa mga operasyong militar.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/alay-sa-masbatenyo-ang-hakbang-pamamarusa-ng-npa-masbate-sa-kriminal-na-2nd-ibpa-alpha-coy-sa-bayan-ng-placer/