Reds have no intention of honoring Covid-19 truce: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2020): Reds have no intention of honoring Covid-19 truce: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.

Despite their pronouncements of a unilateral ceasefire starting March 26 up to April 15 in wake of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, the New People's Army (NPA) has obviously no intention to comply with the truce as their forces attacked military personnel in Rodriguez, Rizal on Saturday.

“NPA has made it clear that they will not honor their ceasefire declaration at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said in a statement on Sunday.

The NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), declared the ceasefire in response to the government's declaration of unilateral ceasefire effective March 19 to April 15 so that it can fully focused on containing Covid-19 outbreak.

A firefight at Sitio Malasya Uyungan in Brgy Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal broke out between 30 NPA members and troops from the 2nd Infantry Division (ID) who are in the area doing community work, Santos said.

"One enemy was killed and we were also able to seize one M-16 rifle, one grenade, and one rifle grenade. Though we suspect more losses from the enemy side considering the amount of blood stains left in the encounter site. One of our soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while two others were wounded in this encounter," he added.

Santos said the botched attack against military personnel was part of futile NPA attempt to project relevance and power on their 51st founding anniversary which falls on March 29.

"They were planning to celebrate their anniversary on March 29 with a bang," he added.

Santos also said this unprovoked attack belies the NPA's so-called "humanitarian principles" and expose the exploitative nature of their ceasefire declaration.

"Unfortunately for them, our troops on proactive defense nationwide are ready and are expecting such treachery," he added.

He said latest defeat by the communist rebels should teach that as the AFP mobilizes to contain the Covid-19 threat, it will not back down against groups or individuals planning to disrupt the peace.

As this developed, he lauded members of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, under the 2nd ID for their successful operations that led to the surrender of 40 NPA terrorists last March.

"The surrender marks the rebel group’s more than 50 years of failed revolution as they continue to lose their mass base support due to their dwindling numbers," Santos said.

Led by 2nd ID commander Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., the unit, together with the Philippine National Police, successfully carried out the operations in General Nakar, Quezon, and Kalayaan and Sta. Rosa municipalities in Laguna.

"Those who surrendered brought along with them 14 assorted high-powered firearms, ammunition, other materiel and documents," Santos said.

He added that this significant accomplishment is a result of the combined community support programs of the AFP and PNP coupled with sustained vigilance amidst the current fight against the spread of Covid-19.

"This is all in support to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that promotes a whole of nation and whole of government approach to achieve lasting peace and security in the country," Santos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098153

Palace condemns NPA violation of Covid-19 truce

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2020): Palace condemns NPA violation of Covid-19 truce (By Azer Parrocha)

Malacañang on Sunday condemned the violation of the ceasefire declaration after a clash broke out between government troops and communist rebels in Barangay Puray in Rodriguez, Rizal on Saturday afternoon.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the attack launched by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) showed their “insincerity” in declaring a ceasefire due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We strongly condemn in the strongest terms the NPA attack on our soldiers while the latter were doing community work in Barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal in the face of a declaration of ceasefire on both sides and in the midst of an emergency health crisis,” he said in a statement.

He said the communist rebels showed disregard for people’s welfare by placing civilians in danger and disrupting the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in that area.

The attack “unmasked the treacherous character of the NPA” when it declared a ceasefire following the government’s own declaration, he said.

He also praised the country’s armed forces readiness to defend themselves from attacks despite the truce in place.

“That we were able to repulse the NPA’s perfidious armed offensive demonstrates the preparedness of our armed forces against the purveyors of hate and anarchy even as they perform their additional task of assisting in the implementation of the protocols and guidelines established by the government,” he said.

He assured the public that law enforcement authorities are “equipped and ready” to crush any armed attack against soldiers and civilians with “ferocity and might.”

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said the clash “made it clear” that the NPA will ignore the ceasefire declaration.

“This attack on our people throws away their so-called ‘humanitarian principles’ and expose the exploitative nature of their ceasefire declaration,” Santos said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, NPA, from March 19 until April 15.

After initially refusing to reciprocate the ceasefire declared by Duterte, CPP founder Jose Maria Sison announced that they would observe their own truce in response to the call of the United Nations (UN) for an immediate global ceasefire.

However, on Saturday, a soldier and an NPA gunman were killed when a Philippine Army Community Support Program (CSP) Team and communist insurgents clashed in Barangay Puray in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division based in Rizal, vowed to continue securing the safety of Filipinos and contain the spread of Covid-19 despite the attack.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098155

CPP-NPA virus deadlier than Covid-19: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2020): CPP-NPA virus deadlier than Covid-19: Parlade (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Southern Luzon Command chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. (PNA File photo)

While the military is assisting the government on containing the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., said efforts will continue to protect the country and its people against the deadlier menace of the “CPP-NPA virus".

"As we endeavor to assist the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) in the containment of the Covid-19, we will continue to secure our communities from this vicious and more dangerous CPP-NPA virus," he said in a statement Saturday, referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, New People’s Army.

Parlade, who is also a member of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), said he considers the CPP-NPA and its ideology deadlier than Covid-19 because it has killed thousands of Filipinos in the past 51 years.

"The latter (CPP-NPA) has killed a vast throng of our people, some (of them) JMS (CPP founding chair Jose Maria 'Joma' Sison) even call his revolutionary forces that include students, young children, and the marginalized sector," he added.

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

He also chided Sison on whether his "violent National Democratic Front" still has a place in the Philippines as the country and its people go about with their efforts to stop the spread of the dreaded Covid-19.

He made the statement as communist rebels struggle to find a replacement for National Military Commission head Julius Giron and overall CPP-NPA chairperson who was killed along with two others in an operation in Baguio City on March 13.

"As we are about to expose CPP chair Julius Giron, whose party wife Annie Tauli is Execom (Executive Committee) member of Ilocos Regional Party Committee and sister of former CPA turned UN Special Rapporteur Victoria Tauli Corpus, think Sison, how this is going to impact your credibility to the international community," Parlade said.

He added that If people can connect the dots, SIsion should start explaining how the CPP-NPA-NDF International Solidarity Works defrauded the UN (United Nations), EU (European Union) and several international organizations especially during times of crisis.

“All these connections with JMS, Giron, Tauli, will solidify the NTF ELCAC's position that all those sham HR (Human Rights) investigation of UNCHR (United Nations Commission on Human Rights) and of KARAPATAN, and NUPL (National Union of Peoples Lawyers) were all part of JMS and Giron's Oplan Talsik, in tandem with Oust Duterte of the Movement Against Tyranny that we exposed in October 2018," he added.

Parlade dared Sison to surrender now while at his peak of infamy, adding that by doing it, at least he will be remembered for fighting in the Netherlands rather in the Philippines with the rest of his communist rebel comrades.

"If I were JMS, I will consider capitulating while at the peak of my infamy. At least you will be remembered as a rebel who fought remotely in the comforts of (the) Netherlands before Covid-19 eats up your dark disgusting lungs," he added.

He also slammed Sison for always claiming that the CPP-NPA ranks are on the rise that shows his detachment to the realities in the Philippines.

"I wonder what CPP chair emeritus has to say about his NPAs. JMS is so detached from the realities in the Philippines. He keeps saying his army is growing. How is that possible with the killing of top CPP-NPA honcho Julius Giron? The capture and killing of many of their NPA leaders and political officers, and the exodus of surrender from his ranks?" he asked.

Arrogance

Sison's arrogance in not immediately reciprocating the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo R. Duterte for March 19 to April 15 to allow the AFP to focus on supporting anti-Covid-19 measures of the government was brought by the fact that he wants to win big against the military.

"Jose Maria Sison's arrogance in not reciprocating the SOMO (Suspension of Military Operations) declared by the PRRD to enable AFP to support the IATF (for the Management Emerging Infectious Diseases) has basis after all. He wanted to make sure that the CPP-NPA (will) be able to deliver a big blow to the AFP and its front line responders against Covid-19," he added.

Parlade said this plan of communist rebels was demonstrated by CPP-NPA forces attacks against troops visiting and informing communities about Covid-19 in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

This was followed by attacks and atrocities against communities in Lianga, Surigao and Kapalong, Davao Del Norte.

"(The communist terrorists) also started killing IPs (indigenous people) supportive of localized peace initiatives and of NTF ELCAC. Everything is going by the plan of the Central Committee to conduct tactical offensive nationwide," he added.

He said communist in Rizal and Quezon were poised to launch an attack against communities in Puray, Rodriguez over the weekend but the former mass base has already decided to support the government's NTF ELCAC and reported it the authorities.

"Acting on the community's info that the NPA was planning to attack, the troops executed a community defensive posture a kilometer away from the village. It resulted in the preemption of enemy attack, the killing of a high-ranking officer of the rebels, recovery of an M-16 rifle, a hand grenade, a rifle grenade, and the recovery of several CPP and Bayan paraphernalia. Unfortunately it also resulted in the killing of one soldier," he added, referring to the botched NPA attack against government forces in Rodriguez, Rizal on March 28.

More surrenderers

He added that Army commanders in Quezon reported the voluntary surrender of three communist terrorists armed with an M-16 automatic rifle and a .30 caliber M-1 Garand last March 26 and 27.

One of them is Arnel Merenio alias "Mark/Velasco", 23, single, resident of Barangay Malabahay, Macalelon, Quezon and a Squad Leader and 2nd Vice Platoon Leader, of PLTN SOL(M), SRMA4B who voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.

Meanwhile, the two others were Jayson Alpahora Capatasan alias "Alwin/Aldrin/Oka/Oca", and July Pepito Penaverde alias "Erwin/Endong" who surrendered to the Army’s 80th Infantry, 1ID and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Capatasan is the vice squad leader of PLTN 4A2/SDG PLTN, of Barangay Magsikap while Penaverde is a member of PLTN 4A2/SDG PLTN, resident of KM 19, Barangay Llavac, Real, Quezon.

Parlade said two ranking CPP-NPA leaders in Occidental Mindoro surrendered on March 28.

They are Dominador Penciano alias "Totsie/Jai/Naria", PL, PLTN DOS, GF ICM, SRMA 4D; and Joel Mejaro alias "Lenny/Libby", GP, Squad Tolits, PLTN GMT, SRMA 4D. Both surrendered to Sablayan Mayor Andres Dangeros after seeing the sincerity of the government's Executive Order 70.

On March 28, the eve of the 51st NPA anniversary, he said, 40 regular NPA members and Militia ng Bayan (MBs) in Camp General Nakar, Quezon , Kalayaan and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The group turned in war material, 14 firearms including one M-16, one M-14, two carbines, one Garand, five pistols, rifle grenades, and ammunition.

He dared critics of the NTF ELCAC and government to prove that these surrenders are fake.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098178

5 BIFF combatants surrender amid military offensive

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 28, 2020): 5 BIFF combatants surrender amid military offensive

FIVE Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFFs) have surrendered to government authorities in Maguindanao amid the intensified military operations and imposition of community quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the military said Saturday, March 28.

Colonel Jose Narciso, Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said they surrendered Thursday to the 90th Infantry Battalion, in Midtimbang Village, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao.

Narciso identified the BIFF surrenderers as follows: Saed Sadam Malsek; Mahir Mumna Datumanong; Said Abdullahsid Zuarto; Moktar Saed Pangalao; and, Usman Abu Ali.

Narciso said they handed over one M-16 “Baby Armalite” rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher, one M-16 Armalite rifle, one M-79 grenade launcher, one caliber .50 sniper Barret rifle, and one M-14 rifle.

The surrenderers and firearms were presented to Colonel Joel Mamon, Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade deputy commander.

“The group was forced to surrender due to the extreme pressure from the focused military operations in the Joint Task Force Central area of operation in Maguindanao and its neighboring provinces,” Narciso said.

The BIFF surrenderers were placed under custodial debriefing while their were placed under the custody of the 90th Infantry Battalion for proper documentation and safekeeping.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, has commended the Joint Task Force Central troops for gallantly fighting against terrorism and courageously facing the threat of Covid-19 in their area of operation.

“We plead for continued prayers for the safety and protection of our soldiers and all the frontliners amid all the threats that we currently endure,” Sobejana added. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1850385

Military fights on 2 fronts: disease, terrorism

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 28, 2020): Military fights on 2 fronts: disease, terrorism (By: Julie S. Alipala, Ryan D. Rosauro)

As soldiers battle an unseen enemy in the fight against the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), their comrades in Mindanao grapple with the virulence of terrorism.

On March 14, a soldier was killed and two others were wounded in a land mine explosion in a remote village of Maluso town in Basilan. The bomb was planted to fortify a camp of the Islamic State (IS)-linked Abu Sayyaf.

At about this time, military troops were already called in to help enforce health regulations as President Duterte placed the country in a state of public health emergency. Soon, local governments would also impose community quarantine measures.

“We are presently battling against two different enemies,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command.

The command has collaborated with local governments and health workers “to protect the people from COVID-19” and sent out soldiers in full battle gear to man street checkpoints and screen travelers for symptoms of infection in order to stop the spread of the disease.

Troops also enforce curfews and ensure that people stay home in the communities.

Sobejana said the military was also pursuing its offensives against terrorists who could “take advantage of the current situation to create havoc in our area of operation.” Dedicated troops

The pace of the campaign, according to Sobejana, “would be affected because we shifted some of our forces to help the different agencies and local governments in addressing the challenges brought about by COVID-19.”

Even then, he gave assurance that the fight against COVID-19 had not been relegated to second priority to the battle against terrorists. “We have dedicated troops for both endeavors,” Sobejana said.

He described the Abu Sayyaf as “another form of virus [as] they brutally kill innocent people.”

A faction of the group is currently holding five Indonesian fishermen whom it kidnapped off Lahad Datu in Sabah in January. The bandits brought the captives to Sulu and demanded P30 million as ransom.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1249691/military-fights-on-2-fronts-disease-terrorism

More cops posted in 15 Iloilo towns

From Panay News (Mar 28, 2020): More cops posted in 15 Iloilo towns (By Ruby Silubrico)

PHOTO BY IAN PAUL CORDERO/PN

ILOILO – The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) deployed Special Action Forces (SAF) personnel to 15 towns assessed to have a higher risk of being attacked by rebels.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also posted more soldiers in these towns.

IPPO director Police Colonel Paul Kenneth Lucas named the towns: Alimodian, Balasan, Bingawan, Calinog, Guimbal, Janiuay, Igbaras, Lambunao, Lemery, Leon, Maasin, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, San Rafael, and Tubungan.

The component city of Passi also got SAF forces and additional soldiers, said Lucas.

The IPPO is not leaving anything to chance, he stressed, even if President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a unilateral ceasefire (March 1 to April 15, 2020) with the rebels in line with to the current state of emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019.

The New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, will be marking its 51st founding anniversary on March 29.

The rebels usually mark their anniversary by carrying out offensives against government forces and installations.

“We don’t know if the rebels will respect the unilateral ceasefire declared by our President (so) it is better to be on alert,” said Lucas.

The NPA was founded on March 29, 1969.

“We are ready to engage,” said Lucas.

President Duterte called for a ceasefire with rebels while the country is still trying to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“‘Wag ninyo munang galawin ang mga sundalo. Ceasefire muna tayo. Ako na ang nanghihingi,” Duterte said. “Kindly cooperate and help… I will repay you with a good heart in the coming days.”

https://www.panaynews.net/more-cops-posted-in-15-iloilo-towns/

Two dead after encounter with communist rebels in Rizal

From CNN Philippines (Mar 28, 2020): Two dead after encounter with communist rebels in Rizal (By CNN Philippines Staff)



Two people died on Saturday in a clash with communist rebels in Rodriguez, Rizal.

The two casualties are a member of the Philippine Army’s Community Support Program team and a member of the New People’s Army.

Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division based in Rizal, condemned the incident as it violated the “reciprocal declaration of ceasefire” declared between the national government and the communist rebels on March 26.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, NPA, on March 19. The ceasefire will last until April 15.

RELATED: Duterte declares unilateral ceasefire with CPP-NPA to focus on COVID-19 fight

Concerned citizens alerted the Army troops about the presence of the NPA rebels in Barangay Puray at around 3 p.m. today. .

The two sides engaged in an encounter, resulting to two other soldiers wounded in action. Both are now in stable condition.

“Our 18 soldiers were able to repel the planned attack by around 30 terrorists, whom we believe suffered considerable losses as manifested by the heavy bloodstains in the encounter site,” said Burgos.

The military recovered the dead body of the NPA rebel, along with with his M16 rifle, hand grenade, rifle grenade and jungle pack.

Despite the attack, Burgos affirmed the military’s commitment to securing the safety of the Filipinos and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“We will remain steadfast in performing our mandate to serve our people and secure this part of our land while committing ourselves to the urgent task of containing the spread of Covid-19. We will adhere to the provisions of the unilateral ceasefire without prejudice to the safety and security of the people in our communities,” he said.

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/28/two-dead-encounter-communist-rebels-rizal.html

Army: 16 Reds yield in Southern Tagalog

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 28, 2020): Army: 16 Reds yield in Southern Tagalog (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.

At least 16 alleged communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered this week to government authorities in Southern Tagalog.

In a press statement issued Saturday (March 28), Captain Jayrald Ternio, head of the public affairs office of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said the latest surrenders took place in Macalelon, Quezon and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on Friday.

Ternio said one alias “Mark,” reportedly a ranking NPA leader in Quezon’s Bondoc Peninsula district turned himself to Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the village of Malabahay, Macalelon.

He also surrendered one caliber.30 M1 Garand rifle.

A report said the surrender in Sablayan of former rebels, “Jess” and “Lenny”, alleged guerrilla platoon leader and political guide respectively, was facilitated by town Mayor Andres Dangeros.

On Tuesday, 13 former Red fighters also formally surrendered to the military base in Cavinti town in Laguna.

The identities of the surrenders are being withheld as part of the security protocol to prevent possible retaliation from their former comrades, Ternio said.

The rebel returnees are offered livelihood financing, scholarships, housing, and free legal assistance through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-Clip.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1249966/army-16-reds-yield-in-southern-tagalog

AFP-CRS: 3 Suspected CPP-NPA Members Indicted for Recruitment of Minors

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 28, 2020): 3 Suspected CPP-NPA Members Indicted for Recruitment of Minors

CASE FILED. Personnel of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Western Visayas assist the minors and their parents in the filing of charges against the accused of qualified trafficking in persons before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office in November last year. The De la Cerna couple and their daughter have been charged before the Regional Trial Court earlier this month.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3149457495072953/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: NPA violates ceasefire, troops defend Community Support Operators

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 28, 2020): NPA violates ceasefire, troops defend Community Support Operators

“We would like to express our gratitude to the people of Brgy Puray for alerting our CSP Team this 28th March 2020, about the presence and terroristic plans of the NPAs. If not for them, our soldiers would have failed to defend themselves as well as the community and the people whom we have sworn to protect.”

MGEN ARNULFO MARCELO B BURGOS JR AFP
Commander, 2nd Infantry Division, PA

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3150070548344981/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Troops defend Barangay from NPA Attack amidst ceasefire and COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 28, 2020): Troops defend Barangay from NPA Attack amidst ceasefire and COVID-19 Pandemic

“We condemn in the strongest sense the NPAs’ offensive actions that resulted to an encounter at Brgy Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal on March 28, 2020 which is a violation of their own ceasefire declaration on March 26, 2020.”

MGEN ARNULFO MARCELO B BURGOS JR AFP Commander, 2nd Infantry Division, PA

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3150120905006612/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Galvez to Communist: Stop the lies, violence in these trying times

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 27, 2020): Galvez to Communist: Stop the lies, violence in these trying times
|


PASIG CITY (March 23, 2020) – Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. urged the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to show humanity in light of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis in the country.

Galvez called the communist group to stop instigating violence, lies, and instead help the Filipino people overcome the threat of Corona virus.

“The time calls for us to have our sense of humanity. Our ultimate goal here is to stop the spread of the virus and ease the plight of our countrymen,” Galvez emphasized.

“Instead of serving the Filipino people, the communist is wasting their energies by attacking innocent people and spreading lies and deceptions. I am urging the communist to come to their senses and be rational,” he urged.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in good faith has ordered for a unilateral ceasefire to focus the attention of our policemen and soldiers to serve the people at the frontlines as the nation collectively tries to combat the spread of the disease,” Galvez said.

“But what we are getting from the communist are continued harassments, killings, and the unabated criminal extortions,” he added.

The chief peace adviser made the statement after the so-called leaders of the communist group rejected the government’s unilateral truce.

“Their actions only showed their real character just like any other terror group. Their only intention is to continue to destroy this country and nothing else,” he said.

Galvez described the recent pronouncements of the communist as a fruitless attempt to “instigate” hatred against the government.

“Instead of helping in saving the humanity, they are sowing fear and disinformation,” Galvez said.

“What the communist group is doing is that they are trying to exploit the situation to advance their political agenda,” Galvez added.

Presidential peace adviser has earlier condemned the rebels for the killing of two civilians on the first day the unilateral ceasefire declaration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte took effect.

According to Galvez, the separate attacks carried out by the communist in Visayas and Mindanao “shows the heartlessness of the rebel group despite the severe health crisis our nation is now facing.”

“Stop the lies. Stop spreading hate speech. Stop attacking innocent people. Stop the violence,” Galvez said.

“We have one common enemy here. In these trying times, we can’t afford to be divided, we should be united,” Galvez added.

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://afpcrs.wordpress.com/2020/03/27/galvez-to-communist-stop-the-lies-violence-in-these-trying-times/

WESTMINCOM: Five BIFF combatants yield amid intensive military ops in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 27, 2020): Five BIFF combatants yield amid intensive military ops in Maguindanao

Amid the intensified military operations in Maguindanao, 5 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters yielded to troops on March 26, 2020.

Saed Sadam Malsek, a.k.a. Datdat; Mahir Mumna Datumanong, a.k.a. Laula; Said Abdullahsid Zuarto, a.k.a. Said; Moktar Saed Pangalao, a.k.a. Brus; and Usman Abu Ali, a.k.a. Dyay, submitted themselves to the troops of the 90th Infantry Battalion bringing along their high-powered firearms with them.

Handed over by the surrenderors were one 5.56mm M16A1 rifle with attached 40mm M203 grenade launcher, one 5.56mm M16 rifle, one M79 grenade launcher, one caliber .50 sniper Barret, and one 7.62mm M14 rifle.

"The group was forced to surrender due to the extreme pressure from the focused military operations in the Joint Task Force Central area of operation in Maguindanao and its neighboring provinces," said Col. Jose Narciso, commander, 601st Infantry Brigade.

Said surrenderors and turned over firearms were subsequently presented to Col. Joel Mamon, Deputy Brigade Commander, 601st Infantry Brigade at the 90IB headquarters in Barangay Midtimbang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao.

“The focused and intensified operations of the Joint Task Force Central targeting the terror groups in Maguindanao resulted in a pressure build-up which led to the surrender of the BIFF militants,” said JTFC Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon.

The surrenderors are currently undergoing custodial debriefing while the turned over firearms were placed under the custody of the 90IB for proper documentation and safekeeping.

"My commendation goes to all the gallant soldiers of the Joint Task Force Central who courageously facing the threat of COVID-19 as well as that of terrorism in their area of operation, “said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"We plead for continued prayers for the safety and protection of our soldiers and all the frontliners amid all the threats that we currently endure," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#wmcyourprotector
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NDF/NDF-Peace Panel: NDFP welcomes acknowledgement of ceasefire by UN; calls for immediate release of political prisoners

NDF Peace Panel propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 27, 2020): NDFP welcomes acknowledgement of ceasefire by UN; calls for immediate release of political prisoners

The Negotiating Panel of the NDFP extends its deep appreciation to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for acknowledging the declaration of temporary ceasefire by the Communist Party of the Philippines with the GRP in the light of the fight against COVID-19.



UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

In his acknowledgement, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that the ceasefire declaration of the CPP serves as an example across the world as it faces the global threat of COVID-19.

NDFP Panel chairperson Fidel Agcaoili stressed, in his letter to Guterres, that the People’s Democratic Government in the municipalities, villages, communities and work places under its governance, continues to respond to the threat of Covid-19 and to take measures to ensure the people’s health, well-being and welfare.

Agcaoili also told Guterres that the NDFP is willing to return to the negotiating table with the GRP to resume the peace talks and to find a long-lasting solution to the roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines, specifically to address the people’s concerns for meaningful social and economic reforms.

He assured the UN Secretary General that the revolutionary forces will remain in the frontlines, alongside Filipino doctors, nurses, health workers and personnel, in the war against Covid-19 for the benefit of the people.

Moreover, Agcaoili strongly supports the statement of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, urging governments to release “every person detained without sufficient legal basis, including political prisoners and others detained simply for expressing critical or dissenting views”, and to protect the health and safety of people in detention and other closed facilities, as part of overall efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Some UN member states have already released prisoners such as Iran and Egypt.

The NDFP Peace Panel together with many human rights organizations have called for the immediate release of its NDFP consultants and other political prisoners especially the sick and elderly among them.#

For reference:
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel

https://ndfp.org/ndfp-welcomes-acknowledgement-of-ceasefire-by-un-calls-for-immediate-release-of-political-prisoners/

CPP/NDF-ST: Mariing tutulan at labanan ang emergency powers na hiniling at agarang pinagkaloob ng Kongreso sa pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte — NDF-ST

NDF-Southern Tagalog (ST) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 27, 2020): Mariing tutulan at labanan ang emergency powers na hiniling at agarang pinagkaloob ng Kongreso sa pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte — NDF-ST

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 27, 2020

Mariing kinokondena ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Tagalog (NDFP-ST) ang ratsadang pag-apruba ng mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso sa House Bill 6616 na nagdedeklara ng “national emergency” at nagkakaloob kay Duterte ng malawak na kapangyarihang pangkagipitan (emergency powers) sa pagharap sa pandemic na Covid-19.

Ang House Bill 6616 ay kopyang-kopya ng isinumiteng panukala ng Malacañang. Sa ilalim ng House Bill 6616, pinapayagan nito na pansamantalang kuhain at direktang patakbuhin ng gubyerno ang mga pribadong negosyo at korporasyon tulad ng mga hotel, pampublikong transportasyon at komunikasyon upang mapabilis diumano ang pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng publiko sa panahon ng kagipitan sanhi ng nakamamatay na virus. Nahingi rin ang Malacañang sa Kongreso ng pahintulot na gamitin sa ibang pagkakagastusan ang Php 275 bilyon na pondong publiko nang walang malinaw na listahan na mga pangangailangan at serbisyo na paglalaanan ng alokasyon.

May kahalintulad ding batas, ang Senate Bill 1413, na tinagurian nilang “We Heal as One Act” ang kasalukuyan pang pinag-uusapan sa Senado. Sa ilalim ng batas na ito, binibigyan ng kapangyarihan si `Duterte na direktang pangasiwaan ang operasyon ng mga pribadong ospital, medical health facilities kabilang ang iba pang mga pribadong establisimento tulad ng hotel para gawing tirahan ng mga manggawang pangkalusugan, magsilbing quarantine areas at sentro ng bagsakan at distribusyon ng mga tulong medical. Tulad sa mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso saklaw din ng panukalang batas ng Senado ang pansamantalang takeover ng gubyerno sa mga pangmasang trasportasyon at telekomunikasyon na pag-aaring pribado.

Ang pagkakaloob ng dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso ng dagdag na kapangyarihang pangkagipitan sa rehimeng Duterte ay kasingkahulugan na binibigyan nito ng ligal na bihis at basbas ang pasista at kamay-na-bakal na pagpapatakbo ni Duterte sa gubyerno at sa pagharap sa pandemic na Covid-19. Tinugunan nito ang malaon nang kagustuhan ni Duterte na solohin ang kapangyarihan ng tatlong sangay ng gubyerno at itanghal ang sarili bilang diktador. Hindi na kailangan pang pormal na magdeklara ng batas militar ni Duterte dahil pinagkaloob na ito sa kanya ng mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso sa ilalim ng House Bill 6616 at Senate Bill 1413.

Dapat mariing kondenahin at puspusang labanan ng taumbayan ang pagsasailalim sa bansa sa national emergency at pagbibigay ng malawak na kapangyarihan kay Duterte. Ang emergency powers na ipagkakaloob kay Duterte ay lalo lamang magpapalubha sa dati nang malalang kundisyon na kinakakaharap ng taumbayan sanhi ng pinatutupad na lockdown sa Luzon.

Sinasamantala ng rehimeng Duterte ang panic na dala ng Covid-19 pandemic upang ikonsentra at isentralisa sa kamay ni Duterte at ng ehekutibo—kasabwat ng rubber stamp na Kongreso—ang papalawak na kapangyarihan sa tabing ng isang emergency power. Ito ay bisperas ng pagtatatag ng lantad na paghahari ng isang sibilyan-militar na junta nang di kinakailangan pang magdeklara ng Batas Militar.

Ang pagpapailalim sa buong Luzon sa lockdown ay malupit na nagpapahirap sa mamamayan na pinagkakaitang maghanap-buhay at ipinaiilalim sa kontrol ang galaw ng populasyon at paghahatid ng kailangang-kailangang serbisyo ng mamamayan. Kahirapan, kagutuman at kapos na kapos na serbisyong medikal at hindi kawalan ng disiplina ang problema ng taumbayan. Hindi ang pagpapairal ng pasista at militaristang solusyon ang makakapigil sa paglawak ng impeksyon ng nakamamatay na Covid-19. Dapat na iprayoridad ang pagbibigay atensyon sa paghanap ng solusyong medikal, mabilis na akses ng lahat sa Covid-19 testing, sistema ng sanitasyon kaalinsabay sa pagtugon sa pangkabuhayang pangangailangan ng mamamayan. Ito ang garantiya na mabibigyan ng tunay na proteksyon at solusyon ang pagharap at paglaban sa epidemya ng mamamayan.

Marami nang mga panukala na nagmula sa mga grupong pangkalusugan at mga eksperto kaugnay sa paglaban iba’t ibang uri ng virus kabilang ang Covid-19. Ang kailangan lang ay kilalanin ito at agarang ipatupad ng gubyernong Duterte. Para sa kanila, mga hakbanging pangkalusugan at pang-ekonomya ang mabisang solusyon sa pagharap at paglaban sa Covid 19 at hindi ang militaristang paraan na pangunahing pinatutuunan ng diin ni Duterte. Ilan sa kanilang mahahalagang panukala ang sumusunod:


i. Maramihang pagbili ng gubyerno ng mga mga Covid-19 test kits at pagsasagawa ng libre at mass testing nito pangunahin sa mga taong sumasailalim sa pagsisiyasat at monitoring (pui’s at pum’s) at sa mga lugar na bulnerableng magkahawahan;


ii. Libreng gamutan sa mga nagkakasakit;


iii. Rehabilitasyon ng mga pasilidad para sa serbisyong medikal;


iv. Pagtatalaga ng mga pribado at pampublikong ospital para pagdalhan ng mga kumpirmadong may Covid-19;


v. Maramihang paglalagay ng mga quarantine at testing centers sa mga komunidad;


vi. Libreng pamamahagi ng mga personal protective equipment (ppe’s) lalo na sa mahihirap at walang kakayahang bumili nito;


vii. Karagdagang suporta at proteksyon sa mga manggagawang pangkalusugan na nasa unahan ng paglaban sa Covid-19; at,


viii. Paglalaan ng malaking pondo at alokasyon para sa kalusugan at pagsugpo sa Covid-19.

Kailangan ding ipatupad ang sumusunod:


i. Sistematikong distribusyon ng mga pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan sa mga mahihirap na komunidad;


ii. Pagpapatupad ng moratoryum sa pagbabayad sa renta sa bahay, kuryente, tubig at iba pang pagkakautang;


iii. Moratoryum at kanselasyon sa pagbabayad ng upa-sa-lupa at utang ng mga magsasaka sa mga panginoong maylupa, komersyante at usurero.


iv. Subsidyo sa mga walang hanapbuhay at nawalan ng hanapbuhay dahil sa pinatutupad na lockdown.


v. Pangkagipitang tulong at pakete sa mga pinakamahihirap;


vi. Kontrol sa presyo ng mga bilihin at pagkakaroon ng sapat na suplay ng mga batayang pangangailangan sa pagkain at serbisyo ng mamamayan.

Samantala, umasa ang taumbayan na hindi maglulubay ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa paghahatid ng tulong sa mga kababayan nating labis na naapektuhan ng pabara-bara, papatse-patse at mga di pinag-iisipang hakbang ng gobyernong Duterte sa pinatutupad nitong lockdown sa Luzon. Pangunahing nakatuon ang atensyon ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagharap at paglaban sa Covid-19. Hindi titigil ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa paghahatid ng iba’t ibang klase ng tulong sa mamamayan kahit sa kabila ng patuloy na mga operasyong militar ng AFP at PNP sa kanayunan ng rehiyon. Walang katotohanan na itinigil na ng AFP at PNP ang kanilang mga operasyon bilang pagsunod sa pekeng unilateral ceasefire na dineklara ni Duterte sa CPP-NPA-NDFP.

Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, patuloy ang ginagawang diseminasyon ng impormasyon hinggil sa Covid-19 ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Patuloy ang pagpapaala-ala paano ito maiwasan at mapigilang kumalat sa baryo at komunidad. Patuloy ding nagsasagawa, sa pangunguna ng mga opisyal medikal ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), ng mga komite sa kalusugan sa mga baryo at boluntir, ng mga kampanya sa kalusugan, kalinisan at sanitasyon. Patuloy ang pamamahagi ng mga gawang bahay na “face mask”at mga libreng gamot at bitamina. Ang isang buwang selebrasyon ng ika-51 taong anibersaryo ng BHB ay pangunahing ginugol sa pagharap at pagtulong sa mga kababayan nating higit ang pangangailangan ng proteksyon at pagkalinga laban sa nakamamatay na Covid-19. Mananatiling bahagi ng selebrasyon ang malawakang diseminasyon ng impormasyon, mga kampanya sa kalinisan at kalusugan, pagmomobilisa ng mga kwerpo ng mga boluntir bilang katuwang ng Hukbo sa paghahatid ng tulong medikal at pagkain. Siniseguro din ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na ang mga aktibidad na inilulunsad nito ay mahigpit na umaayon sa mga alituntunin sa kalusugan na binalangkas ng mga grupo at komite sa medikal upang maiwasang mahawaan at magkahawaan ng virus ang mga kalahok sa aktibidad. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/mariing-tutulan-at-labanan-ang-emergency-powers-na-hiniling-at-agarang-pinagkaloob-ng-kongreso-sa-pasistang-rehimeng-us-duterte-ndf-st/