Netizens call out Army for 'photoshopped' image of communist surrenderers

From Rappler (Dec 27, 2019): Netizens call out Army for 'photoshopped' image of communist surrenderers (By Aika Rey)

The Philippine Army says the photos came from the 2nd Infantry Battalion. In a statement later sent to Rappler, the Army admits to manipulating the photos to 'ensure the safety' of the surrenderers.



FLOATING PEOPLE? This photo release from the Philippine Army, part of their press statement on communist rebels who surrendered in Masbate, appears to be digitally altered. Photo from the Philippine Army

It was supposed to be just another photo of rebels surrendering to the military.

On the 51st founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the Philippine Army announced that some 306 rebels turned themselves in to the military on Thursday, December 26.

Along with their press statement of mass surrender came photos of the alleged rebels in Masbate – a momentous event for the Philippine Army that has an axe to grind with the communists.

But now, the event itself is in question.

According to the press release sent on Thursday via Viber, the communist rebels were supposedly composed of members and supporters of the New People's Army, Milisyang Bayan, and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad.

The Philippine Army said the group surrendered 49 different firearms as well.

On Friday, December 27, some news agencies carried the photo release on their social media accounts. But netizens pointed out that the photos were digitally manipulated or "photoshopped."


Chad Booc @KasamangChad

HOY ANLALA NITONG BALITA MULA SA @gmanews!!!

May 306 daw na komunista ang sumuko kahapon sa AFP. Tingnan nyo naman yung picture


4,457
12:22 AM - Dec 27, 2019
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Rappler reached out to Major Ricky Aguilar, the reference person in the press release, regarding the matter. He said the photos came from the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) in the Bicol Region, and that he would ask the unit for an explanation.

"Galing po ['yun] sa 2IB. Sorry at 'di ko rin napansin. (It's from 2IB. Sorry, I didn't notice.) Anyway, I'll ask the concerned unit," the spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division said.

Digitally manipulated? At first glance, the photo appeared as real, but a closer look prompted some to ask why there are no shadows in the photo.

Looking from afar, it appears that the photos have different sources of lighting. The table is illuminated from the bottom, therefore casting a shadow to the left.



LIGHT SOURCE. The red arrows (emphasis ours) show the source of light based on the images' shadows. Photo from Philippine Army

Meanwhile, the image of the people appears to be illuminated from above, giving an impression that this particular image was superimposed on the original photo.

Another thing worth noting is the image quality. The red box on the left (emphasis ours) also shows that the resolution of the image of the people (on the right) and that of the table with firearms (on the left) are different. The image of the table has better quality while the image of the people is blurred.



CROPPED? The red box on the right (emphasis ours) shows the cropped foot of the man. Photo from Philippine Army

The smaller red box on the right, meanwhile, showed that the foot of the man on the lower right side of the photo seemed to have been cropped.

Twitter user @IAmJoannaD also noted that the clothes of the alleged rebels matched an old photo posted on Facebook in June 2017. At least 8 alleged rebels have the same clothes as those in the June 2017 photo.


Joanna D. @IAmJoannaD

Replying to @rapplerdotcom @reyaikaNot only manipulated. Recycled too. Same clothes since 2017.


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3:49 AM - Dec 27, 2019
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Response

In a statement sent to Rappler, the Army admitted to manipulating the photos to "ensure the safety" of the surrenderers. Aguilar said they were "not able to double check" the photos prior to dissemination.

"Our line unit's intention is not to mislead the public, but to protect the lives of the former rebels (FRs) who placed themselves at risk by surrendering to the government," said Aguilar.

While the Army said it was a mistake to digitally manipulate the photos, it did not address the observation that the rebels in the edited photo were wearing the same clothes as those who surrendered in 2017.

"We admit to have committed a mistake though by manipulating the picture for the sole purpose of ensuring the safety of the lives of the FRs and their families," Aguilar said.

"We apologize for the honest mistake. We are hoping for your kind understanding," he added.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/248052-philippine-army-photoshopped-communist-surrenderers

CPP marks 51st anniversary; Reds condemned at rallies

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 27, 2019): CPP marks 51st anniversary; Reds condemned at rallies (By Gilbert P. Bayoran)

Negrenses and authorities yesterday condemned atrocities perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA), whose political wing, the Communist Party of the Philippines, marked its 51st founding anniversary yesterday, with simultaneous indignation rallies held in Negros Occidental towns and cities.

The participants in the rallies spearheaded by the Municipal and City Task Forces To End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Negros Occidental, also slammed other forms of banditry activities of the NPA.

Lt. Col. Ariel Pico, Bacolod City Police Office spokesman, said yesterday that the indignation rallies were held to further enlighten Negrenses about the deceptions of the CPP-NPA, and to condemn the atrocities they had been committing for 51 years.

Former rebels, who spoke during the indignation rally at the Fountain of Justice in front of the City Hall at Araneta Street, Bacolod City, also revealed the modus operandi of the NPA in recruiting new members, killing innocent civilians in the guise of what they claim to be revolutionary justice and their extortion activities.

In marking the 51st CPP founding celebration, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the NPA called for the advancement of what it calls the “People’s War” in the new decade of armed struggle.

Rebel group spokesperson Ka Cecille Estrella said that they were giving the highest salute to all revolutionary martyrs in northern Negros, including former Escalante City Councilor Bernardino “Toto” Patigas, Felipe Dacal-Dacal and peasants massacred in Sagay City, and other victims of state terrorism in Negros Island.

The revolutionary movement will not rest until justice is served to all victims of state fascism, Estrella said. She also claimed that the armed revolutionary movement gained strength through active and determined engagement with the challenges posed by the de facto Martial Law in Negros in 2019.

The Apolinario Gatmaitan and Armando Sumayang Jr. Commands also claimed that the revolutionary movement in Negros is also pushing for the resumption of peace talks between the National Democratic Front and the Philippine government.

The rebel groups also said that they will comply with the 15-day holiday truce in Negros island, but will not let their guards down.

Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, regional police director of Western Visayas, said yesterday that the NPA is now on defensive mode after violating the 15-day ceasefire agreement, citing the ambush of police troopers in Iloilo by rebels, who used landmines.

“The act of terrorism and violence only shows the weak leadership of the CPP/NDF by not having control over the NPA,” Pamuspusan said.

Capt. Cenon Pancito, 3rd Infantry Divisions spokesperson, said yesterday that the CPP-NPA will not win the war, as they have failed to achieve any strategic victory against the government for more than 50 years of fighting.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/December/27/topstory5.htm

Who were the Indonesian husband and wife behind Jolo bombing?

Posted to Rappler (Dec 27, 2019): Who were the Indonesian husband and wife behind Jolo bombing? (By Ana P. Santos)

Rullie Rian Zeke and Ulfah Handayani Saleh were members of the Indonesian ISIS-linked terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah



BOMBERS. The Indonesian couple that bombed the Jolo cathedral in January 2019 once tried to migrate to the caliphate in Syria, only to be deported back to Indonesia.

JAKARTA, Indonesia – The churchgoers did not notice the woman who left a bag in one of the pews as they began filing into the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo for Sunday morning Mass in January 2019.

A few minutes before 9 am, a bomb exploded inside the church. As churchgoers scrambled to get out of the cathedral, a second bomb blew up in the nearby parking lot.

The twin explosions that morning of January 27, 2019 killed 23 people, wounded 95 others, and happened barely a week after voters ratified the law creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In a series of Telegram messages, the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attacks.

It was the second suicide bomb attack in the Philippines since the Basilan bomb attack on a military outpost in 2018 in the town of Lamitan, and the first to involve a woman.

In July, Indonesian National Police Spokesperson Brigadier General Dedi Prasetyo confirmed that an Indonesian couple, 35-year-old Rullie Rian Zeke and his 32-year-old wife, Ulfah Handayani Saleh, were behind the attack. The two were members of the Indonesian ISIS-linked terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

Philippine police sources said the couple met with Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan when they arrived in Zamboanga in December 2018. Sawadjaan is alleged to have taken over as the ISIS Philippine wilayah leader after slain Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS-affiliated Isnilon Hapilon was killed in the 2017 Marawi siege.

The same sources said the couple could have been encouraged to come to the Philippines by spiritual advisor and JAD member Khalid Abu Bakar, who, according to terrorism expert, once said: "If you can’t go to Syria to fight jihad, go to the Philippines.”

Beyond Syria

The defeat of ISIS in Syria and Iraq by US-led forces shrank the organization’s occupied territories but it did not extinguish the zeal that fires its violent ideology.

According to a recent report of the Institute of Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC), the defeat of ISIS in the Middle East did not discourage jihadist networks in Indonesia. Rather, it emboldened them to expand the radius of terror at home.

The use of children in the 2018 chain of suicide bomb attacks that killed 28 people in Surabaya, for example, was unprecedented in Indonesia and shocked the world. Like Zeke and Saleh, one of the families involved in that attack had also traveled to Turkey with the intention of entering Syria.

The couple’s journey from Indonesia to the Philippines was a long circuitous one that could be traced back to Turkey.

According to Jakarta-based terrorism expert and director of IPAC Sidney Jones, the couple and 4 of their children traveled to Turkey in March 2016 where they waited for a chance to enter Syria and live in The Caliphate.

Their two older children, Cici and Yusuf, had arrived there ahead of them.

Numbers vary and are hard to ascertain, but former Indonesian police chief experts estimate that about 1,000 Indonesians traveled to Turkey, hoping to make their way to Syria or Iraq to answer the ISIS leader Abu Bakr Baghdadi’s call to hijrah (migration) after he declared the caliphate in June 2014.

An IPAC report estimated that most of the deportees (the term used for Indonesians who overstayed at the Turkish border and were sent back to Indonesia) they interviewed as they underwent their rehabilitation program were mostly middle class, with about 30% having received tertiary education. While almost half were men between the ages of 30-39, there were also women, children, and elderly people.

Many sold their properties and disposed of all their belongings to fund the trip, which, according to estimates by IPAC, would run up to at least IDR 50 million or $3,550 per person over 6 months.

The amount is substantial considering that the average Indonesian monthly salary is about $320, but the cost is immaterial compared to what they believed awaited them in The Caliphate: a chance to die a martyr fighting the Coalition Forces alongside other foreign terrorist fighters or life in an Islamic utopia that slick propaganda videos and radical blogs and websites painted as the pure Islamic State.

In that state is supposedly free housing and medical services plus “a supply of food such as spaghetti, pasta, canned food, rice, eggs...and a monthly allowance not just of the husband and wife or wives, but also for each child.”

According to Jones, Zeke and Rullie were deported to Indonesia in January 2017 with only 4 of their children. Their teenage son, Yusuf, reportedly made it into Syria and fought with the Islamic State. He is believed to either be detained in prison or dead. The whereabouts of another daughter also remain unknown.

Failure of deradicalization

When Turkish authorities began expelling foreigners who were camped out at their border, Indonesia was faced with a wave of deportations that peaked in 2017. Authorities found themselves overwhelmed and undermanned to deal with the surge of deportees that were sent back home.

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs set up a rehabilitation program that ran for two weeks to one month, depending on the level of risk and indoctrination. After the program, the deportees were made to sign a pledge of allegiance to Indonesia and sent back home to resume normal life.

In an interview with Rappler last November, chief of the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Suhardi Alius confirmed that the couple had undergone a one-month rehabilitation program before they were sent back to South Sulawesi where Zeke worked as a food vendor.

Zeke had a long history of criminality and terrorist links.

According to IPAC's Jones, his first known connection to terror networks goes back to 1999 with the Mujahideen Indonesia Timor (MIT), a coalition of ISIS-affiliated groups. He was also linked with local gangs that use an Islamic organization as a front to extort money.

Considering that radicalization is a gradual process, terrorism expert Adhe Bhakti described the state-run rehabilitation program as insufficient and rudimentary. “It’s a hit-and-miss rehabilitation program,” he said.

BNPT's Alius acknowledged that a one-month deradicalization program is insufficient.

The Jolo bombing prompted the BNPT and the social ministry to work on extending future deradicalization programs to 6 months up to one year. Government is also working on strengthening post-rehabilitation monitoring to ensure that former terrorists and sympathizers do not fall back into the path of violent extremism.

“What we are dealing with is an ideology, a mindset. The bigger challenge is when they go back to society and they go back to the same marginalized situation that led them to become radicalized,” said Alius.

“For radicalized people, every single conflict area in the world is like a target. They want to express their solidarity with other Muslims they see as being oppressed. We have to pay attention to their motivations. We cannot make them feel marginalized again,” he added.

From Indonesia to Jolo

The couple triggered surveillance alarms in August 2018 when photos of Zeke in a terrorist lair in Jolo surfaced.

According to Al Chaidar, a terrorism expert and professor at the Malikussaleh University in Indonesia, Zeke may have come to the Philippines as early as May 2018.

Saleh, 32, followed him to Mindanao with two of their young children, Ahmad and Aisha, sometime in December 2018 via Sabah in Malaysia. She was accompanied by an older daughter, Cici, and Indonesian Andi Baso, an alleged bomb maker for the Abu Sayaff, who is reportedly married to Cici.

It is unclear how the family made it to Sabah as they used illegal travel channels, that backdoor part of Southeast Asia being the most porous.

Malaysian intelligence documents indicate that their link is the suspected bomb maker Baso, who knew Mohammad Alif Bin, a radical Malaysian who went by the name “Yoga.”

In his confession to the Malaysian police, Yoga said he had helped Saleh, her children, and Baso travel to Zamboanga and that he had witnessed the wedding of Baso and Cici on November 20, 2018 in Sabah.

From his confession and the accounts of other suspects arrested in the Philippines, the Indonesian authorities were able to trace Zeke and Saleh as being behind the Jolo bombing.

Their children, Ahmad and Aisha, are said to still be in Jolo under the care of Baso and Cici. – with reports from Jet Damazo Santos/Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/247991-indonesian-husband-wife-behind-jolo-bombing

Official ceasefire orders shown to communist peace panel

From Rappler (Dec 27, 2019: Official ceasefire orders shown to communist peace panel (By JC Gotinga)

After a tussle over alleged truce violations by communist rebels, the National Democratic Front now hopes the ceasefire can 'proceed effectively'



OFFICIAL ORDERS. The government has sent copies of official military and police ceasefire orders to the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines, following accusations of truce violations by communist guerrillas. File photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

The negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines has received copies of official military and police orders to suspend offensives against communist guerrillas over the holidays, the NDF panel head Fidel Agcaoili said in a statement on Thursday, December 26.

“We hope that from hereon the unilateral and reciprocal ceasefires declared by the two Parties shall proceed effectively,” Agcaoili said, days after the government accused the communist party of violating a ceasefire with 3 separate attacks on army and police personnel on Monday, December 23, the first day of the truce.

The NDF is the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The government had reciprocated the NDF panel’s unilateral declaration of a ceasefire from December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020, as the two sides plan to revive peace negotiations.

Agcaoili said they received copies of the Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) issued by the Philippine military chief General Noel Clement, and of the Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) from Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa, on Thursday at 8:54 am Dutch time, or 3:54 pm Philippine time.

The SOMO was dated December 24. The SOPO, dated December 22, came with a memorandum from Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, dated December 23.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who leads the government peace panel, sent whe copies of the orders. He met with Agcaoili and CPP founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison earlier in December in Utrecht, the Netherlands, where the communist leaders are exiled.

Sison earlier threatened to cancel the ceasefire if the NDF is not shown copies of the official orders, the Inquirer reported.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo then responded by saying the orders were “not forthcoming.”

“Sison and his comrades can proceed with the cancellation of the ceasefire and the President will oblige them. In the first place, they have violated their own declared unilateral ceasefire. So there is not even logic in their threat,” Panelo said in a statement on Friday morning, December 27.

Peace talks

The government and the NDF are gearing up for yet another round of peace talks proposed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 5.

Earlier negotiations between the Duterte administration and the communist rebels foundered over accusations that communist rebels violated a ceasefire. That round of peace talks was terminated in November 2017.

The government afterwards launched “localized peace talks” upon Duterte’s orders in December 2018. Local government units, the military, and the police have since dealt with individual New People's Army fronts, urging them to surrender as armed offensives against them continue.

On Monday, after the government and the NDF agreed on a ceasefire, the military and police reported 3 ambushes that they blamed on the NPA. Two policemen were injured in an attack in Iloilo, while an army soldier was killed and 6 more wounded in an ambush in Camarines Norte. A third attack happened in Quezon.

The government condemned the incidents as ceasefire violations, but Duterte allowed the communist party to explain the incidents. Agcaoili claimed the NPA guerrillas were only defending themselves against “sustained operations” of the police and military despite the ceasefire.

The military said the incidents showed the CPP and the NDF had lost control over the NPA. Security officials have been wary of negotiating with the communist rebels.

The issuance of the SOMO and SOPO puts the matter to rest, Sison said in a statement on Friday.

“At this point in time, there is no more problem about continuing the CPP ceasefire order to the NPA…. The best thing to do is cool down and proceed with the reciprocal ceasefires and let them generate goodwill and confidence in preparation for the resumption of the peace negotiations,” Sison said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/248036-official-ceasefire-orders-shown-communist-peace-panel

Another Cordilleran sacrifices life for country

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Another Cordilleran sacrifices life for country (By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis)

BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- Another Cordilleran soldier who sacrificed his life for the country was laid to rest in his hometown in Pinukpuk, Kalinga.

Army Corporal Adonis Valera, a Scout Ranger and a member of the 86th Infantry Battalion, was shot in an encounter between elements of the communist terrorist group in Barangay Villa Rey, Echague, Isabela on December 14.

Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division Spokesperson Major Noriel Tayaban said that the 86th IB responded to reports of extortion activities in Barangay Villa Rey by alleged members of the New Peoples Army from the Regional Sentro de Gravidad Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) that led to fire fight.

The encounter that ensued between the government forces and a still unidentified number of rebels lasted for more than 20 minutes. Unfortunately, Valera was seriously hit while Corporal Harold Ganagan of Tinglayan, Kalinga and Fajaro Manuel of Paracelis, Mountain Province were wounded.
Valera was among the heroes of the Marawi siege that fought against the communist terrorists for the liberation of Marawi in 2017. He was a recipient of the Gold Cross Medal from President Rodrigo Duterte for his gallantry of action during the Marawi siege.

Tayaban said that the Army intensified the military operations in Cagayan Valley Region in anticipation of possible terrorism attack by the NPA rebels to the military and police camps, communication installations and heavy equipment on the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26.

MGen. Pablo Lorenzo, 5th Infantry Division Commanding General, hailed the bravery and gallantry of the Kalinga warrior during a funeral mass ceremony held at the Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela before he was brought to his hometown.

He said Valera is a true warrior and a full blooded Startrooper, who paid the ultimate sacrifice by dedicating his life for the liberation of the people of Isabela against the CTGs.

“The people of Isabela and your fellow Startroopers will always be indebted to you. Rest in peace, hero.” (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)



https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032037

Town dad to NPA: Spare youth from recruitment

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Town dad to NPA: Spare youth from recruitment (By Leonard T. Pineda, I)

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA6) -- The top local chief executive of an Iloilo town has appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) to spare the youth from their recruitment activities.

Tubungan municipal mayor Roquito Tacsagon said that rebel groups should stop recruiting young people, especially minors, particularly in their municipality.

“These young people still have a bright future ahead of them,” he said in the local dialect, adding that the youth do not belong to these rebel groups.
He said that the communist terrorist groups would recruit these young people by enticing them to hold and possess arms and weapons.

He added that an estimated nine to 11 barangays of his municipality are affected by the presence of the rebel groups.

Meanwhile, Tacsagon said that when he started his administration six months ago, he pledged to eradicate insurgency and local armed conflicts in their municipality.

He said he has been implementing programs and initiatives particularly in far-flung mountainous areas as means to provide livelihood and prepare people for employment opportunities. (JBG/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032031

Hero Filipino general proposes solution to extremism

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Hero Filipino general proposes solution to extremism (By Dominic I. Sanchez)



ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) – The country’s hero general has proposed for a solution to end violent extremism in the Southern Philippines.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, a recipient of the country’s highest military award, the Medal for Valor and current commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) recently met in Sulu with high officials of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi last week where he outlined his “BRAVE” proposal to finally bring to an end violent extremism in the areas. BRAVE stands for Broad Reform Against Violent Extremism.

“The BRAVE adopts the strategic framework of the Program against Violent Extremism for Peace which depicts the interplay of good governance, law enforcement and community participation,” the general said.

WESTMINCOM spokesperson Maj. Arvin John Encinas explained that the commander’s proposal is actually a reform program that focuses on three objectives that include “eliminating the drivers of violent extremism, comprehensive mainstreaming of former rebels and finally sustaining peace and development in the country and in the province as a whole”.

Among those who attended the meeting with the general were Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Saliman, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali and Basilan Congressman Mujiv Hataman, said Encinas. (NBE/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga with reports from WESTMINCOM PIO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032023

Anti-NPA group stages indignation rally vs CPP-NPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Anti-NPA group stages indignation rally vs CPP-NPA (By Gideon C. Corgue)



PAGADIAN CITY, December 27 (PIA)— The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD), an anti-communist group advocating nationalism and democracy on Thursday marched on the streets here to denounce all forms of violence, terrorism, and atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

At 9 a.m., the protesters assembled in front of City Hall, then marched down to major streets bringing with them their placards and shouting “Mabuhay ang Demokrasya, Mabuhay ang Kalinaw” (Long live democracy, long live peace!) and proceeded to wharf area where they held a short program.

Roel Dago-oc, Secretary General of NAD urged the public to strongly support Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte which seeks for the creation of National-Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) saying that the president’s program is the only solution to address the root causes of insurgency in the country.

Dago-oc said the NAD is doing their indignation rally every December 26 of the year, to raise the level of awareness of the public on the bloody and evil deeds of the NPA.

“We counter the black propaganda of the revolutionary movement so that the Lumads and youths will not be victimized again. We also vowed to conduct more anti-communist rallies,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aka Jack, a former political officer of CPP-NPA for 20 years said the Filipino people should condemn the 50 years of killings by the communist group which, he said, have affected the country’s socio-economic growth.

“Liboan nga mga sundalo, pulis ug inosenteng civilians ang namatay tungod sa harassment, ambush, ug pagpamatay nga gihimo sa CPP-NPA. Kini nga mga butang wala nakahatag kaayuhan sa katawhang Pilipino,” Aka Jack announced.

(Thousands of soldiers, police and innocent civilians died due to harassment, ambush, liquidation and killing committed by the CPP-NPA which does not give any good to the Filipino people.)

“I am appealing to the CPP-NPA members in the mountains to go down and surrender to the government because President Rodrigo Duterte faithfully implemented his Executive Order No. 70 that gives benefits to rebels who will give up their arms and return to our society, he concluded.

The protesters burned the NPA flags and the effigies of (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison, former Bayan Muna party-list representatives Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casino, to signify their condemnation of violence committed by the New People’s Army (NPA) in time for the celebration of its 51th anniversary of the revolutionary movement.

The rally was spearheaded by the Pagadian City Philippine National Police. (NBE.GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032046

Indignation rally vs CPP-NPA-NDF held in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Indignation rally vs CPP-NPA-NDF held in Caraga (By PNP Caraga)

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 27 -- Police units in Caraga spearheaded the conduct of indignation rally condemning the atrocities and illegal activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) on Thursday, December 26.

Various stakeholders, government employees, civilians, and former rebels also attended the activity which coincided with the 51st anniversary of the CPP.
Some of the participants marched on the main thoroughfares while others held the rally in front of the municipal halls while holding streamers/placards containing messages denouncing crimes committed by the terrorists like extortion and killing of innocent civilians.

“Our people are already fed up with the human rights violations of the terrorists. In fact in some areas, the flag of the CPP-NPA was burned by the people,” Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 director said.

The region’s top cop added that the relentless counterinsurgency campaign of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police has been successful in the region as manifested by the large number of rebels who returned to the folds of the law and the decreasing support of the masses to the armed struggle. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032066

3 NPA rebs surrender to Iloilo town mayor, army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): 3 NPA rebs surrender to Iloilo town mayor, army (By 61IB CMO-Philippine Army)

CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao, Iloilo, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- Three members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist Group voluntarily surrendered to the Local Government of Tubungan and the Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battallion (61IB) on December 26, 2019.

Tubungan mayor Roquito G. Tacsagon negotiated for the surrender of a certain Michael, 25 years old; Lanie, 21 years old; and Maribel, 19 years old, all from Tubungan, Iloilo.

The three surrenderers yielded one Caliber .45 pistol and Caliber .38 revolver.

Tacsagon said, during the presentation of surrenderers at Camp Monteclaro, Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo on Thursday, December 26, that this is the best gift they can give to themselves and to their families especially during this Christmas Season.

The local government unit of Tubungan will give its full support to the surrenderers as they decided to be productive members of the municipality, said Tacsagon.

He also encouraged the surrenderers to motivate others to go back to the mainstream of society and avail of government programs.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict G. Batara, 61IB commanding officer, lauded the efforts of the Tubungan LGU for its unwavering support to the surrenderers.

He congratulated the surrenderers for choosing the best gift this Yuletide season, the gift of having a peaceful life by abandoning the armed struggle.

"This is the best decision in their life after having been deceived by the CTG of joining a useless armed struggle", Batara said.

Meanwhile, Col. Marion R Sison, Commander of the 301 Infantry Brigade, commended the noble acts and efforts of Tubungan mayor Tacsagon in the campaign for peace and development of the municipality.

He likewise made it as an example for other LGUs and Local Chief Executives to emulate in order to achieve lasting peace and progress not only in their respective municipalities but for the whole Panay Island. (JBG/1Lt. Hazel Joy Durotan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032067

Borongan City SKs stage indignation rally vs NPAs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Borongan City SKs stage indignation rally vs NPAs  (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)



BORONGAN CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA)—The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Borongan staged an indignation rally vs the NPAs on December 26, 2019.

SK Borongan City Federation President May Lanie Anacta led the rally supported by Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Rozen Daza, the city government, the police, the Philippine Army and other uniformed personnel.

Some of them held placards saying: CPP-NPA-NDF Layas sa Borongan.(CPP-NPA-NDF scram from Borongan.)

Others said: 51 ka tuig panguwat, undang na. (51 years of deception, stop.)

In her message, Anacta urged the SK officials to impose upon themselves the responsibility of relaying information to thwart off the atrocities of the NPAs, and especially the recruitment they do to their fellow young people.

SK Borongan City Federation President May Lanie Anacta led the recitation of the pledge to denounce the CPP_NPA-NDF at the indignation rally on Dec. 26, 2019 in the city. (PIA -E Samar)

"Please naman, magtrabaho naman tayo, maging alerto sa kanya-kanyang barangay, na sabihan ang mga SK na wag basta magtiwala sa mga mag co conduct ng orientation at magbuo ng grupo sa ibang kadahilanan," she said.

"In the incident that happened in Libuton, kabataan ang umatake, kaedad natin, imagine, dahil tayo ay mapusok, at idealistic, they take advantage of our sense of idealism and adventurism."

For his part, Borongan City Chief of Police, Lt. Col. Douglas Eloja cautioned the youth from the deceptive recruitment of the young.

Borongan City Chief of Police, Lt. Col. Douglas Eloja cautioned the youth from the deceptive recruitment of the NPAs. (PIA E. Samar)

"Ano ang iyong magiging kinabukasan, kung sa CPP-NPA-NDF ikaw ay magpapalinlang? Kapag nakapasok na o na recruit na kayo sa pamamagitan ng legal na organisasyon, bibigyan sila ng pag-aaral particular na sa lipunan at rebolusyon at marami pang pag-aaral na unti-unting lalason sa kaisipan ninyo," (What will be your future if you join the CPP-NPA-NDF? Once recruited by their legal fronts, you will be given lectures on the society and revolution, by then they will started poisoning your young minds.)

"Pumasok sa klase at pandayin ang iyong kinabukasan, hiwag umanib sa mga kilos protesta," (Go to school, shape your future through education, do not join leftist protests.) Eloja said.

He then urged the parents: "Bantayan ninyo ang inyong mga anak!"

Eloja then asked those present to support Executive Order Number 70 or Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

"Let us denounce /condemn all forms of violence, terrorism and atrocities and support peace and development building initiatives of the present government."

The rallyists also held a pledge of commitment to support ELCAC/ denounce the CTG/NPA/NDF/CPP/NPA).

As their final activity, the group burned a flag of the leftist movement.

The indignation rally vs the CTGs were held nationwide, simultaneously. (nbq/PIA 8-E. Samar)

 
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032065

NAD holds anti-communists rally as CPP celebrates anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): NAD holds anti-communists rally as CPP celebrates anniversary (By Leah Agonoy)



SISON BURNS. The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD) burns the effigy of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison in a peace rally Thursday, December 26, in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. The rally is a counteraction of NAD while the CPP celebrates its 51st founding anniversary Thursday. (Photo by Leah B. Agonoy)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur - The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD) has called on the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to return to the folds of the law as they held a peace rally Thursday in this city.

The NAD held the peace rally in time for the 51st founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), a revolutionary organization founded by Jose Maria Sison on December 26, 1968.

NAD is an organized group engaged in anti-communists advocacy. It has chapters all over the country.

Roel Dago-oc, NAD secretary-general, said the peace rally is a counteraction to the anniversary celebration of the CPP “para maipaabot sa ating mga kapatid na NPA na sana ay magbalik-loob na sila sa gobyerno (to tell them to surrender to the government)” as the current administration is addressing all the issues pushed for by their group.
“This is our way of sending the message to those who are still struggling in the mountains, encouraging them to go back and work with the government for peace and development,” Dago-oc said.

The group burned the effigy of Sison, whom they say is living a luxurious life in The Netherlands, while his followers suffer the hardship hiding in the mountains while pushing for a senseless ideology.

Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division acting commander, recognized the efforts and enthusiasm of NAD for their anti-communists advocacy.

“We look forward to the Communist NPA terrorist changing their mind and surrender, spend the yuletide with their families, and benefit from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” Gaerlan said.

Those who joined the peace rally were NAD members from the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental areas.

The rally this year’s is the third activity the NAD held against the CPP anniversary celebration.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089571

Davao groups condemn NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): Davao groups condemn NPA (By Che Palicte) 



INDIGNATION RALLY. Groups condemn the anti-government, anti-people activities and atrocities caused by the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPPNDF-NPA) during the indignation rally in Davao City on Thursday (December 26). About 250 people joined the indignation rally, led by the United Davao Riders Club, and Civilian Volunteer Task Force. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

Various groups convened here on Thursday to condemn the anti-government, anti-people and atrocities brought by the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPPNDF-NPA).
About 250 individuals joined the indignation rally, which is participated in by the United Davao Riders Club, and Civilian Volunteer Task Force.

In an interview, Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO 11) director, said the CPP anniversary should not be celebrated as it only recognized violence and terrorism.

“They should not be given attention. Their celebration is advancing violence or advancing terrorism,” he said.

He added that the indignation rally is intended as a campaign for peace and order and informs the public that it is only the government’s voice that should be heard.

“There is a need to educate and inform the public that these groups are all criminal. They belonged to a criminal organization because they have committed criminal offenses to our country,” Escobal said.

He also added that they should not be called a rebel group since the CPP and its various arms were formed as a criminal group. As the country developed, Escobal cited that the group continues to terrorize, exercise atrocities and extort from the businessmen and investors.

“The productivity of our fellowmen was affected because of their activities. There are companies who are willing to give jobs for the Filipinos but they [NPAs] continue to extort from them which resulted in their closure,” Escobal said.

Meanwhile, during the indignation rally, a certain alias Alpon, a rebel returnee, shared his 19 years’ experience as an active member of the NPA.

He said he is afraid that his testimonies might endanger his life but the public must know the real truth about the activities of the rebel group.

“For 19 years’, I realized that there is no good in fighting the government.

'All those years, I only felt that the ideologies that we were fighting were actually wrong,” he said.

He also thanked his comrades who also returned to the folds of the law and that he had expected more returnees since most of those who are still active are now doubting the rebel group.

“We fought because we thought our ideologies are right, but the truth is, they are not helping the poor. It is very easy for us to join them but it is so hard to get out and cut our ties with them,” he added.

He said that his family was ashamed because he joined the rebel group and became known as an anti-government.

“If they will recruit you, think about your life and your family. Do not be deceived by what they offer. I myself is a living proof that they are not for the people’s welfare,” Alpon added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089581

NoCot guv urges RPOC-12 to sustain EO 70 support

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): NoCot guv urges RPOC-12 to sustain EO 70 support (By Edwin Fernandez)



ANTI-COMMUNISM SUPPORT. North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco stresses a point during the year-end meeting of Soccsksargen’s regional peace and order council (RPOC) in Koronadal City on Thursday (Dec. 26, 2019). During the meeting, the RPOC passed a resolution expressing all-out support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, more known as the “whole of nation approach” in addressing communist insurgency. (Photo courtesy of Governor Catamco office)

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco has called on all members of the Soccsksargen Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) to fully support President Rodrigo Duterte’s desire to end the communist-led armed fighting and terrorism in the southern Philippines.

During the year-end RPOC meeting in Koronadal City on December 26, Catamco moved for the passage of a resolution expressing all-out support to President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, more known as the “whole of nation approach” in addressing communist insurgency.

The council adopted her proposed resolution.

The RPOC meeting was held while anti-communist groups held protest rallies against the NPAs operating in the Soccsksargen region.
Catamco said the RPOC and different local government units have been collaborating, pushing and implementing programs and initiatives in order to contribute to the government’s desire for sustainable peace.

She said EO 70 had been reaping gains tremendously, especially in North Cotabato.

“This EO 70 has been noted to have contributed significant changes in the security landscape in the localities and in the region as a whole,” Catamco said in a statement.

The resolution was pushed by Catamco after the RPOC chair, Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, called for massive local initiatives in addressing insurgency and terrorism.

Mangudadatu said that martial law must not be lifted in Mindanao.

“Martial law is still effective in ensuring safety and it remained to be an effective tool initiated by PRRD to address insurgency and lawlessness in Mindanao,” Suharto said during the session.

Mangudadatu added that martial law also helped address drug-related concerns that emanate in Maguindanao and spread to the Soccsksargen area.

Catamco told the RPOC that in North Cotabato, 29 NPA rebels opted to surrender and were recipients of government livelihood assistance through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In attendance during the RPOC meeting were Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Jose Faustino Jr, 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon and DILG 12 Regional Director Josephine Leysa.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089584

306 CTG members, supporters surrender in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27, 2019): 306 CTG members, supporters surrender in Masbate (By Connie Calipay)



SURRENDERED. At least 300 New People's Army, Milisyang Bayan members, Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad officers, members, and supporters surrendered in Masbate province on Thursday (Dec. 26, 2019). The recent mass surrender of the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) manifests that the government’s effort to offer peace is on the right track and that the influence of the communist group is weakening. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division)

A total of 306 New People's Army (NPA) fighters, Milisyang Bayan (MB) members, Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) officers, members, and supporters surrendered in Masbate Province on Thursday, a military official said Friday.

In an interview, Maj. Ricky Aguilar, the 9th Infantry Division officer, said the mass surrenderers are composed of 47 regular NPA members, 150 MB members, 51 SPL officers and members, and 58 supporters.

Aguilar added the group also surrendered 49 various firearms and three improvised explosive devices.

In a statement on Thursday, Aguilar said Lt. Col. Napoleon Pabon, Commanding Officer of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), said the government will take care of the former rebels after they have laid down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

"We need to ensure that all benefits and necessary remunerations, especially housing and kabuhayan (livelihood) packages, be provided them by concerned agencies in constant collaboration with the local government of the province,” Pabon said.

Pabon added that the recent mass surrender of the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) manifests that the government’s effort to offer peace is on the right track and that the influence of the communist group is weakening.

Major Gen. Fernando Trinidad, 9ID commanding officer, reiterated that the armed struggle pushed by the Communist Party of the Philippines and its terror acts such as the recent ambush in Labo, Camarines Norte that killed a soldier and wounded six others will never solve the society’s underlying problems.

Trinidad urged the communist terrorists to take the cue of their former comrades who decided to return to the folds of the law and live peacefully with their families.

"The government is more than ready to welcome and help them re-establish their lives through the different programs of Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 5 as part of the government’s intensified implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach," he added.

A nationwide indignation rally was also staged on Thursday, condemning the violence and illegal activities being spread by the CPP that impede the government’s effort for sustainable peace and development.

In the Bicol region, the same activity was launched in the cities of Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon, and Masbate, and in Daet, Camarines Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089582