CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: FMOs sowing terrorism in Sta. Catalina

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 17, 2020): FMOs sowing terrorism in Sta. Catalina

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS

RACHELLE MAE PALANG COMMAND

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 17, 2020

The conduct of focused military operations (FMOs) in the 3rd District of Negros Oriental, particularly in the town of Sta. Catalina, has been synonymous with terrorism.

As these brutal and dirty operations often resulted in mounting cases of grave human rights violations victimizing unarmed civilians and non-combatants.

The FMO was conceived by the fascist-criminal Duterte clique as the “main hand” of its counter-revolutionary war. It aimed to crush the armed revolutionary movement through counter-guerilla deep battle operations.

It has been a dismal failure insofar as this objective is concerned.

From January to October this year, the 11th IB augmented by PNP combat mobile units and paramilitary forces launched five rounds of FMOs in Southeast Negros but resoundingly failed to strike and wipe out any armed unit of the RMPC.

The overwhelming popular support enjoyed by the NPA and the lack thereof in the reactionary armed forces rendered Duterte’s deep battle operations inutile.

Out of frustration in its failure to crush the NPA, the military bent their ire on civilians and engaged in various dastardly acts of trampling the rights of the people and sowing fear through terrorism in vain effort to quell the mass support for the NPA.

From July-September alone more than 40 cases of human rights violations ranging from extra-judicial killing, unlawful arrest and search, torture, harassment, coercion, intimidation, military occupation of communities and the like were documented affecting hundreds of settler-peasants in the areas covered by the FMOs, more particularly Sta. Catalina’s Barangay Talalac.

Furthermore, pressures from its top brass to produce results impelled the 11th IB to manufacture accomplishments like the 55 fake surrenderees and staged mass condemnation rallies against the revolutionary movement and enforced persona non-grata declaration by LGUs and people’s organizations .

Starting December 2, the 11th IB and 705th RMF, commenced its sixth and last round of FMO for 2020. It opened with Sauron-like assaults and raids of the residences of the family of peasant activists in two sitios of Talalac targetted by NTF-ELCAC for liquidation (tokhang) and arrest.

It looks like that the masses in the areas besieged by the ongoing FMO in Sta. Catalina will be celebrating Christmas with fascist guns virtually train in their heads.

FMO and the entire strategy of NTF-ELCAC is doom to fail as it has been thoroughly exposed as a tool of terrorism for the ruling class to perpetuate the unjust semi-colonial and semi-feudal system and Duterte’s fascist and terrorist regime. ####

https://cpp.ph/statements/fmos-sowing-terrorism-in-sta-catalina/

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: NDF-Negros condemns the murder of Sancelan couple and the intensification of human rights abuses in Central Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 17, 2020): NDF-Negros condemns the murder of Sancelan couple and the intensification of human rights abuses in Central Negros

BAYANI OBRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-NEGROS ISLAND

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 17, 2020

National Democratic Front – Negros emphatically condemns the continuing human rights violations in Central Negros.

The latest crime of the bloodthirsty butchers of the fascist regime is Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan and her husband Edwin Sancelan. Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan is the incident commander of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guihulngan City. Before they were brutally murdered on the night of December 15, Dr. Sancelan was red-tagged and was included in an anti-communist hit list issued by Kawsa Guihulngan Batok Komunista (Kagubak). She was mistakenly accused as Ka JB Regalado, the spokesperson of Leonardo Panaligan Command New People’s Army – Central Negros.

The brazen killing of the Sancelan couple demonstrates the danger of red-tagging. At least two others in the list, Atty. Anthony Trinidad and Heidie Malalay Flores, have been killed with impunity in the past years. The fascist dogs are so emboldened to kill even at a time when the whole nation is gripped by the pandemic. The murder of a medical frontliner deprives the people of Guihulngan with the much needed health services amid the pandemic.

Around the same time and near the same area of the murder of the Sancelan couple, a 50-year old resident identified as Saeler “Israel” Alsong was also shot dead by unknown motorcycle-riding assailants. State terror continues to victimize the Filipino people in order to sow fear and silence dissent.

While death squads gets away with murder, peasant communities in the countryside are relentlessly harassed by operating troops of the 62nd IBPA.

The 2-week focus military operation of the 62nd IBPA left a trail of destruction to peasant communities in the hinterlands of Brgy. Budlasan, Canlaon City, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental and Brgy. Macagahay and Brgy Quinten Remo in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

At least three cases of illegal search on their domicile, harassment and interrogation were reported in Brgy. Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. Another four residents of the same barangay were beaten up by operating troops. In Brgy. Quinten Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, operating troops forcibly entered homes, took pictures, forced residents to surrender and threatened them.

The military also occupied schools in Sitio Cambairan, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City and Sityo Tabalogo, Brgy. Budlasan, Canlaon City in Negros Oriental and a church in Sityo Tubod, Brgy. Macagahay, Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental. This is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

On December 13, elements of the 62nd IBPA called residents from Brgy. Budlasan, Canlaon and Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan for a meeting and presented them as surrenderees.

These are just some of the recent blatant attacks and human rights abuses in Central Negros. It is the fascist Duterte regime that tolerates and emboldens human rights abuses in his reign of terror.

We welcome the result of the preliminary examination of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court which found reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity were being committed in the government’s murderous policies, from the sham war on drugs to the threats and killings of human rights defenders, journalists and government critics. The FIlipino people must look forward to the conclusion of the preliminary examination and the possibility of a investigation of human rights situation in the Philippines.

It is imperative that freedom-loving Filipino people unite and link arms in order to demand accountability for the heinous crimes against the people committed by Duterte and his bloodthirsty cohorts. We call on all Filipinos to continue our fight for justice against state-sponsored violence. Ultimately, it is only through the victory of the national democratic revolution can justice be attained. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-negros-condemns-the-murder-of-sancelan-couple-and-the-intensification-of-human-rights-abuses-in-central-negros/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Gasgas nga kabutigan kag hinambog sang militar nga malapit na nila malutos ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa bug-os nga pungsod

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 16, 2020): Gasgas nga kabutigan kag hinambog sang militar nga malapit na nila malutos ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa bug-os nga pungsod

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 16, 2020

Bugtaw nga nagadamgo si Gen. Gilbert Gapay, ang Chief of Staff sang Armed Forces of the Philippines, nga malapit na nila nga malutos ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa bilog nga pungsod sa idalum sang termino sang tiraniko kag uhaw sa dugo nga US-Duterte nga rehimen. Suno sa berdugo na heneral, naglab-ot na kuno sa 201 ka katapu sang NPA ang napatay kag 264 nga na-aresto samtang may 7,615 nga napasurender. Kon sumahon ang mga napatay, naaresto kag nagsurender naglab-ot sa 8,080. Kon matuod ang ini nga datus, segurado nga nalutos na nila nga rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa pagpamuno sang Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) sa bilog nga pungsod, apang ini tanan gina-drawing lang sang militar agud ipakita nga nagmadinalag-on ang ila kampanya kontra insurhensya.

Kon madumduman, nagpahayag si Duterte nga iya wasakon ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa bilog nga pungsod sa tunga-tunga sang iya termino. Nakita nga indi nila kaya malab-ot ang target, iya naman ginliwat ang iya pahayag nga wasakon niya ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan bag-o matapos ang iya termino.

Amo man ini ang pasalig kag pangako sang mga nagligad nga mga presidente halin kay Marcos tubtob subong nga rehimen US-Dutere apang nagpabilin nga damgu ang ila mga pahayag bangud wala ini nagaserbi sa interes sang malapad nga pumuluyo kag sa baylo nga mawasak labi pa nga naglig-on ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa bilog nga pungsod.

Sa Negros, nagpabilin nga malig-on ang lima ka larangan gerilya kag padayon nga nagapalapad sang lugar nga ginahulagan sa pihak sang mga pahayag sang nag-agi nga mga brigade commander nga wasakon ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa idalum sang ila termino. Ini nagpamatuod nga napaslawan nga wasakon sang 302nd kag 303rd brigade ang mga pronteng gerilya sang NPA sa Negros kag rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan. Ang ila pagpaninguha nagresulta lang sang lapnagon nga paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung kag nag-ani sang pagpakamala-ot sang pumuluyo. Sa pihak nga bahin, nag-angkon sang madalum nga suportang masa kag nagdamu ang nakigbahin sa armado nga rebolusyon.

Ang tanan nga plano sang US-Duterte nga rehimen sa kontra-insurhensya indi pa ang pagresolba sang ugat sang armado nga komplikto kundi kon paano makapangawat sa kaban sang gobyerno paagi sa ginpadaku nga gasto sa militar nga operasyon sang mga brigada kag mga batalyon, dugang nga patong sa mga ginapamakal nga kagamitan militar kag sopistikado nga mga armas, nagalagas sang reward sang mga kilala nga personalidad sa CPP/NPA nga may daku nga patong sa ila ulo kag paglagas sang promotion sa bahin sang opisyal sang AFP kag PNP.

Madamu man sang mga sibilyan nga biktima sang militarisasyon kag ginpangpatay kag simple lang nga gintamnan sang armas kag tawgon nga NPA. Kon pamatian ang mga balita bahin sa engkwentro sa tunga sang AFP kag NPA, masami ang pierde sa inaway amo ang NPA samtang hungod nga ginatago ang mga kaswalti sa bahin sang AFP agud malikawan ang kahuy-anan.

Duna na sa AFP nga magtimalus batok sa mga sibilyan matapos sang ila kapaslawan sa paglagas sa NPA. Pinakabag-o nga krimen sang uhaw sa dugo nga mersernaryo nga tropa sang AFP ang vigilante nga tipo sang pagtiro-patay kay Doctor Mary Rose Sancelan, tigpamuno sang Guihulngan Covid19 IATF kag sa iya bana sini nga si Edwin Sancelan, December 15. Si Dr. Sancelan ang ginredtag paagi sa paglakip sang iya pangalan sa kontra-komunista nga listahan sang tuig 2019 kag ginapabangdan nga si Ka JB Regalado, tigpamaba sang Leonardo Panaligan Command sang NPA.

Madamu man nga mga katapu sang progresibo nga organisasyon ang nangin biktima sang ilegal nga pagpang-aresto kag pagtanum sang armas kag eksplosibo. Bag-o magpungko si Duterte bilang presidente, lima lang ang bilanggong politkal. Sa subong, naglab-ot sa masobra 120 ang bilanggong politikal.

Ang ginapabugal nga kadalag-an sang AFP/PNP nakabase sa peke nga balita, peke nga engkwentro, peke nga pagpasurender, mga pato-pato nga kaso kontra sa mga katapu sang progresibo nga organisasyon, aktibista, kilala nga tagdepensa sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung, mga kritiko kag ang pinakamalala amo ang pagpatay sang mga inosente nga mga sibilyan.

Na-aprobahan na sang mga idu-ido ni Duterte sa Kongreso kag Senado ang ₱19 bilyon sang NTF-ELCAC para gastuhon sa kontra insurhensya sa tuig 2021. Segurado nga labi nga magalala ang korapsyon sa hanay sang AFP/PNP, dugang nga magasingki ang brutal kag makasiligni nga operasyon militar nga magresulta sang lapnagon nga paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung. Napamatu-od lang kon ano ka berdugo kag tiraniko ang ini nga rehimen, nahublasan ang kina-iya nga kontra-pumuluyo kag dugang nga gatong sa nagadabadaba nga kaakig kag magatulod sa pumuluyo nga direkta nga magpasakop sa armado nga rebolusyon. Wala sang duda, si Duterte ang maayo nga recruiter sang NPA.

Wala sang plano ang tiraniko nga rehimen Duterte nga sulbaron ang ugat sang armado nga komplikto sa pungsod Pilipinas. Wala sini ginhatagan sang husto nga solusyon ang problema sang pumuluyo bahin sa pag-atubang sang problema sa pandemya, kapigaduhon, gutom, kamalahalon sang mga nagapanguna nga mga balaklon, mataas nga buhis, kawad-on sang trabaho, manubo nga sweldo kag halos wala sang benipisyo kag problema sa duta ilabi na sa mga mangunguma.

Basi sa nalab-ot nga rebolusyonaryo nga kusog, wala na sang kapasidad ang subong nga rehimen Duterte kag bisan sin-o man nga rehimen ang magasunod agud wasakon ang napundar nga rebolusyonaryo nga kusog.

Ang nagasaka nga isip sang pagpang-atake sa sibil kag politikal nga kinamatarung sang mga pumuluyo ang magatulod lamang sa mas madamu pa nga mga pumuluyo nga pasingki-on ang armado nga rebolusyon agud maangkon ang ila handum para sa pungsodnon kag sosyal nga kahilwayan kag demokrasya.

Samtang ang NPA ara sa maayo nga posisyon agud ipadayon ang armado nga paghimakas, depensahan ang kaayuhan sang pumuluyo kontra sa pagterorisa sang mga katapu sang pasista nga rehimen Duterte kag silutan ang mga berdugo nga may utang nga dugo sa pumuluyo. Bilang matuod nga hangaway sang pumuluyo, handa ini nga ipakig-away ang interes sang malapad nga pumuluyo ilabi na ang mga mangunguma kag mga mamumugon sa uma sa hambalanon sa problima sa duta nga madugay na nga gindingut sa ila. Matigayon lamang ini kon aton mapadaug ang Pungsodnon Demokratiko nga Rebolusyon paagi sa armado nga paghimakas. Mapaluntad ang isa ka sosyedad nga may pag-alalangay kag kalinong basi sa hustisya sosyal.

Mabuhay ang masang pigos!

Isulong ang Armadong Rebolusyon tubtob a kadalag-an!

https://cpp.ph/statements/gasgas-nga-kabutigan-kag-hinambog-sang-militar-nga-malapit-na-nila-malutos-ang-rebolusyonaryo-nga-kahublagan-sa-bug-os-nga-pungsod/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros/Negros Island: Padayon nga Pasismo kag Militarisasyon sa Central Negros Ginakondenar sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 16, 2020): Padayon nga Pasismo kag Militarisasyon sa Central Negros Ginakondenar sang NPA

JB REGALADO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS

LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 16, 2020

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army sa Central Negros ang padayon nga pagpanglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung sa sakop Larangan Gerilya sa Central Negros.

Disyembre 13, 2020 ginpatawag sang 62nd IBPA ang tanan nga pumuluyo sa sakop sang Brgy Budlasan, Canlaon kag Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan sa Brgy Hall sang Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan sa tuyo kuno nga magmiting, apang ang gatusan ka tumalambong ang gindeklarar sang militar nga mga surrenderee.

Samtang padayon naman ang operasyon militar, pagpanaka-saka sa mga kabalayan, pamahug, pagpanglitrato kag pilit nga pagpasurender sa mga inosenteng sibilyan sa sityo Tiyos kag Mamballo sakop sang Brgy Quentin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. Padayon man ang operasyon militar sa mga sityo sang Mampayao Gamay, Mampayao Dako nga sakop sa Brgy Malangsa, subong man sa mga sityo sang Lukhan, Danikop nga sakop sang Brgy Tabon, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental.

Disyembre 5, 2020 mga alas 5:00 sang aga, ang iligal nga paglusob sang 62nd IBPA upod ang mga katapo sang CAFGU nga sanday JR Vergara, Andres Tecson, Milo Davis nga nagpakana nga mga katapo sang NPA sa balay sang Brgy Tanod nga si Romeo Reyes, may legal nga pang-edaron, may asawa kag may kabataan sang sityo Malatanglad, Brgy Budlasan Canlaon City. Tuyo sang militar nga patalangon ang huna-huna sang mga pumuluyo sa lugar. Illegal nga ginpang-ukay ang balay, gin-imbestigar kag ginapahug pa ang panimalay Reyes nga kon maka-engkwentro sila sa NPA balikan gid ini nga pamilya.

Illegal search man ang ginhimo sang pasistang 62nd IBPA sa puluy-an ni Domingga Dela Paz, 45 anyos, may bana kag may mga kabataan sang sityo Malatanglad sakop sang nasambit gihapon nga baryo. Ginpang-ukay ang ila bilog nga puluy-an, gin-imbestigar kag ginpahug kag pilit man nga ginapatudlo kon diin ang kampo sang NPA.

Ilegal man nga ginsaka ang balay sang pamilya Gelacio sa amo gihapon nga lugar kag ginpang-ukay ang mga kagamitan sang nasambit nga puluy-an. Pilit nga ginapangita ang armas kag iban pa kuno nga kagamitan sang NPA kag pilit man nga ginapa-ako nga katapo sang NPA. Bangud inosente ang nasambit nga pamilya sa ila mga imbestigasyon, ila ginkastigo samtang gina-imbestigar si Robert Gelacio, 28 anyos kag soltero. Ang tanan nga kalalakinhan sa lugar nga nagakarga-tapas sa hasyenda ila man nga ginpasibangdan nga mga katapo sang NPA.

Sa amo gihapon nga adlaw, ginkastigo man sila Mar-mar Gelacio, Rodgie Gelacio kag Aming Gelacio sang katapo sang 62nd IBPA. Nagresulta ini sang pagsuka-dugo ni Aming Gelacio, haluson na makatindog kag napilitan na sa pag-untat sa pagtrabaho sa hasyenda upod sa iban pa nga biktima sang pagpangkastigo sang nasambit nga pasistang tropa militar.

Ang subsob nga operasyon militar nagsugod pa sadtong katapusan nga semana sang Nobyembre tubtob una nga semana sang Disyembre sa mga sityo sang Oyangan, Katuguisan, Malatanglad, Owayan, Tabalogo, Ihid kag Natuling tanan sakop sang Brgy Budlasan, Canlaon City. Subong man sa binukid sang Guihulngan ilabe na sa mga sityo sang Banderahan kag Cambairan.

Desperado lamang ang militar nga nagadali nga mapapas ang New People’s Army sa Central Negros. Pabilin nga nagsumbag ang pasistang AFP sa hangin sa pagpangita sang NPA kag maathag nga paslaw ang NTF-ELCAC sa Central Negros.

Ginakondenar man sang LPC-NPA ang paghimo nga kampo militar sang 62nd IBPA sa mga eskwelahan sang Sityo Cambairan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City, sityo Tabalogo, Brgy Budlasan, Canlaon City tanan sang Negros Oriental kag mga kasimbahanan sa sityo Tubod, Brgy Macagahay, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. Subong man ang pagtiner sa mga Brgy Hall sang nasambit nga mga lugar sa tion nga ang militar nagapatigayon sang ila mga operasyon. Ini isa ka muklat nga paglapas sang 62nd IBPA sa Comprehensive Agreement for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Ginapanawagan ang tanan nga pumuluyo sa Central Negros nga maisog nga magbato kag ibuyagyag ang tanan nga kalakasan sang 62nd IBPA kag sang rehimeng US-Duterte kadungan sa ginalunsar nga taktikal nga opensiba sang aton mga pulang hangaway nga amo ang New People’s Army.

Suportahon ang Armadong Paghimakas sa kaumahan kag angkunon ang tunay nga hustisya sang mga biktima sa paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang pumuluyo nga direkta ginkomiter sa reaksyunaryong estado! ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/padayon-nga-pasismo-kag-militarisasyon-sa-central-negros-ginakondenar-sang-npa/

CPP/CC: Duterte’s state terrorist attacks make traditional holiday ceasefire impossible

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 16, 2020): Duterte’s state terrorist attacks make traditional holiday ceasefire impossible

CENTRAL COMMITTEE

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 16, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and all revolutionary forces extends its solidarity with the Filipino people as they mark their traditional year-end holidays as well as the upcoming 52nd anniversary of the CPP on December 26.

The Duterte regime’s relentless state terrorist attacks and horrific anticommunist onslaught against the people, however, make impossible a joyful holiday celebration this year. For the broad masses of the Filipino people, these holidays are utterly bleak as they suffer from the severe economic crisis brought about by the regime’s corruption and willful neglect of the people’s welfare amid the Covid-19 pandemic and calamities. Duterte and his generals, on the other hand, are merrily going about their fascist ways, pocketing billions of pesos from bloated funds for counterinsurgency and his sham drug war, as well as kickbacks from foreign-funded infrastructure projects of his oligarchs and cronies.

Duterte has ignored appeals for a ceasefire to give the people even a temporary respite from the oppressive and disruptive presence of fascist troops in their communities, from the night-time barging in of armed soldiers into their homes, from the intimidation and threats to force the masses to “surrender,” from the massacres, killings, abductions, arrests and torture, the bombings and the portending fly overs of drones.

Instead, Duterte and his generals have ordered their troops to continue intensifying their armed operations and bombing runs even in areas that are overburdened by sufferings due to the recent calamities and government neglect, as well as to the continuing restrictions and clampdown imposed on the pretext of pandemic response.

In the face of the vicious attacks by Duterte’s military and police forces both in the cities and countryside, the CPP Central Committee is forced to dispense with the traditional holiday ceasefire this year. In the past, the AFP has always treacherously taken advantage of NPA ceasefire declarations to mount offensives against units doing health campaigns and other public service. The fascists have always displayed heavy-handed disregard of people’s holidays and disrespect for their customs and traditions.

Units of the NPA are hereby ordered to actively defend the masses and themselves against the attacks of the AFP and frustrate the enemy’s armed offensives and plans to terrorize the masses during these holidays. They can carry out tactical offensives especially against attacking troops of the enemy, particularly those who have perpetrated massacres and extrajudicial killings and who are notorious for grave abuses and violations of human rights.

At the same time, the CPP Central Committee urges all Party committees, NPA units and mass organizations to carry out secret meetings and assemblies to mark the upcoming 52nd anniversary of the Party wherever and whenever possible. Take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Filipino people’s martyrs and heroes, humbly celebrate the achievements and victories in the past year and strengthen the determination of the people to resist and end the Duterte regime’s brutal reign of terror.

https://cpp.ph/statements/dutertes-state-terrorist-attacks-make-traditional-holiday-ceasefire-impossible/

Opinion: CPP leadership continues to fall while NPA rebels surrender in droves

Opinion piece posted to The Manila Times (Dec 18, 2020): CPP leadership continues to fall while NPA rebels surrender in droves

By Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.

THE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) continues to feel the heat after the series of Senate hearings on red-tagging that practically stripped their legal front organizations of their underground cover. Despite the oath the reference persons took to tell the truth, the listening public cannot believe how the “Kamatayan” bloc representatives could lie through their teeth. They persistently denied involvement in the terrorist CPP-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the former cadres of the CPP-NPA presented by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) could only watch in disbelief. In reality, we expected this “Lying I,” the first skill they are taught when they join these front organizations. In order to save face, they are left with no option but to lie about the allegations leveled against them.

These lies become more apparent in order to save or protect whatever is left of their crumbling CPP organization. After the series of arrests and neutralization of key CPP-NPA officials like Julius Giron, elected deputy chairman of the CPP in 2016, together with its founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison, came the death of Randall Echanis from the hands of its own ranks. It was followed by the arrest of Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay. Did the CPP and its allies cry foul about these “activists” being killed? Of course. In fact, Sen. Leila de Lima has been persistent in claiming that they are peace consultants. Huh?!

It is no surprise then that they will complain again of the government’s latest apprehension. Recently, the Philippine National Police arrested seven officials of the Metro Manila regional party committee, including its secretary, Rodrigo Esparago, and Lady Ann Salem. The Kamatayan bloc, the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and Karapatan are once again shouting of “government crackdown on activists” and the suppression of dissent. Colmenares even assails Judge Villabert and complains that such action “resulted in the deprivation of liberty of numerous activists, in violation of their constitutional rights.” Activists? Really? And which constitution are you talking about, Mr. Colmenares? Are you referring to your CPP constitution? This is simply another cheap attempt to cover up the crimes of your beleaguered colleagues.

The Metro Manila Regional Party Committee (MMRPC) was once headed by favorite columnist and journalist of Manila Times, Ambassador Bobbi Tiglao, during the martial law years. Why don’t the NUPL and Karapatan, as well as the Kamatayan bloc, complain to Mr. Tiglao that these activists were simply red-tagged, so now they are in jail? Of course, they won’t do that knowing it could simply bury them some more in the mud.

So really, who is Rodrigo Esparago before becoming the sec of MMRPC? He was a member of the youth sector (YS) and eventually the Kabataang Makabayan (KM), the underground mass organization run by the party. Lady Ann Salem, on the other hand, came from Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), a legal organization, before she joined the Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions (RCTU), the underground party group running the labor unions through the KMU. From there, Salem rose to become the head of the regional trade union bureau (RTUB) of MMRPC.

Who still believes this alibi of the left? Many of these “activists” and progressive members have died with NPA rebels. Are we still to ignore these denials of the Kamatayan bloc? How many more have to die? Their accusations of red-tagging as a defense for their underground activities have been resolved in the Senate inquiry and by the Supreme Court. Supreme Court jurisprudence clarified a lot of issues but most importantly it has strengthened the position of the government that this Kamatayan bloc is part of the CPP and the government is merely identifying them as such. If you don’t believe your government, go to the website of the NDF, ndfp.org, and access all the NDF member organizations, including RCTU, KM and, yes, the NPA. You can also see there Lumaban, the underground org of the NUPL; Makibaka, the underground organization of Gabriela; Kaguma, the underground org of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), among many other organizations. They are all presented in their crimson red symbols and colors.

Red-tagged? Yes, but not by the government but by their own actions.

Meantime, there are so many positive developments at the tactical level and operational level. An entire front of the CPP-NPA has surrendered in Davao de Oro. A platoon has surrendered in Sorsogon. Another NPA platoon has surrendered in Masbate. And the Southern Tagalog regional party committee leadership, together with its regional operations command, are on the run in Mindoro. In the early morning of December 17, another encounter occurred with troops of the 2nd ID in Baras, Rizal during the arrest of NPA leader @Dads, the head of the finance staff and execom member of the Sub Regional Military Area 4A. This resulted in the neutralization of three top leaders of the NPA in Calabarzon, together with three others who have yet to be identified.

With all these happening, there is a possibility that the government will be able to bring down the CPP-NPA sooner. With the judicial affidavits that the NTF-Elcac has consolidated for the filing of legal cases against the Kamatayan bloc, the CPP and its allies are in dire straits and the NPA units and fighters dependent on them are in a moribund state.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/18/opinion/columnists/cpp-leadership-continues-to-fall-while-npa-rebels-surrender-in-droves/812784/

PNP condemns NPA attack vs gov’t troops in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2020): PNP condemns NPA attack vs gov’t troops in Iloilo (By Perla Lena)

LANDMINE ATTACK. The police patrol car of the Tubungan Municipal Police Station was damaged when hit by an anti-personnel mine of the CPP-NPA on Thursday, Dec 17. The regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Western Visayas condemned the “landmine attack”. (Photo by IPPO)

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) has condemned the “landmine attack” of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) against the team of the Tubungan Municipal Police Station (MPS) at Barangay Balicua in Tubungan, Iloilo on Thursday.

In a statement released by the PRO6 Thursday night, it said the incident showed the “real character of the CPP-NPA, which intends to destroy the peace and order, create havoc and spread terror in the town of Tubungan”.

“PRO-6 condemns the use of landmine, an improvised explosive, to attack our personnel is a clear indication that the CPP-NPA has no respect for human rights and never bothers if they would injure civilians living near the area,” the statement added.

The statement emphasized that using landmines is a violation under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (or Mine Ban Convention).

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) in a statement released Friday said it is “enraged by the atrocity perpetrated by the members of local communist terrorists against the PNP personnel”.

“The said terroristic act is a blatant insult not only to the desire of the Ilonggos for a peaceful celebration of the holiday season, but also a clear manifestation of the continued defiance of the NPAs to the government's call for real and lasting peace,” the statement said.

It added their treacherous act in an attempt to harm government forces and properties “gives a strong reason for the Ilonggos to declare these terrorists as persona non grata”.

“With this, we reiterate our condemnation of the NPA and abhor the evils it brings to the community,” added the statement.

At around 2:45 pm on Thursday, the team led by assistant chief of police, Lt. Jose Romel C. Samson, onboard their service vehicle, was conducting a mobile patrol when they were hit by a blast.

IPPO director Police Col. Gilbert Gorero, in a text message, said that all personnel on board were safe.

However, the police patrol car incurred broken windows on the driver's side and holes and scratches on the left side.

The 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/1125143

DND backs QC judge on Makabayan bloc probe

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2020): DND backs QC judge on Makabayan bloc probe (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday said it is giving its "full support" to Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert whose warrants the Makabayan bloc wants to be investigated by the House Justice Committee.

"The DND gives its full support to Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert in the face of the Makabayan bloc’s baseless accusations that she had issued irregular warrants against activists and progressive groups. We firmly believe that a judge of the Honorable Villavert’s caliber does not issue warrants without probable cause," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.

He said by raising "baseless" accusations against the judge, the Makabayan bloc is not only impugning the character and integrity of Villavert but the nation's entire justice system.

"More importantly, the Makabayan bloc has confirmed what we have been saying all along that their members are fronts of the CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army)," Lorenzana said.

Last December 15, the Makabayan bloc filed House Resolution 1427 urging the House Justice Committee to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation.

The resolution said it was Villavert who authorized the conduct of raids in various offices of some militant groups in Tondo and Paco, Manila, and in Bacolod City last year.

It also pointed to Villavert as the one who issued "questionable" search warrants that led to the December 10 arrest of Manila Today journalist Lady Ann Salem, and union organizers of labor group Defend Jobs Philippines namely Dennise Velasco, Mark Ryan Cruz, Romina Astudillo, Jaymie Gregorio, Joel Demate, and Rodrigo Esparago.

The seven suspects, who are reportedly officials of the Metro Manila Regional Party Committee CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front, were arrested in simultaneous operations in Manila, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong.

In a statement Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) said that it supports the recently conducted law enforcement operations by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The search warrants used in the said operations were issued by Villavert and led to the suspected members of a criminal armed group later identified as CPP cadres residing in high-end condominium units and exclusive subdivisions.

It added that the PNP followed the proper procedures during the application and service of the search warrants.

"JTF NCR, AFP as one of the partners for peace and development at the National Capital Region, encourage everyone to follow the path of peace and condemn those who employ violence and/or intimidation against their own countrymen, especially officers of the court. Those arrested may avail of all the legal remedies provided under our democratic system including the right to due process. Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in protecting our government officials, including judges, prosecutors, and those in charge of enforcing the criminal justice system, in ensuring that the rule of law prevails," the statement read.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125115

5 Reds killed in Rizal clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2020): 5 Reds killed in Rizal clash (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Five suspected New People's Army (NPA) terrorists were killed in an encounter with joint police and military units in Rizal province early Thursday.

In a report to Camp Crame, Col. Joseph Arguelles, chief of the Rizal Police Provincial Office, said the clash ensued at Sitio Malalim, Barangay San Juan in Baras town at around 2:30 a.m.

The suspects were identified as a certain "Ka Sandra"/"Minda", medical officer of Sub-Region Military Area (SRMA-4A) of the communist movement's Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) operating in the provinces of Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon and reportedly the wife of an alias "Luis", secretary of the Guerilla Front Cesar; and one "Ka Onli"/"Rusi"/"Ustad", reportedly an intelligence officer of the SRMA-4A.

The three other suspects have yet to be identified.

The operation was carried out to implement a warrant of arrest against a certain "Dads", a ranking leader of the STRPC for frustrated murder.

During the service of the warrant, the suspects together with several other NPA members fired upon the arresting officers.

"Firefight ensued that resulted in the death of five above said CTG suspects while others scampered in different directions and are now subject of manhunt operation," Arguelles added.

Recovered from the suspects were two M-16 automatic rifles; one .45-caliber pistol, one Uzi machine pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, several electronic devices, and subversive documents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125131

DND mourns passing of retired justice Pamaran

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2020): DND mourns passing of retired justice Pamaran (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday expressed grief over the death of retired magistrate and Veterans Foundation of the Philippines (VFP) president Manuel Pamaran last Dec. 16.

"The Department of National Defense mourns the death of Justice Manuel Pamaran, President of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), a former judge of the Sandiganbayan and a WW2 (World War II) veteran. He was 94 years old," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.

Lorenzana added that he picked Pamaran to lead the VFP in 2018 as he was confident over the magistrate's management capability, having been an exceptional public servant, lawyer, and educator.

The DND chief said Pamaran was an avid and passionate advocate of veterans' welfare, adding that the late justice's love for the country knew no bounds.

This was proven by the fact that even during his twilight years, he had willingly accepted the call to become the president of the VFP, serving with utmost integrity, dedication, and excellence.

"For this, we are eternally grateful," Lorenzana said.

He also expressed hope that Justice Pamaran's family find solace knowing that he left behind an impeccable legacy of public service and goodwill.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125137

Cops on alert vs. Reds' attacks amid holiday season

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2020): Cops on alert vs. Reds' attacks amid holiday season (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)  December 18, 2020, 1:52 pm

File photo

All police units have been reminded to stay alert and vigilant as there would be no holiday ceasefire between the government and the communist movement this year.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Debold Sinas made the call on Friday, a week before Christmas and the 52nd founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26.

“The CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) is known to launch high-profile hostilities to drumbeat commemoration of significant dates in the underground movement over the past five decades,” he added.

Sinas also said, “the recent rash of hostile actions initiated by the CPP-NPA-NDF is all part of that long vicious cycle and a 50-year tradition of violence of the local communist movement.”

He also reminded all police field units to maintain a defensive security posture amid the latest series of CPP-NPA-NDF hostilities against government personnel, isolated government installations, and civilian communities mostly with the use of landmines, long outlawed by international conventions for use in warfare.

Earlier this month, President Rodrigo Duterte earlier declared that the ceasefire with the communist rebels as "dead" and said that he was forced to walk away from "peace talks" after the CPP and its political wing, the NDF asked for the formation of a "coalition government".

The 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/1125153

Ex-rebels slam Makabayan bloc's lies to conceal ties with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2020): Ex-rebels slam Makabayan bloc's lies to conceal ties with Reds (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

File photo

Former cadres and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) slammed on Friday lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc for their continuous lies and deceptions to cover up their links with the communist rebels.

In a statement, the Sentrong Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN) -- a multi-sectoral organization primarily composed of former cadres and members of the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF), denounced "all forms of deception and lies being systematically spread by the Makabayan Bloc and other legal-front organizations of the CPP."

The group’s members said they remain firm on their stand that the organizations belonging to the Makabayan Bloc are the CPP-NPA-NDF's legal front groups which also serve as the recruitment wing of the NPA.

The group said the Makabayan bloc is orchestrating claims against the arrested top CPP-NPA cadres as they continue denying their links with the communist rebels.

"They have made their usual covers and make-up stories of arrested CPP cadres claiming anew that they are just activists and union workers’ organizers. This has become a deceptive script of denial of the Makabayan bloc," SAMBAYANAN said.

The former rebels said the underground organizations of the CPP-NPA have been undermining the judicial process.

"SAMBAYANAN believes that the arrest of these CPP cadres followed the judicial process and we have high recognition of the Judiciary’s professionalism and expertise in the issuance of the arrest and search warrants," the group said.

"It is of great insolence for the Makabayan Bloc to attack the credibility of the Judiciary and to question the determination of probable cause which led to the issuance of warrants by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert," it added.

SAMBAYANAN cited the Makabayan bloc's maneuvering efforts to belie the confessions of the former NPA cadres and members that they were once part of the youth organizations before joining in the full-time communist insurgency.

"Former rebels have categorically revealed the duplicitous character of Makabayan Bloc as a front organization of the CPP deceitfully participating in the Philippine electoral system," SAMBAYANAN said. "The Filipino people are already cognizant of this grand conspiracy of the CPP and its legal front organizations."

The group also committed to fully support the continuing efforts of the national government to end the communist insurgency.

"The recent arrest of top CPP-NPA cadres all over the country manifests the victory of the Filipino people. They have already rejected the communist program of the CPP-NPA," it said.

Meanwhile, the SAMBAYANAN commended Judge Villavert, noting her will to stand with the rule of law against the lawless CPP-NPA.

"The recent arrest of top CPP-NPA cadres all over the country manifests the victory of the Filipino people. They have already rejected the communist program of the CPP-NPA," it said.

The group also lauded the government's whole-of-nation approach to end the 52 years of atrocities, violence, and recruitment of minors committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF and its front organizations.

"The Whole-of-Nation Approach has been highly-significant and decisive in attaining peace and progress to communist-threatened communities. It has created stronger unities and convergence amongst all stakeholders towards our goal for a peaceful and progressive Philippines," SAMBAYANAN said.

Meanwhile, an official of the Department of National Defense (DND) denounced the Makabayan bloc’s call for an inquiry into the search warrants issued by Villavert.

“We fully support and commend Judge Villavert for standing up against the bullying by the groups aiming to assault her integrity and derail the judicial process. Under the guise of filing a resolution for "an investigation in aid of legislation", the members of the Makabayan bloc are clearly overstepping their bounds as part of the legislative branch,” said Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu in a statement.

Mapagu, head of the Task Force Balik-Loob and chairperson of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said the Makabayan bloc is not only undermining the authority of Villavert’s chambers but are also assailing the independence of the Judiciary.

“As we continue to work on finally ending the scourge of the communist armed movement in the country, we call on the Makabayan bloc to let the judicial process take its course. Let justice be served for the victims of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” he said.

The 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/1125159

WESTMINCOM: Enlightened NPA squad leader yields in Iligan City

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Dec 15, 2020):  Enlightened NPA squad leader yields in Iligan City

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City - December 16, 2020

An NPA squad leader surrendered to the troops of the 41St Mechanized Company at Purok Poblacion, Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City on December 14, 2020, said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.

"The said personality was identified as Ilan Talha Binongkasan, a.k.a. King, the squad leader of Squad Uno, Platoon Dos, Ace Company, Sub-Regional Committee 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Command," WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated.

Talha handed over one 5.56mm M16 Elisco rifle with three magazines and 78 round of ammunition.
On Monday afternoon, the surrendered personality was presented to 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV and 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Domingo Dulay at the 2MechBde headquarters in Maria Cristina, Iligan City.

Lt. Col. Dulay said that Talha originally came from GF 4A, NCMRC operating in the areas of Butuan City, Buenavista, and Nasipit, all of Agusan del Norte before he was deployed to the Ace Company, SRC 5 on Calendar Year 2019.

The said personality underwent debriefing at the 2MechBde where he revealed that he heard about the livelihood programs of the government , hence his surrender.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Palafox IV said, "We expect more surrenders in the coming days as we intensify our combat operations and CSP immersion.

Likewise, JTF ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio said, "I call on the remaining CTG members. Now is the time for you to return to the folds of the law and avail of the reintegration programs of the government".

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WESTMINCOM: Gov’t forces neutralize Zamboanga Sibugay’s top 4 most wanted personality

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Dec 17, 2020):  Gov’t forces neutralize Zamboanga Sibugay’s top 4 most wanted personality

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- December 17, 2020

Combined elements of the military and police neutralized the top 4 most wanted personality in Zamboanga Sibugay Province (ZSP) on December 17, 2020, the WestMinCom Commander said.
“At around 2:35 in the morning, our troops from the 44th Infantry Battalion together with the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group, Special Action Force, Regional Mobile Force Battalion-9, Ipil Municipal Police Station, CIDG9, and RDEU9 conducted a joint law enforcement operation in Upper Pangi, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to serve a Warrant of Arrest against Ibrahim Anduhol, a.k.a. Tongtong for the case of Murder under CC# I-5371 issued by Judge Anthony Isaw of the Regional Trial Court 9, Branch 24,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command. 

The operation resulted in an encounter after the suspect resisted the arrest and fired upon the operating troops. The government forces returned fire which resulted in the death of the target. 

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer of the 44IB said that Anduhol was an active member of a criminal group under Barahama Ali Group operating in ZSP. He was involved in the murder of the late SSg Juan Ablao, Jr. on May 2, 2015; kidnapping of Ms. Kathy Grace Cunting Sarabia in San Jose, Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay on June 17, 2015; kidnapping of Alejandro Bation in Nazareth, Kabasalan on July 15, 2018; and murder of Patrolman Arthur Decena in Ipil on December 6, 2020.

Recovered from the encounter site were one M653 rifle, two caliber .45 pistols with inserted magazines, two empty shells of caliber .45mm cartridge. 

Meanwhile 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas said, “We will have no let-up in our campaign against terrorism and lawlessness in our area of operation this holiday season”.
Likewise, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, JTF ZamPeLan Commander said that the military will continue to support the law enforcement operations of other security agencies. 

“We will keep on conducting joint operations because we believe that convergence is the key to operational effectiveness,” said Maj. Gen. Ponio.

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WESTMINCOM: Military intensifies offensives against Abus in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Dec 17, 2020):  Military intensifies offensives against Abus in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- December 17, 2020 

Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales stated that the Joint Task Force Sulu intensifies its operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group to crush down the remaining terrorists. 

Maj. Gen. Gonzales said that the troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion (5SRB) conducted a focused military operation that resulted in an encounter with more or less 30 Abu Sayyaf Group members on the morning of December 17, 2020, at Sitio Bunga, Barangay Pansul, Patikul, Sulu.  

The said encounter lasted for about 20 minutes after which the enemy withdrew bringing along their casualties with them. 

Lt. Col. Herbert Dilag, Commanding Officer of the 5SRB said that the terrorists that the troops encountered are believed to be under Radullan Sahiron.

While scouring the encounter site, troops spotted bloodstains in the area which exemplify numerous casualties on the enemy side. The troops also recovered M60 link ammunition, cellular phone, 25 kilos of rice, 2 liters of gasoline, cooking paraphernalia, and backpacks with personal belongings. 

1102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio said that he already directed other operating units to conduct blocking operations. Troops are in hot pursuit of the fleeing enemies. 

“This holiday season, we will intensify our security operations to preempt the terror plots of the different threat groups in our area of operation. We will make sure that everyone will have a peaceful and joyous Christmas celebration,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

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