Balikatan features new fighter jets

From the Philippine Star (Mar 30, 2019): Balikatan features new fighter jets

Slated for official opening Monday at Camp Aguinaldo, the joint military drill is part of an arrangement stipulated in the Phl-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

This year’s joint Philippines-United States Balikatan military exercises will see, for the first time, the deployment of the US Marine Corps’ new F35B fighter jets to the war games.

Slated for official opening Monday at Camp Aguinaldo, the joint military drill is part of an arrangement stipulated in the Phl-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

“This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the US Marines Corps’ F35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” US Balikatan organizers said in a statement.

The deployment of the new fighter jets as well as the amphibious assault carrier USS Wasp came despite President Duterte’s ordering a downscaling of the joint exercises as part of his “independent” foreign policy and pivot to China.

The drill will last until April 12 and will be held in several areas in Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and Palawan.

The Balikatan will involve “amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations and counterterrorism response,” the US statement said.

The amphibious landing exercises will be held on the coast of Zambales, while the live-fire drill will be held at the military gunnery range in Capas, Tarlac on April 10 and 11.

Representatives from other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will observe the joint exercises.

“Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crisis throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the US embassy said in an earlier statement.

The joint war games made a soft opening last month with the launching of humanitarian and civic assistance projects.

Aside from Filipino and US troops, Australian forces also participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the renovation of three elementary schools in Orani, Bataan, Pangil in Laguna and San Juan in Batangas as well as a health clinic in Moncada, Tarlac.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/03/30/1905808/balikatan-features-new-fighter-jets

DVIDS: USS Wasp, SPMAGTF 4 Arrive in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan

From the Defense Visual Information Distribution System (DVIDS) (Mar 30, 2019): USS Wasp, SPMAGTF 4 Arrive in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (Mar. 30, 2019) – The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), with embarked Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) 4, led by 4th Marine Regiment, arrived in Subic Bay on March 30, 2019, in preparation for Exercise Balikatan.

Balikatan is an exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States, and also features participation from Australia. Balikatan is a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines.

“We are excited to visit the Philippines for the first time since Wasp was forward deployed to 7th Fleet,” said Capt. Colby Howard, Wasp’s commanding officer. “Balikatan is a great opportunity for the Navy, Marine Corps team and our allies from the Republic of the Philippines to learn from one another, and further improve our ability operate together.”

During Balikatan 2019, U.S. and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response. All events will take place in Luzon and Palawan.

This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the Wasp with the embarked United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to quickly forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occur.

Balikatan 2019 will also bring together ASEAN members for an International Observers Program. The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners; show multinational coordination where the observers can mutually exchange meaningful ideas and best practices; and showcase the joint and combined air, sea and ground operation of the AFP-U.S. armed forces.

This year’s Balikatan focuses on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges. Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond in unison to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

USS Wasp is the flagship for the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and is currently forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to provide a ready-response force for any type of contingency.

 For photos and stories about Balikatan, please visit: www.dvidshub.net/feature/BALIKATAN

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/316295/uss-wasp-spmagtf-4-arrive-philippines-exercise-balikatan

35th PH-US Balikatan exercise opens Monday

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 31, 2019): 35th PH-US Balikatan exercise opens Monday

About 4,000 Philippine troops, 3,500 American soldiers, and 50 Austra­lian Defence Force (ADF) members will participate in the biggest annual military exercise between the United States and the Philippines known as “Balikatan” which opens Monday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.



Filipino Soldiers launch a joint amphibious landing with US Soldiers on the shores of Casiguran, Aurora as part of the Civil Military activities from the sea of the 17th US-Philippines Balikatan exercises. (ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim will be the guest of honor and speaker in the opening ceremony to be attended by high-ranking officials from both the Philippines and the US.

Also expected to attend the open­ing ceremony to be held at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo, are Philippine Defense Undersecretary Car­dozo Luna who will represent Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr.

Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command (SoLCom) Chief is the Exercise Director for the Philippine side, while Brigadier General Chris McPhillips, the Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, is the Exercise Director for the US side.

Balikatan 2019, the 35th iteration of the annual military drill, is a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the US and the Philippines.

Throughout Exercise Balikatan, the AFP, US Armed Forces, and ADF will carry out information exchanges and live training events. These are aimed at enhancing the militaries’ interoperability during the planning and execution of joint operations to advance security and stabil­ity in the Indo-Pacific region.

During Balikatan 2019, American and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban opera­tions, aviation operations, and counterter­rorism response.

All events will take place in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro until April 12, 2019.

New US fighter jets

According to US Balikatan organiz­ers, this is the first time that new and more sophisticated fighter jets from the United States will be used during this year’s exercises.

“This will be the first Exercise Balika­tan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US Balikatan organiz­ers disclosed.

USS Wasp (LHD-1) is a United States Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ship, and the lead ship of her class. She is the tenth USN vessel to bear the name since 1775, with the last two ships named Wasp being aircraft carriers. She was built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Lit­ton in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

The F-35B Lightning II multi-role fighter is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters. The fifth-generation combat aircraft is designed to perform ground-attack and air-superiority missions. It has three main models: The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C carrier-based catapult-assisted take-off but ar­rested recovery (CATOBAR) variant.

The US Balikatan organizers said participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occurs.

Balikatan 2019 will also bring together Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members for an International Observers Program. The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners, show multinational coordina­tion where the observers can mutu­ally exchange meaningful ideas and best practices, and showcase the joint and combined air, sea, and ground operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Armed Forces.

This year’s Balikatan focuses on mari­time security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges.

“Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the par­ticipating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the Balikatan organizers said.

The AFP Northern Luzon Command will exercise command, control, and supervision in implementing the rules and regulations for visiting forces as well as monitor all BK35-2019 training events which will be conducted on its area of responsibility.

Major Erickson C. Bulosan, Public Information Office Chief of NoLCom, earlier said several activities are included in this year’s Balikatan like the Staff Exer­cise (STAFFEX), Joint Inter-Operability Event (JIOE), Combined Inter Operabil­ity Event (CIOE), and the Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA).

Bulosan said the AFP aims to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the PH-US through exercises and operational cooperation for mutual benefit of involved forces.

They will also ensure the safe and successful conduct of PH-US Balikatan 35-2019, together and in coordination with all stakeholders in different sites within Northern Luzon Command area of responsibility.

Prior to the opening of the exercises, Filipino, American and Australian forces started conducting humanitarian and civic assistance activities in Luzon as part of this year’s Philippines-United States Balikatan Exercises.

Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), United States Armed Forces, and Australian Defense Force (ADF), all under the ambit of the US alliance, began their Engineering Civic Action Program last March 12, in Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna, and Bataan.

The AFP said the program seeks to construct medical facility and classroom buildings in selected communities in the areas.

The beneficiaries of the class room buildings are the Don Eulogio Luistro Elementary School in Bulsa, San Juan, Batangas; Victor De Guia Elementary School in Balian, Pangil, Laguna; and Pag-Asa Elementary School in Orani, Bataan Province. The local government of Brgy. San Pedro in Moncada, Tarlac will receive a one-story medical clinic.

Medical teams have also been de­ployed to conduct health engagements in the areas. Communities will benefit from free consultations, hygiene kits distribu­tion, feeding program, and veterinary care. The teams will also share informa­tion on family planning, health, environ­ment protection, and disaster prepared­ness.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/31/35th-ph-us-balikatan-exercise-opens-monday/

USS Wasp arrives in Philippines for annual 'Balikatan' military exercises

From Taiwan News (Mar 31, 2019): USS Wasp arrives in Philippines for annual 'Balikatan' military exercises

An Australian contingent will reportedly join US and Philippine troops for this year's drills



USS Wasp (LHD-1) (By Wikimedia Commons)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- The USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship and helicopter carrier, arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines on Saturday, March 30 in preparation for a joint military exercise with forces from the Philippines and Australia.

Exercise Balikatan is an annual exercise in April that typically lasts 10 days. The exercise, with drills planned for Palawan and Luzon, will include U.S. Marines from the fourth Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force.

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog word that means “shoulder to shoulder.” The exercises, which include live-fire drills, are intended to strengthen communication and interoperability between forces and to assist Philippine forces with training for counterterrorism operations.

The commanding officer of the USS Wasp Captain Colby Howard was quoted in a DVIDS press release.

“We are excited to visit the Philippines for the first time since Wasp was forward deployed to 7th Fleet. Balikatan is a great opportunity for the Navy, Marine Corps team and our allies from the Republic of the Philippines to learn from one another, and further improve our ability operate together.”

This year will reportedly be the first Balikatan exercise to incorporate the F-35 Lighting II aircraft, capable of vertical take-off and landing aboard the compact USS Wasp carrier.

There will reportedly be a delegation of observers from ASEAN member countries participating in an International Observers Program, intended to “promote greater defense cooperation” with U.S. allies and partners in the region, reports DVIDS.



F-35 aircraft on the USS Wasp flight deck (Wikimedia Commons photo)]

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3670014

7K plus troops to participate in ‘Balikatan’ 2019

From PTV News (Mar 31, 2019): 7K plus troops to participate in ‘Balikatan’ 2019

Around 7,550 Filipino, American and Australian troops will be participating in this year’s “Balikatan” exercises which will formally start April 1 and end on the 12th.

This was disclosed by Philippine “Balikatan” public affairs officer, Lt. Cmdr. Liezl M. Vidallon, in an interview with reporters Sunday.

Vidallon said this can be broken down into 4,000 personnel for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 3,500 on the United States side and 50 from the Australian Defense Force.

He added that the Australian participation is possible as exercises are multilateral for this year.

Exercise venues will be in Northern and Southern Luzon.

Objectives for “Balikatan” 2019 are to enhance the inter-operability of participating forces aside from highlighting long-standing military relations between the Philippines and the US.

https://www.ptvnews.ph/7k-plus-troops-to-participate-in-balikatan-2019/

US-PH ‘Balikatan’ opens today

From Tempo (Mar 31, 2019): US-PH ‘Balikatan’ opens today

“Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) – the biggest annual bilateral military exercise between the United States and the Philippines – formally opens today in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim is the guest of honor and speaker in the opening ceremony.

High-ranking officials from the Philippines and US are expected to attend the event at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, among them Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, representing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.

PH and US organizers said about 4,000 Philippine troops, 3,500 US soldiers, and 50 Australian Defense Force members will participate in the exercise that will end on April 12.

Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, AFP Southern Luzon Command chief, is the exercise director for the Philippine side while Brig. Gen. Chris McPhillips, the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, is his counterpart in the US side.

This year’s Balikatan is the 35th iteration of the annual military drill. The annual military drill between the Philippines and the United States also involves Australia.

Throughout Balikatan, the AFP, US Armed Forces, and ADF will carry out information exchanges and live training events. These are aimed at enhancing the militaries’ interoperability during the planning and execution of joint operations to advance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

In addition, US and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response.

All events will take place in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/03/31/us-ph-balikatan-opens-today/

7 bandits surrender to PHL Army in Sulu

From GMA News (Mar 31, 2019): 7 bandits surrender to PHL Army in Sulu

Seven Abu Sayyaf Group members have surrendered to the Philippine Army in Sulu province on Sunday.

According the Army's 2nd Special Forces Battalion, the bandits surrendered and turned over their guns to authorities in Parang town.

Soldiers said the bandits surrendered due to difficulties of the life in the mountains, hiding from the law.

They are being subjected to interrogation, the Army said.
 


Photo courtesy: 2nd SF Battalion, PA

Meanwhile, Colonel Antonio Nafarette of the Army's 1101st Infantry Brigade said that his command in ready to extend financial assistance, from the government, to those who surrendered to help them start a new life.

Likewise, Nafarette said the seven will be enlisted under the Sulu Provincial government's livelihood program.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/689810/7-bandits-surrender-to-phl-army-in-sulu/story/

AFP-CRS: Army extends medical care to arrested NDF consultant

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 31, 2019): Army extends medical care to arrested NDF consultant
National Democratic Front consultant and former Catholic priest Francisco Fernandez and his wife, Cleofe Lagtapon, were accommodated and given appropriate medical treatment at the Army General Hospital (AGH) after his arrest on Sunday, March 24, 2019.

Fernandez and his wife were arrested by personnel of the Laguna Provincial Police Office by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder and for violating Republic Act 10591 or th...e Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act when several pistols and grenades were found in his possession in his residence in Nagcarlan, Laguna.

According to Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, Fernandez is Secretary of the New People’s Army Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros and has four standing arrest warrants for murder. “It took some time before we got a breakthrough on the location of Frank Fernandez,” he added, pointing out that the Army’s efforts became a law enforcement operation wherein the Philippine National Police carried out the apprehension based on the warrants of arrest issued by the courts.

After the arrest, the couple were initially brought to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa to undergo physical examination when Fernandez complained of chest pains. They were eventually transported to AGH upon the request of Police Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza, CALABARZON Regional Director for security reasons.

“We have received information that some of his comrades will attempt to free the couple from our custody. The police has primary custodial responsibility over the couple but we requested the Army, which has secondary responsibility, to accommodate them in their secure medical facility”, said Carranza.

“We assure the public that his medical needs are being met and his rights are upheld. Our doctors all have taken their Hippocratic Oath and do not discriminate against anyone who needs medical attention”, said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Army spokesperson. | Philippine Army



https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178385965562203/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178386135562186/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178386328895500/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Pagpamatay sang mga mangunguma, Ginakondenar sang LPC- NPA

 NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 31, 2019): Pagpamatay sang mga mangunguma, Ginakondenar sang LPC- NPA

JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army

March 31, 2019

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command- New People’s Army ang nahitabo nga operasyon sang mga pwersa pangseguridad sang estado sa pagpanguna sang 94th IBPA, PNP-Canlaon, SAF kag iban pa nga nagresulta sa pagkamatay sa Walo (8) tanan ka mga mangunguma subong nga aga, Marso 30, 2019, sa sakop sang Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

Indi makatarunganon ang nahitabo nga pagpamatay bangud ang mga biktima lunsay mga inosente kag mga sibilyan sanday Edgado “Gadong” Avelino kag sa iya utos nga si Ismael Avelino isa ka lider sang asosasyon sang mangunguma sa idalom sang Kahugpungpungan sa Gagmay’ng Mag-uuma sa Oriental Negros (KAUGMAON- Canlaon City Tsapter) sa KMP kag ang mag-amay nga sila Rogelio kag Ricky Recumuno pareho nagapuyo sa Brgy. Panubigan, kag sa iban pa ka mga wala makilal-an ginpamatay nga mangunguma sa So. Manggapa, Brgy. Masulog, Oval kag Brgy. Bayog sakop sang kapareho nga syudad. Subongman, ang illegal nga pag-aresto kay Corazon Javier nga gintamnan sang granada.

Nagbunga ini sang grabe kahadlok kag kakugmat bangud sa kawad-on sang seguridad sang mga pumuluyo sang Canlaon kag katambi nga mga Banwa kag syudad sakop sang Negros oriental. Sa subong, napaidalum sa militarisasyon kag yara sa 500 ang presensya sang mga pwersa pang seguridad sang estado ang naga operasyon sa nasambit nga syudad.

Kung may aton mahinumduman may kaangid ang nasambit nga operasyon sa nahitabo nga One-time Bigtime Operation SEMPO (Sychronize Enhanced Managing Police Operation)/ Oplan Sauron sa Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental nga nag-utas sang anum (6) tanan ka kabuhi sang mga inosente nga sibilyan, masobra sa 50 ka mga illegal nga ginpang-aresto sa planted nga armas kag himu-himo nga mga kaso, pagsunog sang mga balay, grabe nga militarisasyon sa kaumahan, kag pagpang- redtagging sa mga organisasyon mga lider mangunguma.

Ginpanawagan sa bilog nga pumuluyo nga maghimakas kag indi mahadlok nga iduso ang demokratiko nga kinamatarong para malab-ot ang matuod nga hustisya!

#Hustisya
#StopTheAttacks

Sgd: JB Regalado
Spokesperson
LPC-NPA
Central Negros Guerilla Front

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/pagpamatay-sang-mga-mangunguma-ginakondenar-sang-lpc-npa/

CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: Gear up for bolder and greater victories to forward the people’s war!

NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 31, 2019): Gear up for bolder and greater victories to forward the people’s war!

Magno Udyaw
NPA-Mountain Province (Leonardo Pacsi Command)
New People's Army

March 31, 2019

The Leonardo Pacsi Command (NPA – Mountain Province) is one with all revolutionary forces and the Filipino people in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the New People’s Army.

Together with all revolutionary forces and the Filipino people, we look back at the triumphs of our 50-year struggle and gear up for bolder and greater ones to forward the People’s War towards the strategic stalemate.

On this occasion, we salute all Red commanders, political officers, full-time Red fighters, and the people’s militia who have wholeheartedly and painstakingly offered their lives in service to the masses, the peasants, the laborers, and the national minorities. Arduously they have upholded and defended the interests of the Filipino people, and bravely they have countered the attacks of the US-Duterte regime’s fascist troops.

We honor the toiling masses who have inexhaustibly forwarded the armed struggle, and our allies and friends whose support to the revolutionary cause remains fervent.

We give our highest salute to all the martyrs of the revolution, particularly Noe “Ka Gilbert” Magkachi, a Bontoc youth who died in Mainit last August, whose ultimate sacrifice will help bring forth in his ili and the Cordillera a new generation of young and valiant Red fighters.

In the face of relentless fascist attacks of the US-Duterte regime against the people and the revolutionary movement, the NPA has steadily grown and surmounted the enemy’s intensifying all-out offensives and focused military operations.

In the past year, the LPC mounted a number of tactical offensives – the most recent being the ambush of troops of the Regional Mobile Force (RMF) in Bauko last March 29 – and upheld its active defense as it carried on its political tasks of arousing, organizing, and mobilizing the masses. Also of note is the successful offensive last July 15 during which not less than four high-powered rifles were confiscated by Red fighters.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the LPC has remained steadfast to its mandate of dismantling the State’s fascist machineries – troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Citizen Auxiliary Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) – which serve as the security force of large, plunderous companies in energy, logging, and mining and are responsible for countless human rights violations themselves.

The LPC struck blows against and confiscated materiel from units such as the 54th Infantry Battalion, 81st IB, and RMF, thereby countering tendencies of military conservatism, among other weaknesses identified in the midst of the current rectification movement.

In light of the Duterte government’s permanent withdrawal from peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the LPC will launch bolder and greater offensives against its armed agents that maintain the status quo for imperialists, big bourgeois compradors, and landlords – the very kind of peace saboteurs that has oppressed the Filipino people for the longest time.

Committed to just and lasting peace, the LPC will never kneel to Duterte’s harassment and fearmongering, nor will it conform to the delusional localized peace talks, repressive “peace zone” policies, and deceptive surrender campaigns.

Amid the worsening socioeconomic crisis and the onslaught of fascist attacks of the US-Duterte regime, the justness of waging armed struggle grows clearer.

As the people’s army in Mt. Province, the LPC is committed to carry out its tasks along with the entire revolutionary movement to overthrow the US-Duterte regime, advance the People’s War, and gain greater victories for the Filipino people, up until genuine democracy, justice, peace, and freedom are attained!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/gear-up-for-bolder-and-greater-victories-to-forward-the-peoples-war/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Pinagtatakpan ni Duterte ang Kanyang Kaugnayan sa Malaking Sindikato ng Droga na Pinamumunuan ni Michael Yang at Allan Lim

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 31, 2019): Pinagtatakpan ni Duterte ang Kanyang Kaugnayan sa Malaking Sindikato ng Droga na Pinamumunuan ni Michael Yang at Allan Lim

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson
NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

March 31, 2019

    
Pinatunayan lamang ng patuloy na pagtatanggol at paglilinis ng Malacañang sa pangalan ni Michael Yang, dating Presidential Economic Adviser ni Duterte, na may basbas at pinakikinabangan ni Duterte ang malawakang operasyon ng ilang mga pinapaburang sindikato ng iligal na droga sa bansa, kabilang ang grupo ni Michael Yang.  Ito ang isa sa mga tuntungan ni Duterte upang ganap na makontrol ang suplay ng iligal na droga sa bansa at maipwesto ang sarili bilang ‘drug overlord’.   Samantala, patuloy na tinutugis at pilit na dinudungisan ang pangalan ng mga nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon at nakadiskubre sa malapit na koneksyon ni Duterte at ilan niyang pinakamatatapat na tauhan, kabilang si Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, sa grupo nina Michael Yang at Allan Lim.

Kamakailan lamang, ilinantad sa publiko ni dating PSSupt. Eduardo Acierto ang ulat na kanyang sinumite kaugnay dito.  Ayon sa ulat na ito ni Acierto, malinaw na ilinatag ng isang ‘informant’, alyas ‘Panther’, ang kaugnayan nina Duterte at Bong Go kay Michael Yang, alyas ‘Dragon’.  Sina Michael Yang, kasama si Allan Lim, ay tinukoy na utak ng malalakihang pagpuslit ng shabu at operasyon ng mga laboratoryo sa paggawa nito sa Mindanao at Luzon.  Kabilang dito ang pagpuslit ng P11 bilyong halaga ng shabu noong 2018 na itinago sa mga ‘magnetic lifters’ na natagpuan sa Maynila at sa Cavite kung saan nakabase si Lim.  Nagsimula ang patung-patong na mga akusasyong ito kay Michael Yang noon pa mang nagsisilbi si Duterte bilang alkalde ng Davao City.

Ayon mismo kay PDEA Chief Aaron Aquino, tinalakay kay Duterte sa pamamagitan ni Bong Go ang nasabing ulat.   Subalit sa halip na magsagawa ng puspusang imbestigasyon upang patotohanan ang mga ilinahad ni alyas Panther sa ulat ni Acierto, itinalaga pa si Michael Yang sa gabinete bilang Presidential Economic Adviser noong Enero 2018, ilang buwan bago naganap ang pagpuslit ng tone-toneladang shabu.  Kahina-hinala na sa kabila ng mga kontratang nagpapatunay sa pagkakatalaga ni Michael Yang sa pusisyong ito, papaling-paling ang pahayag ng Malacañang hinggil dito.

Matapos nito, ilinabas naman ni Duterte ang kanyang sariling ‘special report’ na naglalaman ng listahan ng mga narco-police.  Ilinagay sa unahan ng listahan si Acierto at itinuro bilang utak sa nasabing pagpuslit ng P11 bilyong halaga ng shabu.  Isinama rin sa listahan ang iba pang miyembro ng isang ispesyal na yunit ng PNP-Drug Enforcement Group na nagsagawa ng imbestigasyon sa sindikatong kinabibilangan nina Michael Yang at Allan Lim.  Ilinagay din ang Bureau of Customs (BOC) sa kontrol ng militar upang tiyaking hindi mailalantad ang iba pang impormasyong magpapatunay sa partisipasyon ng pangkating Duterte sa pagpuslit ng shabu.  Kahina-hinala din na nito lamang Pebrero, nasunog ang upisina ng BOC kung saan nakaimbak ang lahat ng rekord ng mga transaksyon ng nasabing tanggapan.

Higit na makabuluhan ang ulat na ito ni Acierto sa harap ng patuloy na pagkalantad sa mamamayan ng huwad na gera kontra-droga.  Upang muling mapatingkad ang kampanya laban sa droga, pinatampok sa balita ang pagpasok sa bansa ng 276 kilo ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P2.9 bilyon ilang buwan bago ang Eleksyon 2019.  Muling nagkaroon ng tuntungan si Duterte para maglabas ng panibagong listahan ng mga narco-pulitiko.  Kataka-takang wala ni isa sa kanyang pangkatin, alyado, kapartido at kapamilya ang nasa listahan gayong may malinaw na mga tuntungan ng upang magsagawa ng imbestigasyon.  Kabilang dito ang pagkakasabwat ng kanyang anak na si Paolo Duterte at kanyang manugang na si Mans Carpio sa pagpuslit ng P6.4 bilyong halaga ng iligal na droga sa bansa na naipabalita noong Mayo 2017.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mamamayang Pilipino na panagutin at ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte bilang utak ng lumalawak na operasyon ng iligal na droga sa bansa.  Ang ‘gera kontra droga’ na kumitil sa puu-puong libong mamamayan ay isang gerang ilinunsad ni Duterte upang maging ganap ang kanyang pagiging ‘drug overlord’.  Dapat ilantad ang tangka ng rehimen na itago ang isinawalat na ulat ni Acierto upang pabanguhin ang imahe nito at matiyak ang pagkapanalo ng kanyang pangkatin sa darating na halalan.

 

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/pinagtatakpan-ni-duterte-ang-kanyang-kaugnayan-sa-malaking-sindikato-ng-droga-na-pinamumunuan-ni-michael-yang-at-allan-lim/

WESCOM intensifies role as ‘protector’ of Palawan in 43rd anniversary

From Palawan News (Mar 29, 2019): WESCOM intensifies role as ‘protector’ of Palawan in 43rd anniversary



Western Command (WESCOM) celebrates its 43 years of service on Friday, March 29, 2019, with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr. (left). Under the leadership of Vice Admiral Rene Medina, the WESCOM anniversary’s theme is “Team WESCOM @ 43: Kaakibat sa Paglilingkod, Kabalikat ng Palaweño Tungo sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Matatag na Palawan.” (Photo courtesy of WESCOM Public Affairs Office)

The Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is intensifying its role as the “protector” of the province of Palawan as it marked its 43rd Anniversary on Friday.

Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., AFP deputy chief of staff, said the military’s higher command will always sustain its full support to the WESCOM that is in charge of maintaining Palawan’s peace and order, including Kalayaan municipality in the West Philippine Sea.

“We highly recognize the Bayahinan [spirit] that remains instilled in this Command and its advocacy for peace. To everyone, thank you for being one with us in protecting and maintaining peace in the area of Palawan and the well-guarded West Philippine Sea,” Collado said during the anniversary program.



WESCOM commander Vice Admiral Rene Medina (seated 1st from left) with AFP deputy chief of staff Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., WESCOM deputy commander, Brigadier General Lauro Tianchon, and the awardees during the Command’s 43rd years of service on March 29, 2019.

Collado represented AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal during the event.

WESCOM commander Vice Admiral Rene Medina, meanwhile, recognized his unit’s success in conducting air, land, and naval operations.

“We are looking forward to the support and commitment of the province of Palawan, particularly on peace and security. We believe that we really need to strengthen our [combined] efforts so that we can maintain the image of Palawan as a [prime] tourist destination in the Philippines. We will not accept it if there will be any untoward incident that will transpire in Palawan, particularly kidnapping,” Medina said.

During the event, WESCOM recognized its outstanding personnel, units, and assets.

The Combat Service Support Company of the Year Award was given to the Joint Task Force Peacock (JTFP) while the Combat Company of the Year award was bestowed to the 212th Marine Company (MC) of the Marine Batallion Landing Team-12 (MBLT-12).

The other awardees were BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) as Best Ship of the Year; NV312 as Best Aircraft of the Year-Fixed Wing, and PZL W-3A SOKOL as Best Aircraft of the Year-Rotary Wing.

The uniformed and civilian personnel who were awarded were Commander Emerson David as Officer of the Year; TSgt. Sheryl Debraliz Petalver as Enlisted Personnel of the Year; Winifredo Paduga as Civilian Employee of the Year, and Judy Sonio as Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxillary of the Year.

Awarded with the Kalayaan Group of Island Campaign Medal and Ribbon (KGICMR) were S2GM John Philip Mendez, S2RD Axel Betita, S2QM Jose Evanecer Sevilla Jr, S2ET Jerwin Basallote and F2MR Henry Luis Fernandez.

 

https://palawan-news.com/wescom-intensifies-role-as-protector-of-palawan-in-43rd-anniversary/

WESTMINCOM: 19 more NPA members yield to gov’t forces in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 30, 2019): 19 more NPA members yield to gov’t forces in Sultan Kudarat



Nineteen more members of the New People’s Army surrendered to government forces in Sultan Kudarat on the day of the communist group’s founding anniversary, March 29, 2019.

The communist terrorists yielded to the local government of Sultan Kudarat, the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office, and the 33rd Infantry and 39th Infantry Battalions.

The former rebels also laid down 13 high-powered firearms, explosives, and ammunition.

They belong to different communist fronts operating in the provinces of Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato.

“Their surrender on the very day of the NPA’s supposed founding anniversary is a very clear indication that its ranks continue to decline due to the relentless efforts of the troops on the ground to hunt them down while providing space for them to peacefully surrender,” said Colonel Efren Baluyot, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander.



Major General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Central Commander, lauded this recent accomplishment.

“The surrender of these communist terrorists shows that the localized peace negotiations, led by the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat, are very effective. This is also a clear manifestation that those who were duped by the NPA in joining their ranks have realized that the government cares for them and that they are welcome to join the peace-loving people of Sultan Kudarat,” said Sobejana.

The returnees will receive livelihood assistance, payment for the surrendered firearms, as well as housing, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The program is under the supervision of Sultan Kudarat Province under Governor Pax Mangudadatu.



Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief, said, “We support all peaceful mechanisms that bridge synergy and that build hopes for our brothers and sisters, who were deceived by communist terrorists, to rebuild their lives.”

“We sustain all efforts and work with our peace partners to address insurgency and to encourage remaining rebels to surrender and trust the government,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/19-more-npa-members-yield-to-govt-forces-in-sultan-kudarat/

WESTMINCOM: Gov’t forces nab lawless elements, seize firearms in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 30, 2019): Gov’t forces nab lawless elements, seize firearms in Maguindanao



Government troops nabbed lawless elements and seized high-powered firearms of the group after a joint operation in Maguindanao today, March 30.

Military and police forces nabbed Guiaman Lumbos, Ali Lumbos, Samsudin Lumbos and Digna Lumbos Dirangaren by a search warrant for violation of the comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition in Barangay Langkong, Matanog today.



Troops also seized a Caliber .30 improvised sniper rifle, two M16 assault rifles, an M14 rifle, a Carbine rifle, an M16 rifle with an M203 Grenade Launcher, a hand grenade, ammunition, and magazines.

Government troops were composed of personnel of 37th Infantry Battalion, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-ARMM, and Maguindanao Provincial Police Office.

The suspects and the recovered items are now in the custody of CIDG-ARMM for appropriate filling of cases and disposition.

“The successful operation was made through the collaborative effort and the deliberate planning of security forces in the area of operations,” said Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Go Jr., 37th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer.

“As an agent in promoting peace and development, the 603rd Infantry Brigade will actively support the law enforcement operation of the police to deter lawless elements from creating amuck and fear in the community,” said Colonel Wilbur Mamawag, 603rd Bde Commander,.

“In the quest for peace and development, unity is the key to success,” said Major General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Central Commander.

“The operation would not be accomplished if not for the help of the civilian community who provided vital information,” he added.

“The spate of accomplishments of military and police forces only prove that, if we synergize efforts, we will effect operations with substantial gains. We assure you that this cooperation among security forces will be sustained to effectively address lawless violence in Mindanao” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief.

http://www.westmincom.com/govt-forces-nab-lawless-elements-seize-firearms-in-maguindanao/

Ex-fighters, kin ready for decommissioning

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2019): Ex-fighters, kin ready for decommissioning



Photo by Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU)
MAGUINDANAO – Babu Psung, 60, from Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao, was among the hundreds of Bangsamoro residents who witnessed the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on March 29. She is the wife of a grizzled MILF combatant.

In an interview, she shared her journey from being a perennial evacuee or “bakwit” of armed conflict to becoming a catalyst of peace and development. She attributes this life-changing transformation to the gains of the peace process.

Babu Psung recalled how she and her family lived in constant fear of when the next armed conflict will break out in the community. She had never gotten used to the sound of gunfire although her husband had been a combatant long before they were married.

This is the reason why she could not hold back her tears when she learned that her family will finally be leaving behind a dark chapter in their lives.

With the formal decommissioning of her husbands and thousands of MILF fighters, she believes that the Bangsamaoro people can look ahead to a brighter future.

"Natuntayan nami dn sa noget den a nyabay (decomissioning) na ipedtagu dn su mga tambak ka di ren penggamiten; dikna ip'd-surender uged na ip'dtagu (We already learned that this (decommissioning) will put weapons beyond use. This is not to surrender them but just to set them aside.)," she said.

Photo by OPAPRU

Asked about her expectations on how the next steps of the process will affect them, she answered, "Nya katundug na kabagenggay sa mga project a para sa tanan. Dikna maya ipendwal bu isa-isa uged a project a magamit nu madakel para sa uyag-uyag (The next phase is the implementation of projects for all. These are not dole outs but livelihood projects that will benefit everyone.),” she added

She said her whole family and the rest of their community fully support the Normalization Track, adding they are ready and excited for the decommissioning process to begin.

‘We are ready’

Meanwhile, among the combatants who are set to undergo the decommissioning process is Bapa Imam, 60, who became a combatant since the Martial Law era.

Imam recounted the hardships he and his comrades experienced during the decades-long armed struggle.

"Mabagel ged i kab'ng-gyera sa'ntu a timpu, malegen i natala name (Battles were intense during those times. It was a hard time for us.),” he said.

Photo by OPAPRU

When asked on how he felt that the Bangsamoro people have achieved their long held dream of genuine and meaningful self-governance and will be part of the decommissioning process, he said, "Nya nami ganggiginawa samaya na gapyay ginawa nami sa nasampay nami pan inya (We feel genuinely happy that we are able to witness [these milestones]).”

Imam concluded by expressing the collective aspirstions of the combatants to be decommissioned: "Kab'nggobyerno anya na mana bun ig - u malebug sa pulu na malebug bun taman sa baba. Pangeni-Ngenin ta na mapya i proseso ka 'ndu malingaw i katamanan (Governance can be compared to running water; fuzzy water upstream leads to fuzzy water downstream. Let us pray that clear processes will guide us along the way).”

Normalization Track
The major components under the Normalization Track are security, socio-economic development, confidence-building and Transitional Justice and Reconciliation.

The Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), which is under the oversight of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), will oversee the conduct of activities under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The CAB was signed by the Philippine Government and the MILF in 2014, which ended more than four decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066097