PRO-13 hits NPA ambush in Surigao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): PRO-13 hits NPA ambush in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez) 

Google map of Sison town, Surigao del Norte.

The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) has condemned the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for the ambush that wounded a civilian and a police officer on Monday in Barangay Mayag in Sison town, Surigao del Norte province.

Capt. Dorothy M. Tumulak, PROI-13 public information officer, said several officers of the Sison Municipal Police Station (SMPS) were in the area to serve a warrant of arrest on a suspect when waylaid by at least 15 rebels.

“Although outnumbered, the police personnel of Sison fought back and foiled the ambush staged by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG),” Tumulak said on Tuesday.

The attack wounded Rene G. Daguhoy, arrested for violation of Republic Act 9262, otherwise known as "Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004," and Pat. Jayson Custodio.

Tumulak said the two were immediately brought to the nearest hospital for treatment and are now safe.

“Our investigation is underway to identify the suspects for filing of charges against them,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, in a statement Tuesday.

Caramat said they believe the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16 was responsible for the ambush.

“We urge the community to withstand against the deception of NPA rebels who pretend to be protectors of the people but are the ones involved in various crimes and atrocities,” Caramat said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123426

Guns, bomb-making components seized in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Guns, bomb-making components seized in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

SECURING THE PERIMETER. Two members of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion take cover during a law enforcement operation against armed lawless elements on Tuesday morning (Dec. 1, 20202) in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao. While the suspects eluded arrest, government forces found in their safe house assorted high-powered guns. (Photo courtesy of 40IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Government forces on Tuesday seized assorted high-powered firearms and bomb components from the safe house of lawless gunmen in Sultan sa Barongis town of the province.

Lt. Colonel Rogelio Gabi, commander of the 40th Infantry Battalion who led the focused military operation in Barangay Langgapanan, said government forces were after Edsrafil Manalasal Guiwan, a field commander of Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and a certain Lakim Esmael, a member of a kidnap-for-ransom gang.

“These armed men are roaming freely in the communities, we were told,” Colonel Gabi said, adding that Guiwan was linked to a series of improvised bomb attacks in Pres. Quirino, Sultan Kudarat and was facing murder charges.

Esmael, on the other hand, was also known in the village as a big-time illegal drug pusher.

However, Gabi said the two managed to elude arrest and fled before the military arrived in the village around 4 a.m. Tuesday.

Both have warrants of arrests for murder, frustrated murder, illegal drug pushing, and extortion.

In Guiwan's house, Esmael said the troops found two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, rocket-propelled grenades, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, two-way radio sets, bomb-making materials, and mobile phones.

“We will not allow these armed groups inflicting terror in the communities within the 40IB area of operation,” Gabi told local officials in a meeting on Monday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123432

4 ISIS-inspired Dawlah Islamiya terrorists yield in Lanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): 4 ISIS-inspired Dawlah Islamiya terrorists yield in Lanao Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

SURRENDERERS. Four members of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria-inspired Dawlah Islamiya pose with military officials after they surrender and turnover high-power firearms Monday (Nov. 30, 2020) at the headquarters of the Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in the municipality of Saguiran, Lanao del Sur. The surrenderers say they feared for their lives and want to return to their families. (Photo courtesy of 82IB)

Four members of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Dawlah Islamiya (DI) surrendered and turned over high-power firearms in the Lanao del Sur town of Saguiran, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, identified the DI surrenderers as Calandada Pungima Lumondot, 55; Jamal Mamadra Radiab, 30; Muhaimen Mamualas Abdul Carim, 30; and Imam Sultan Moctar, 22.

Upon verification, Altre said Lumondot, Radiab, and Carim participated in the five-month Marawi siege in 2017, which killed dozens and caused widespread destruction of homes and properties in the city.

Altre said the three went into hiding after their recruiter, a certain Imam Dimacaling, was killed in a firefight with the military.

The four surrenderers feared for their lives and wanted to return to their families, the Army official said, adding that local officials facilitated the surrender of the four DI gunmen.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, reiterated his call to the remaining members of the ISIS-inspired group to surrender "to prevent further escalation of violent extremism in the area of Lanao."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123455

'BIFF bomber' killed in Cotabato City shootout

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): 'BIFF bomber' killed in Cotabato City shootout (By Noel Punzalan)

KILLED IN SHOOTOUT. Suspected bomber Abraham Abad Abdulrahman lays dead inside his hideout following a predawn shootout with authorities in Barangay Bagua 2, Cotabato City on Tuesday (Dec. 1, 2020). A report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group says the suspect was one of those who planned and carried out the Dec. 31, 2018 bombing at the entrance of South Seas Mall in Cotabato City that killed two and injured 34 other shoppers. (Photo courtesy of Brigada News FM Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY – Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-BARMM) killed a suspected terror bomber at his hideout here during a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday.

Maj. Esmael Madin, CIDG-BARMM deputy regional chief, identified the suspect as Abraham Abad Abdulrahman alias Abu Suffian, one of the primary suspects behind the South Seas Mall bombing on Dec. 31, 2018.

The explosion that took place just outside the mall’s main entrance door killed two and injured 34 others.

“A surprised Abdulrahman was killed after pulling out a handgun from underneath a pillow on his bed and firing at our arresting team,” Madin said of the 1:30 a.m. operation against Abdulrahman and his group in Barangay Bagua 2.

Madin said the arresting team was in the area to serve a search warrant issued by Judge Allan Edwin Boncavil of the 12th Judicial RTC Branch 19 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, against Jasmiya Camsa Ibrahim, an alleged cohort of Abdulrahman, for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Act.

“Unfortunately, Ibrahim, who is the primary target, managed to elude arrest,” Madin said.

Recovered from the slain suspect were a .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, and bomb-making components, and other evidence, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123509

US commits P875-M to support Manila's HIV/AIDS programs

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): US commits P875-M to support Manila's HIV/AIDS programs (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The United States government committed more than PHP875 million to support the Philippines' efforts to prevent and treat HIV-AIDS, the US Embassy in Manila announced Tuesday.

Washington launched the new President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-funded program, which will begin this month, in observance of World AIDS Day.

Through the program, over PHP875 million (USD18.2 million) funding will be used to address the increasing number of people who are living with HIV in the Philippines, which has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Embassy.

For two years, the project will be implemented by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), US Centers for Disease Control, US Health Resources and Services Administration, and US Department of Defense, in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) and local community organizations.

“As a friend, partner, and ally of the Filipino people, we remain committed to assisting the Philippine government in addressing this disease so that the country can meet its development objectives in health and progress along its journey to self-reliance,” said USAID Acting Mission Director Patrick Wesner.

Most recent data from the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau estimates that more than 110,000 Filipinos are living with HIV in 2020; 37,000 have not been diagnosed, and among those previously diagnosed, at least 18,500 still need to be enrolled in life-saving antiretroviral (ART) therapy.

The new PEPFAR program will support the Philippine government in reaching the ambitious UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for HIV epidemic control, meaning 95 percent of those infected with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those who know their status receive treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

The initiative currently targets Metro Manila, Region 3 (Central Luzon), and Region 4A (Calabarzon), the highest HIV burden areas in the country, where an estimated 63 percent of PLHIV nationwide reside.

USAID will expand the country's prevention strategy through increased access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, strengthen HIV testing and case-finding in the post-Covid era, and connect HIV-diagnosed clients with better HIV treatment regimens and retention programs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123447

Jevilyn remains desecration claims just propaganda: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Jevilyn remains desecration claims just propaganda: Parlade (By Priam Nepomuceno)

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

Claims that the dead body of 22-year-old Jevilyn Cullamat was desecrated by government troops following the November 28 clash in Marihatag, Surigao Del Sur with the New People's Army (NPA) that the former is affiliated with, are only propaganda, a ranking military official said Tuesday.

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

"I strongly deny accusations made by the Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc that our troops desecrated the body of Jevilyn Cullamat alias 'Reb'. How could they make that claim when even Jesryn Cullamat, the elder brother of Jevilyn, expressed his thanks to our troops for respecting and taking care of Jevilyn's remains, along with their family," he said in Filipino.

Parlade, who is also a spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), said this desecration claim is being turned into a propaganda piece by party-list representatives connected with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as the incident involved the younger daughter of Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Eufemia Cullamat.

"This is another propaganda of the CPP's representatives who are liars, especially that the incident involved the child of a Bayan Muna official. What is clear here is they do not have any explanation yet as to why (Rep.) Cullamat has a child who sacrificed her life to the NPA while their children are studying in exclusive schools or living in luxury in Europe and other countries. They should explain it. Who knows, the people might listen to them," he added.

In dismissing Makabayan bloc's desecration claim, Parlade said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has no record of human rights violations to taint its reputation during the past seven years.

Maybe this why the CPP-NPA is using the incident involving Jevilyn as propaganda to smear the good reputation of AFP, he added.

If the Makabayan bloc is really looking for incidents of desecration involving remains of fallen NPA combatants, Parlade said, then militant lawmakers should try investigating the NPAs as communist terrorists have a record of just leaving the bodies of their slain members on the field or hurling them off cliffs especially when tasting defeat from government forces.

"They do not spare anybody, whether it is a child or spouse of a ranking CPP-NPA official. If we remember it correctly, Ka Insay, the wife of Ka Roger Rosal who was killed in an encounter in Laguna, the NPA carried her remains to a high hill and pushed it towards the center of two big rocks, damaging her skull. What kind of desecration is that? Who are they calling as pigs again?" he said.

He also scored the CPP-NPA and its allies for insisting on the observance of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) and other international laws and conventions to suit and magnify their propaganda piece.

Medic with a gun

But this, he said, seems not to be getting any momentum as Jevilyn, whom they described as a medic, was carrying an M-653 at the time of the clash.

"Now, they are insisting CAHRIHL and whatever international laws and conventions. Can they explain why their medic alias 'Reb' was carrying an M-653 when it is clear that they cannot be combatants? Why can't they explain why is it always that landmines and explosives are seized from the NPA during clashes? Can they explain what Joy James Saguino or Ka Amihan said before that they slit the neck of the soldier that they killed in an encounter?" Parlade said.

He also urged the CPP-NPA and its allies to explain the desecration and rape of women cadres among their ranks and the minors they forced to join their ranks.

"Isn't this their biggest atrocity as they turn them into goons of the Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc? Now, you make it appear as these are being committed by the AFP as part of your wild imagination and propaganda?" he added.

High trust rating

Parlade said committing abuses and atrocities against the Filipino people is not the work of the AFP that is sworn to protect the country and its people, adding that its troops are too well disciplined and trained to commit such infractions.

"That is not the work of the AFP and the Special Forces. Our AFP soldiers are disciplined, hence the high trust rating from the people. Can the CPP-NPA boast of a 78 percent trust rating even if Rappler would commission such a survey? I know the rigorous training undertaken by the SF members because I myself experienced it. I know the discipline of the SF because I’ve been with them for 14 years. Ask Ka Satur (Ocampo) and (Karapatan Secretary-General) Tinay Palabay how we respect and take care of our rebel captives when I was still an SF commander," he added.

Not poverty

Parlade also dismissed claims that it is poverty that is pushing many people to join the NPA ranks, adding that there are people being recruited to such a senseless cause due to the posturing of the CPP.

"You claim that poverty is the reason why the NPA exists? No. There are poor people in Batanes, Camiguin, Romblon, Marinduque, and other areas but there are no NPA members there. It is because there is no CPP who lures the people into joining their armed struggle," he added.

He said there are more than 50 countries in the world that are much poorer than the Philippines and yet these nations don't have any insurgency problems.

"Why? Because they do not have a communist party that aims to overthrow their government, hence, they are now inching closer to the Philippines in terms of economic growth. Why are we ranked 10th in the world’s terrorist index? It’s because of the killings committed by the NPA. They kill fellow Filipinos, which is even worse than the victims of the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) and Muslim secessionists," he added.

Misinterpretation of revolution

Parlade slammed the Makabayan Bloc for misinterpreting and disgracing the revolution and nationalism espoused by Gat Andres Bonifacio and his patriot followers.

"Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc, you are blind. We have been commemorating the anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio’s heroism but it is saddening how his revolution and nationalism are being marred by your own interpretation for your own agenda. Your crooked principles and ideology disgrace the nationalism of Gat Andres and other heroes who put their lives on the line for peace and freedom. The battle against the Spaniards, Americans and the Japanese is over. Why are we forcing our fellow Filipinos to fight against one another?" he added.

He said the reckless propaganda being spewed by the CPP-NPA is dangerous as it misleads the youth and leads to danger and has the potential to destroy the country,

"How many Jevilyn Cullamats have to die for a senseless purpose? It’s time for your foolishness to end, (former Bayan Muna Representative Teddy) Casiño, Renato Reyes, (France) De Castro, (Carlo Isagani) Zarate, (Ferdinand) Gaite and (Carol) Araullo, unless you would include your children in the armed struggle. Follow now, (Neri) Colmenares, (Sarah) Elago, (Sister Mary John) Mananzan and the others, except if you yourselves would climb up the mountains and leave the comfort of your condominiums and convents," Parlade 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.

''You cannot be considered as honorable. You are horrible and if Gat Andres Bonifacio was alive, he himself could have red-tagged all of you and would cut off all your heads, for the sake of the freedom of our beloved nation and our flag. Now, I just want to ask? What flag are you waving? Is that the one with a sickle, mallet, and hammer?'' he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123479

Navy units conduct successful 'vertical replenishment' exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Navy units conduct successful 'vertical replenishment' exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – Participating Philippine Navy (PN) units in this year's Joint Exercise "DAGIT PA" on Monday have successfully completed a so-called "vertical replenishment" (vertrep) exercise involving an AgustaWestland AW-109 naval helicopter and strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601).

"DAGIT-PA" stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” and is a unilateral exercise that aims to further enhance the joint force interoperability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas.

"During the exercise, the PN’s naval helicopter (with tail number) 432 showcased its vertrep capability that utilized the cargo hook suspension system. The drill was carried out on the naval vessel LD-601 or BRP Tarlac which was stationed 1.3 nautical miles west of Capones Grande (Zambales). This was part of the amphibious operations that are underscored in the 4th iteration of the AFP-wide drills," "DAGIT-PA" exercise director, Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement Tuesday.

Vertrep capability is vital in operations when ground and water transport for armed units is seemingly impossible.

This can be employed for ship-to-ship reprovision and replenishment of units especially those stationed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Vertrep capability is ideal in situations and in mission areas when the transfer of cargo and other provisions and logistical requirements is more practical than landing a helicopter on deck.

The drills also featured flight deck operations aboard BRP Tarlac using AW-109 helicopters which aims to enhance the capability of its personnel in handling rotary-wing aircraft.

Also completed was the well-deck operations or embarkation of Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) amphibious assault vehicles aboard BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

The amphibious forces also completed its final meeting of units to synchronize efforts in preparation for the amphibious assault operation on December 1.

“The December 1 schedule of events for AJEX (Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Exercise) 'DAGIT-PA' is the highlight of this year’s iteration of the exercise. It will test some of the AFP’s capabilities and competencies in amphibious operations given the sea, air, and land assets made available. Territorial defense capability will also be tested on the same day involving a different set of participants," Arevalo, who is also AFP spokesperson, said.

He added that the learning outcome from "DAGIT-PA" will impact the existing doctrines and those that are being developed.

"While we continue to modernize, our techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) we likewise ensure that our doctrines are continuously updated and developed,” Arevalo said.

These activities are part of AJEX "DAGIT-PA's” Joint Interoperability Exercise which seeks to enhance the AFP’s proficiency in sea to land operations. It demonstrates the military’s ability to seize a littoral objective in a scenario of an island defense deploying land, sea, and air assets.

"DAGIT-PA" was launched on November 23 to further enhance the Joint Force interoperability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas. It will conclude on Friday.

These exercises are aimed at elevating the military’s operational effectiveness in contingencies concerning maritime security, territorial defense, counter-terrorism, and natural disasters and calamities.

“This manifests the AFP’s commitment to strive towards a world-class armed forces which is a source of national pride. By further elevating our readiness, we are confident that we will serve the best interest of the Filipino people. We will match our readiness and capability with the ever-changing in-country security environment and in the region,” Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123434

'Renounce armed struggle', Palace to Makabayan bloc

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): 'Renounce armed struggle', Palace to Makabayan bloc (By Azer Parrocha)

Malacañang on Tuesday dared the Makabayan bloc and other leftist groups to admit that they are legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and say that its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), should renounce the armed struggle.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night identified the Makabayan bloc, Bayan, Gabriela, and other groups as legal groups of the CPP, alleging that they are part of a “grand conspiracy” to overthrow the government.

Roque said Duterte was irked because the alleged legal fronts have been “lying” about their links with the CPP-NPA by accusing security forces of “red-tagging” when they are “actually red.”

“First and foremost, let’s be honest. Tigil na ‘yan na nagsisinungaling pa sila na red-tagging e red naman talaga sila sabi ni Presidente. Totoo naman po ‘yan e (Stop accusing the government of red-tagging when they’re really red, according to the President. It’s true),” he said in a Palace press briefing.

While communism itself is not illegal, Roque said these groups could not deny that there are “ties that bind the CPP with the NPA.”

“It (communism) may not be a crime, but they have consistently been lying. Kasi nga sinasabi nila yung mga legal fronts nila (They say that legal fronts) have nothing to do with the CPP. Eh ako naman (I think), hello? Since the time of Cory, na-decriminalize na nga yung pagiging member ng CPP (being a member of CPP has been decriminalized), come out with it and admit ‘Oo, member kami ng (Yes, we are members of the) Communist Party of the Philippines. But the crime is the New People’s Army because that is the crime of rebellion, taking up of arms against the government, killing civilians and soldiers,” he said.

He said it is difficult to separate the CPP from the NPA, especially since all of their statements were always signed as “CPP-NPA.”

“Kung ikaw ay member ng CPP, puwede ka maging (If you’re a member of CPP, you can be) legal but you have to renounce the use of arms…bakit hindi pa nila i-renounce yung use of arms? ‘Yun lang po ang hinihingi (Why don’t they renounce the use of arms? That’s all we’re asking),” he said.

Since they refused to consider the CPP-NPA as enemies, Roque said the leftist groups will always be associated with criminal activity.

“Habang hindi nila ni-renounce at habang sila po ay nakikibahagi pa dito sa paggamit ng dahas at sandata laban sa republika, criminal po ‘yan (While they have yet to renounce and still get involved in the use of violence and arms against the republic, it’s criminal),” he said.

‘Personal experience’

Roque said Duterte could confirm that Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, a member of the Makabayan bloc, had links to the communist movement because of his “personal” experience and knowledge.

He said the President wanted to “expose” their lies.

“Si Congressman Zarate cannot deny that. Matagal na sila magkakakilala. At saka ang Presidente mismo (They have known each other for a long time. And the President himself) admitted more than once na he was part of the legal front, yung (the) precursor ng (of) Karapatan. He was head of that group in Davao so alam niya yung (he knows the) link between these legal fronts,” he said.

Roque rejected claims made by Zarate that Duterte’s tirade against alleged leftist lawmakers was meant to “discredit” them in the upcoming elections.

“Katotohanan lang ang sinasabi ni Presidente. Alam ko rin ‘yan (The President is telling the truth. I know that) having spent more than 15 years in UP as a student and another 15 as a professor there. Alam po natin ‘yan. Bakit pa kasi dini-deny? Hinihingi lang natin buwagin niyo na yung mga partylist niyo, tawagin niyo nang CPP pero huwag na kayong susuporta sa NPA. Dahil yung pagsuporta sa NPA makes it illegal (Why do they have to deny it? We’re only asking them to abolish the partylist, call yourselves CPP but stop supporting the NPA. Because supporting NPA makes it illegal),” he said.

He also brushed aside the statement made by the Commission on Human Rights that red-tagging “endangers lives.”

“That’s naivete at its best. Alam po ng Presidente kung sino yung mga taong ‘yan. At alam na po ng Presidente na hindi po red-tagging ‘yan, red talaga (The President knows those people. And he knows that it’s not red-tagging, they’re really red). Siguro (Perhaps) it’s for CHR to do its own research,” he said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123484

House okays AMLA amendments on final reading

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): House okays AMLA amendments on final reading (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on final reading a bill strengthening the country's anti-money laundering law.

A total of 213 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill 7904, which introduces amendments to Republic Act 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. Only seven voted against the bill, and three abstained from voting.

The bill expands the scope of predicate offenses by including tax crimes and violations of the Strategic Trade Management Act on the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

It also expands the definition of covered persons to include real estate developers and brokers who engage in the buying and selling of real properties.

The proposed law seeks to authorize the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to implement targeted financial sanctions including the ex-parte freezing of funds and assets belonging to individuals or entities designated and listed under United Nations resolutions relating to the prevention, suppression, and disruption of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its financing.

The AMLC shall also be authorized to preserve, manage, and dispose assets subject to freeze orders or asset preservation orders, and to retain forfeited assets pending turnover to the government.

The bill enhances the investigative powers of the council, particularly its subpoena and contempt powers.

With the exemption of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, the courts are prohibited from issuing temporary restraining orders or writs of injunction against the AMLC in its exercise of freeze and forfeiture powers under the proposed measure.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123533

DOJ to finalize terrorist 'designation' rules before yearend

 From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): DOJ to finalize terrorist 'designation' rules before yearend (By Benjamin Pulta)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is finalizing rules on the identification of persons who are members of terrorist organizations as mandated by Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

"We are in the process of crafting the rules. We hope to submit the rules for the ATC's (Anti-Terrorism Council) consideration within the month," Justice Undersecretary Adrian Ferdinand Sugay said media statement on Tuesday.

Under Section 25 of the law, the ATC may designate individuals or groups as terrorists upon finding of probable cause that they are in a conspiracy to commit or are committing acts of terrorism.

"I understand that there is a meeting set for next week. We will try to finish the rules before then" he added.

After the publication of names of designated terrorists, their assets may be subject to a freeze order by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law was completed in October.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in July, RA 1179 repealed Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007. It seeks the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days with no warrant of arrest.

It also allows the police or the military to conduct a 60-day surveillance with an allowable 30-day extension on suspected terrorists.

The law also imposes a 12-year jail term on a person who voluntarily or knowingly joins a terrorist organization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123486

Troops carried Jevilyn's remains abandoned by NPA comrades: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Troops carried Jevilyn's remains abandoned by NPA comrades: AFP (By Benjamin Pulta)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff, Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan. (Screengrab from Senate live video)

Government troops carried the remains of slain New People's Army (NPA) rebel Jevilyn Cullamat for five hours after she was abandoned by her comrades who fled after a clash in Surigao del Sur, a military official told the Senate on Tuesday.

"We treated the body with respect and dignity. In fact, our soldiers carried her body for almost half a day," said Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff, during the resumption of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation hearing.

He added that Jevilyn, daughter of Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Eufemia Cullamat, "died as a non-state combatant of a group, the CPP-NPA (which was) already declared as an armed terrorist group".

Kagaoan said government troops were responding to reports of armed groups disturbing the peace in the locality.

"The AFP did not commit the cause of her suffering. She died in the midst of a legitimate gun battle," Kagaoan said, adding that the soldiers "merely performed their constitutional mandate as the protector of the people and we stand by our mandate to protect the Constitution".

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), added that the body of Jevilyn was abandoned by her comrades.

"Instead of leaving the body there, our soldiers took the body, wrapped it very gently. Hindi po ginawang tropeo (It was not turned into war trophy)," Badoy added.

The clash occurred between the members of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and the communist terrorists who were part of the Guerilla Front 19, in Sitio Mabug in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on November 28.

The troops seized a major terrorist base with two kitchens, 22 tents, and a strong cellular signal.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., appearing before the Senate, said the site has long been part of several anniversary celebrations of the communist terrorist groups.

"That is really a guerilla base. We do not do that in the armed forces," Esperon said, referring to alleged acts of desecration of the remains of fallen terrorists.

The Senate is conducting the hearing in the exercise of its oversight authority over the defense sector on the issue of alleged red-tagging/red-baiting of certain celebrities, personalities, institutions, and organizations.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123498

Groups ask Makabayan bloc solons to resign; end youth recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Groups ask Makabayan bloc solons to resign; end youth recruitment (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

RESIGN. Rallyists burn a tarpaulin bearing the image of Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Joma Sison during a rally at the Senate grounds on Tuesday (Dec. 1, 2020). The anti-communist groups and other civil society organizations group called on the Makabayan bloc legislators to resign and denounce the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s terroristic attacks. (PNA photo by Lade Kabagani)

Anti-communist groups and other civil society organizations on Tuesday called on the Makabayan bloc lawmakers to resign for allegedly recruiting minors to join the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), Hands Off Our Children (HOC), and Yakap ng mga Magulang along with former NPA members and parents of student activists who were reportedly recruited by progressive youth organizations, gathered at the Senate grounds to condemn the Makabayan bloc representatives for "continuously denying their ties with the communist groups."

During the rally, the groups criticized the Makabayan bloc for not denouncing the atrocities and violence committed by the NPA members, saying "the representatives seem to serve as the rebels' spokespersons and propaganda mouthpiece."

LPP chair Remy Rosadio asked anew the youth organizations allegedly linked with the CPP-NPA to end the recruitment of minors to fulfill their "senseless cause."

"You are just destroying our families. Stop using our children for your senseless revolution. Stop brainwashing them," Rosadio said.

The groups said the vulnerability of the student activists is the primary target of the CPP-NPA recruitment.

As the Senate probes the issue of red-tagging, the Makabayan bloc denied anew the allegations of the former NPA cadres that their organizations are legal fronts of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said it is wrong to associate him with the CPP-NPA without evidence.

"To conclude that I am engaged in the armed struggle, to conclude that I am doing something illegal and that is guilt by association, trial by publicity. That is what we want to avoid," Casiño said.

Former Bayan Muna congressman Neri Colmenares said, "nobody should red-tag anybody on the ground of how he walks or talks."

On the other hand, LIPI Secretary-General Ka Pep Goita called on House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to investigate the Makabayan bloc lawmakers for ethical violations.

“Hinahamon namin si Speaker Velasco na magsagawa ng imbestigasyon sa ethics committee at patalsikin na sila bago mahuli pa ang lahat (We are challenging Speaker Velasco to conduct an investigation through the ethics committee and remove them before it would be too late)," Goita said.

A mom's fight

Relissa Lucena, mother of Alicia Jasper (AJ), a student activist who was reportedly recruited by the youth group Anakbayan, hit the Makabayan bloc members for exploiting student activists outside their safe zones.

"They are using the public funds to destroy our children, to destroy our families," Lucena said.

Lucena together with parents of youths who were missing for years, condemned all the politicians supporting the illegal activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

"This armed conflict, exploitation of youth, and disgracing women's dignities will not end unless these politicians will withdraw their support to the communist rebels," Lucena said.

Lucena is the founder of the newly created group 'Yakap ng mga Magulang' which aimed at addressing the roots of youth recruitment to the communist groups. It also targets to protect children from exploitation, radicalization, as well as to save them from possible exposure to the communist revolution and other terroristic activities.

Meanwhile, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy slammed the CPP-NPA-NDF's recruitment schemes using various deceptions and lies, through its alleged legal-front organizations.

"They don't really care about social justice, they don't really care about human rights," Badoy said, adding that the communist movement is only destroying the country, Filipino values, and the children's better future.

Badoy said it is the moral responsibility of the public servants to defend and protect the Filipino people.

During the rally, the protesters burned a tarpaulin bearing the image of CPP founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison as they condemned the 52 years of atrocities, killings of innocents, unhampered terror attacks, and relentless recruitment of minors by the communist rebels.

The groups also presented a live mural painting that depicts the struggle of the parents against the continuous brainwashing and exploitation of the youth by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The anti-communist groups pleaded for an end of the armed conflict caused by the NPA, armed wing of the CPP.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123506

Makabayan bloc can’t deny NPA recruitment: group

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Makabayan bloc can’t deny NPA recruitment: group (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

STOP YOUTH RECRUITMENT. Anti-communist groups and other civil society organizations alongside parents of student activists who were reportedly recruited by various progressive groups gather outside the Senate halls on Tuesday (Nov. 24, 2020) to denounce the atrocities and deceptive recruitment schemes committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF to minors. The groups also protested against the 52 years of insurgency, maltreatment, and inhumane abuses of the NPA cadres against their members. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan) 

An anti-communist group on Monday said it is not convinced that the Makabayan bloc is not a front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP), in a statement, railed against the claims of the Makabayan bloc that they were just "red-tagged."

The anti-communist groups cited the "tons of evidence" pointing out the alleged involvement of the Makabayan bloc to disappearances of students who were reportedly recruited by its member organizations and were later on exposed to the communist revolution in the mountains.

In a recent Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation hearing on red-tagging, former cadres and members of the CPP-NPA have exposed the recruitment process of the rebel group using its legal-front organization.

The former NPA members have also confirmed the ties between the CPP-NPA and the organizations allied with the Makabayan bloc.

According to the former NPA members, 90 percent of communist cadres were recruited from schools and universities through the legal front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Former cadres also explained the mutual relationship of the legal democratic mass movement with the revolutionary underground mass movement.

LPP chair Remy Rosadio slammed Makabayan for repeatedly denying that it does not have links with the CPP-NPA-NDF.

"How could it be that red-tagging is the issue when the former NPAs are saying they were actually recruited by these organizations of the Makabayan bloc before becoming rebels?," the groups said.

‘You should help in protecting children’

Rosadio reiterated calls of parents to end the recruitment of the youth to become members of the NPA.

"The Makabayan bloc is part of the government. They should help in protecting our children. But they are going against it, they are destroying the government using the vulnerability of our children. It must stop now!" Rosadio said.

Meanwhile, LPP spokesperson Arlene Escalante said members of the Makabayan bloc were just orchestrating scenes to get more sympathy from the public "which is obviously underrated."

"I think what they were planning to do by not attending the first Senate hearing was to create a dramatic presentation for the next one. But all they've accomplished after reading their boring scripts—and (Rep. Sarah) Elago with her crocodile tears—was to get caught in their own web of lies," she said.

During the Senate hearing, Escalante said they noticed that the statements of members of the Makabayan bloc were contradicting each other.

"When one said they're not recruiting students into the armed struggle, one was saying student militants are first targets for NPA recruitment! Unbelievable!," Escalante said.

The groups said the Senate probe on red-tagging will serve as an eye-opener for the public about the recruitment schemes conducted by the groups.

"One good thing that came out of this hearing was that their incoherence and deception were exposed to the Filipino people and now we all know better," Escalante added.

The Makabayan bloc has continued to deny their ties with the CPP-NPA-NDF, saying it pushes for legitimate concerns and interests of the people.

As the Senate hearing on the issue of red-tagging resumes Tuesday, the groups are set to stage a picket rally outside the Senate's gate premises, to call for the resignation of the Makabayan bloc members.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123406

Not red-tagging, we are identifying you, PRRD to CPP-NPA fronts

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2020): Not red-tagging, we are identifying you, PRRD to CPP-NPA fronts (By Azer Parrocha)

GRAND CONSPIRACY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Nov. 30, 2020. Duterte said the government is not red-tagging but identifying the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s legal fronts as members “in a grand conspiracy.” (Presidential photo by Toto Lozano)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) does not engage in red-tagging leftist lawmakers, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday night, insisting that the military was actually “identifying” them as legal fronts.

In a taped speech, Duterte said the AFP is “very correct” for identifying groups like Bayan, Makabayan, and Gabriela as “legal fronts” of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“Itong mga legal fronts ng komunista, lahat ‘yan (These legal fronts of the communists. All of them) Makabayan, Bayan…they are all legal fronts, Gabriela. We are not red-tagging you. We are identifying you as members in a grand conspiracy comprising all the legal fronts that you have organized headed by NDF [National Democratic Front of the Philippines] tapos yung (then) New People’s Army at Communist Party of the Philippines,” he said.

Duterte said several former CPP-NPA members have openly attacked and criticized communists for the latter’s sheer brutality in this communal war.

“Communal war ito (This is communal war). There is no longer any ideology. Itong mga komunista, wala na ideology (These communists no longer have ideology),” he added.

He said the communists simply wanted to overthrow the government so that they could take over.

“Gusto lang nila umagaw ng gobyerno (They just want to grab power),” he said.

Duterte accused the legal front members, particularly Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate, of accepting money” and “defend an oligarch” but did not elaborate.

“You are friends with the NPA. You co-conspirators. Komunista ka adre, matagal na. Alam ko. Alam ko kasi alam ko (You’ve been a communist for a long time. I know. I know because I know),” he said.

He also attacked CPP-NPA founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, saying his guerrilla-like ideology claimed the lives of many uniformed personnel.

“Anong nakuha mo diyan sa ideology na communism (What do you get from the ideology of communism)?” he said.

IPs most affected

Duterte said indigenous communities were the most affected by atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA members.

“Ang kawawa dito itong mga pobre na taga-bukid na madadala ninyo (The ones pitiful here are the poor you convince. I think 75 percent, at least in Mindanao, mga Lumad. Kayong mga Lumad, umuwi kayo sabihin ninyo sa mga tao ninyo na niloloko lang sila ng NPA talaga. Parang namatay ang Lumad. (You lumads, go home and tell your people you’re being fooled by NPA. Lumads are being killed). So if this thing goes on, the lumads, yung native na Pilipino talaga (native Filipinos) will become an extinct tribe kung hindi kayo huminto diyan (if you don’t stop),” he said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Nov. 3 said it would be hypocrisy for the CPP-NPA to say that they do not have legal fronts.

“Kaplastikan po ng CPP-NPA kung sasabihin nilang wala silang mga legal fronts na tinatawag (It is hypocrisy for the CPP-NPA to say that they don’t have what they call legal fronts),” he said.

In a Senate hearing last week, Zarate denied being a member of CPP-NPA and denounced the AFP's red-tagging of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives.

He said Bayan Muna and members of the Makabayan bloc are legitimate groups pushing for meaningful social reforms.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123408

Kalinaw News: NPA combatant remains treated with respect, contrary to solon mother’s claims

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 30, 2020): NPA combatant remains treated with respect, contrary to solon mother’s claims

Children of Rep. Cullamat with the 3SFBn personnel

In a recent statement proliferated by Online News-Media platforms, Bayan-Muna Representative Eufemia Cullamat condemns the Army saying, “Mariin kong kinokondena ang ginawang pambabastos at pambababoy sa labi ng aking anak.” This is in response to the recent news about the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion’s encounter with the NPA’s SYP Platoon, Guerilla Force 19 which led to her daughter, Jevilyn Campos Cullamat’s demise.

Eufemia Cullamat’s initial statement comprises her admission that she knew that her daughter would eventually join the NPA and considers the possibility that one day, she would die a martyr, but a day later, the solon shifted gears and turned to cry wolf on what happened to her daughter and called-out the 3SFBn for an alleged unfair and inhumane treatment of her daughter’s body.

Upon learning of Eufemia Cullamat’s statement, 3SFBn released a detailed description and timeline of how they handled her daughter’s lifeless body that was neglected by the latter’s comrades who fled away from the encounter site.

On November 29, 2020, 6 o’clock in the morning, soldiers from the encounter site jumped-off with Jevilyn’s remains on a stretcher and transferred it to a Casualty Collection Point. From the casualty collection point, the soldiers presented the cadaver to the Brgy Officials of San Isidro for proper identification and documentation at 12:00 noon. No one from the community recognized Jevilyn until she was presented to former rebels from the 401st Brigade at 12:20 noon of the same day. Only then was she confirmed to be the daughter of solon, Eufemia Cullamat. After establishing the cadaver’s identity, a post-mortem exam was conducted.

At 4:00 in the afternoon, Jevilyn’s remains were turned over to her sister Jesrin Cullamat. Her half-sister Jenjen Valle and grandmother were also present to receive her body. Thirty minutes later, soldiers from the 3SFBn escorted the family to Dollete Funeral Homes Barobo for the funeral services. At 09:00 that night, the body was brought to her half-sister’s home at Brgy Banahaw, Lianga, Surigao del Sur where the wake was held.

The following day, the Army coordinated with the town’s Mayor, Novelita Sarmen, for the neutralized rebel’s burial assistance. Commanders and officials of the 401st Infantry Brigade personally visited the wake and extended their condolences. Soldiers facilitated the procurement of financial assistance to settle the funeral expenses of Jevilyn.

After serving as a combatant for the NPA terrorist group, Jevilyn’s body was left to rot at the encounter site. However, military protocol requires soldiers to scour the area for casualties, dead or alive, friend or foe, to tend to their wounds and/or to give the dead ones proper burial in the absence of a claimant. During the course of the first day from the encounter, Jevilyn Cullamat’s body was treated by the Philippine Army the same way as any other NPA member who died in an encounter, with respect.

Public interest have been building up to this day, following a series of Senate Hearing on the affiliations of Bayan Muna, which Rep. Eufemia Cullamat represents, and other Makabayan Bloc Partylists with the terrorist organization NPA. Any public official like Representative Cullamat is subject to public scrutiny especially on the issue of her allegiance with the CPP NPA NDF.

There are series of encounters to which the Philippine Army has neutralized enemy forces and claimed victory over terrorist groups who are trying to wreak havoc, most of the times, within a small vulnerable community. These victories are not claimed by the Philippine Army alone, but with the people victimized by the NPA, and the people the soldiers sworn to protect.

Children of Rep. Cullamat with the 3SFBn personnel

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-combatant-remains-treated-with-respect-contrary-to-solon-mothers-claims/