NDF/Sison: Duterte prepares to rig the May 13 elections with propaganda and secret orders

Jose Maria Sison press/propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Apr 13, 2019): Duterte prepares to rig the May 13 elections with propaganda and secret orders



Press Statement by Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
April 13, 2019

In a full month before the May 13, 2019 elections, we can expect an avalanche of propaganda from the Duterte regime to conjure the illusion of Duterte’s perpetual popularity, foretell the “victory” of its senatorial and local executive candidates and cover his secret orders to the Commission on Elections and the military to rig the elections.

The propaganda drive of the regime to spread lies involves the frenzied use of government agencies and resources, paid opinion poll surveys, red-tagging of opposition candidates and parties, planted news stories and columns, TV and radio broadcasts, the troll armies in the social media, tarpaulins and posters, herded paid crowds, and so on.

The Duterte regime is overspending public and private resources and over-exerting itself in trying to create the false illusion of popular support in order to pave the way for election rigging in favor of the regime’s candidates and for the charter change to a bogus kind of federalism by which absolute powers are concentrated in the hands of Duterte as fascist dictator on top of his regional and provincial agents among his fellow oligarchs, dynasts and warlords.

The Duterte ruling clique intends to draw attention away from the widespread indignation of the people over the regime’s tyrannical, treasonous, mass murdering, plundering and inflationary policies and acts; and to overshadow the groundswell of support for the opposition candidates from Catholic and other Christian voters, the patriotic and progressive organizations and other people offended by the crimes of the regime.

The broad united front of patriotic and progressive forces and all other opposition forces are therefore challenged to do do their best to arouse, organize and mobilize the broad masses of the people for the electoral struggle to defeat the anti-national and anti-democratic Duterte regime and make evident their victory with far larger electoral rallies and mass protest actions than the meetings of the paid and herded crowds of the regime.

Unless he steps back from his evil scheme to rig the elections and ensure charter change to bogus federalism, Duterte unwittingly prepares for his overthrow in the same manner that Marcos was overthrown by urban mass uprising after his fake electoral victory in 1986 or creates the combustible conditions for an unprecedented nationwide intensification of people’s war to counter the escalation of fascist attacks on the people.

https://www.ndfp.org/duterte-prepares-to-rig-the-may-13-elections-with-propaganda-and-secret-orders/

SOLCOM: Congratulations to all the contingents of Balikatan 2019

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook page (Apr 11, 2019): Congratulations to all the contingents of Balikatan 2019

Congratulations to all the contingents of Balikatan 2019, LTGEN GILBERT I GAPAY AFP Force Commander, for the success of this year's exercises with US and Australian Defense Forces. 

This year's exercises focused on the joint and combined capabilities of participating nations in responding to foreseen challenges brought by natural calamities and terrorism. 

Simulated emergency responses had trained our troops on "real time" scenarios, employing TTPs learned through experiences and advancing technology that maximizes the capabilities to effectively save more lives and provide immediate relief to those affected. 

Likewise, the engineering projects saw the construction and repairs of school buildings, water systems and care for nature whose effect will be felt even after this year's BALIKATAN. 

The AFP you can TRUST, had just sharpen the tools together with our allies, to ensure that when we are needed will be there and will do the job the best way we can.

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/a.1503968379863230/2241221929471201/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

Anti-communism symposium for youth held in Palawan

From the Palawan News (Apr 10, 2019): Anti-communism symposium for youth held in Palawan



Capt. Jordan Mijares of 3rd Marine Brigade holds a series of anti-communism symposia for the youth in different public schools in Puerto Princesa City. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Marine Brigade)

A series of anti-communism symposia for the youth is being conducted by the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde) in different public schools in Puerto Princesa City.

Captain Jordan Mijares, 3MBde civil military operations officer, said Tuesday they are focusing their efforts on the youth because they are vulnerable to the recruitment of the communist movement.

“Kasi sila ang papasok sa college, sila ang magiging vulnerable sa mga left-leaning organizations kaya ngayon palang kailangan ma-equip na sila ng kaalaman upang malabanan nila ang mga matatamis na sasabihin sa kanila ng mga grupo na ito,” he said.

Mijares said students should be aware of what left-leaning organizations they will encounter during their college years.

Students participating in the discussion

“Yan ang process ng recruitment, nagmumula sa school dahil ire-recruit ka at io-organize kayo capitalizing ‘yong mga certain issues. I-stir ‘yong damdaming makabayan mo dahil makabayan daw sila. Magra-rally kayo dahil sa mga problema ng paaralan nila o ng bansa, and then kunwari mag-e-immersion kayo sa isang lugar at pag-gising mo isang araw part ka na ng New People’s Army (NPA). Through that nado-doktrinahan ka na ng communist idealism nagiging radical ‘yong bata,” he said.

“Unknowingly, ang mga magulang na naghihirap mag-trabaho para magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan ang mga anak nila walang nalalaman sa kung ano ang nangyayari sa mga anak nila. Ang mga bata akala nila rally-rally lang part lang ng pagiging college nila pero nara-radicalize na sila hanggang sa dahan-dahan hanggang huli na ang lahat,” Mijares added.

Other Marine units are also conducting the same symposium in the southern and northern areas of the province, he also said.

Mijares said the military will not allow terrorists to destroy the image of Palawan as “the country’s last frontier and the best tourism destination in the world”.

“That is why it is deceptive recruitment. And it must be stopped. It must. Let’s save our youth. Kaya nag-e-effort kami na mag-ikot sa buong probinsya para sa level pa lang nila as senior high school ay ma-equip na sila ng kaalaman para labanan ang mga matatamis na panghihikayat na maaari nila madatnan pagtungtong sa kolehiyo,” Mijares added.

He also called on members of the NPA to surrender and return to the mainstream society.

Rebel returnees will get benefits packages from the government under its Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“Sa Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program ng ating pamahalaan ay may pagkakataon na maka-avail ng pabahay ang ating mga kababayan na naloko ng teroristang grupo na ito, may livelihood program para sa kanila. Hindi po namin gusto na magkikita kami sa taas ng bundok at mag-patayan. Kaya kami po ay nananawagan sa mga natitira pa na huwag matakot at magbalik loob na sa pamahalan. Nandito po ang pamahalaan at ang inyong AFP para tumulong sa inyo,” Mijares said.

https://palawan-news.com/anti-communism-symposium-for-youth-held-in-palawan/?fbclid=IwAR1MmVG2yPGUHCwcTDavWbV4S600SuTT1skGW79-_DMoNT4UCpKuYyOP36o

EASTMINCOM: Successive Encounters: 16 Firearms captured

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Apr 13, 2019): Successive Encounters: 16 Firearms captured



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Sixteen Fire Arms and two International Humanitarian Law banned landmines were captured by the government troops after successive encounters transpired when Community information led the pursuing troops to track the fleeing members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist Group (CNTG) in Bukidnon Province and in nearby Arakan Municipality of Arakan from April 7 to 11, 2019.

Lately on April 12 , 2019 a platoon of 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) under Ltc Oscar Partuza while conducting clearing in the vicinity of Sitio Pulang Lupa, Brgy Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, captured three M16 rifles believed to be left by the fleeing CNTGs encountered earlier.

It can be recalled that the troops of same unit encountered in two instances an undetermined number of CPP-NPA Terrorist Group (CNTG) in the hinterland of Sitio Ngaran, Barangay Kipilas, Kitaotao, Bukidnon in the morning of April 7, 2019.

The CNTG left one NPA killed; one AK47 rifle; one M653 rifle; one M16 rifle; 3 cal 45 pistols; one International Humanitarian Law banned landmine; one combat pack; personal belongings and subversive documents after they scampered to a different direction.

Community information led to another encounter on April 9, 2019, by the same Battalion with the CNTG believed to be the same group in the periphery of Purok 11, Sitio Pulang Lupa, Barangay Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon in the morning and afternoon of April 9, 2019.

The firefight resulted in the capture of five AK47 rifles, one International Humanitarian Law-banned improvised landmine and landmine paraphernalia, two grenades, seven cellphones, five backpacks, and subversive documents.

There was no reported casualty on the engaging troops while undetermined on the side on the CNTG.

Pursuing troops were able to track the fleeing CNTG and again engaged them in an encounter in Sitio Ngaran, Barangay Kipilas, Kitaotao, Bukidnon in the morning of April 10, 2019. The fleeing troop left two AK 47 rifle and AK 47 ammunition.
On a separate occasion, the troops from the 88th Infantry Battalion encountered another group of CPP-NPA Terrorist at Sta. Felomina, Quezon, Bukidnon, noon of April 9, 2019.

The 15-minute firefight caused the life of one soldier identified as Pfc Jonathan Solis.

In the periphery of Barangay Balete, Arakan, North Cotabato troops from 901st Infantry Brigade engaged in a brief encounter undetermined number of CNTG after the troops responded to the information of armed men thereat in the morning of April 12, 2019. No reported casualty on bothsides after the brief encounter.

Since April 1, 2019 there are 19 community information led encounters against CNTG transpired in the whole area of Easmincom that led to the recovery of 21 Firearms and seven IHL banned landmine. Further, three CNTG members were reported killed while two surrendered after a fierce fight.

Lt. Gen. Santos Jr. express appreciation on the cooperation of the communities and vows to use the might of the military to stop the CNTGs from their evil activities against the communities.

We again express our appreciation to the cooperation of the communities as they help the security force by reducing the maneuver space of the terrorist. To those who continue to disregard the call of the communities of a peaceful environment, we will use the full might of the military to go after them without disregarding the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights," Lt. Gen. Santos said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command

http://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/04/successive-encounters-16-firearms.html

Spratlys part of China territory? Malacañang reminds Beijing of Hague ruling

From Rappler (Apr 13): Spratlys part of China territory? Malacañang reminds Beijing of Hague ruling

'China should avoid performing acts that will place at risk the Filipino fishermen fishing in the disputed areas,' says Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo

STANDING UP FOR PAG-ASA. Here is an image of Pag-asa Island, the seat of power in the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys). Image from CSIS/AMTI

Malacañang reminded China of the Philippines' 2016 international court victory against Beijing's claim to the West Philippine Sea in response to its government's claim that the Spratlys or Kalayaan Group of Islands is part of China's territory.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in the latest of a series of strongly-worded statements, mentioned the historic Hague ruling in his response to the claim of China's foreign ministry that the Kalayaan Group of Islands, also known as the Spratlys, are within Chinese territory.

"The arbitral ruling however has already been rendered and we remain steadfast in maintaining our claims with respect to our territory and exclusive economic zones pursuant, not only to the said arbitral judgment based on accepted principles of public international law, but consistent with the directives of our Constitution and the aspirations of the Filipino people," Panelo said on Friday, April 12.

He prefaced this declaration, however, with the Philippines' concurrence that the maritime dispute will "be best threshed out through peaceful negotiation and consultation between the two countries."

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Panelo to 'politely ask' China envoy to stop deploying ships near Pag-asa//President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman also says the Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest about the Chinese vessels, but no details are provided

Duterte: 'Compromise' needed to deal with Chinese ships near Pag-asa//The Philippine President declares he won't allow China to 'occupy' Pag-asa Island

Duterte critics lead Day of Valor rally vs China//On Araw ng Kagitingan, protesters say the Philippines needs a leader who is brave, not macho, in defending the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea

On Thursday, April 11, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang saidthe Spratlys, which the Chinese call Nansha Islands "are China's territory" and that Beijing's claim "is backed by sufficient historical and jurisprudential evidence."

He was responding to assertions by Filipino officials, led by President Rodrigo Duterte himself, that Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Group of Islands, belongs to Filipinos.

Don't endanger Filipino fishermen

The Palace told China not to endanger the lives of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

"Irritants," Panelo said, could also derail progress being made in bilateral talks between the two countries in the sea row.

"China should avoid performing acts that will place at risk the Filipino fishermen fishing in the disputed areas," the Duterte spokesperson said.

Duterte himself has made clear that his red line is if China kills or arrests Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea, part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine President, who flaunts his "friendship" with Chinese President Xi Jinping, had previously told China to "lay off" Pag-asa Island and promised to never allow the Chinese to occupy the island.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has also said the presence of Chinese militia vessels near the island is "illegal." The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest which Panelo expects Beijing to respond to "soon."

Panelo began making strong statements against China's claims after the DFA filed its protest.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/228049-malacanang-reminds-china-hague-ruling-spratlys

Mga sibilyan takot maiipit sa labanan sa North Cotabato

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 13, 2019): Mga sibilyan takot maiipit sa labanan sa North Cotabato

Balot umano sa takot ang mga residente sa bayan ng Magpet sa North Cotabato province dahil sa sunod-sunod na sagupaan ng mga sundalo at rebeldeng komunista.

Nangangamba ang mga taga-Barangay Balite at Mahongkog na baka sila ang maipit sa sagupaan o kaya ay gawing hostage ng mga rebelde o mapagkamalang mga rebelde. Ito ay matapos na 3 sibilyan ang inulat na nawawala ng maipit sa labanan ng dalawang grupo.

Sinabi ni Barangay Balite Chairman Edgar Hantoc na takot na takot ang mga magsasaka na pumunta sa kanilang sakahan dahil sa mga sundalo at baka muling makasagupa doon at sila ay madamay. May mga impormasyon na nagagawi umano sa mga barangay ang grupo ng mga New People’s Army dahil sa presensya ng mga sundalo doon.

Hinihingian na rin ng mga identification cards ng militar ang mga residente sa nasabing mga barangay upang makasigurong hindi kalaban ang mga ito.

Kinumpirma naman ito ni Lt. Col. Rey Alvarado, commander ng 72nd Infantry Battalion. Ayon kay Alvarado, nagpapatrulya ang mga tropa sa naturang bayan dahil sa mga ulat na may mga rebelde sa mga barangay. Seguridad umano ng mga sibilyan ang pino-protektahan ng mga sundalo.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/mga-sibilyan-takot-maiipit-sa-labanan-sa-north-cotabato/

Troops comb Sulu’s jungles, islands in Sayyaf hun

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 13, 2019): Troops comb Sulu’s jungles, islands in Sayyaf hunt

Government troops continue their assault on Abu Sayyaf lairs where security forces have been combing the hinterlands and islands in the southern province of Sulu.

Just recently, soldiers killed 2 pro-ISIS militants, but three infantrymen were also wounded in the clashes in Bangkal village in Patikul town. The military said one of those killed, known only by his alias Barak Ingog, allegedly helped carry out a twin suicide attacks by an Indonesian couple on a Catholic church in the capital town of Jolo in January this year that killed and wounded dozens of people, mostly civilians and soldiers.

The other slain militant, Nasser Sawadjaan, was a nephew of Abu Sayyaf leader Hajan Sawadajaan. The military did not say whether soldiers recovered the bodies of the slain militants, although it reported that troops recovered an M16 rifle in the area.

It said Ingog was one of the facilitators of the bombing of the Cathedral in Jolo town on January 27 this year while Sawadjaan was a nephew of Abu Sayyaf leader Hajan Sawadjaan.

There were no reports of civilian casualties, but Governor Toto Tan has deployed social workers and dispatched food aid since March to assist villagers who were affected by the military campaign. It was unknown whether the regional government had sent aid to Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the newly-created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-comb-sulus-jungles-islands-in-sayyaf-hunt/

Murad urged to surrender followers in SAF 44 killings

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 13, 2019): Murad urged to surrender followers in SAF 44 killings

Kin of police commandos who were killed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters demanded that rebel leader Murad Ebrahim, now Chief Minister of the Muslim autonomous region, to surrender those behind the gruesome murders of 44 members of the Special Action Force in Maguindanao’s Mamasapano town.

President Benigno Aquino speaks with MILF rebel chieftain Murad Ebrahim in this 2014 government photo.

The commandos were on a clandestine mission deep inside MILF territory to capture Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir, who was eventually killed in the operation in Tukanalipao village on January 25, 2015.

Police commandos were on their way to re-join their more than 300 SAF members after killing Zulkifli and cutting off his finger for DNA analysis when MILF forces, aided by BIFF militants, attacked them and sparking daylong clashes. At least 18 MILF and five BIFF were killed in the fierce fighting that the Aquino government claimed was a mis-encounter.

Barely a month later, the MILF which signed an interim peace deal with Manila, surrendered at least 16 weapons it took from slain police commandos. The surrender of the weapons further bolstered accusations by lawmakers and human rights groups that MILF rebels had finished off wounded commandos and collected their guns, among others.

The weapons were handed over to the police, but SAF sources claimed the weapons had been tampered and that many of its parts were either taken out or replaced with defective mechanism. Because of the killings, lawmakers shelved the Bangasamoro Basic Law (BBL) until investigations into the deadly clashes between SAF and MILF is completed.

The BBL was eventually passed in the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, but families of the slain commandos were still crying out for justice. The MILF said it will not surrender those involved in the slayings.

Just recently, police forces killed 3 of Ebrahim’s rebels who were accused of murder after they engaged the lawmen in a firefight in Lanao del Sur’s Madamba town. More rebels engaged police in a gun battle in the villages of Tabaran and Illian.

Four policemen and two civilians were wounded in the clashes, the Western Mindanao Command said. “Three MILF elements with warrants of arrest for murder were slain during the law enforcement operations conducted by the Philippine National Police in the villages of Illian and Tabaran, all in Madamba in Lanao del Sur at 10 a.m. today. The PNP troops were to serve warrants of arrest when they engaged in a firefight with MILF elements led by a certain Abu Hanif.”

“Four PNP personnel and two civilians were wounded in the encounter, based on information received from army units in the area. They are now recuperating in the hospital,” the military said. Ebrahim’s group signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014 and the rebel leader became the chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following a plebiscite early this year.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/murad-urged-to-surrender-followers-in-saf-44-killings/

AFP Chief honors Malaysian Chief of Defense Force

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12, 2019): AFP Chief honors Malaysian Chief of Defense Force



General Benjamin Madrigal Jr (right), Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomes General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin (left), Chief of Defense Force of the Malaysian Armed Forces at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Photo by SN1 Donald Viluan PN/PAOAFP
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- For his dedication in maintaining the strong military ties of the Philippines and Malaysia, General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, Chief of Defense Force of the Malaysian Armed Forces was honored in a ceremony led by General Benjamin Madrigal Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Thursday night in Makati.

“I am truly honored to have this special opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions of General Zulfikli who has dedicated his time and effort in ensuring that the Philippines and the Malaysian armed forces maintain an enduring and more strengthened relationship,” General Madrigal said.

The AFP Chief hosted a dinner in honor of the Malaysian Chief of Defense Force at the Makati Shangri-La, Manila. Prior to this, General Zulkifli visited the AFP’s General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City where he was given full military honors. He then paid a courtesy call to General Madrigal at the Balangiga Hall, General Headquarters Building.

The Philippines and Malaysia have established an agreement concerning defense cooperation since 1994.

“Our countries’ enduring friendship that spans more than six decades of bilateral relations has been instrumental in the various engagements and activities that support our mutual security interests,” General Madrigal said.

General Zulkifli and his party arrived in Manila on April 10 as part of a three-day official visit. Before meeting with General Madrigal, he received the 2019 Alumni Achievement Award at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati where he holds a Master’s Degree in Management.

He was appointed as the 20th Chief of Defence Forces on June 20, 2018 after serving as Chief of the Malaysian Army since June 15, 2011. (AFP)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020908

Eastmincom, PNP strengthen cooperation on internal security ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2019): Eastmincom, PNP strengthen cooperation on internal security ops

COLLABORATION. (L-R) Lt. Gen Felimon T. Santos Jr., the commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and Police Major Gen. Alfredo Valdez, the Director of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations -Eastern Mindanao on Friday sign two directives strengthening the cooperation and interoperability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in Eastern Mindanao. (Lilian Mellijor)

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday signed two joint letter directives updating the Internal Security Operations (ISO) for the upcoming May elections and the campaign against armed groups.

Major Gen. Alfredo Valdez, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations -Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM), said the JLDs seek to strengthen the cooperation and interoperability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) between Eastmincom and the PNP.

Valdez said the police will take the lead in implementing the security plan for the May elections and other law enforcement-related activities, with the Eastmincom providing the support.

“We are complementing all our efforts,” Valdez said of the government's campaign against insurgency and terrorism in an interview on the sidelines of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center Conference on Friday here.

Lt. Gen Felimon Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, said the first of the two signed AFP-PNP JLDs will update the existing coordinating mechanism between the two organizations and aims to synchronize and converge their efforts relative to the peace and security of different communities in Eastern Mindanao.

Santos explained the need to update the directives considering there are already many areas that have been cleared of insurgency.

"The collaboration and interoperability of the two organizations are important in order to optimize the government security capability in carrying out the primary mandate of securing the people,” Santos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067209

Soldiers, Reds clash in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2019): Soldiers, Reds clash in Iloilo

LEFT BEHIND. Land mines and firearms recovered after the encounter with New People's Army are inventoried by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Some 20 communist rebels engaged government soldiers in a 20-minute gunfight in Leon town, Iloilo on Friday morning (April 12, 2019) (Photo courtesy of AFP)

ILOILO CITY -- Army Soldiers clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels for 20 minutes in Leon town, Iloilo on Friday morning.

Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said the government troops encountered about 20 armed rebels in Nalbang village, Leon.

“The locals were courageous enough to report to us on Thursday the sightings of these rebels, which prompted us to respond immediately,” Batara said in a phone interview Friday.

Citing the report of the public, Batara said the rebels were carrying Anti-Personnel Mines (APC) and land mines, which he suspected to have been “used by rebels in harassing the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Army in the area.”

The government troops headed to the site early morning and prevented the rebels from conducting any ambush.

After an estimated 20-minute crossfire, the NPA rebels dispersed and withdrew towards Agta village in the northern direction, Batara said.

Blood marks were seen at the encounter site, indicating that some of the rebels were wounded. No casualty was reported on the government’s side.

Upon searching the clash scene, the troops found bags, two APCs, two magazine of a caliber .45 gun, one magazine of 7.62 mm. M14 with live ammunition, subversive documents, and medical paraphernalia.

Despite the encounter, Batara assured the public of a safe observance of the Holy Week.

He said tourists are expected to visit mountain spots for religious activities.

Batara advised tourists who plan to visit mountain areas to coordinate with the local government unit, not just in Leon town but in other areas of Panay as well.

“Tourists should coordinate first for them to be guided on their limitations on places they want to visit. We will monitor them because the rebels might have planted landmine(s) and IEDs (improvised explosive devices),” he said.

Batara assured that the AFP is coordinating with the PNP for the conduct of security operations.

The Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067187

Albayalde vows to 'crush' criminal, terror groups as poll nears

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2019): Albayalde vows to 'crush' criminal, terror groups as poll nears

CAMP GEN. VICENTE LIM, Calamba City – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar D. Albayalde vowed on Friday to “crush” all communist terrorist groups (CTGs), private armed syndicates (PAGs) and drug rings that are still operating in the Calabarzon Region, some of whom are allegedly supporting local political candidates for the May 13 mid-term polls.

Albayalde visited the Calabarzon regional police command headquarters here for a command conference on security briefings and election preparations where he also inspected around 1,710 assorted short, long and high-powered firearms that are now under this command’s custody for safekeeping and proper disposition.



Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar D. Albayalde (at center table) with Calabarzon Regional Police Director Brig. Gen. Edward E. Carranza (to his left), presides over a command conference on security briefings and election preparations of the Calabarzon Regional Police Office (PRO4A) for the May 13 mid-term polls, at the regional police headquarters in Camp Gen. Vicente Lim, Calamba City on April 12, 2019. (Photo by Saul E. Pa-a)

In a press conference, Albayalde confirmed the existence of armed syndicates and drug groups that have gone as far as supporting or harassing local poll bets on their extortion activities and permit to campaign especially in the region’s remote areas.

“We are validating the reports from our intelligence units,” the PNP chief said, pointing to around 314 of the 1,710 firearms were already seized from the private armed groups during intensified police operations against loose firearms and criminality and as part of the Commission on Elections gun ban.

He said PAGs and New People’s Army (NPA) communist terrorists persist in some areas in the region and these are closely being monitored as these are potential threats during the elections.

The PNP also intensified the surveillance and special operations on criminal gangs where three are identified in Cavite; six in Laguna; one in Batangas; and two in Rizal while the gun-for-hire groups has one in Cavite; two in Laguna; 11 in Batangas; and two in Quezon.



Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar D. Albayalde presides over a media conference where he vowed to "crush" communist terrorist groups, private armed syndicates and criminal gangs that are still operating in the Calabarzon Region, during his visit to the Calabarzon Regional Police Office (PRO4A) headquarters at Camp Gen. Vicente Lim, Calamba City on April 12, 2019. (Photo by Saul E. Pa-a)

In Batangas, two risk factors include the Fajardo Group in Tanauan City and the NPA’s Platoon Galaxy Sub-Regional Military Area in Lemery town, while Laguna has the Amante Drug Group in San Pablo City.

Local estimates on the loose firearms according to the regional police command also revealed that the CTGs have 185; CGs with 134; wanted persons with 337; and PAGs with 90, or a total of 746.

The command headquarters also reported on its assessment on security risk factors where some six PAGs members have been arrested so far from June 2018 to April this year, and around 37 gun-for-hire members were nabbed during the same period.

At least 47 criminal gang members were also rounded up, 67 most wanted persons and 6,471 other wanted persons arrested, which resulted in the confiscation of around 314 firearms.

On intense political rivalry, two mayoralty bets are reported in Cavite; one in Laguna; three in Batangas; and four in Quezon.

Of the 142 towns and cities across Calabarzon Region, only Quezon has one risk factor under the police's red code, which assesses a series of election-related violent incidents during the previous and present elections and presence of threat groups, NPA) and PAGs.

Around 114 from the 142 local government units (LGUs) are green, which means the police expects no problem and cause for concern while eight LGUs have been placed under the yellow code with two in Cavite; one in Laguna; four in Batangas; one in Quezon. Yellow code means one of the factors under the red code like a history of political unrest and presence of NPAs or PAGs exists.

Around 19 LGUs are placed under the orange code with two in Cavite; two in Laguna; five in Batangas; four in Rizal; and six in Quezon -6. Orange code means there are two security risk factors in the red code and presence of NPA.

Albayalde assured that the PNP would strictly observe neutrality and transparency in the conduct of the investigations on erring cops, especially in the ongoing investigation on the killing of the son of the mayor of Sariaya, Quezon and the recent kidnapping of businessman Allan Fajardo at Nuvali hotel in Sta. Rosa City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067223

Marawi ex-mayor not arrested but 'invited': AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2019): Marawi ex-mayor not arrested but 'invited': AFP

A former Marawi City mayor and now a mayoralty candidate was "invited" to a military camp here after the proclamation rally Friday (April 12) of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas Ng Bayan (PDP Laban), an Army official said.

Lt. Col. Jake Jumawan, commander of the Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion, said former mayor Omar Solitario Ali was not arrested but was only "invited" inside the Kampo Ranao--headquarters of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade.

"He was invited... he was never arrested. Kasi kung arestuhin dapat may warrant of arrest. Nagkwentuhan lang kami with brigade commander (Col. Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade)," Jumawan said in an interview.

Jumawan said Ali was allowed to go home after 30 minutes.

"We treated him humanely because the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is a human rights observer," Jumawan said.

Ali has been in hiding after he was included in the arrest order issued by the Department of National Defense, following the declaration of President Duterte putting the entire Mindanao under Martial Law when the Marawi siege broke out in May 23, 2017.

Ali allegedly has links with the ISIS-inspired Maute group that led the Marawi attack and is facing rebellion charges.

His brother, also Marawi former mayor Fahad Salic, was also included in the arrest order because of the latter's support for the Mautes. Salic was arrested in a checkpoint in Misamis Oriental in June 2017.

Ali's son, incumbent Marawi vice mayor Arafat Salic--who was in hiding because he was also included in the DND's arrest order--was released by the Department of Justice after finding the arrest order to be invalid as it was not issued by courts.

On August 16 of 2017, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana removed Ali from the list of persons ordered arrested under Martial Law rebellion.

He was given the "conditional clearance on the recommendation of former OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, former) Sec. Jesus Dureza."

Despite being in hiding, Ali was able to file his certificate of candidacy for mayor in the May 13 elections. He was one of the mayoralty candidates in Marawi City who attended the event, hoping to get an endorsement from President Rodrigo Duterte.

President Duterte was not able to make it to the event because of bad weather, according to a statement from Malacañang.

In an earlier interview, Ali vehemently denied involvement in a rebellion.

"The affinity of my brother to the Mautes doesn't mean I have involvement and knowledge of their activities," Ali said.

Meanwhile, Friday's proclamation rally of the local PDP-Laban party pushed through despite Duterte's absence.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067270

Proceed with probe on IP killings, Karapatan dared

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2019): Proceed with probe on IP killings, Karapatan dared

Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations Major General Antonio Parlade Jr. (File photo)

An army official on Saturday challenged rights group Karapatan to proceed with the Congressional investigation on the killings of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) after the militant bloc in the House of Representatives postponed the proceedings.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Major Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., in a press statement, called on Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay to participate in the inquiry after persistently denying being a front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

"Why postpone it when you say the IPs are continuously being killed by government forces each day? Let's do this now and let the whole world know who is on the side of the truth. Let's proceed with the inquiry as planned. Join us Karapatan in the inquiry, please. And when we all find out it's all fabricated, and in fact it's your NPAs who are killing the IPs. Let’s submit the real report to UNCHR and to your foreign donors," he said.

He added that "Kamatayan Bloc" is trying to prevent the conduct of Congressional Inquiry into IP killings and Salugpungan schools in Surigao, Bukidnon, and Davao.

“We received the memo canceling the trip next week until after elections, because the 'Kamatayan Bloc' participating there are not available. What’s more important than knowing, once and for all, about the truth on these IP killings and closure of Salugpungan schools which you continue to trumpet in UN, Europe, and North America?,” he said referring to Makabayan party-list groups in the Lower House.

Parlade said he cannot help but wonder why the inquiry was postponed when it is the militant bloc that says IPs are continuously being killed by government forces each day.

“Let’s do this now and let the whole world know who is on the side of the truth. Let’s proceed with the inquiry as planned,:” he added.

Parlade expressed belief that Karapatan will not agree to this challenge.

“I bet you won't do this because this will stop the funding from these foreign NGOs. So we dare you, spend your money for the purpose it was donated -- factual reports," he said.

Karapatan, he said, is part of the "International Assembly of terrorist affiliates" event organized by CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison in Hong Kong this June 2019.

"He calls it the 6th International League of Peoples Struggle or ILPS, which Joma himself chairs. All of these 'Kamatayan Bloc' are part of this assembly, together with Karapatan, Ibon Foundation, NUPL, etc. They deny that they are not affiliated to CPP and Joma, "he said. “So here is my simple question: If Osama Bin Laden, a known terrorist, calls for a convention would you attend it as an individual or as an organization? Think about that.”

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate, he said, is attempting to harass him for implicating Karapatan as a stooge of Sison.

“I did not. Joma did,” he said.

Accept the challenge

Parlade urged the "Kamatayan Bloc" to just answer or accept the challenge instead of evading the issue by bringing the topic on West Philippine Sea (WPS), Rappler's case, and dramatics in the US capitol.

“The issues at the moment are in our backyard, WPS is too far. But if you want to talk about that topic, I’m game. But that would implicate your allies in the opposition. Clear it with them please, because you are all together in this attempt to destabilize and destroy this administration whose satisfaction ratings just keep on increasing, to your dismay,” he said.

“Where is Ibon Foundation, by the way? Are they busy again fabricating research studies and reports of alleged human rights abuses during the administration of President Duterte?” he added.

More proof

Parlade also cited proof that shows Karapatan is not a human rights defender of the poor and oppressed.

Fred Caña, secretary general of Karapatan-Negros, reportedly bailed Romeo Nanta, head of the NPA Regional Operations Command in Negros Island, on February 21, 2012.

He added that a photocopy of official receipt No. 8369533 B also indicates that PHP200,000 cash bond was paid by then Karapatan-Southern Mindanao Region secretary general Honey Mae Suazo on July 7, 2015, for the release of arrested NPA leader Zaldy Canete alias “Ka Jinggoy”.

“Ms. Palabay, you are suddenly so quiet after seeing the PHP200,000 cash bond paid by Suazo for the release of Canete. We also forgot to mention that Honey Mae is party wife of NPA (leader) Jonald Suazo," Parlade said.

Jonald is reportedly an NPA Guerilla Front commander.

The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Philippines have declared the CPP-NPA a terrorist organization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067260

AFP exec not eyeing top post but ending insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2019): AFP exec not eyeing top post but ending insurgency

A ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday clarified that his goal is not to get the organization’s top post but to end the five decades-long communist insurgency.

"I began with my career when insurgency was at its peak in 1987. My only dream is to see its end as I retire a few years from now. A safe future for my kids is all I aspire for. To be (AFP) Chief-of-Staff is farthest from my mind. But I bet that's what you fear most because when that happens you will see yourself to extinction," AFP deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations Major General Antonio Parlade Jr. said in a message to reporters.

Parlade was reacting to recent claims by Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate who alleged that former’s ongoing campaign against progressive groups with reported links to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) is aimed at getting the top AFP post.

"Mr. Zarate doesn’t know me at all. Who me? Aspiring for CSAFP? (Chief-of-Staff AFP)," Parlade said.

He noted that he is not a careerist whose goal is to be on top.

"I work and talk because it’s my sworn duty to country and people, and I don't give a damn if I'm politically correct or not, (because) I'm a soldier. I'm not a politician who talks of one thing and does another. Check my record Honorable Zarate, from lieutenant days till now," Parlade said.

The AFP official added that if he is really concerned with his career then he should be talking less and just be working on his promotions quietly.

"I should not be going against the grain by not apprehending contraband goods in Maguindanao, which I know to be a 'business' of our corrupt commanders then. That act caused the relief of two generals in Central Mindanao," he said.

"I should not be reporting the illegal activities of my immediate commander in Zamboanga, which caused my relief. This was when I was a young lieutenant and a member of RAM-SFP-YOU [Reform the Armed Forces Movement - Soldiers of the Filipino People- Young Officers' Union] because of the reforms we desperately wanted. No junior officer would survive that if your moral fortitude is not that strong," he added.

As the then Army spokesperson, he said, he talked about the frustration of Army troops when the Morong 38 NPAs were ordered released by then Justice Secretary (Leila) De Lima in 2011.

“I should have kept quite during the Basilan carnage in 2012, rather than speak about the real sentiments of our troops and the colleagues of those beheaded by MILF rebels cum ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group], knowing that Malacanang puts primacy on peace talks over the pursuit of justice for the 19 brave soldiers who fought 450 MILF and ASG terrorists until they ran out of ammunition," Parlade added.

Can’t be silenced

He said he is not the type to be silent just to protect his career as he was vocal in issues that may destroy him as a professional soldier.

"No, Mr. Zarate, I’m not that kind of officer who would rather sit in silence because my career will be jeopardized. I spoke about 'suspending ceasefire in Basilan' and not all-out war as your favorite paper reported (to destroy me) in order to pursue the savages, because that's the right thing to do, regardless of its consequence to my career," he added.

And by speaking out his mind, Parlade said this caused his relief as Army spokesperson, on orders of then president Benigno Aquino III.

"But I felt no remorse because it was part of my job to protect the Army, my organization, and my boss (then Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz), the most bemedaled CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) we ever had, and who was barely three weeks short of retirement. Visit me and I will show you how proud I am with my relief by displaying on my wall that banner story 'PNoy sacks Army spokesman'," he added.

He said lying and deceit will never get anyone anywhere in the military organization.

And if he really is interested in advancing his career, Parlade said he would not have dared to talk against the Makabayan Bloc as it could jeopardize his chances at getting the confirmation from the Commission on Appointments.

"There is a job to do and someone has to do it. We have the best chance to end insurgency now with a National Task Force led by the President himself. We will not let this chance pass so that finally we can have true peace and then development," Parlade said.

Lies and deception

"You and your cohorts in the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist group, on the other hand, have survived because of the lies and deception you peddle each day. These lies and duplicity have destroyed the lives and future of so many students whose minds you have poisoned. Of late, many of them are from senior high, minors, and their poor parents are crying and begging us for help to recover these kids before they are sent to the hills to join the NPAs," he told Zarate.

Parlade said the communist organization has already destroyed democratic institutions just to push for its so-called democratic revolution.

"That's your classic revolutionary dual tactics: use democracy to destroy democracy. Join the church to destroy it. Thats what you did with the Rural Missionaries. You profess to defend human rights and IP culture but look how divided Lumad families are because of your Salugpungan. Are these the things that Makabayan bloc is proud of? What about you sir? Do you have anything to be proud of?" the military official said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067243