CPP/NAP-Negros Island ROC: AFP and PNP are fascist dogs and liars

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 20, 2020): AFP and PNP are fascist dogs and liars

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

The AFP and PNP are fascist dogs and liars. Each day, more lies are being spewed from the AFP/PNP factory.

In their desperation to chase the New People’s Army, the AFP once again hopelessly retaliated on civilians. While conducting clearing operations in the boundaries of Canlaon, Moises Padilla, and Guihulngan last September 17, elements of the 62nd Infantry Batallion went on a strafing-spree.

Ernie Jacolbe, resident of Sitio Owayan, Brgy Budlasan, Canlaon City was just about to get his grazing carabao when elements of the 62nd Infantry Batallion open fired at his direction. Gilbert Reyes, resident of the same barangay, was just chasing his horrified carabao upon hearing the gunshots when he was picked up by elements of the 62nd IB. In true army fashion, they planted firearms on him and accused him as an NPA fighter. With the intervention of his family and barangay officials, he was released later that day but signs of torture was evident in his body.

In Sitio Bungao, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan, a group of youngsters resting in a nipa hut were strafed by elements of the 62nd IB. They then bound the youngsters but was able to escape. The AFP was quick to plant a motley of firearms and projected to the public that it was the NPA that they exchanged firefight with. This only proves their desperation and failure to chase the NPA.

No amount of spin stories can misled the toiling masses. The broad masses of the people know that the AFP/PNP are mercenaries for further exploitation and oppression. It is then imperative for the people to link arms and resist the fascist Duterte regime.

In response, the NPA is more than ready to punish the AFP/PNP butchers and defend the people of Negros.

https://cpp.ph/statements/afp-and-pnp-are-fascist-dogs-and-liars/

PH Coast Guard foil bomb attack in Sulu

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 20, 2020): PH Coast Guard foil bomb attack in Sulu (By Nonoy Lacson)

Suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) failed to create havoc in the town of Jolo in Sulu after elements of the Philippine Coast Guard–Explosive and Ordnance Division (PCG-EOD) discovered a baggage that contained an improvised explosive device (IED) that the bandits planted at the local port, Saturday night, September 19.

Armed Force of the Philippines- Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) Commander Lt Gen Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said PCG EOD wharf security personnel found the abandoned baggage between the Harbor Master and Maritime Police Office located in Barangay Walled City in about 6:02 p.m., Saturday.

Vinluan said the PCG security personnel immediately brought their bomb-sniffing dog to verify the content of the box.

The bomb-sniffing dog immediately sat beside the boc, indicating that an explosive was inside it.

A careful inspection was immediately conducted which resulted in the discovery of two electric blasting caps, one rifle grenade, one spark plug, and concrete nails.

Upon receipt of the information, troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion immediately cordoned off the area, while the EOD Team of the Sulu Provincial Police Office and Jolo Municipal Police Station responded in the area to assess the situation and facilitate the verification and confirmation of the said item.

Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu) Commander Brig. Gen. William Gonzales said: “I commend our troops and our partners for this accomplishment. You saved the lives of the innocent people and foiled this terroristic activity of our heartless enemies,”

“This success is a result of the intensified conduct of intelligence operations and the strengthened collaboration with the police and other security agencies, thus preempting the terrorists from executing their terror plan. I commend the troops of the JTF Sulu for a job well done,” Vinluan added.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/20/ph-coast-guard-foil-bomb-attack-in-sulu/

Opinion: Bohol’s insurgency problem persists

 Opinion piece in The Manila Times (Sep 20, 2020): Bohol’s insurgency problem persists (By Marit Stinus-Cabugon)

Central Visayas Police chief BGen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, on a recent command visit to the Bohol Provincial Police Office, told his men that he sees a resurgence of activities of the communist movement in Bohol in recent years (The Bohol Chronicle, Sept. 16, 2020). A few days later, Junifie Dagale, with a P5-million bounty on her head, was arrested in the island municipality of Carlos P. Garcia. She was wanted for a string of high-profile crimes in Mindanao, including abduction, armed attacks and a robbery that netted 46 pieces of AK-47s and two dozens of other firearms. Congratulations to the Police and military for arresting this Most Wanted personality.

Whether Dagale was in Bohol simply to hide — she was reportedly staying at the house of a relative of her husband — or to aide the local communist movement has not been disclosed. Bohol officially remains insurgency-free now on the 11th year. However, there have been at least four encounters this year: on February 29, April 26, May 9 and June 26. A soldier and one New People’s Army (NPA) fighter were killed in the February 29 encounter.

Both the February 29 and April 26 encounters happened at Barangay Cambigsi, Bilar, while the May 9 and June 26 encounters took place in Upper Cabacnitan, Batuan and Bayawahan, Sevilla, respectively. Batuan, Bilar and Sevilla are adjacent towns. Cambigsi and Upper Cabacnitan are neighboring barangay (villages).

On June 15, 24-year-old Jason Deliman, a resident of Upper Cabacnitan, was liquidated by suspected NPA when he visited his mother in Cambigsi. Jason was believed to have given information to the government. What happened to him and others before him is the reason why people in the villages most affected by insurgency usually won’t report suspicious activities or persons to authorities.

On July 21, a military vehicle carrying soldiers from 47th Infantry Battalion passed through the same Barangay Cambigsi when it was fired upon by an undetermined number of suspects, likely members of the NPA.

I do not know if this was reported, but some farmers claim to have seen about 80 suspected NPA members — men and women, some armed with AK-47 — in the most remote corner of Batuan, a place called Behind the Clouds. This was sometime last month.

The villages where the NPA seems to be able to operate unhindered and again and again engage the military are located in an area where forest provides cover, a local river ensures supply of water, relatives take care of essential supplies, and lack of roads and bridges make it difficult for the military to penetrate. As for the police they have reportedly long ago stopped patrolling or responding to reports of enemy presence or activity. Maybe that could explain the resurgence of leftist activities mentioned by General Ferro, at least partly.

On his command visit to Bohol, the police general presented to media Joseph Gulle Galagar, an alleged NPA leader who surrendered to the police last September 2. Galagar is said to be a “close-in comrade” of elusive NPA Commander Domingo Compoc. He “served as Coastal Transport Support Unit leader” and as such operated a motorized banca, transporting rebels, weapons and other supplies between Bohol, Cebu and Negros islands. Galagar and his wife were, in May 2018, accused of hiding wounded rebels in their house in Barangay Cogtong, Candijay, after an encounter in Campagao, Bilar. Though the two places are very far apart, there must have been a reason why the police and barangay tanod (village police) suspected Galagar.

Galagar and his wife were at the time both members of local chapters of organizations under the umbrella of the national democratic movement, the wife of Gabriela, the husband of Cogtong Fishermen’s Association — Bol-anong Kahugpongan sa mga Kabus nga Nananagat (Bohol Organization of Poor Fisherfolks) or Cogfa-Bokkana-Pamalakaya. Pamalakaya is the national democratic movement’s sectoral organization for fisher folks.

The military, together with various entities of the national government has been busy giving livelihood assistance to former rebels. This is fine. However, the persistence of the insurgency in insurgency-free Bohol doesn’t seem to be due to economic deprivation or social injustice. The insurgency problem is mostly confined to a few small towns. This area isn’t underdeveloped, but more roads and bridges connecting remote villages to the rest of the world could go a long way in making it less easy for the rebels to hide. The national government is literally swimming in money for infrastructure projects in insurgency-affected communities. This is the time to put some of this money to good use and help Bohol stop the NPA menace before it spreads further.

The police have been busy lately on the coronavirus front. But this should not stop them from doing their regular job of securing peace and order in remote communities that need protection from criminal elements.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/21/opinion/columnists/bohols-insurgency-problem-persists/770231/

Army, NPA clash anew in Sorsogon

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 20, 2020): Army, NPA clash anew in Sorsogon (By Martin Sadongdong)

An armed encounter erupted between the Philippine Army and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Bulan, Sorsogon on Saturday afternoon.

In a statement Sunday night, Major General Henry Robinson, commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, said joint elements of the Army’s 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB), 903rd Infantry Brigade (903IBgde), and local police responded to reports about the sighting of armed men in Barangay R. Gerona before the clash occurred at 3:18 p.m.

Robinson said the troops spotted the suspects in a secluded area in the village. The suspects allegedly fired the first shot, prompting the state forces to retaliate.

After a brief gunfight, the armed men allegedly fled on foot while leaving behind their personal belongings.

The troops recovered an M14 rifle and two anti-personnel mines at the encounter site.

Robinson said he was elated with the “growing support of the Bicolanos in the unrelenting efforts of the government to quell the unlawful activities” of the NPA rebels especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He cited the continuous interoperability of government forces in Sorsogon for the past months which resulted in a series of armed encounters, neutralization of communist rebels and recovery of high powered firearms.

Just last July 30, an unidentified female rebel was killed in a clash between the military and communist guerillas in Barangay Daganas in Bulan town. An M60 machine gun, M16 riffle and an anti-personnel mine were recovered by the troops during the encounter.

Also killed were two soldiers identified as Private First Class Greyan Andus and Corporal Arnel Divinagracia, of the Army’s 22nd Infantry Battalion.

“Our extensive military operations will never cease until we finally put an end to this local armed conflict,” Robinson said.

“Pero sa kabila nito, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang panawagan natin sa kanila na sumuko na dahil hindi natin gustong patuloy na makakita ng kapwa nating Pilipino na namamatay lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya (Despite this, we continuously call on them to surrender because we do not want to see fellow Filipinos dying especially amid the pandemic),” he appealed.

“Just like our soldiers, these men have their own families waiting for them to go home safe and alive,” he added.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/20/army-npa-clash-anew-in-sorsogon/

K-9 TEAM KEY TO DISCOVERY//Explosives found in last month’s Jolo, Sulu blast site

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 20, 2020): K-9 TEAM KEY TO DISCOVERY//Explosives found in last month’s Jolo, Sulu blast site (By: Cathrine Gonzales, Julie Alipala)

Security forces discover on Saturday, September 19, 2020, explosive materials abandoned between the Harbor Master and Maritime Police Office, nearly a month after the twin blasts in Barangay Walled City on August 24 that killed 15 people and wounded more than 70 others. Photo from WestMinCom

The Philippine Coast Guard discovered abandoned explosive materials in Barangay Walled City in Jolo, Sulu Saturday evening, nearly a month after the twin blasts in the same village on August 24 that killed 15 people and wounded more than 70 others.

Lt. Col. Alaric delos Santos, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the Explosives Ordnance Division of the Philippine Coast Guard was conducting area paneling at the Jolo pier when they discovered a suspicious item abandoned in between the Harbor Master and Maritime Police Office at 6:02 p.m., September 19.

“The PCG personnel were prompted when the bomb-sniffing dog sat beside the item,” Delos Santos said.

Upon inspection, they discovered two electric blasting caps, one rifle grenade, one spark plug, and concrete nails.

Members of the 35th Infantry Battalion immediately cordoned the area upon receipt of the information.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams of the Sulu Provincial Police Office and Jolo Municipal Police Station also went to the site and verified that the items were explosive materials.

“I commend our troops and our partners for this accomplishment. You saved the lives of the innocent people and foiled this terroristic activity of our heartless enemies,” said Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force Sulu Commander.

Meanwhile, WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. attributed the discovery of the explosive items to the intensified intelligence operations and strengthened collaboration between government security agencies.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1337555/explosives-found-in-last-months-jolo-sulu-blast-site

National security at risk if 100% foreign-owned telcos allowed

 From the Manila Standard (Sep 20, 2020): National security at risk if 100% foreign-owned telcos allowed

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has warned of violation of the Constitution and national security risk if Congress enacted a law allowing 100 percent foreign ownership of telecommunication companies.

In a webinar of the Philippine Bar Association Friday, Carpio said, “The Supreme Court is supreme because it’s the final interpreter of words and phrases in the constitution. But if Congress will pass a law interpreting and redefining these terms and phrases you are taking away the power of the Supreme Court.

“This is a battle of turf between the Congress and the Supreme Court. It is the Supreme Court that will decide and they will also decide that Congress cannot reserve the power of the Supreme Court and to be the final arbiter of interpreting the constitution.”

On the risk of third Chinese ownership of third Telco Dito, Carpio warned that, “Chinese law is mandating all Chinese companies, as citizens, to disclose to their intelligence services any information required by the intelligence service.

“That is a problem that the Philippines is allowing ChinaTel to install telecom equipment in military camps and the fact that we have a conflict with China.”

Earlier on, the chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines gave assurances that allowing China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corp. to construct facilities inside military camps would not compromise national security.

During a hearing of the Commission on Appointments, Maj. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, a former commander of the Presidential Security Group, said they considered a lot of threats such as radio frequency jamming and interception but found the risks low.

He even told lawmakers that letting Dito build in military installations would give them access to these facilities to prevent possible Chinese intrusion of Philippine networks.

Niembra told Sen. Risa Hontiveros they conducted a risk assessment on the possible threat.

“The question with Dito Communications is because we perceive that because of this its Chinese nature, there may be threats,” he said.

“We considered four threats actually. First, the RF (radio frequency) interception, eavesdropping, radio frequency jamming and the result was that all the technical people in the Armed Forces found the risks to be low. So, there’s low risk or low possibility that these cell sites might intrude into our networks,” Niembra said.

Carpio added, “China is stealing territories such as the West Philippine sea and our maritime zones. We do not have that problem with Globe, PLDT, or with the Indonesians because we do not have territorial disputes with them.

“So, this is unique to DITO and ChinaTel. We have to be very careful because we are fighting to preserve our territorial maritime zones in the West Philippine sea and China is encroaching on our territory maritime zones.”

Commenting on the country’s Digital Infrastructure, Carpio said, “The problem of telcos is that they do not have enough towers because they cannot get permits from the local governments.

“But under the Bayanihan Act 2, all permits have been suspended except for the building permits. So, they need only one permit which is good for three years. There is this window of opportunity.

“They can build all the towers that they want now and that will solve the problem of speed and availability of boundaries.”

Prof. Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase ADR Institute, who was also at the webinar, said, “Top priority must be the building of a robust and nationwide digital infrastructure that all sectors now realize as a critical service that must be accessible to all Filipinos. The sudden shift to cloud-based technologies for communications and economic activities will need strategic partnerships between the private sector and government and will be instrumental in recovering from this economic crisis.”

He added, “A conducive policy environment that inspires confidence and boosts competitiveness will attract the right kind of investors who have the resources and technology to create long term positive impact to our economy and create the millions of jobs that our people need,” Manhit said.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that 23 tower companies had been granted provisional certificates to participate in its accelerated tower program.

The DICT said the country needed over 50,000 towers to improve mobile connectivity nationwide, from Batanes to Tawi Tawi. Permitting timelines have also been limited to two weeks by drastic reforms in the permitting process.

https://manilastandard.net/index.php/news/top-stories/334633/national-security-at-risk-if-100-foreign-owned-telcos-allowed.html

PNP elite forces sent to Maguindanao after roadside blast kills Marine commando, injures 4 others to help hunt down persons involved in roadside bombing

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 20, 2020): PNP elite forces sent to Maguindanao after roadside blast kills Marine commando, injures 4 others to help hunt down persons involved in roadside bombing (By Aaron Recuenco) 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) sent on Saturday, Sept. 19, its elite forces to Maguindanao to help the local security forces hunt down those responsible for the roadside bombing that left a member of the Philippine Marine Corps dead and four others wounded.

PNP chief Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan said he also ordered all local police forces in Maguindanao to initiate security protocols to contain the movement of those responsible, including checkpoints and chokepoints, and intensified intelligence-gathering.

Among those sent were members of the Provincial Headquarters, Maguindanao Police Provincial Office, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company , 404th Special Action Company and Light Armor Unit of the PNP-SAF.

The roadside bombing occurred at around 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, near the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in the capital town of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.

Reports revealed that the Philippine Marines personnel on board a troop carrier were coming from a military operation against elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Salman when the incident happened.

Responding police personnel immediately rushed the wounded to the nearby IPHO for treatment.

Cascolan said police investigators are sifting through debris around the site of the explosion of the suspected Improvised Explosive Device.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/19/pnp-elite-forces-sent-to-maguindanao-after-roadside-blast-kills-marine-commando-injures-4-others-to-help-hunt-down-persons-involved-in-roadside-bombing/

Authorities find new explosives in Jolo blast site

From CNN Philippines (Sep 20, 2020):  Authorities find new explosives in Jolo blast site (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Authorities on Saturday discovered explosive materials in a barangay in Jolo, Sulu, the same site of the twin explosions caused by suicide bombers last month.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said on Sunday that the Philippine Coast Guard discovered a set of abandoned explosives, consisting of two electric blasting caps, a rifle grenade, a spark plug, and some concrete nails in Barangay Walled City, between Harbor Master and the Maritime Police Office.

A bomb-sniffing dog had sat beside the materials, prompting the attention of authorities who were conducting area paneling at Jolo pier at 6:02 p.m. on Saturday.

Troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion immediately cordoned the area while the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team of Sulu Provincial Police Office and Jolo Municipal Police Station visited the site to confirm the explosives, the WestMinCom added.

"I commend our troops and our partners for this accomplishment. You saved the lives of the innocent people and foiled this terroristic activity of our heartless enemies,” said Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, JTF Sulu Commander.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WestMinCom Commander, added that they have been intensifying intelligence operations and strengthening collaboration with the police and other security agencies to quell another possible terror attack in the area.

Barangay Walled City was the same village where the twin blasts left 15 people dead and 78 wounded on August 24.

Abu Sayyaf group subleader Mundi Sawadjaan was tagged as the mastermind behind the explosions. Authorities have offered up to ₱6 million worth of cash reward for anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest of Sawadjaan, along with other suspects involved in the blasts.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2020/9/20/explosives-Jolo-Sulu-twin-blasts.html

Haran, displaced Manobos slam NTF-ELCAC for trumped-up charges

 Posted to Davao Today (Sep 20, 2020): Haran, displaced Manobos slam NTF-ELCAC for trumped-up charges (By KEN E. CAGULA)

Davaotoday.com file photo

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The displaced Manobo Lumad from Talaingod and Kapalong and the UCCP Haran are once again charged with trafficking persons and child abuse, charges they say is orchestrated by the lies of the government’s anti-insurgency task force.

On September 15, some Manobo filed before the Davao City Prosecution Office the cases against the administrators of United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran and other individuals they tag as New People’s Army.

48 persons who are not identified had been charged of violations of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208), and Republic Act No. 7610 (RA 7610) or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act”, and Republic Act No. 9851 (RA 9851) or the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity”.

The complaint was based on the case build-up conducted by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Police Regional Office XI, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group XI, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

NTF-ELCAC presscon

The filing was posted on government agencies social media and information websites including the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) which has constantly red-tagged the Lumad and its supporters as communist rebels.

A press conference was held in Davao City with NCIP Director for Legal Affairs Atty. Marlon Bosantog and Presidential Communications Undersecretary and NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lorraine Badoy as panelists.

The NCIP in a statement claimed that the complainants were minors at the time they were “transported, transferred, received, maintained, and harbored” by members of the NPA “for the purpose of engaging them in armed activities, forced labor, involuntary servitude, using them in armed conflict, and for other exploitative purposes.”

It also claimed that the Lumad were brought from their communities to UCCP Haran and also to different parts of the country all the way to Metro Manila, and were allegedly subjected to “anti-military and anti-government indoctrination and firearms training.”

“Divide the Lumad”

But the displaced Manobo came to the defense of UCCP.

“To set the record straight, the intensified militarization in our communities, forced us to leave and sought sanctuary in UCCP Haran,” the Pasaka Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao Region, of which the Talaingod Manobo are members, said in a statement released September 18.

Pasaka said these charges are “purely trumped-up and baseless” similar to the charges of kidnapping and serious legal detention filed against their secretary general Kerlan Fanagel and 14 activists on May 2015 known as Haran 15. The case was dropped by the Davao City Prosecution on September 8 of that year for lack of evidence.

READ: Kidnapping case Vs activists dismissed

The Lumad group believes this filing of same charges are meant by the NTF-ELCAC to “divide the Lumad to further their interest that is to destroy the tribe’s unity through trump-up charges filed by the inutile NCIP against us and church people, that shows their longing to silence us and cover up our legitimate demands to defend our ancestral domain”.

The UCCP has yet to release a statement, but they had reacted defending Southeastern Mindanao Bishop Hamuel Tequis who was blatantly tagged in a poster as a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“This is obviously a handiwork of those who aim at besmirching the reputation and integrity of peace and justice advocates as well as those in the religious sector who are engaged in the work of peacemaking and human rights,” the UCCP Council of Bishops said in their previous statement.

The Pasaka called on the public to condemn the NTF-ELCAC for what they say is an orchestration of attacks on their tribes.

“This is nothing new to the Lumad who have always been disrespected through fake surrender of Lumad and farmers which became a source of corruption for the NTF-ELCAC,” the group said. “They also forcibly recruit our fellow Lumad into Alamara and Cafgu to use them as pawns to fight us and join in military operations.”

“We call on those who had the chance to know us, to intensify the call to junk these trumped up cases against us and our sanctuary,” the Pasaka said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/haran-displaced-manobos-slam-ntf-elcac-for-trumped-up-charges/

Jun Pala, Alsa Masa figures in award-winning documentary of post-EDSA Philippines

Posted to Davao Today (Sep 19, 2020): Jun Pala, Alsa Masa figures in award-winning documentary of post-EDSA Philippines (By TYRONE A. VELEZ)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – He was the voice that evoked fear from the people of Davao City in the 1980s, the voice booming over the radio, calling out “Redemp-terrorists”, names of union activists and tag them as communists.

The voice belonged to the late Jun Pala, the infamous radio broadcaster who shot to fame for his daily “Anti-Communist Crusade” program that ran around the clock on the defunct DXOW along V. Mapa Street.

Pala and the Alsa Masa days of Davao City may be forgotten for this generation, but he will appear in this award-winning documentary “Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution” that will premiere 32 years from its release in the the Daang Dokyu online screening in its Martial Law Never Again section commemorating the history of Marcos and Post-EDSA.

The two-hour long documentary was filmed by acclaimed director Canadian Nettie Wild, who documented the armed Left in the crossroads. New People’s Army leader Bernabe ‘Kumander Dante’ Buscayno, released from detention through Cory Aquino’s amnesty, joins the 1988 senate elections. Meanwhile a young Ka Oris and rebel priest Father Frank Navarro continued the armed struggle in Surigao.

The counterpoint comes from Davao City’s Alsa Masa, where paramilitary who were called vigilantes are fueled by Pala’s words on air to attack activists that Pala red-tags. Colonel Franco Calida also figures in the film as they patrol Agdao district, which was called “Nicaragdao” where Alsa Masa and NPA sparrow units clashed as villagers are divided between the two groups.

The film also has a chilling account where a local labor leader in Mandug was hacked to death by Tadtad (chop-chop) paramilitary as his family and comrades recalled witnessing the horror.

Pala gets to be interviewed by Wild inside his radio booth, where he evoked Goebbels and “God-fearing ideology” to justify his advocacy.

Also making an appearance in the film is a young Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, who is a military officer patrolling Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, where another vigilante called the Tadtad (chop-chop) struck fear among villagers. The said group was captured in a photo carrying a head of an activist.

Later in the film, Dante’s senatorial campaign brings him to Davao City, braving the place that has become known as Alsa Masa territory.

The documentary won the People’s Choice Award at the 1989 Berlin International Film Festival, the Prix du Public award on the 50th anniversary of the National Film Board of Canada, the Grand Prize at the Houston Film Festival, and Best Cinematography at the Society of Canadian Cinematographers. The Hollywood Reporter writes that the film “sparkles with deadpan with and shrewd observations”.

Screening a 32-year old documentary is still relevant, says Jewel Maranan, festival director of Daang Dokyu. “It remains very relevant today. It is an important film for people seeking to understand the roots of conflicts in the country and for those concerned about the peace process,” Maranan said.

Pala ran for mayor in 1988 banking on his Alsa Masa machinery but lost. His popularity waned in the 90s, but he became city councilor. He was assassinated in 2003.

Other documentaries shown in this Never Again section are Kiri Dalena’s “Alunsina” (2020), ABS-CBN’s documentary “Marcos: A Malignant Spirit” (1986), Lito Tiongson’s “Mendiola Massacre” (1987), and Ramona Diaz’ “Imelda” (2003).

The series will run from September 19 to 21, and will have a repeat from October 9 to 15.

http://davaotoday.com/main/culture-2/jun-pala-alsa-masa-figures-in-award-winning-documentary-of-post-edsa-philippines/

Palaweña rebel killed in encounter in Occidental Mindoro

From Palawan News (Sep 20, 2020): Palaweña rebel killed in encounter in Occidental Mindoro (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

In an interview with Palawan News, Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, commanding officer of the 4th Infantry Battalion, 203rd Infantry Brigade, identified the rebel member as Justine Ella Vargas, alias Star, a resident of Paly Island in Taytay town.



Image from 2nd Infantry Jungle Fighter Division and Alakdan Troopers.

A Palaweña who was believed to be a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed earlier this week in an encounter with government troops in Barangay Gapasan, Magsaysay, Oriental Mindoro.

In an interview with Palawan News, Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, commanding officer of the 4th Infantry Battalion, 203rd Infantry Brigade, identified the rebel member as Justine Ella Vargas, alias Star, a resident of Paly Island in Taytay town.

Arbolado said that Vargas died on September 14 during an encounter between the NPA and forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA).

Vargas was reportedly part of a group of armed rebels who were seeking to stay overnight in Gapasan. Arbolado said they conducted an operation and encountered the NPA group at around 6 a.m on the following day.

“May natanggap kaming report noon na mayroon daw mga armadong grupo — dalawang lalaki at dalawang babae na nakikituloy, himihingi ng tubig, pagkain, at makikitulog na rin kaya napilitan ang caretaker. Bandang alas sais ng umaga, kinabukasan ay nandoon na ang mga tropa at may lumabas sa kubo. Akala [nila] NPA kaya inaresto, ‘yon pala ‘yong caretaker ng bahay. After a few minutes doon na, may lumabas na nga na mga armado at doon nagkaputukan, nagkahabulan, nakita natin na mga duguan ‘yong tatlo pa,” he said.

“Nakita namin ang bangkay nitong babae na hindi alam ang pagkakakilanlan. Doon din na-recover ang isang armas na naiputok na rin its either siya or mga kasamahan nya. Hindi namin siya kilala. Then late that night may tumawag kay mayor na nagpakilala na sila ang parents ni Justine, doon pa lang namin nalaman kung sino siya at na taga-Palawan pala siya,” Arbolado added.

Image from 2nd Infantry Jungle Fighter Division and Alakdan Troopers.

He said they were later contacted by her parents in Palawan inquiring about her death.

Arbolado said that based on their investigation, Vargas was a member of the left-leaning group Gabriela and the fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA)-Palawan. She also reportedly served as the medical staff of the rebel armed group in Occidental Mindoro.

“Napagalaman na si Justine ay miyembro ng Gabriela at ng PAMALAKAYA sa Palawan. Siya rin ay nagsilbing medical staff ng grupo na sinusuportahan naman ng ating mga na-recover sa kanila. May mga medical paraphernalia for minor surgery — mga ganoon,” he said.

Arbolado said they were also informed by the military in the province that Vargas’ parents were among the rebel members who surrendered in December 2019 in Paly Island. He said her mother used to be a chairman of PAMALAKAYA-Palawan.

“We found out, ito palang parents ni Justine were also members of Gabriela and PAMALAKAYA. Yong mother niya, I think chairman ng PAMALAKAYA-Palawan pero nagbalik-loob na sila. According din sa ating mga contacts ay they have been trying to contact din itong si Justine para sumuko na last year pa. Last year pa nila hinahanap dahil wala na silang contact,” he said.

He said the family had already expressed interest to claim Vargas’ remains to bring her back to Palawan.

The local government of Magsaysay and Mindoro also provided a decent burial to Vargas, he added, until her family arrives to claim her.

“Ang sabi ng tatay ay may mga inaasikaso na lang na mga documents at pupunta na dito, kukunin nila dito. May mga nauna na din na mga relatives from Laguna ata,” he said.

Effect on families

During the phone interview, Arbolado said Rona Jane Manalo, alias Ka Pandan and Amir, who died on September 3, was a resident of Mindoro.

Manalo reportedly died in an encounter with the Force Reconnaissance Group (FRG) of the Marines.

Image from 2nd Infantry Jungle Fighter Division and Alakdan Troopers.

He said Bonifacio Magramo, alias Salvador Luminoso, secretary of the Sub-Regional Military Area-4E (SRMA-4E) and Bienvenido Valleber Command (BVC) was also a Mindoro resident.

“It is sad to know na nandito pala siya sa Mindoro. Just like noong nangyari kay Ren Manalo who also died a few weeks ago kasama ni Bonifacio Magramo, taga-Mindoro naman ‘yon at dinala din d’yan sa Palawan. Doon natin makikita na talagang nilalayo nila ito sa mga pamilya,” he said.

Makabayan bloc links

Arbolado linked the rebels to leftist partylist groups Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Bayan, and Anakbayan, saying they had recovered “subversive documents” of the groups from their possession.

He said that soldiers of the 4th Infantry Battalion, the same day, recovered one 9mm pistol, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), (Anti-Tank, Anti-Personnel Mine, Improvise Hand Grenade) one rifle grenade, five backpacks, a roll flat cord, and “subversive documents” from Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Bayan, and Anakbayan.

“Nakita dito ang mga publications ng mga party-list natin kasama ‘yong Kabataan party-list, ‘yong Ibon-Bird Talk and other publications ng Gabriela. Napapakita naman talaga doon ang link ng Makabayan sa NPA,” he said.

“Kaya nga I am hopeful na ma-pressure na ang mga congressman natin na i-expel na itong Makabayan member dahil matagal na ‘yan and yet parang walang action,” he added.

Recruitment

Accordingly, Vargas was recruited into the rebel movement by Ka Rise, a female NPA member and a department secretary of the Sub-Regional Military Area-RE. She is also one of the remaining two top wanted NPA leaders in Palawan, including Ka Miggy, based on the list of the Provincial Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC).

Vargas is under the Platoon Serna of the NPA Sub Regional Military Area 4D’s MAV operate in the province of Mindoro.

https://palawan-news.com/palawena-rebel-killed-in-encounter-in-occidental-mindoro/

Guns, explosives recovered in encounter

 From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 19, 2020): Guns, explosives recovered in encounter

Assorted guns and explosives were recovered by Army soldiers, after an encounter with suspected New People’s Army rebels Thursday in Sitio Amian, Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Soldiers of the 94th and 15th infantry battalions were conducting joint clearing operations in the area, in response to the reported recruitment activities of the NPA, when they figured in a 25-minute gun battle with 12 suspected rebels, Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, 94IB commander, said.

No one was hurt among government troopers, Guzman said, adding that they recovered assorted firearms and explosives left behind by the fleeing rebels, that included an M16 assault with 15 magazines containing ammunition, a rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, a .357 Magnum pistol, four rifle grenades, a hand grenade, five backpacks, three bandoliers, three cellular phones, a solar panel, assorted medicines and medical equipment, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

He said they received persistent reports from the locals of rebel recruitment activities in the mountainous areas of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental and the adjacent municipality of Ayungon in Negros Oriental.

Brig. Gen. Noel Baluyan, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, who is now supervising the operational control of the 94IB since Sept. 1, lauded the accomplishment of the troops, and attributed the positive result to the timely information from the locals, and to the decisive and effective leadership of the ground commanders.

Baluyan said the 302nd IB and its subordinate units will continue to conduct relentless combat operations against the NPA in central and southern Negros.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/September/19/topstory4.htm

Soldiers recover NPA weapons, nab suspected rebel in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 20, 2020): Soldiers recover NPA weapons, nab suspected rebel in NegOcc (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

RECOVERED FIREARMS. A firearms cache reportedly owned by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army was recovered by troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion in Sitio Bungao, Barangay Macagahay in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on Thursday (Sept. 17, 2020). They also apprehended a suspect believed to have links with the communist-terrorist group. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) have recovered a cache of firearms and apprehended a suspected member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

The operation, which was reported by the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) over the weekend, was conducted Thursday while the soldiers were responding to information about armed communist-terrorists extorting from residents of Sitio Bungao in Barangay Macagahay.

They arrested Joselito Ebarle, who is believed to have links with the CPP-NPA.

Maj. Cenon Pancito III, public affairs chief of 3ID, told the Philippine News Agency on Sunday that Ebarle has already been turned over to the police custody and the investigation on his alleged involvement with the communist-terrorist group is ongoing.

“We strongly believe that he is affiliated with the NPA. The NPA will never trust anyone not among their own. We will definitely unmask him despite their deceptive tactics,” he added.

According to the report, the troops saw Ebarle drop his .38-caliber revolver and run away, prompting them to pursue and apprehend him.

When they searched the area where they got hold of the suspect, they found two M16 rifles, eight .38-caliber revolvers, two homemade shotguns, and a magazine of M14 with 10 rounds of live ammunition.

In Ebarle’s house, the troops recovered a backpack containing subversive documents, as well as a CPP-NPA flag.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3ID, said in a statement the seized firearms indicate an excess supply of war materiel of the communist-terrorist whose numbers in Negros are already dwindling.

“The troops did not only inflict damage on the arms capability of the communist-terrorists, they also prevented them from using the firearms in sowing terroristic activities,” he said.

Vinoya also thanked the locals for their support to the government troops by providing them accurate and timely information.

“With the people backing us, we are optimistic that we can totally weaken not only the arms capability of the communist-terrorists, but also their will to fight,” he added.

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/1116019

Farmers groups in NegOcc town tag CPP-NPA persona non grata

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 20, 2020): Farmers groups in NegOcc town tag CPP-NPA persona non grata (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

FARMERS CONDEMN CPP-NPA. Leaders of the farmers associations in Barangay Pilar, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental burned the flag with symbols of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in rites held at the village gymnasium on Friday (Sept. 18, 2020). The farmers also declared the CPP-NPA persona non grata and condemned their atrocities. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Members of three farmers' associations in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) persona non grata and condemned their atrocities in rites.

“If there’s no peace, there’s no progress and development. Don’t be fooled by the NPA and don’t allow them to destroy your lives. We want to end terrorism to achieve lasting peace because the future generation deserves it. We are here to call for peace,” Mayor Josie Nadie Arceo said in his message in rites held in Barangay Pilar gymnasium on Friday.

The ceremony, attended by municipal and barangay officials led by Arceo and village chief Benjamin Yulo, was participated by the Campi Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (CARBA), Pilar Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (PARBA), and Raming Farmworkers Association (RAFA).

During the program, the farmers took the oath for peace and oath of allegiance to the Philippine government before Yulo and Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, commander of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion, respectively.

A candle-lighting and a prayer was led by Pastor Hope Biasca of Trinity Baptist Church.

The chairmen of the three farmers' groups, including Primitivo Rallos of CARBA, Dioscoro Andrino of PARBA, and Leida David of RAFA, gave their messages for peace, which was followed by the symbolic signing of the declaration of the CPP-NPA as persona non grata and burning of the flag with symbols of the CPP-NPA.

Arceo said his office is “always open” to hear the concerns of the farmers’ groups, adding the government is also willing to help them as shown in the presence of the officials and representatives of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other concerned agencies.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, commended the farmers' groups and the local government of Hinigaran in jointly condemning the CPP-NPA.

“Continue to support the government in condemning the NPA atrocities, especially the recruitment of minors and the killing of innocent individuals. We are here because we don’t want the NPA to use the people of Hinigaran in their wrongdoings. We don’t want you to be the victims of their atrocities. Do not hesitate to report the presence of any armed group in your area,” he added.

Col. Romy Palgue, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, enjoined the farmers to defend their barangay, community, and their families from terrorism and illegal drugs.

“We should defend our community against insurgency. We should not back down. Let us all unite in this endeavor,” he added.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging the armed struggle for more than 50 years, has been 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/1116022

Reds' STRPC on the verge of defeat: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 20, 2020): Reds' STRPC on the verge of defeat: Parlade (By Priam Nepomuceno)

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

With the series of voluntary surrenders coming from its ranks, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA)'s Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) is now on the verge of collapse and defeat.

This, according to Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., in a statement forwarded to the Philippine News Agency last week.

"The STRPC is on the verge of collapse, the people no longer want them, especially those vulnerable people living in far-flung areas whom they had exploited for so long. Wherever they go people report their presence to us, resulting in the series of armed engagements," he added.

He said the best option for the remaining NPA members affiliated with the STRPC is to voluntarily surrender and return to the folds of the law so that they can help in building better, more productive communities before the long arms of the law catch up with them.

"While the Kamatayan (Makabayan) Bloc members are desperately haggling to block the budget of the NTF ELCAC, nine NPA members of the STRPC returned to the fold of the law in several areas," Parlade said.

Among them are five communist terrorist group members including a certain "Darwin", Vice Leader of "Pltn 2," "Kilusan Larangan Guerilla" (KLG) Narciso, Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA) 4D, who surrendered in Kalayaan, Laguna, and General Nakar, Quezon, bringing along three firearms on Sept. 13.

On the same day, four NPA terrorists of "Platun Aque," KLG MAV, SRMA 4D in Monteclaro, San Jose Mindoro also voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

"Meanwhile, three active members of Platun 4A4 of KLG Cezar STRPC, escaped to Baler, Aurora but eventually decided to surrender peacefully. Windel Moral Prado, 32-years-old, alias 'FPJ/Bekit,' Salenda Rosas Roldan alias 'Lara/Renren', 18-years-old and Romel Fajardo, 31-years-old, said they could no longer stand the massive operations in Southern Tagalog," he said.

He added that these surrenders follow the earlier surrender of alias "Ed," "Willy," and "Bong," on August 24 at Real Quezon.

A total of 666 NPAs from Southern Tagalog, he said, have laid down their arms and rejoined civil society. They have availed of the benefits offered by the NTF ELCAC thru the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Cluster.

Adding to the communist rebels' woes in Southern Tagalog last September 15 was the overrunning of security forces of an NPA terrorist temporary area at Barangay Abuyon, San Narciso, Quezon.

Seized in the operation were three high-powered firearms, landmines, and pamphlets from the Makabayan bloc while another encounter with communist terrorists took place at Barangay Calawis, Antipolo City on the same day.

Parlade said on September 14, troopers from the Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade and Philippine National Police figured in an armed encounter with NPAs of KLG MAV at Magsaysay Occidental Mindoro that resulted in the killing of Justin Ella Vargas alias "Star," a female "health worker".

He added that the slain communist terrorist is known to have trained with Fil-American Amado Canham alias "Allen," who earlier died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Recovered were several subversive documents, paraphernalia, and pamphlets of Bayan Muna, Bayan, and Anakbayan.

He added that the series of surrenders are taking place as members of the Makabayan bloc are desperately trying to block the budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) at the House of Representatives.

"Members of these same organizations have been complaining of being red-tagged yet many of their members are dying in gunfights against government forces, like Ren Manalo alias 'Pandan,' a Gabriela "activist" who was recently killed in an encounter in Palawan. (While) Alexandra Pacalda of Gabriela Youth and Karapatan, and Jhenelyn Malabanan of Karapatan were earlier captured," he added.

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.

"These girls are only some of those who had been shouting the same lies of Teddy Casiño, Cristina Palabay, Sarah Elago, Carlo Isagani Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, Ferdinand Gaite, and Francisca Castro who are using their powers in Congress to silence the government by hostaging its budget that will provide services to GIDAs (Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas)," Parlade said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1116009