Attacks on civilian targets demonstrate rebels refusal to engage in open combat -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Attacks on civilian targets demonstrate rebels refusal to engage in open combat -- AFP

Attacks on 'soft targets' like cargo trucks, undefended farms and plantations and in the case of Agusan Del Norte, light civilian aircraft, only demonstrates the New People's Army (NPA) refusal to engage the military in open or fair combat.

This was stressed by 4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya Sunday.

"The enemy is resorting to attacking 'soft target', using small groups, just to get even on us," he added.

Visaya stated that he has ordered his men to keep their guard up to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Five NPA fighters earlier attacked and burned an aircraft owned and operated by the Philippine Agricultural Aviation Corporation (PAAC) at P-4, Dona Rosario, Tubay town, Agusan Del Norte Saturday night.

Major Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place around 7: 30 p.m.

He added that the five rebels are reportedly from the NPA's SPP21C, Guerilla Front 21, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The NPA fighters were aboard two motorcycles when they attacked the above-mentioned airfield. The two civilian guards present did not resist the rebels' incursion.

Uy said that the rebels targeted and burned one PAAC aircraft on the airfield before making their escape.

Pursuit operations are now ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676219

Filipino Muslims recruited by jihadists worrying--Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Filipino Muslims recruited by jihadists worrying--Duterte

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is worried about the consequence when the number of Filipino Muslims reportedly trained with the Islamic State (IS) come back to the country and generate bad for compatriots as he confirmed reports recruitment by jihadists happened sometime last month.

“Naay naghung-hung nako, nay nag-adto didto naa pud mga batan-on (recruited), mga Filipino Muslim naa didto kay kung madisgrasya involve ang Filipino… maski papaano Filipino pa rin… ilang makuha ang technology pareho kaniadto sa Afghan dala dala ang technology sa Taliban (Sometime ago somebody whispered to me that Filipino Muslims went there (Iraq) including the young, and if they get into danger involving the Filipinos… they are still Filipinos…they might acquire the technology just like in the past in Afghanistan when they brought with them the technology). I am sad,” Duterte said during his Sunday Program Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa.

Duterte however said he is not condemning anybody for choosing to be there although “I am worried for them…I just hope they are there to fight for religious principle and not hatred and leave (Iraq) that way there.”< p>The mayor’s confirmation came on the heels of reports that about 100 Filipino Muslims from Mindanao are undergoing training with IS in Iraq. No less than former president Fidel Ramos revealed the information that members of the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are trained by IS.

Duterte said he was told of the same information sometime last month but he was not sure of the number. He was also wondering what the dimensions are if true that BIFF has pledged allegiance to IS.

According to Duterte, the consequence of undergoing training would pose danger to Filipino compatriots once they come back bringing with them a principle fueled by hatred.

I always have high respects on principle and religious values but if fueled by hatred it is difficult. I hope it will not generate something bad for us. They will not bring the technology of terror, Duterte emphasized.

Duterte pointed out that it is different if the objective is driven by religious principle “Islam is a guide for human being,” he said.

In an interview with ANC last week, Ramos was quoted as saying that the information reached them (retired people) that young Filipino Muslims have already infiltrated Iraq to undergo training to return and be jihadists or militants.

According to Ramos, the Abu Sayyaf has been encouraged by the success of IS, which recently declared an Islamic caliphate in its controlled areas in Iraq and Syria. It has been reportedly responsible for the atrocities in some parts of Iraq, resulting even in beheading of some people, mass execution and the taking of child brides.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676243

Army (detachment commander) dies in Northern Samar ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Army (detachment commander) dies in Northern Samar ambush

A detachment commander of the 52nd Infantry (AGILA) Battalion was killed Friday when the ‘habal-habal’ he was riding on was flagged down by some 15 to 20 members of the New People’ Army (NPA) some 150 meters away from San Pascual village in Catarman, Northern Samar.

The Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) in a statement disclosed that the victim SSg Marciano Padilla was on his way back to the detachment when the incident happened.

The killing happened three days after the National Democratic Front of the Philippines – Eastern Visayas through its spokesperson Santiago Salas urged revolutionaries to pursue revolutionary actions against the government, said Lt. Colonel Erwin A. Alea, OIC DPAO chief.

The 8th ID, according to Alea, is saddened by the incident adding that they salute the dedication and patriotism of Padilla.

He said that the incident only proved that the CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) has no intention of following the agreements stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL), which it signed together with the government of the Philippines.

Meantime on the same day, government troops under the 34th Infantry Battalion (34th IB) assigned in Catubig, Northern Samar were involved in a firefight against suspected members of NPA.

The troops were providing security to barangay officials of Osang village along with social workers, community volunteers in conducting a feeding program to 22 pupils of Osang Elementary School, Barangay Osang, Catubig, Northern Samar.

The soldiers were fired upon by more or less five armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who positioned themselves about 100 meters from the school.

The soldiers managed to immediately secure the pupils and civilians to a safe place while returning fire at the NPA.

The NPAs withdrew after almost 10 minute’s firefight; no one was hurt in the incident.

The attack during the feeding program only showed the other party’s total disregard of the agreement that civilians should be distinguished from combatants and shall not be the object of attacks, the DPAO official said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676271

Army, cops deployed in SK town following death of farmer

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Army, cops deployed in SK town following death of farmer

Police and military authorities have been deployed in a remote village of Sultan Kudarat province following a shooting incident that sent people fleeing Saturday.

Soldiers from the Army Special Forces Battalion and policemen backed by militiamen were deployed in the village of Maindang, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat after a farmer belonging to a huge clan was shot dead.

Senior Inspector Melvin Balba, Lutayan PNP police chief, said Oscar Gayak, a farmer, was shot dead right in his own home by the suspect later identified as Carali Mama, also a farmer.

Both belonged to Muslim clans identified with Moro rebel groups.

Quoting a police report, Balba said Mama armed with a hand gun arrived at Gayak’s house at about 4 p.m. and the two had a conversation.

Minutes later a guns shot was heard followed by Mama fleeing hurriedly.

Balba said the two had been locked in a long standing family feud locally known as “rido.”

Afraid relatives of Gayak would retaliate, several families have left the village and moved toward the town center to avoid getting trapped should warring clans clash.

Balba said the government forces will only serve as peacekeepers to prevent the escalation of the armed conflict.

Lutayan is about 40 kilometers north of Tacurong City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676277

House body approves mandatory three years civilian life for military officers prior to appointment as DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): House body approves mandatory three years civilian life for military officers prior to appointment as DND chief

The House Committee on National Defense and Security has reported out for floor deliberation a measure prohibiting the appointment of a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) within three years after relief, separation or retirement from active duty.

House Bill No. 2 amends Section 45 of Chapter 10 Book IV of Executive Order 292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987.

It was principally sponsored by Rep. Rodolfo Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), chairman of the House Committee on National Defense, and co-authored by Reps. Ferdinand Hernandez (2nd District, South Cotabato), and Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr. (2nd District, Laguna).

Administrative Code of 1987 provides for the general qualifications and limitations required of all department secretaries, in addition to those prescribed in their respective charters.

In the case of the Secretary of the Department of National Defense, Biazon, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff, stressed the need to emphasize further the supremacy of civilian authority over the military.

“By prohibiting a former military officer from being appointed within three years after relief from active duty, the position will be shielded from controversies arising from appointments, assignments, and other activities within the AFP,” Biazon said.

“By having no prior personal and professional relationships with the officers, the Secretary of National Defense would be more objective and impartial in policy formulation and determination,” Biazon added.

The prohibition shall also afford the former military officer sufficient time to adapt to civilian life, according to Biazon.

Among the former military officers who lived a civilian life for several years before serving as the Secretary of National Defense were the late President Ramon Magsaysay (Sept. 1, 1950 to Feb. 28, 1953 and January to May 1954); Macario Peralta Jr. (1962-65); Rafael M. Ileto (1986-1988), and Voltaire T. Gazmin (July 1, 2010 to present).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676143

Soldier killed in NPA attack in Northern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Soldier killed in NPA attack in Northern Samar

Troopers from the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division are now tracking down the New People's Army (NPA) fighters who treacherously shot and killed a soldier in Catarman, Northern Samar last Aug. 22.

In a report on Sunday, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Erwin Alea identified the slain trooper as S/Sgt. Marciano Padilla, Barangay San Pascual detachment commander and assigned to the 52nd Infantry Battalion.

Alea said that the victim was aboard a "habal-habal" (motorcycle-for-hire) and headed toward his detachment when 15 to 20 NPA rebels flagged the vehicle at around 12 noon.

After shooting the motorcycle, the rebels immediately fired on Padilla, killing the latter instantly.

"The incident only proves that the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) has no intentions of following the agreements stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL) which they signed together with the Government of the Philippines," Alea said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676155

Rebels strafe feeding program in Northern Samar; no one hurt

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Rebels strafe feeding program in Northern Samar; no one hurt

The Philippine Army's Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division condemned on Sunday the New People's Army (NPA) for firing at innocent civilians, mostly students, participating in a feeding program in Northern Samar last Friday.

Reports forwarded by Lt. Col. Erwin Alea, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place at the Osang Elementary School in Barangay Osang, Catubig town, Northern Samar.

He added that their 34th Infantry Battalion and its attached "Bayanihan" teams along with social workers and community volunteers were conducting a feeding program for 22 students when five rebels fired from their hidden positions 100 meters away from the school.

Government forces immediately retaliated and quickly secured the civilians present.

After a 10-minute firefight, the NPAs, believed sustaining an undetermined number of casualties, retreated.

No one among the civilians and troopers conducting the feeding program was hurt.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing to track down the rebels, Alea said.

Meanwhile, in line with its efforts to further professionalize its personnel, the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division conducted a three-day gender sensitivity training at its multi-purpose hall on Aug. 21 to 23.

The objective of the training was for the participants to enhance their knowledge on respect and equality for both men and women in the uniformed service, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Erwin Alea said.

"Furthermore, the training aims to promote advocacy to the participants on equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities that will greatly contribute to the overall success of the Army’s mandated mission as protectors of our country and people," he added.

A total of 159 officers and enlisted personnel participated in the three-day affair.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676156

Rebels burn civilian aircraft in Agusan del Norte town

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Rebels burn civilian aircraft in Agusan del Norte town

Five New People's Army (NPA) fighters burned an aircraft owned and operated by the Philippine Agricultural Aviation Corporation (PAAC) at P-4, Dona Rosario, Tubay, Agusan del Norte Saturday night.

Major Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place at around 7:30 p.m.

He added that the five rebels were believed to be from the NPA's SPP21C, Guerrilla Front 21, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The NPA fighters were aboard two motorcycles when they attacked the airfield and burned one PACC aircraft before making their escape.

Pursuit operations are now ongoing, Uy said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676185

PHL to withdraw 446 peacekeepers in Liberia,, Golan Heights

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): PHL to withdraw 446 peacekeepers in Liberia,, Golan Heights

The Philippines is pulling out its 446 peacekeepers in Liberia and Golan Heights, citing threats to their health and safety, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.

There are 115 Filipinos serving under the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia and 331 in Golan Heights.

In a statement, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the government was compelled to pull out its peacekeeping force in Liberia as soon as possible “because of the risk factor from Ebola which has the potential of being catastrophic.”

With regard to Golan Heights, Jose said “there has been a series of incidents involving our peacekeepers which have demonstrated that they are exposed to unexpected serious risks which may worsen on the basis of current developments.”

“In the case of Golan heights, the UN has been aware over time that the Philippines has been carefully assessing the evolving situation,” Jose said.

It has also been established that “there is a greater need for our soldiers to be in the Philippines,” he noted.

Filipino peacekeepers have been in Liberia for 10 years since 2004 and in Golan heights for five years since 2009.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676214

DND amenable to redeployment of PHL contingents in Golan Heights, Liberia should situation stabilizes

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): DND amenable to redeployment of PHL contingents in Golan Heights, Liberia should situation stabilizes
 
Should the situation stabilize for the better at the Golan Heights and Liberia, the Department of National Defense (DND) is amenable to the deployment of Filipino troops for peacekeeping purposes there.

This was stressed by DND spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Reuben Galvez on Sunday.

"We are committed to our peacekeeping commitment (to the United Nations) but if the threat level is going beyond certain level, the Philippines can disengage," he added.

Galvez said that the Philippines cannot be faulted for repatriating its troops, especially in the Golan Heights, as Japan, Croatia, and Austria, pulled their forces there in 2013 when the threat level went up.

"When shooting started in Syria, we told the United Nations we can stay there as long our troops are given adequate force protection equipment like bullet-proofed vests and armored personnel carriers to ensure their protection. However, the situation there now is that our forces there are getting frequently caught in the crossfires and sometimes, our vehicles are being hit by shrapnel from shells fired by the combatants. The situation is getting more volatile to the point that our soldiers could get killed there, and we can tell the UN that the situation is now beyond our threat level," the DND spokesperson stressed.

The Filipino contingents in Golan Heights and Liberia are scheduled to be pulled out before the end of the year.

"Amidst the volatile security environment in the Middle East and North African region, the Philippines prioritizes the safety and security of its troops, but remains committed to the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations," the DND said earlier.

The 331-strong Filipino contingent serving as part of the United Nations Disengagement Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights is scheduled to be repatriated at the end of their tour of duty in October.

Galvez said it is important to note that the Philippines sustained its contingent in UNDOF amidst the withdrawal of other troop-contributing countries as the conflict in Syria intensified in 2013.

"Meanwhile, in light of the rising health risk posed by the outbreak of Ebola virus in Africa, the Filipino troops deployed to the UN Mission in Liberia will also be repatriated as soon as possible," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676229

China calls US warplane accusations 'groundless' -- report

From InterAksyon (Aug 24): China calls US warplane accusations 'groundless' -- report

Beijing dismissed Saturday the Pentagon's accusations that a Chinese fighter jet flew too close to a US military aircraft off Hainan Island, blaming "massive and frequent" surveillance for dangerous mid-air confrontations in state media.

US Rear Admiral John Kirby had said Friday the armed Chinese warplane came close to the American surveillance aircraft three times, flying underneath the American plane, at the P-8's nose and then in parallel with the wingtips, less than 30 feet (nine meters) apart.

In approaching the P-8 Poseidon, the Chinese jet at one point performed a barrel roll, apparently to display its weapons, in what Kirby called a "very dangerous" intercept.

China's defense ministry spokesman Yang Yujun called the claims "totally groundless" in a statement cited by the Xinhua state news agency, lashing out at the American military for conducting surveillance operations close to Chinese waters.

Yang said the fighter jet pilot was a safe distance away and making regular checks on the surveillance aircraft during Tuesday's confrontation in international waters about 135 miles (220 kilometers) east of Hainan island.

It was the United States, and its "massive and frequent close-in surveillance of China" that endangered air and marine security, Xinhua quoted Yang as saying.

The episode this week has raised tensions and underlined the growing rivalry between the United States and China, with Beijing building up its military and asserting its territorial claims across the Pacific.

The move also threatened to jeopardize longstanding US efforts to bolster relations with China's military, at a time when officials have touted progress in forging a dialogue with Beijing's top brass.

The skies over Hainan Island were the scene of a major international incident in April 2001, when a Chinese fighter jet collided with a US Navy EP-3 spy plane.

The collision left one Chinese pilot dead and forced the American plane to make an emergency landing on Hainan. Chinese authorities initially detained the 24-member American crew for more than a week until both governments worked out a face-saving deal for their release.

Washington and Beijing have long disagreed over aviation and maritime rights in the strategic South China Sea, with the Americans insisting the area is part of international waters and airspace.

China argues it is part of the country's "exclusive economic zone."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/93883/china-calls-us-warplane-accusations-groundless----report

MILF: Editorial -- ISIS and after-effects here

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Aug 23): ISIS and after-effects here

The report that some 100 elements of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and so-called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) have travelled to the Middle East and joined the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is very unlikely.

The MILF has no verified report about it. In our view, there is more loss than gain for the two groups in joining the ISIS.

For us, the threat is not in the two groups’ joining the ISIS. Their number is too tiny to be felt and make a difference. The ISIS is overflowing with volunteers from all over the world, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia.

The threat really comes from the extremism espouses by the ISIS. Ideas are contagious and infectious. Wild ideas are attractive to those who want adventures and pre-occupied with hatred and revenge. The ISIS, we suppose, is not short of people who are like those Europeans who joined the Crusades in the 13th century to liberate Jerusalem from the Muslims, who were described as “infidels” by Christendom.

The MILF condemns barbarism and savagery whether done by other groups including the ISIS or even by its own members. Neither are we justifying the advent of the ISIS. That is not for the MILF to dip our fingers into it. But it is a fact that the Arab countries suffered humiliatingly from the evil machinations of Western Countries. Iraq was invaded to get rid of a dictator, Saddam Hussein, and to seize his nuclear weapons, which were not there. Nobody cried for the ouster and death of Saddam. But the real reasons for the invasion were concealed, i.e., to seize control of the Iraqi oil and as a protection for Israel, which is the spoiled brat of the Western world. What did the Iraqis get in return? Nothing, but bloodshed, destruction, anarchism. Who are at fault? The one that created the troubles now or those who planted the seeds of enmity and violence? The answer is, both, but who is the main culprit?

Relatedly, it is to be admitted that the process to make real the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is its defining moment. The BBL has already been submitted, not just to the Office of the President (OP), but on August 20 to President Benigno Aquino III, who is expected to review it in the light of the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four Annexes, plus the Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters.
We don’t doubt the President will exercise his powers of review diligently, fairly, and fully conscious that the BBL should and must address a problem, the Moro Question, and put it to rest forever. This is our conviction.

In short, what we mean is that the BBL we envision is one that complies with the flexibility of the Constitution and, more importantly, one that will lead to the resolution of this question. Short of this, the road ahead is not easy to contemplate on.

It is this high hope for the passage of a good BBL and the fear for not being able to realize it for whatever reason that the ISIS’ virus is much to be feared. Surely, the current leadership of the MILF, which is matured, experienced, and reasonable --- and has done and is doing everything feasible to succeed in this peace undertaking --- will no longer be in control of everything. Frankly, it is the power, moderating line, and influence of the MILF that hinders the birth of a truly strong radical group in Mindanao. Without the MILF, it would be free-for-all in Mindanao. God forbid!

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/1167-the-isis-and-after-effects-here

MILF: Peace movers to hold advocacy on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation

Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 23): Peace movers to hold advocacy on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation

Peace movers in the coastal town of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat held a meeting in preparation for the conduct of advocacy on transitional Justice and reconciliation.
  

The groups that met on August 21, 2014 at the residence of Amrillah Mamadra, current national president of Bangsamoro Initiatives and Emergency Development Assistance Program (BEIDAP) a non-government organization in the town of Palimbang.

The MILF Committee on information of Biwang Province and Dr. Parido Pigkaulan of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) joined the BEIDAP in the planning preparation for the advocacy. The peace advocacy will be held on August 30-31, 2014 at Dawah Training Center, Barangay Malisbong, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Those that attended the meeting include members of the MILF-AHJAG and Committee on Information Director Hadji Salem Abo, National Vice President on Emergency of BIEDAP, Biwang Provincial Secretary Amrillah Mamadra, SMF Commander Tigre Jakiri, 104th Brigade Commander Zabidi Montawal, Kraan Municipal Chairman Kasanan Malinog, SWC, Biwang Province Chairperson Bai Samsiya Taja and representatives from three communication Networks; Bangsamoro Communication Network (BCN), SUFRA and Civicom Balikatan.

All participants in the meeting expressed full support to the proposed advocacy program.

Atty. Pigkaulan urged the participation of all BIAF members in the area and nearby localities,  PPF, Political Committee members and survivors of Martial Law victims.

 In the duration of the program, an interview with survivors of the 1074 Malisbong Mosque massacre will also be made.

The MILF AHJAG- TEAM 4 and Committee on Information are requesting the presence of representatives from the MILF Peace Panel to give up-dates on the GPH-MILF signed agreements vis a vis the status of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1166-peace-movers-to-hold-advocacy-on-transitional-justice-and-reconciliation

CPP/Ang Bayan: Peasant activist killed in Quezon

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Aug 21): Peasant activist killed in Quezon

A peasant activist was mercilessly killed in Quezon, while two student activists were abducted in Nueva Ecija. In Iloilo, a former comrade was illegally arrested and misrepresented by the military as a leading cadre of the Ilocos-Cordillera Region (ICR).

Quezon. Suspected state agents gunned down Hildegardo “Gil” Hernandez, 48, in Barangay Sta. Catalina, Candelaria in the afternoon of August 6. Hernandez was an active member of Pagkakaisa ng mga Magsasaka at Tagapagtaguyod sa Ikalawang Distrito ng Quezon (Pamatid-Quezon). Two assailants aboard a motorcycle fired at Hernandez who sustained gunshot wounds to the head, face, neck and torso.

Hernandez, who also organized small coconut farmers in Quezon was part of a group preparing relief operations for victims of typhoon Glenda when he was killed. He is the 108th peasant victim of extrajudicial killing under the Aquino regime.

Nueva Ecija. Elements of the 3rd IB of the Philippine Army abducted Guiller Martin Cadano, 22, and Gerald Salonga, 24, in Barangay R.T. Padilla, Carranglan on August 9. Cadano is the regional coordinator of Kabataan Partylist-Central Luzon and Salonga is an organizer for Anakbayan-Central Luzon. They are both graduates of the University of the Philippines Diliman-Extension Program in Pampanga (UP-DEPP).

After the military forced its way into the house they were staying, they were ordered to lie face down and were blindfolded. Cadano was bound when he was pushed into a red van while Salonga was forced aboard a white pick-up truck. They were brought to a remote area where they were forced to admit to being members of the New People’s Army.

They were surfaced and transferred to police custody only after KARAPATAN-Central Luzon conducted a fact-finding mission on August 10. They are currently detained at the headquarters of the Philippine National Police Provincial Public Safety Company in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

Iloilo City. Combined police and military forces illegally arrested Eduardo Almores Esteban, 60, in his house in Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, Iloilo City on August 5. Esteban is a former comrade who has been living with his family as a civilian for close to ten years. The AFP claimed that Esteban is the former secretary of the Regional Party Committee in ICR in order to collect the ₱5.8-million reward for the capture of a “Manuel Esteban” who is purportedly a leading cadre in ICR. Eduardo Esteban has never operated in ICR.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140821/peasant-activist-killed-in-quezon

CPP/Ang Bayan: Military actions in Negros

Propaganda article from the English language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Aug 21): Military actions in Negros

Four enemy elements were killed in three successive military actions by the New People’s Army in Guihulngan City, Negros Orienral in June.

According to the Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC-NPA), two soldiers under the 12th IB were killed when Red fighters opened fire on the military unit’s detachment at 8 p.m. of June 12. Residents of Barangay Sandayao had long been demanding punishment for the soldiers who are responsible for widespread abuses against civilians such as threats, beatings and indisciminate firing, which have all been a bane to the locality.

The NPA also implemented on June 23 a decision of the people’s court meting capital punishment on Aljin Mogelio. The court had found Mogelio guilty of gunning down Guihulngan town councilor Cyrus Fat on February 13, 2014. Mogelio was a former element of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary and an intellgence asset of the AFP and the police.

On June 18, the NPA likewise enforced capital punishment on Jose Baquilta, who led the killing of the Escoba couple in Sitio Punong, Barangay Trinidad in 1987. He was also a member of “Kadre,” a fanatic group that joined military troops and CAFGU elements in burning down more than 40 houses in Sitio Kalubasa, Barangay Tacpao, Guihulngan in 1988. Baquilta was also involved in the heinous massacre of a family in Barangay Trinidad. The victims were first raped before their bodies were hacked and mutilated.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140821/military-actions-in-negros