Army seizes containers of ammonium nitrate in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2020): Army seizes containers of ammonium nitrate in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



BOMB-MAKING MATERIAL. A trooper of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion inspects the 85 packs of ammonium nitrate placed in plastic containers and concealed by suspected New People’s Army rebels in a remote area of Barangay Maasin, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. The Army says the recovered bomb-making material pose danger not only to government troops but also to the villagers in the area. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

The Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion seized several containers of ammonium nitrate, a bomb-making material, believed to be owned by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote area in the Agusan del Sur town of Esperanza.

1Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations officer, told Philippine News Agency Thursday (Aug. 13) that a farmer reported the discovery of the bomb-making materials in Barangay Maasin, Esperanza town, on Monday evening (Aug. 10).

Maglalang said the 23IB immediately sent a team to the area, which recovered four plastic containers with 85 packs of ammonium nitrates, a material used by the NPA in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

He said the materials for bomb-making belonged to the members of the Sub-Regional Committee 3 of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

In a statement Thursday, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo, 23IB commander, lambasted the NPA rebels for the "continuing threats they pose against the lives of the ordinary civilians" in the area.

Paulo pointed out that the recovered bomb-making materials could generate around 85 anti-personnel mines (APMs) that could inflict heavy damage to government troopers and civilians.

“Treaties in the country and abroad, particularly the Ottawa Treaty, Geneva Convention and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) strictly prohibit the storing and use of the improvised explosive device (IEDs), including the materials used for making bombs in areas populated by civilians,” Paulo said.

Sometime in June this year, the 23IB also seized 11 containers of ammonium nitrate and other bomb-making materials in the same barangay based on the report of concerned civilians in the area.

“The Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) directly threaten, disturb and put the lives of the civilians in the area in great risk by storing deadly explosives near the communities in the area,” Paulo said.

He added that the acts of the NPA rebels showed a "disregard for the rights of the civilians who wish to live peaceful lives in their communities".

“Aside from planting APMs and concealing deadly explosives, the CNTs continue to disturb the populace in the area through extortions and manipulations,” Paulo added.

Paulo also lauded the villagers for reporting the presence of the bomb-making materials, saying this reflected their "disgust over the taxing atrocities, threats, and intimidations of the NPA rebels to the civilians".

“Your cooperation gave us the strong motivation to continue our mission and do our best to serve and protect you from the threats of the CNTs,” Paulo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112150

NPA killings of IPs meant to stifle dissent: Surigao Sur guv

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2020): NPA killings of IPs meant to stifle dissent: Surigao Sur guv (By Alexander Lopez)



Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander T. Pimentel. (Photo from the Facebook account of Surigao del Sur Gov. Ayec T. Pimentel)

Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel has condemned the communist New People Army (NPA) for what he described as “dastardly killings” perpetrated by the rebels against the indigenous people (IP) leaders and tribe members in the province.

In a statement posted on his Facebook account Wednesday, Pimentel took note of the series of killings of Manobo tribesmen in the province last month, particularly in Tandag City and in the town of San Miguel.

“These dastardly acts are not only meant to silence and stifle the growing voice of resistance and opposition to the outdated communist ideology but also to instill fear, anger, and hatred in the hearts and minds of the people, particularly among our Lumad communities,” Pimentel said.

“Clearly, the NPA has retrogressed from an ideology-based movement to pure and simple terrorism and other criminal activities,” he added.

He also pointed out that NPA killings in the province were often done without provocation and the rebels are also into extortion activities, ambuscades, and the burning of equipment of companies engaged in development projects that give livelihood activities to the people, including the IPs in the area.

Pimentel said the ideology being espoused by the NPA is “fast losing support especially in communities where they are operating since the people have already realized that they are the very reason why their community remains to be mired in poverty because, without peace, prosperity and development will not happen.”

The Surigao del Sur governor also noted that the NPA's rebellion has already lasted for over five decades and killed thousands of innocent civilians.

"Let us stop these senseless killings and instead support the Philippine government in its campaign for a better and prosperous life for all Filipinos,” Pimentel said.

Jawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga town, supported the statement of Pimentel as he also denounced the NPA rebels for the series of killings in the area.

“This year, the communist NPA terrorists have gone into a killing-spree, victimizing IP leaders and members,” Bucales told the Philippine News Agency in an interview on Thursday (August 13).

To cover-up the killings, Bucales said the NPA is also spreading lies in communities using their front organizations.

“The IPs are already tired of the CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) as they want to be free from their atrocities and harassments. Unfortunately, some of our leaders, while expressing openly of their opposition to the CNTs, were killed,” Bucales said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112191

PH, SoKor navies discuss Covid-19 defense in virtual talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2020): PH, SoKor navies discuss Covid-19 defense in virtual talks (By Priam Nepomuceno)



NAVY TO NAVY TALKS. Philippine Navy officials meet with their South Korean counterparts in the first "Navy to Navy Talks" (NTNT) held virtually at the PN headquarters in Manila on Wednesday (Aug. 12, 2020). The first-ever NTNT between the two navies was held under the Terms of Reference, which they signed in 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) discussed defense efforts against the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic while keeping operational capabilities on track, in their first virtual "Navy to Navy Talks" (NTNT) on Wednesday.

"This year’s talks focused on the sharing of best practices between the two navies in defense against the dreaded Covid-19 global pandemic while maintaining maritime operational capability," PN public affairs officer, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said in a media statement.

The PN side was headed by Capt. Jempsun V. de Guzman, assistant chief of naval staff for operations, while the ROKN was represented by Capt. Lee Han Dong, head of the ROKN's international cooperation branch.

"Despite the current pandemic, both navies proceeded with the talks, albeit virtually, taking it as an opportunity to explore technologies to continue and deepen their bilateral relationship and diplomatic ties," Roxas said.

This first-ever NTNT between the navies of the Philippines and South Korea was held under the Terms of Reference (TOR), which they signed in 2019.

One of the specifics under the TOR is the conduct of biennial Navy talks, which would serve as a forum for regular dialogue and information exchange between the two navies to discuss matters of common importance and promote mutual interests.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112096

SCS drills barred in 2002 conduct declaration: Navy chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2020): SCS drills barred in 2002 conduct declaration: Navy chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Navy chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo. (File photo)

The conduct of naval exercises in contested waters of the West Philippine Sea could escalate tensions in the area and is thus not allowed under the 2002 Declaration of Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea, the chief of the Philippine Navy said Thursday.

"Conducting naval exercises in a contested area may complicate and escalate the dispute. The countries conducting exercises in that area – (the) US, Australia, and Japan – are not signatories to the 2002 DOC, hence, are not legally and politically bound to the agreement," Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) when asked whether naval exercises are barred in disputed parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Citing Section 5 of the 2002 DOC of Parties in the South China Sea, Bacordo said self-restraint is of paramount importance in the issue.

"One guiding principle that we want to champion is adherence to the rule of law. That, I believe, is the same principle we put forward in our arguments during the arbitration hearing," he added.

Section 5 states, "The Parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner."

Parties to the 2002 DOC also reaffirmed their respect and commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight at the South China Sea and to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes through peaceful means.

In November 2002, representatives of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China signed the DOC of Parties in the South China Sea in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, reaffirming their commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the maritime territory.

The PN earlier said it would not join the navies of other nations in the conduct of maritime drills in the disputed waters in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's order.

Bacordo also said the PN would not fire the first shot and is willing to resolve issues through peaceful means despite provocative actions in the WPS.

He was referring to the incident where the anti-submarine corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) was allegedly targeted by the fire-control system of the Chinese People's Liberation Army - Navy corvette it encountered while patrolling off at the Kalayaan Island Group last February 17, as well as Chinese ships getting too close to replenishment civilian vessels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112100

PH Navy eyes 100 hectares of Hanjin shipyard as base

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2020): PH Navy eyes 100 hectares of Hanjin shipyard as base (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday said it plans to acquire 100 hectares of cash-strapped shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC-Phil)'s facility in Subic Bay, Zambales to build a base for some of its major units.

"About 100 hectares in the North Yard. We will be housing the Philippine Fleet, Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Installation Command and Amphibious Assault Battalion," Navy chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in a message to the Philippine News Agency, when asked how large a portion of HHIC-Phil the Navy is eyeing for its proposed base in the area.

North Yard, Bacordo said, is located near HHIC-Phil's Graving Dock No. 5 (also known as dry dock) and is used to construct, repair, and maintain ships.

Bacordo said the PN is always interested to occupy part of the HHIC-Phil in Subic Bay due to the presence of a deep-sea harbor which can be used to accommodate its strategic sealift vessels and larger patrol ships.

HHIC-Phil's harbor has a minimum depth of about 10 meters which can accommodate the draft of the Tarlac-class landing docks and Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels and incoming frigates.

Draft refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull or keel.

Aside from having a deep-sea harbor, the facility is also protected by mountains and the nearby Grande Island.

HHIC-Phil has a total of USD1.3 billion outstanding loans -- USD400 million from Philippine banks and USD900 million from South Korean lenders.

In January last year, the shipbuilder filed a petition before the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court "to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142, otherwise known as An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112153

EJK task force to proceed with probe on Echanis death: DOJ

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2020): EJK task force to proceed with probe on Echanis death: DOJ (By Benjamin Pulta)



Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. (File photo)

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said investigators will now proceed with its probe on the death of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Randall Echanis.

"I understand that the PNP (Philippine National Police) has released the body to the Echanis family upon verifying that the deceased was indeed Randall Echanis. In that case, the NBI need not do another case verification, and the special investigation team may proceed to do its work," Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Guevarra said the government will launch a formal investigation through Administrative Order 35 which formed the task force on extrajudicial killings once it is confirmed that the victim was indeed Echanis.

Echanis and an unidentified neighbor were found dead inside a rented house in Novaliches, Quezon City early Monday with multiple stab wounds.

On Wednesday, the Quezon City Police District confirmed that Echanis is indeed the same person identified as a certain Manuel Santiago based on the result of a fingerprint examination on the corpse whom they initially identified as Santiago.

Echanis was a consultant of the NDF, chair of the progressive group Anakpawis, and also served as deputy secretary general of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.

He is the third NDF consultant killed in the country after Sotero Llamas in 2006 and Randy Malayao in 2019.

He participated in the 2016-2017 peace talks between the Duterte administration and the communist movement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112133

Protecting civilians in conflict-areas amidst Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2020): Protecting civilians in conflict-areas amidst Covid-19



SUSTAINING PEACE. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) held its first Webinar on “Protecting Civilians Caught in the Midst of the Armed Conflict during the Coronavirus Pandemic” in observance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day on Aug. 12, 2020. Despite the health crisis, the OPAPP continues to carry out initiatives that aim to address the roots of armed conflict and sustain the gains of peace in the country. (OPAPP photo)

Against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) continues to carry out initiatives to address the roots of armed conflict and sustain the gains of peace in the country.

This, as the OPAPP held its first Webinar on “Protecting Civilians Caught in the Midst of the Armed Conflict during the Coronavirus Pandemic” in observance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day on Aug. 12.

According to OPAPP Director Pamela Ann Padilla-Salvan, the purpose of the activity is "to bring together actors from different armed conflict contexts involved in peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding" to share their expertise and experiences in addressing challenges caused by situations of conflict.

Themed "Preserving Human Dignity in the Midst of Armed Conflict, A Shared Responsibility,", this year’s IHL Day commemorates the Geneva Conventions of 1949 which is among the several international treaties ratified by countries after World War II.

The Philippines is one of the 53 countries that signed and ratified the conventions. On July 31, 1999, then-President Joseph Ejercito Estrada signed Executive Order No. 134, s. 1999, declaring the 12th day of August as IHL Day to encourage government agencies to adhere to the principles of the law.

Katerina Kappos from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) emphasized in her presentation that the "IHL are a set of rules that aims "to protect human dignity and reduce suffering and limit the effects of the war."

Ceasefire mechanisms in place
For his part, Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III discussed the ceasefire mechanisms between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He emphasized the advantages of having a ceasefire body to mitigate conflicts on the ground.

Felicidario said that since the Mamasapano incident, there have been "zero skirmishes” between government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces.

“We now have an open and direct communication line in our counterparts in the MILF and vice versa. There is also a spirit of togetherness and trying to resolve all irritants to the peace process,” he said.

He said that this ongoing partnership has resulted in "ongoing joint efforts for the neutralization of terror groups, campaign against illegal drugs in Mindanao, peace advocacy and on conflict resolution activities."

The ceasefire mechanisms of the government and the MILF are said to be among the concrete manifestations of the trust and commitment that have developed between both parties over the years.

Under the peace process with the MILF, three ceasefire groups have been established. These include the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCHs) set up in 1997, the International Monitoring Team (IMT) created in 2004, and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) established in 2005.

Humanitarian assistance

Meanwhile, Office of Civil Defense Director Tecson John S. Lim discussed the protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to ensure that humanitarian activities remain unhampered despite the health crisis.

"We did identify that humanitarian assistance actors do play a great part not only in our response to Covid-19 but as well as to other humanitarian services or activities that [are] being conducted during the community quarantine," Lim said.

Humanitarian activities are covered in the guidelines issued by the IATF and different government agencies in response to Covid-19.

These include the provision of assistance, whether in cash, in-kind or services; information dissemination, sensitization and community education activities on water, sanitization, hygiene, health, food security, etc.; climate change adaptation and risk reduction activities; activities that help support the recovery and rehabilitation of communities relative to the crisis; and protection for vulnerable sectors such as, but not limited to mental health and psychosocial services, socioeconomic, education, legal, health assistance, and security.

Action plan vs Covid-19

Meanwhile, OPAPP Undersecretary Isidro Purisma presented the government's National Action Plan (NAP) against Covid-19.

He said the action plan "aims to contain and manage the [new] cases" and "balancing between health and economic objectives".

The first phase of the NAP vs Covid-19, which was rolled out in March and completed in June, focused on the containment and prevention of the virus through strict community quarantines, elimination of threats by providing medical treatment and interventions, and mitigation of the disease’s negative impact by ensuring that basic services are delivered to the people.

The second phase of the plan started in July and will run until September. It aims to ensure the health of the people while reviving the nation’s economy. It is guided by the ‘Hammer and Dance’ theory.

The “Hammer” pertains to the strategy of curbing the spread of Covid-19 which includes the strict implementation of community quarantine measures in target areas.

While localized lockdowns will be enforced in specific areas, the “Dance” component will allow the economy to open and cushion the impact of the pandemic on the nation’s economy.

Purisma called on participants of the meeting to continue upholding the IHL despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

"I call on everybody to ensure that we continue to be committed to adhering to International Humanitarian Law and protecting civilians in the armed conflict, as well as call on everybody to ensure that our strategy in the National Action Plan particularly Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Trace, and Reintegrate strategy is operationalized in conflict-affected areas that are more vulnerable," he said.

"Allow me to leave you with a challenge on how we can ensure that our civilians are protected not only from the armed classes and conflicts but more importantly from the invisible disease as we preserve the gains of the peace process and work towards economic and sustainable peace in the country," Purisima added. (OPAPP PR)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112211

CPP/News: Mga alaala ni Randall Echanis kay Fidel Agcaoili

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 13, 2020): Mga alaala ni Randall Echanis kay Fidel Agcaoili

NEWS STORIES
AUGUST 13, 2020

Natanggap ng PRWC ngayong araw ang pahayag na ito ni NDFP consultant Randall Echanis na naglalaman ng kanyang mga alaala kay Fidel Agcaoili. Ito marahil ang isa sa huling sinulat ni Ka Randy bago siya brutal na pinatay ng mga armadong ahente ng estado noong Agosto 10, 2020.

Sa Alaala ni Ka Fidel Agcaoili

Ipinaabot ko ang aking taus-pusong pakikiramay at pagdadalamhati sa mahal na pamilya, mga kamag-anak, kaibigan at mga kasama sa pagpanaw ni Ka Fidel.

Matagal ko na ring kakilala si Ka Fidel at masasabi kong naging malapit kami bilang kasama sa pakikibaka at kaibigan.

Marami na akong nababalitan tungkol kay Ka Fidel noong panahon ng Martial Law bilang isa sa mga lider at aktibong nanguna sa pakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng mga bilanggong pulitikal. Mahigit sampung taon siyang ipiniit ng pasistang diktadurang US-Marcos. Naging inspirasyon at halimbawa sa akin ang militanteng paglaban at kapasyahang lumaya ng mga bilanggong pulitikal.

Si Ka Fidel ang unang kumausap sa akin matapos akong lumaya noong EDSA 1. Bandang Abril 1986 ng kausapin niya ako para isaayos ang pagbabalik ko sa pangunahing agos ng pakikibaka at sa magiging gawain ko. Sa mga panahong ito ay nagkasama kami sa mga gawain sa SELDA at sa paghahanda sa pagbubuo ng Partido ng Bayan. Madaling makagaanan ng loob si Ka Fidel dahil malapit siya sa mga kasama at palabiro habang masipag at seryoso siya sa kanyang mga gawain.

Mga 2000 ng muli kaming magkita at nagkasama ni Ka Fidel ng mapabilang ako na membro ng NDFP RWC-CASER. Kabilang noon si Ka Fidel sa NDFP negotiating panel kaya madalas kaming magkasama sa mga gawain. Naging malapit ako sa kanya laluna’t masipag siya sa pagtulong at pag-alalay sa aming komite na noo’y naghahanda kami sa muling pagbubukas ng usapang pangkapayapaan. Madali namin siyang nalalapitan para sa kanyang mga opinyon at mungkahi sa pagpapabuti at pagpapaunlad sa draft ng NDFP CASER at sa paglilinaw at pagbibigay ng updates sa itinatakbo ng usapang pangkapayapaan.

Sa mga panahon ng negosasyon ay matingkad ang kanyang kasipagan sa gawain at hindi napapagod sa pagbibigay ng tulong at gabay sa mga kasama. Malapit siya sa lahat ng mga kasama at maging sa GRP negotiating panel kung kaya tila nagsisilbi rin siyang “tulay” kapag may mga hindi napapagkasunduan at isinasaayos sa pagitan ng GRP at NDFP negotiating panels. Ang kanyang mahigpit na pagkapit sa prinsipyo at sa isang banda ay pleksibilidad sa mga lumilitaw na usapin ay kanyang naipamalas ng mahirang siyang tagapangulo ng NDFP Negotiating Panel.

Sa panahon ng mga usapang pangkapayapaan ay sa upisina ng NDFP ako tumutuloy at dito rin nakatira si Ka Fidel kaya madalas na nagkakasama kami at nakakakwentuhan sa mga gawain at maging sa pamilya. Naging malapit rin ako sa kanyang pamilya. Dito ko lalong nakilala si Ka Fidel bilang isang responsable, seryoso at masipag na kasama, madaling lapitan, mahilig makipag-kwentuhan at palabiro. Sa katunayan ang tawagan namin ay “brod” na aming biruan kaugnay sa tawagang “brod” sa fraternity niya na Sigma Rho.

Kapag nauuwi siya ay nakakasama ko din si Ka Fidel sa ilang mga pagtitipon tulad ng pagdalo sa mga peace forum at maging noong unang kausapin ng NDFP negotiating panel sa Davao si Duterte bilang nanalong pangulo at napag-usapan ang ilang mahahalagang usapin sa muling pagbubukas ng peace talks tulad ng pagpapalaya sa mga bilanggong pulitikal.

Mahabang dekada na ang buong puso at matapat na paglilingkod ni Ka Fidel sa rebolusyon at sa sambayanan. Sa mahabang panahon ay gumampan siya ng mga responsableng tungkulin at gawain bilang lider ng Partido. Hindi rin matatawaran ang kanyang mga ambag sa gawaing internasyunal ng Partido at NDFP. Ito man ay sa pagbubuo ng relasyon at kapatiran sa ibang mga Partido at organisasyon at sa pagsasaayos ng ating gawain sa mga migranteng Pilipino. Mahalaga din ang kanyang naging gawain sa pagbubuo at pagpapalakas ng ILPS. Masasabing sa maraming liko’t ikot ng pakikibaka at sa mga tagumpay na nakamit ng Partido ay naging bahagi si Ka Fidel at hindi matatawaran ang kanyang mga naging ambag.

Hindi natin malilimot si Ka Fidel. Hindi siya malilimutan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Mananatiling maningning na halimbawa sa atin ang kanyang ala-ala at diwa ng isang komunista na aktibo, walang kapaguran at matibay ang pasiya na isulong ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan, demokrasya at sosyalismo.

Pulang Saludo at taas-kamaong pagpupugay sa iyo, Kasamang Fidel!
Hindi ka namin malilimot at mananatili ka sa aming mga puso at kaisipan!
Mabuhay si Kasamang Fidel Agcaoili!

Randall “Ka Randy” Echanis
Member, NDFP RWC-CASER

https://cpp.ph/statement/mga-alaala-ni-randall-echanis-kay-fidel-agcaoili/

CPP/NPA-Masbate: Gawad pamamarusa ng Jose Rapsing Command sa kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa lalawigan ng Masbate na nagsasagawa ng Focused Military Operations

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 13, 2020): Gawad pamamarusa ng Jose Rapsing Command sa kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa lalawigan ng Masbate na nagsasagawa ng Focused Military Operations

AUGUST 13, 2020

Matagumpay na naisagawa ang hakbang pamamarusa sa isang konboy ng mga sundalo ng 2nd IBPA na nagsasagawa ng Focused Military Operations (FMO) sa ikatlong distrito ng probinsya ng Masbate.

Lulan ng apat na mga sasakyang pangmiltar ang mahigit 50 mga sundalo ng tambangan sila ng isang tim ng mga pulang mandirigma ng JRC BHB-Masbate gamit ang CDx. Agad na napatay sa lugar ang apat na sundalo kabilang ang dalawang opisyal at dalawang enlisted personnel. Nasira din ang dalawang sasakyan na tinamaan sa pagsabog. Nangyari ito bandang 8:30 ng gabi noong Hulyo 25, 2020 sa hangganan ng Brgy. Malinta at Usab, lungsod ng Masbate

Ang pamamarusang ito ay tugon sa kaliwa’t-kanang reklamong natatanggap ng JRC BHB- Masbate mula sa mamamayan hinggil sa mga pang-aabuso ng 2nd IBPA at PPO PNP Masbate at sa iba pang mga yunit nila. Mga kaso ng pagmasaker, pagpatay, panggigipit, pananakot, pagsira at pagnakaw ng mga pananim, pera at mga personal na gamit ng mga magsasaka. Ang 2nd IBPA, PPO PNP Masbate at mga yunit nila ay makailang beses nang nasasangkot sa pagmasaker sa buong probinsya ng Masbate. Pinakabago lang ay ang pagmasaker sa 3 katao sa Brgy. Bagacay, Mobo, habang ang nasundan nitong buwan ng Hunyo ay ang masaker sa Brgy. Mahayahay, Placer na ikinamatay ng 3 katao din.

Samantala, nito lamang Hulyo 25, 2020 sa magkatabing bayan ng Placer at Cawayan sa ikatlong distrito ng Masbate ay pinatay sa magkakahiwalay na lugar sina Julito Tibor Bolandrina at Nolito Maguilan. Ang 2 ay pinaratangang mga kasapi ng NPA. Sinuotan pa ng damit na may tatak ng JRC NPA si Bolandrina para palabasing miembro ito ng NPA.

Nabubuwang na ang rehimeng US,China-Duterte sa pagpapatupad ng kontra-mamamayang NTF-ELCAC at mas lalo pa itong pasasahulin sa bagong batas na Anti-Terrorsim Law. Alam natin na ang bagong batas na ito ay target na patahimikin ang mga kritiko ng reaksyunaryong gobyerno ni Duterte at ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Sa katunayan, bilang panimula ay sunod-sunod na ang mga patayan sa probinsya ng Masbate, panggigipit sa mga opisyal ng barangay at mga sibilyang pinaghihinalaan nilang may koneksyon sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa probinsya. Ngunit, sa kabila nito ay galit na galit at nasusuka na ang mamamayang Masbatenyo sa mga nangyayaring pang-aabuso ng 2nd IBPA at PPO PNP Masbate kung kaya naman natutuwa sila tuwing napaparusahan ang mga ito ng JRC BHB-Masbate.

Kung kaya wala nang dapat pagpilian ang mamamayang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan kundi ang tumangan ng armas at tahakin ang armadong pagrerebolusyon para sa hustisya’t katarungan.

Sersoyo ang JRC BHB-Masbate sa sinumpaan nitong paglingkuaran ng buong katapatan at husay ang mamamayang Masbatenyo buhay man ay iaalay.

Nananawagan ang JRC BHB-Masbate sa mga makabayang Masbatenyo na ito ang panahon na di pwede kayong manahimik, lalo na’t nahaharap tayo sa pananalasa ng buwang na pangulo.

JRC BHB-Masbate, tunay na suldados san pobre!

Pagbayarin ng dugo ang pasista, berdugo at mamamatay taong 2nd IBPA at PPO PNP Masbate!

Mamamayang Masbatenyo, sampa na sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statement/gawad-pamamarusa-ng-jose-rapsing-command-sa-kasundaluhan-at-kapulisan-sa-lalawigan-ng-masbate-na-nagsasagawa-ng-focused-military-operations/

CPP/NDF-KM: Pulang Saludo, Ka Maymay at 4 pang kasama! Pagbayarin ang Pasistang AFP at PNP!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 13, 2020): Pulang Saludo, Ka Maymay at 4 pang kasama! Pagbayarin ang Pasistang AFP at PNP!

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN

KM-ILOCOS 

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 13, 2020

Pinakamataas na pulang parangal at saludo ang iginagawad ng Kabataang Makabayan (KM)- Ilocos kay Kasamang Pamela “Ka Maymay” Peralta at 4 pa nitong kasamang Pulang Mandirigma ng New Peoples Army (NPA) na nagbuwis ng buhay sa pakikipaglaban sa pasistang tropa ng pinaghalong unit ng AFP at PNP sa Brgy. Suagayan, Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur noong Agosto 8 ng hapon hanggang Agosto 9 ng umaga.

Nagluluksa ngayon ang buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan kasama ang mga kabataan, magsasaka, at buong mamamayan ng kanayunan ng Ilocos Sur sa pagpaslang ng pasistang armadong pwersa ni Duterte kila Ka Maymay at 4 pang kasama. Sasariwain ng mga kabataan ang alaala ng 5 martir ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatuloy ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibakang tinahak nila.

Ipinapaabot namin ang taos-pusong pakikiramay sa mga kapamilya, kaibigan, kaklase, at mga naging kasama ng 5 martir ng sambayanan. Nais rin naming iparating ang lubos na pasasalamat sa inyo sa pagbabahagi ng inyong dakilang anak para sa buong-panahong paglilingkod sa masang anakpawis ng Ilocos.

Kabaliktaran sa nais palabasin ni Major Rogelio Dumbrique ng CMO Battalion at iba pang tagakahol ng AFP, hindi nasayang ang buhay ni Ka Maymay at 4 pang kasama sapagkat ang mga aral at insipirasyong iniwan nila Ka Maymay ay magpapasibol ng marami pang Ka Maymay at mga pulang mandirigma sa hanay ng mga kabataan at masang pinaglingkuran nya.

Dadakilain ng lahat ng kabataan ang alaala ni Ka Maymay bilang isang tunay na huwaran ng walang pagmamaliw na paglilingkod sa sambayanan. Nagpapatuloy pa rin sa kasalukuyan ang operasyon ng pasistang kaaway sa pinangyarihan ng pagkakapaslang kina Ka Maymay at sa mga karatig na baranggay. Sa harap ng malungkot at nakakagalit na pangyayaring ito, buo ang determinasyon ng mga naiwan nila Ka Maymay na akuin ang mga tungkuling nakaatang sa kanila.

Ang sakripisyo nila Ka Maymay at 4 na mga kasama ay mas lalo lamang magpapaalab sa rebolusyonaryong damdamin ng NPA-Ilocos Sur kasama ang buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ang kanilang dakilang buhay ay inspirasyon ng buong masang aping lumalaban upang ipagtagumpay ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan hanggang sosyalismo.

Pulang Saludo para kila Ka Maymay at 4 na kasama!
Pagbayarin ang pasistang AFP at PNP!
Kabataan, sumampa sa NPA!
Ipagtagumpay ang rebolusyong bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statement/pulang-saludo-ka-maymay-at-4-pang-kasama-pagbayarin-ang-pasistang-afp-at-pnp/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Singilin ang AFP-PNP sa kriminal na pagpaslang kay Mario “Ka Jethro” Caraig!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 13, 2020): Singilin ang AFP-PNP sa kriminal na pagpaslang kay Mario “Ka Jethro” Caraig!

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 13, 2020

Nagngingitngit sa galit ang Melito Glor Command-NPA ST sa pataksil na pagpaslang ng 1st IBPA, 2nd ID at PNP-Laguna kay Mario “Ka Jethro” Caraig, 57, na nasa katayuang hors de combat noong madaling araw ng Agosto 8 sa Laguna. Isa na naman itong kaso ng ala-Tokhang na pamamaslang sa tulak ng marahas na kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera na dapat panagutan ng mga mamamatay-taong heneral ng AFP-PNP, mga berdugong pasimuno ng NTF-ELCAC at ng punong pasistang si Rodrigo Duterte.

Malinaw sa estilo ng pagpatay kay Ka Jethro at sa iba pang NPA na hors de combat na wala nang sinusunod na makataong batas o batas ng digmaan ang rehimeng US-Duterte alinsunod sa 1949 at 1977 Geneva Conventions. Malubhang nasugatan si Ka Jethro mula sa labanan noong Agosto 4 sa Brgy. San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna, kung saan namartir din sina Dioscorro ‘Ka Termo” Cello, Rey “Ka Danny” Macinas at Alex “Ka Omar” Perdeguera na mga kasama niya sa yunit.

Nagresulta ang tama ng bala ni Ka Jethro sa pagkatanggal ng laman sa kanyang kaliwang braso. Nanghihina pa siya at hindi pa nalalapatan ng lunas nang salakayin ng mga pulis at militar. Tulog siya nang barilin ng mga kaaway. Hindi na rin niya magagawang lumaban dahil naiwan niya ang kanyang baril sa pinangyarihan ng naunang labanan.

Sa ganoong kalagayan ni Ka Jethro, ang katanggap-tanggap na hakbangin ayon sa Protocol I at II ng Geneva Conventions ay lapatan siya ng lunas bilang bihag-ng-digma. Ang brutalidad ng rehimeng Duterte at ang kultura ng karahasan at kawalang pagpapahalaga sa buhay ng tao na pinaiiral sa loob ng AFP at PNP ang dahilan ng malaganap na summary executions, extra-judicial killings na ala-Tokhang laban sa mga tinatakang kaaway ng reaksyunaryong estado. Ang brutal na pagpaslang kay Ka Jethro at sa iba pang katulad nyang hors de combat ay salaminan ng patakaran ng rehimen at AFP-PNP ng hindi pagkuha ng bihag sa lahat ng NPA—laluna sa mga lider ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Ang pamamaraan ng pagpatay ng AFP-PNP kay Ka Jethro at iba pang maituturing na hors de combat tulad nina Kasamang Lorelyn Saligumba (Hunyo 4, 2020) at Ermin Bellen (Disyembre 5, 2019) ay pruwebang sagad na sa buto ang indoktrinasyon ng karahasan at kawalan ng respeto sa buhay ng mga pasistang sundalo’t pulis. Mundo ang kaibahan nito sa bakal na disiplina at mataas na pagpapahalaga ng NPA sa karapatang tao na itinataguyod kahit sa gitna ng kabi-kabilang pagbali ng GRP sa mga kasunduang CARHRIHL at mga protocol ng Geneva Conventions.

Lalong nakakasuklam ang pagpaslang kay Ka Jethro dahil tiyak na naging motibo ng mga pulis at militar ang P4.3-milyong patong sa ulo ng kasama. Tunay na bayaran ang AFP-PNP at walang maipagmamalaking dangal. Ang salaping matatanggap ng mga berdugong heneral mula sa pag-utas sa buhay ni Ka Jethro ay may katumbas na utang na dugo sa mamamayan at rebolusyon.

Sa kabilang banda, hindi matutumbasan ng anumang halaga ang buhay na buung-buong inialay ni Ka Jethro para sa rebolusyon at sambayanang Pilipino. Tatlumpu’t anim na taon siyang nagsilbi sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at kalakhan nito’y inilaan sa Batangas, ang probinsyang kanyang sinilangan. Mahal na mahal siya ng masang kanyang nakapiling at nakasalamuha dahil naramdaman nila ang kanyang tunay na pagmamalasakit sa kanilang interes.

Kalagitnaan ng dekada ’90 nagsimula ang pagkilos ni Ka Jethro sa loob ng NPA. Naging matatag siyang giya ng mga yunit ng NPA na kanyang kinapalooban laluna sa gitna ng malulupit na atake ng kaaway. Nagpatuloy siya sa armadong pakikibaka sa kabila ng mga pisikal na karamdaman at kahirapan bunga ng kanyang edad, dahilan upang maging inspirasyon siya ng mga nakababatang Pulang mandirigma. Hanggang sa kanyang huling sandali, mahigpit siyang tumupad sa tungkulin bilang kadre ng Partido, upisyal ng NPA at proletaryong rebolusyonaryo.

Hindi nagtatapos sa malagim na pagpaslang ng AFP-PNP kay Ka Jethro ang kanyang maningning na rebolusyonaryong adhikain. Itatanghal ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng MGC ang kanyang alaala at diwang Komunista at gagamitin itong gatong sa higit pang pagpapalaab ng armadong pakikibaka sa rehiyon.

Titiyakin ng MGC at ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa TK na mabigyan si Ka Jethro—at lahat ng biktima ng karahasan ng rehimeng US-Duterte—ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya at mapagbayad nang mahal ang pasistang rehimen para sa lahat ng krimen nito sa mamamayan.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/singilin-ang-afp-pnp-sa-kriminal-na-pagpaslang-kay-mario-ka-jethro-caraig/

CPP/NPA-Palawan: Hingil sa Nangyaring Ambush sa Rescue 165

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 13, 2020): Hingil sa Nangyaring Ambush sa Rescue 165

SALVADOR LUMINOSO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-PALAWAN

BIENVENIDO VALLEVER COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 13, 2020

Nang makarating sa kaalaman ng pamunuan ng Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) ang nangyaring ambus sa Rescue 165, kaagad na naglabas ng kautusan ito upang imbestigahan kung sangkot ang anumang yunit ng NPA-Palawan sa insidente.

Kaalinsabay, mahigpit na tatalima ang BVC sa direktiba ng Melito Glor Command bilang pinakamataas na otoridad ng NPA sa rehiyong Timog Katagalugan na magkaroon ng puspusan at malalimang imbestigasyon sa insidente at imbestigahan kung may nasangkot na yunit nito sa pangyayari.

Tinitiyak ng BVC sa publiko, sa pamilya, sa mga kaibigan at alyado na gagawin nito ang patas na imbestigasyon alinsunod sa mga proseso ng rebolusyonaryong sistema ng hustisya ng Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan at Alituntunin ng NPA. Kung mapatunayang may yunit ng BVC na imbuwelto ay nakahanda itong magbigay ng indemnipikasyon sa mga napinsala at nasaktan.

Ang mahabang rekord ng NPA ang magsasalita na laging nasa unahang kunsiderasyon ng bawat yunit ang pagtiyak na walang madamay na sibilyan sa mga inilulunsad nitong taktikal na opensiba. Ang diwa ng taus-pusong paglilingkod sa sambayanan ang prinsipyong nasa likod at gumagabay sa bawat Pulang mandirigma at kumander na tiyaking hindi mapipinsala ang mga sibilyan at kanilang ariarian sa mga aksyong militar ng NPA. Gayunman, hinaharap nito ang responsibilidad sa mga kaso ng pagkakamali na maaaring lumitaw sa proseso ng pagpapatupad ng kanyang tungkulin militar.

https://cpp.ph/statement/hingil-sa-nangyaring-ambush-sa-rescue-165/

CPP/CPP=Southern Tagalog: Ka Jethro, magiting na anak ng Batangas, bayani at martir ng sambayanan at rebolusyong Pilipino!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 13, 2020): Ka Jethro, magiting na anak ng Batangas, bayani at martir ng sambayanan at rebolusyong Pilipino!

KOMITENG REHIYON

TIMOG KATAGALUGAN

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 13, 2020

Nagpupugay at iginagawad ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa Timog Katagalugan (KRTK-PKP-MLM) ang pinakamataas na pagdakila kay Kasamang Mario Caraig, isang ulirang komunista, magiting na rebolusyonaryo at martir ng rebolusyon. Inialay nya ang mahigit 36 taon ng kanyang buhay sa pagtataguyod ng interes ng mamamayang api’t pinagsasamantalahan at simulain ng pambansang demokrasya.

Mas kilala si Kasamang Mario Caraig sa tawag na Ka Jethro, Lemuel, Zilong at Igpaw sa mga kasama at masa ng TK. Brutal siyang pinaslang ng mga pasistang militar kahit isa nang hors de combat o wala na sa katayuang lumaban pagkaraang masugatan sa isang labanan noong Agosto 4 at habang nilalapatan ng lunas—isang kaso ng extra judicial killing (EJK) ng pinagsamang pwersa ng 1st IBPA at PNP-Laguna noong madaling araw ng Agosto 8 sa San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna.

Magiting at mabuting anak ng lalawigan ng Batangas si Ka Jethro. Ipinanganak siya noong Setyembre 24, 1962 sa bayan ng Nasugbu. Mula pagkapanganak, sa probinsya ng Batangas na siya lumaki, nagkaisip at nag-aral. Dito na din siya namulat sa pangangailangang baguhin ang lipunan sa ilalim ng diktadurang Marcos at kalauna’y niyakap ang rebolusyon, pumaloob sa kilusang lihim at lumahok sa anti-diktadurang pakikibaka. Hindi bababa sa 27 taon ng kanyang 36 na taong rekord sa rebolusyonaryong pagkilos ay iginugol nya sa pagpupundar ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Batangas. Naging kasapi siya ng Partido noong Marso 1987. Dito na din siya nagbuo ng rebolusyonaryong pamilya.

Namulat at naorganisa si Ka Jethro noong 1984 sa panahon ng kasagsagan ng paglaban ng sambayanang Pilipino upang pabagsakin ang noo’y kinamumuhiang diktadurang US-Marcos. Bilang isang relihiyosong protestante, pinangunahan niya ang pag-oorganisa sa kabataang kristiyano at mga pagkilos laban sa diktadura ng panahong iyon. Dahil sa kanyang kasigasigan, naging panlalawigang tagapangulo siya nito sa Batangas at isa sa naging pangunahing opisyal sa antas ng rehiyon. Kalaunan, tumayo siya bilang isa sa lider masa sa hayag na demokratikong kilusang masa sa probinsya. Noong 1985, naging pangkalahatang kalihim siya ng isang progresibong alyansa sa lalawigan ng Batangas. Pinangunahan nila ang mga pagkilos ng mamamayan sa probinsya hanggang sa bumagsak ang diktadurang Marcos.

Ang paglalim ng kanyang paglahok sa anti-diktadura at anti-pasistang kilusan ay ibayong nagbukas sa kanya ng pinto na hindi makakamit ang tunay na panlipunang pagbabago kung hindi sa pamamagitan ng armadong rebolusyon. Nasaksihan nya na ang pagpapalit sa diktadura ng mula sa karibal na paksyon ng naghaharing uri ay hindi makabuluhang bumabago sa api at siil na kalagayan ng masang anakpawis. Nagpapatuloy lamang ang mapagsamantala at mapang-aping sistema sa ilalim ng nagpapalitang paksyon ng naghaharing uri.

Sa buong 36 taon ng kanyang rebolusyonaryong paglilingkod, hindi kinakitaan ng anumang panghihina o pagtigil sa pagkilos si Ka Jethro. Naging bahagi siya sa mga kamalian at paglihis noong huling mga taon ng dekada ’80 ngunit matapat niyang kinilala ang mga pagkakamali at marubdub niyang isinakatuparan ang pagwawasto sa ilalim ng Ikalawang Dakilang Kilusang Pagwawasto noong 1992 hanggang sa mga sumunod na taon.

Mula nang matalaga sa pagkilos sa larangang gerilya sa Batangas noong 1995, ginugol ni Ka Jethro ang mahigit sa 24 taon ng kanyang buong panahong rekord sa pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka sa probinsya at mga karatig na lugar.

Isa sa pangunahing namumunong kadre si Ka Jethro sa organisasyon ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) at Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa lalawigan ng Batangas. Mula sa pagiging Kalihim at opisyal pampulitika ng isang yunit sa gawaing masa, umangat siya sa katungkulan hanggang maging kalihim ng komiteng larangan, naging pangalawang kalihim ng komiteng probinsya at pagkaraan, naging kalihim nito noong 2017. Siya ang naging tagapagsalita ng Eduardo Dagli Command at nakilala sa pangalang Apolinario Matienza.

Sa kanyang kawalang pagod at mga pagsisikap, kasama ang kapwa niya kadre’t kasapi ng Partido, kumander at mandirigma ng BHB, katuwang ang mamamayang Batangueño, lumawak at lumalim ang rebolusyonaryong baseng masa sa Batangas nang walang kaparis sa kasaysayan nito. Sa kanyang pamumuno, nailunsad at naipagtagumpay ang pakikibaka para sa lupa, kabuhayan, panirikan at karapatan ng mga magsasaka, mangingisda, manggagawang bukid at iba pang aping uri. Magiting niyang pinamunuan ang pakikibaka ng mga mamamayan laban sa pinakamalalaki at pinakamakapangyarihang burgesya-kumprador at panginoong maylupa tulad ng mga pamilyang Sy, Ayala, Roxas, Ang at Campos. Ang mga ito ang numero unong kaaway ng mga magsasaka’t mangingisda sa lalawigan na pwersahang nagpapalayas, nangangamkam ng kanilang mga lupain at kumikitil sa kanilang kabuhayan.

Sa saklaw ng panahong ito, lumawak at lumakas din ang hukbong bayan at armadong pakikibakang inilulunsad ng NPA sa probinsya ng Batangas. Naisagawa ang mga taktikal na opensiba at iba pang aksyong militar na bumigwas sa kaaway ng mamamayan at nagbigay ng katarungan sa mga biktima ng inhustisya’t pang-aapi ng naghaharing uri. Pinakatampok sa mga ito ang matagumpay na reyd-pamamarusa sa armadong goons at ari-arian ni Henry Sy sa Papaya, Nasugbu noong Enero 29, 2017.

Kaya naman, walang pagsidlan ang galit ng mga naghaharing-uri kay Ka Jethro, sa PKP at New People’s Army na nagsilbing pinuno’t sandigan ng aping mamamayan sa kanilang buhay at pakikibaka. Ilandaang libong ektarya ang sinaklaw ng mga antipyudal na pakikibaka, libu-libong ektarya ang naipagtagumpay at libu-libong mamamayan ang nagtamasa ng mga tagumpay na ito. Upang hadlangan ang mga tagumpay ng kilusang magsasaka, ginamit ang buong makinarya ng panunupil ng reaksyunaryong estado para supilin at wasakin ang rebolusyonaryong paglaban sa lalawigan.

Sa kanyang ipinakitang katatagan, husay at determinasyon, nahalal siya bilang kagawad ng Komiteng Rehiyon sa TK (KRTK) noong 2012 at regular na kagawad ng Komiteng Tagapagpaganap ng KRTK noong 2018.

Kilala bilang mabait at magiliw sa mga kasama at masa si Ka Jethro. Madali siyang makapalagayang loob at lapitan hindi lamang ng kanyang kakolektibo kundi kahit ng mga karaniwang kasapi at mandirigma na kanyang pinamumunuan.

Kilala din siya bilang mahusay na propagandista’t ahitador. Marubdub at punong-puno ng ahitasyon kung siya’y magsalita at magpaliwanag sa mga kasama at masa. Palagi niyang inililinaw ang kawastuhan at kahalagahan ng rebolusyon.

Mababa ang loob at mapagpakumbaba si Ka Jethro. Maluwag siyang tumanggap ng mga kapunahan at nagsisikap na maiwasto ang mga kahinaan at kakulangan upang maging karapat-dapat na pinuno at modelong komunista.

Tapat sa Partido, sa rebolusyon at sa interes ng masa si Ka Jethro. Palagi niyang inuuna ang interes ng Partido kaysa sa kanyang pansariling interes. Bukal sa loob na tinatanggap ni Ka Jethro ang mga atas, gawain o disposisyon. Hindi niya alintana ang sakit na hypertension, diabetes at pagiging operado sa slipped disk. Para sa kanya, nakahanda siyang tupdin anuman ang atas ng Partido at saanman siya itatalagang lugar at gawain. Ito ang kanyang panuntunan laluna nang italaga bilang kalihim ng Komiteng Probinsya ng Batangas. Alam niya ang bigat at panganib na dala ng kanyang tungkulin at responsibilidad, ngunit walang pag-aatubili niya itong tinanganan dahil alam niya ang kahalagahan nito sa buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Sukdulan ang galit ng sambayanan at ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyong TK sa karumal-dumal na pagpaslang kay Ka Jethro ng mga kaaway. Ninanais ng mga kaaway na ganap ng patahimikin si Ka Jethro at maghasik ng sindak sa mamamayan. Hinding-hindi kailanman masisindak ang rebolusyonaryong mamamayan at ang sambayanang Pilipino sa pasismo at terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

Ang buhay at pakikibaka ni Ka Jethro at iba pang mga kasamang martir ay magsisilbing apoy na magpapaalab sa naghihimagsik na damdamin ng sambayanan upang isulong ang digmang bayan at ang demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan. Hindi kailanman magmamaliw ang diwa at alaala ni Ka Jethro. Sa brutal na pagpaslang sa kanya ng kaaway at sa kanyang huling hininga, mananatili siyang buhay sa puso ng mamamayan. Nakaukit sa bawat sulok ng lalawigan ang kanyang kadakilaan, sakripisyo, kawalang pag-iimbot at busilak na paglilingkod sa masa .

Aalalahanin at dadakilain ng sambayanang Pilipino ang buhay at pakikibaka ni Ka Jethro. Sa kabilang banda, lulunurin ng nag-aalimpuyong galit ng sambayanan ang rehimeng US-Duterte, ang kanyang mga kroni at mersenaryo’t pasistang AFP at PNP. Darating ang panahon ng pagtutuos at paniningil. Makakamit ng sambayanan at ni Ka Jethro ang rebolusyonaryong katarungan.

Mabuhay ang alaala ni Ka Jethro!

Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!

Digmang Bayan, Sagot sa Terorismo ng Estado!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

Mabuhay ang National Democratic Front of the Philippines!

Mabuhay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang rebolusyong Pilipino!

https://cpp.ph/statement/ka-jethro-magiting-na-anak-ng-batangas-bayani-at-martir-ng-sambayanan-at-rebolusyong-pilipino/

CPP/CIO: “Better normal Bill” violates rights in the guise of pandemic measures

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 12, 2020): “Better normal Bill” violates rights in the guise of pandemic measures

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 12, 2020

The Filipino people should be vigilant against the curtailment of their basic freedoms especially in the face of the Duterte regime’s exploitation of the Covid-19 pandemic to institutionalize its fascist rule.

Masquerading as a public health measure, House Resolution 6864 otherwise known as the Better Normal Bill, is among the measures that are being railroaded by Duterte’s congressional supermajority to consolidate the regime’s tyrannical rule.

The seemingly innocuous bill puts into writing common and basic health measures that are, in fact, already in place and are being practiced by the people. However, alongside wearing of face masks and washing of hands, the bill bans public gatherings outright, a right which is considered inviolable even by the 1987 constitution.

This out and out fascist provision will not only impinge on the people’s right to protest and hold meetings, it will undoubtedly subject even family-oriented gatherings such as weddings, baptisms, reunions and the like to police and military control.

The bill, in fact, paves the way for the institutionalization of the militaristic reign of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) over the FIlipino people, with all its mind boggling and often idiotic measures on “social distancing” courtesy of its fascist general Eduardo Año.

Duterte’s minions in the Senate and Congress are hellbent on passing a slew of measures to ensure his fascist reign.

This bill will definitely not bring about a “better normal” because, if enacted, it will only subject the Filipino people to even greater restrictions of more freedoms in the face of the regime’s failure to manage the pandemic.

https://cpp.ph/statement/%ef%bb%bfbetter-normal-bill-violates-rights-in-the-guise-of-pandemic-measures/

CPP/NDF-Ilocos: NDF-Ilocos: Justice for the brutally slain members of NPA-Ilocos Sur!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 12, 2020): NDF-Ilocos: Justice for the brutally slain members of NPA-Ilocos Sur!

KA ROSA GUIDON

TAGAPAGSALITA

NDF-ILOCOS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 12, 2020

Achieve the broadest and strongest unity against the fascist Duterte regime!

Merely half a year after the brazen summary execution of three members of the New People’s Army – Ilocos Sur (NPA-Ilocos Sur), the 702nd Brigade bares yet again another display of atrociousness by murdering at least five members of the revolutionary army. On August 8, in Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur, government troops blatantly disregarded international humanitarian laws governing armed conflict and warfare by committing the worst acts of overkill against members of the NPA-Ilocos Sur. Truly, under the administration of the bloodthirsty Rodrigo Duterte, unparalleled barbarity and unprecedented disdain for human rights has become the brand of the Philippine Army (PA).

Cowardly Acts
The National Democratic Front – Ilocos (NDF-Ilocos) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the dastardly acts of the units under the PA. It is another clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws signed between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Government of the Philippines in March 1998.

Moreover, it is obvious that utter cowardice lies behind the PA’s excessive use of violence. Its fear of the systemic change espoused by the NPA, and the spread of its influence amongst the masses, drives it to employ the most heinous methods to snuff the life out of a revolutionary hero. Its greatest mistake is believing that revolutionary ideals die together with the revolutionary martyrs and denying the fact that fascism only serves to fan the flame of the revolutionary struggle.

State Fascism

While the PA never balked at any chance to exert extreme violence against the revolutionary army, Duterte’s own predilection towards brutality and condescension towards the poor only served as extra badge of approval. That loss of life and limb is so normalized under the present regime is evidenced by the estimated 7,000 killed under the supposed war against illegal drugs, by communities in Marawi wiped out in their entirety through aerial bombing and indiscriminate firing and by the abandonment of millions of Filipinos in the fight against Covid-19 through militaristic—rarely medical—measures against the virus. Fascism, coupled with class privilege, are the operative words under Duterte’s rule.

It goes without saying that the national democratic movement has earned the deepest ire of Duterte himself. Aside from periodically stating his irrational refusal to resume the talks for peace, Duterte has ordered the murder of a negotiator. On August 10, Randall Echanis died after suffering from multiple stab injuries and gunshot wound to the head. During his life of struggle and service, he has been an advocate of peace based on justice and committed through armed struggle, as well as an ardent activist for agrarian reform. His revolutionary ideals, like those of the slain NPA members, will continue to take root and flourish long after his demise.

The NDF-Ilocos joins the rest of the national democratic movement in mourning the deaths of these fellow warriors and revolutionaries. Their presence will be missed but their legacies will more than fill the gap they have left. Duterte and his blood-drenched army will do well to remember that history and the people will be their judge. The fall of tyrants and despots is just as inevitable and certain as the victory of the national democratic revolution. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-ilocos-justice-for-the-brutally-slain-members-of-npa-ilocos-sur/