Tagalog News: Pang-aabuso at pananakot ng rebeldeng CPP-NPA, pinatunayan ng mga residente sa isinagawang peace rally

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 15, 2021): Tagalog News: Pang-aabuso at pananakot ng rebeldeng CPP-NPA, pinatunayan ng mga residente sa isinagawang peace rally (By Mark Djeron C. Tumabao)

Mahigit 300 na mga residente ng barangay Bural ang dumalo sa nasabing peace rally upang ipakita na ang mga miyembro ng rebeldeng CPP-NPA na wala silang lugar sa kanilang barangay.

LAL-LO, Cagayan, Peb. 13 (PIA) -- Nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga residente ng Barangay Bural sa Zinundungan Valley sa bayan ng Rizal na mailabas ang kanilang mga hinaing dahil sa mga pang-aabuso at pananakot na ginagawa sa kanila ng mga teroristang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Mahigit 300 na mga residente na pinangunahan ni Barangay Captain Evelyn Baloran ang dumalo sa nasabing peace rally upang ipakita na ang mga miyembro ng rebeldeng CPP-NPA na wala silang lugar sa kanilang barangay.

Ayon kay Ginang Venancia Gayagos, nawalan siya ng anak dahil sa panlilinlang ng mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA.

“Sa mga rebeldeng NPA, ibalik niyo ang anak ko! Wala na kayong ginawa kundi sumira ng kinabukasan ng mga kabataan na tinuturuan niyo ng walang katuturan at puro kasinungalingan. Ibalik ninyo ang aking anak! Hindi niyo alam kung gaano kasakit mawalan ng anak,” aniya.

Bukod sa anak ni Gayagos, isang katutubong agta ang nawawala na sumampa rin sa rebeldeng CPP-NPA.

Sabay-sabay din na nanumpa ng kanilang katapatan (Oath of Allegiance) ang mga residente sa gobyerno na pagpapatunay na tuluyan na nilang itakwil ang CPP NPA sa kanilang lugar kasunod ng kanilang ginawang pagsunog sa bandila ng teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF tanda ng kanilang pagtalikod at pagtatakwil sa rebeldeng grupo.

Samantala, sa naging mensahe naman ni Lt. Col Angelo Saguiguit, commanding officer ng 17th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, hangad ng kasundaluhan ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng mga residente lalo na ng mga kabataan sa naturang lugar.

“Malaking tulong ang naging inisyatiba ng mga residente sa Barangay Bural upang masugpo ang mga teroristang CPP-NPA at maprotektahan pang lalo ang mga kabataan. Tulong-tulong tayong sagipin ang mga kabataan sa mga panlilinlang ng teroristang CPP-NPA. Kayo na rin mismo ang nakapagpatunay na walang magandang maidudulot ang pag-anib at pagsuporta sa mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA,” Dagdag ni Saguiguit.

Siniguro rin ng commanding officer na kabalikat ng mga residente ang hanay ng 17IB sa mga programa at aktibidad upang maisulong ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran hindi lamang sa bayan ng Rizal kundi sa kanilang buong nasasakupang mga lugar. (MDCT/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066851

Country’s newly - acquired modern warship arrived in NL

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 15, 2021): Country’s newly - acquired modern warship arrived in NL (By Freddie G. Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 13 (PIA) - - A newly – acquired modern warship by the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte was successfully arrived in the waters of the Northern Luzon from South Korea to boost the capability of the naval forces in protecting the Philippine archipelago.

Lieutenant Jaypee Abuan, the spokesperson of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), said the Barko Republika Pilipinas (BRP) Jose Rizal FF150 welcomed the BRP Antonio Luna FF151 - the latest and newest addition to the Philippine Navy’s surface asset, in the vicinity of Capones Island, Zambales on February 9, 2021.

Once commissioned, the BRP Antonio Luna is the second missile-guided frigate of the Philippine Navy and next to the BRP Jose Rizal.

Both missile-guided frigates were acquired by President Duterte’s administration as part of the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The newly-acquired BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) with the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) executes its first maneuvering exercises at the West Philippine Sea upon its arrival in the country’s maritime territory. The two frigates are acquired by the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to boost the capability of the Philippine Navy. (Courtesy photo from the NFNL)

“The BRP Antonio Luna is set to be commissioned into service in the Philippine Navy after the mandatory quarantine of all its crews headed by Navy Captain Charles Merric A. Villanueva, a seasoned surface warfare officer,” said Abuan.

The warship is presently anchor in the Subic Bay in Zambales for the quarantine of its crews.

The BRP Antonio Luna left Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on February 5 for its much-awaited maiden voyage to the Philippines.

A simple send-off ceremony was conducted on its departure which was graced by the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache (DAFA) to the Republic of Korea (ROK).

After 2 days of the voyage, FF151 finally entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) after crossing the borders of the Philippines and Taiwan, near Mavulis Island, on February 7.

As a time-honored maritime tradition, BRP Jose Rizal, the first missile-guided frigate of the Philippine Navy, and 3 FA50PH fighters of the Philippine Air Force conducted a meeting procedure to BRP Antonio Luna in the vicinity of Capones Island, Zambales on February 9 to formally welcome the newly acquired frigate into the maritime nation’s territory.

The crews of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) welcome the arrival of the newly-acquired BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) in the waters of the Northern Frontier. The modern frigate is acquired by the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as part of the continuing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Courtesy photo from the NFNL)

The FF150 and 3 FA50PH fighters rendered passing exercise (PASSEX) or passing honors, a navy’s custom and tradition to honor transiting vessels, and fly-by simultaneously to commemorate the FF151’s arrival in the Philippine waters.

After the meeting procedure, the two frigates executed their first maneuvering exercises (MANNEX) together.

Likewise, to capture this important milestone in the PN and AFP’s history, the Augusta Westland (AW) 159 Wildcat Naval Helicopter conducted a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) while the two missile-guided frigates were conducting various maneuvers at sea.

The steel cutting ceremony of the BRP Antonio Luna was held on September 17, 2018, in HHI's shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea while the keel-laying ceremony was held on May 23, 2019.

The arrival of FF151 is one month ahead of the expected date of delivery on March 6, 2021.

The delivery was set earlier after the successful conduct of harbor and sea trial and actual inspection of the joint DND and PN inspection team at HHI shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on January 25 to 29, 2021.

On top of that, a series of harbor and sea trials were also conducted by Philippine Navy (PN)'s Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC) from September to December last year which all showed satisfactory results.

Meanwhile, the BRP Jose Rizal is under the operational control of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) under the command of Commodore Caesar Bernard N. Valencia during the meeting procedures of the frigates. (JCR/VHS/FGL, PIA 1 with reports from the NFNL)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066802

3 NPA rebels killed, firearms seized in Agusan Sur skirmish

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2021): 3 NPA rebels killed, firearms seized in Agusan Sur skirmish (By Alexander Lopez)

RECOVERED FIREARMS. Troops under the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion recover firearms, ammunition, and explosives following a clash with the communist New People’s Army in Barangay Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, on Monday (Feb. 15, 2021). Three rebels were killed during the encounter. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)

Three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in the Agusan del Sur town of Talacogon, an official said Tuesday.

Maj. Francisco P. Garello, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde), said Monday's five-minute clash in Barangay Zillovia, Talacogon, resulted in the seizure of high-power firearms, explosives, and ammunition by government troops under the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion.

“The troops from 26IB under the operational control of 402Bde clashed against more or less seven CPP-NPA Terrorist believed to be members of Guerilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC),” Garello said.

CPP stands for the Communist Party of the Philippines which, along with the NPA, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Garello said authorities were still trying to determine the identities of the slain rebels.

Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, 402Bde commander, denounced the NPA for "pestering the communities in the area."

“This victory is for the people who for the longest time wanted to live without the intimidation and threat from the NPA terrorists. We urge the CNT (Communist NPA Terrorist) to stop using violence as it will not solve our problems,” Licudine said.

He also offered sympathies to the families of the NPA rebels killed during the skirmish and assured that the remains of their loved ones would be turned over properly

“We want to assure the CNTs that our troops will be relentless in pursuing them, there is no other way for them but to lay down their arms or continue hiding and be hunted. It’s their choice but we insist that they follow the path of peace for the sake of their families and for the people who longed to live normal lives in peace,” Licudine said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130765

Gov’t troops seize high-powered firearms in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2021): Gov’t troops seize high-powered firearms in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

SEIZED. The high-powered firearms and other supplies seized by government troops in an encounter with communist terrorist group members in Mobo, Masbate on Tuesday (Feb.16, 2021). The operation was conducted after authorities received a tip from villagers about the presence of rebels in the area. (Photo courtesy of 9ID, Philippine Army)

At least four high-powered firearms were seized by government troops on Tuesday in an operation against the communist terrorist group (CTG) in Bicol.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, the 9th Infantry Division spokesperson, said joint elements from the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and police received a tip from residents of Barangay Sta. Maria in Mobo, Masbate about the presence of CTG members in the area, prompting the troops to conduct a security operation.

The soldiers encountered at least 15 New People's Army (NPA) members around 6 a.m.

“Gunfight lasted for 15 minutes before the enemies withdrew. Four M-16 rifles were captured from the encounter site,” Belleza said.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, battalion commander of 2IB, thanked the residents who reported about the presence of the rebels, leading to the successful operation.

In another recent military operation in Sorsogon, elements of the 22nd Infantry Battalion (22IB) also received information about an alleged CTG hideout in Barangay Calpi in Bulan town.

The troops immediately verified the information and seized an M-16 rifle, two bandoliers, and other CTG supplies inside a nipa hut.

Belleza said Lt. Col. Nelson Mico, battalion commander of 22IB, directed his troops to continue scouring the area to preempt any unlawful activities the CTG is planning to carry out.

The Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., in a statement, lauded the troops for the relentless extensive operations in Bicol that have caused major setbacks on the CTG.

"These scores speak about our ever-persistent fight against communist insurgency… If you will surrender a firearm, you will receive a firearm remuneration which you can use to start a new life. Aside from that, you will receive cash, livelihood, medical and educational assistance. However, the most important benefit of returning to the folds of the law is the attainment of our goal to make Bicol a more peaceful and progressive region," Robinson said.

Last Feb. 1, four CTG members were killed, one was apprehended and 10 high-powered firearms were seized in an armed encounter in Garchitorena, Camarines Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130824

2 new Navy warships play 'big role' in PH naval diplomacy

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2021): 2 new Navy warships play 'big role' in PH naval diplomacy (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BRP Jose Rizal (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy's two newly-acquired guided missile frigates play a vital role in naval diplomacy and in promoting the country, apart from helping protect its vast waters, Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said Tuesday.

"They will also play a big role in naval diplomacy to promote our country and showcase our strength by not only participating in multi-lateral maritime training activities, but also conducting port visits in selected key areas of our allied navies," Bacordo said.

The BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) will be deployed only to specific missions as ordered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines' top leadership, he added.

"They will still conduct sovereignty patrols and show-the-flag missions covering the whole archipelago with focus on external defense. They will participate in naval exercises here and abroad in order to hone the skills of her crew in naval warfighting," he said.

The frigates are capable of surface, sub-surface, air, and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long-range missiles, acoustic guided torpedoes, and an embarked anti-submarine helicopter.

The prospective BRP Antonio Luna left Ulsan, South Korea last Feb. 5 and arrived off Capones Island, Zambales waters last Feb. 9.

The contract for the two ships was placed at PHP16 billion, with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130758

Faustino assumes as PH Army chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2021): Faustino assumes as PH Army chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., (File photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The coronavirus pandemic will not weaken the Philippine Army's (PA) resolve in ensuring the safety of the Filipino people against lawless elements, its new chief said on Tuesday.

"It (Covid-19) has not stopped us from protecting them from unscrupulous people’s evil intentions of using the pandemic to sow fear and to threaten the lives of rural and indigenous communities to enlist their support for terroristic means or armed struggle. We will meet these terrorists head-on and quell their armed struggle with their human and material resources," PA commander, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., said in his assumption speech during the change-of-command ceremony at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City broadcast via Facebook Live.

Faustino also assured the public that the Philippines will continue to live in an atmosphere of peace and development under his watch as PA commander.

"Continuity and dedication to our core values is a measure that must be visible in every soldier most especially throughout this pandemic that has brought even the world’s greatest economies down. Indeed we have been called upon to assist in a different kind of war. Something none of us anticipated or even thought possible during our lifetime," he said.

Faustino added that courage, understanding, and a 'never-say-die' attitude are needed at times like this especially when the country is gearing for the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccines.

"As the country gears up for the vaccine arrival logistical requirements, actual rollout, and inoculation proper at proposed sites which would require soldiers mobilized nationwide in a whole-of-nation approach to address this global health and economic crisis. The PA accounts for the biggest pool of available trained, highly-motivated, mobile, disciplined, resourceful, ready-to-deploy officers and enlisted men and women with the complete skill sets to choose from," he said. "In the coming months this entire skillset may be called upon and I have no doubt that the PA will rise to the challenge as it strives to achieve its vision of being a World-Class Army that is a Source of National Pride."

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, said he is confident that Faustino would exhibit exemplary leadership in defeating old and new security threats.

"On this note let me thank Lt., Gen. Faustino, for his outstanding tour of duty and congratulate him for proving himself most deserving to lead the Army. As a word of advice for Gen. Faustino, remember that this role is far different from the ones you have held before, your concern now goes beyond operations since you are to manage the more than 100,000-strong PA. Your leadership is crucial in ensuring that the organization is responsive not only to the multi-faceted challenges it is currently facing but also proactive to address emerging threats as well," Lorenzana said.

Faustino replaced Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana who formally assumed as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief last February 4.

Before being appointed to the PA's helm, Faustino, a member of PMA Class of 1988 commanded several units including the 7th Scout Ranger Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, and the 501st Infantry Brigade.

He also held key positions such as the chief-of-staff of the PA and commandant of the PMA before becoming the commander of the 10th Infantry Division and head of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

"Amidst these challenges, you must be an (epitome) of well-proportioned strength and compassion to serve as an inspiration to our troops. This is a tall order indeed as we wish you all the best and pray for your success," Lorenzana told Faustino.
He also lauded the PA for being a reliable force in maintaining peace and providing an atmosphere for sustainable development in the country.

"While the prevailing Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic added to the already heavy load of the Army, it nonetheless rose to the occasion, it ably performed its conventional roles in fighting insurgency and terrorism while leading humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations as well as support to law enforcement functions. thanks to the strong and dynamic leadership that set a clear direction for the organization and managed capacity and capability, capability upgrades that enhanced the army's ability to perform its multifarious duties," Lorenzana added.

Lorenzana also thanked the two military officials' families for their support.

"Before I end let me convey my gratitude to your families, especially Mrs. Sobejana and Mrs.. Faustino for their understanding, the support, and care for their husbands and children so that they can serve so that their husband can serve the country well. The successes are yours too because the strong support system you provide is indispensable to the success of their military career," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130800

Palace floats possibility of reviewing MDT, EDCA anew

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2021): Palace floats possibility of reviewing MDT, EDCA anew (By Azer Parrocha)

Malacañang on Tuesday floated anew the possibility of reviewing the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States (US), stressing that both failed to prevent the entry of Chinese forces in disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a press briefing from Davao City, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said US troops did not intervene in maritime disputes despite the MDT it signed with the Philippines.

He was specifically referring to how the country lost the Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef) in 1995 and Scarborough Shoal in 2012 and how China continues to build artificial islands in disputed territories despite the existing MDT.

“Sa akin po, panahon na talaga dapat pag-isipan kung talagang meron ba tayong nakikita diyan sa Mutual Defense Treaty dahil at least tatlong beses na nagkaroon ng dahilan para sila’y tulungan tayo, hindi naman tayo natulungan (I think it’s really time to rethink whether we need the Mutual Defense Treaty because there were three instances where the US could help us but didn’t),” he said.

To prevent the US from converting Subic into a military base as earlier bared by Duterte, Roque also floated the need to review the EDCA, apart from terminating the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Duterte formally notified the US about its intent to revoke the VFA in February 2020.

“Sa tingin ko po, kung gusto na matigil ito ng ating Presidente, kinakailangan balikan muli at pagisipan niya kung bukod sa VFA e dapat na rin tayo magbitiw dito sa tinatawag na EDCA dahil ‘yan po talaga ngayon ang legal na basehan para manatili dito sa ating bayan ang kasundaluhan at equipment ng mga Amerikano (I think that if the President wants to stop this from happening, there is a need to review and rethink not just the VFA, but also the EDCA because that is the legal basis for the presence of US troops and equipment in our country),” he added.

However, Roque clarified that Duterte himself has not yet made any indication to scrap the MDT and EDCA while seeking “compensation" from the US government for utilizing the country's military bases.

“Wala namang indication si Presidente (The President has not made any indication) but he’s just saying na yan ang realidad ngayon (that’s the reality now) and that’s the context by which he was demanding for payment because our military bases are really being utilized by the Americans for prepositioning their troops and equipment,” he said.

Currently, he said there have not been any moves from the US government to offer compensation to extend the validity of the VFA.

“If they ask for what our demand is they will give it. But right now I think it’s premature because there’s no offer, there’s no inquiry so far,” he said.

He said the compensation being sought by Duterte is “generic”. “What’s important is the President said they have to pay,” Roque said.

Meanwhile, Roque brushed aside the challenge made by former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario to seek PHP230 billion worth of damages from China for its massive destruction of the WPS instead of demanding payment from the US.

“Itong mga ginawa ng Tsina ay nangyari po lahat ‘yan sa administrasyon ng Pangulong Aquino at kung meron pong dapat pananagutan sana talagang gumawa po ng hakbang yung gobyerno ni Presidente Aquino nung sila’y nakaupo pa para magkaroon ng katarungan ang ating bayan (What China is doing now happened during the administration of President Aquino and if there is anyone who should be held accountable, I wish the former administration did something to seek justice for our country),” he said.

Del Rosario, who led the Philippines' arbitral tribunal victory against China in 2016, described Duterte's remarks seeking payment from the US as "unfortunate".

"It is incomprehensible that when partners help each other against a common enemy, one party is asking his partner to pay. This is the gist of the President’s unfortunate position on the VFA. On the other hand, China owes Filipinos more than PHP230 billion in damages for undertaking the most devastating marine destruction in the West Philippine Sea, which will eventually cause a food crisis among Filipinos in the near future. In this case, when will President Duterte demand China to pay?" he said.

Signed in 1998, the VFA allows American forces to enter the Philippines without passport and visa to allow them to participate in joint military drills in the host country.

The MDT seeks to step up the defense and security cooperation between the US and Philippine troops, while EDCA aims to enhance military ties in maritime security and domain.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130825

Duterte grants amnesty to communist, Moro rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2021): Duterte grants amnesty to communist, Moro rebels (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed four proclamations granting amnesty to members of the communist movement, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Mangagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).

Duterte on Feb. 5 signed Proclamations 1090, 1091, 1092, and 1093 to grant amnesty to members of the said groups who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.

Palace released the copy of the proclamations, which shall take effect upon concurrence by a majority of all the members of Congress, on Tuesday.

In his proclamations, Duterte said the government’s peace policy is to nurture a climate conducive for peace, as well as to implement programs for reconciliation and reintegration of rebels into mainstream society.

“There is a need for the government to act on former combatants request for the grant of amnesty so that they may live in peace in the pursuit of productive endeavors without prejudice to any legal arrangement that may result from a negotiated settlement which the government is pursuing with the various rebel and insurgent groups,” the proclamations read.

According to the presidential proclamations, the grant of amnesty in favor of the former rebels will “promote an atmosphere conducive to the attainment of a just, comprehensive, and enduring equanimity.”

Granting amnesty is also in line with the government’s call for peace, unity, and reconciliation to bring closure to past enmity, rancor, and bitterness that has stymied lasting amity among Filipinos, the proclamations said.

The amnesty will not be granted to those who have been proscribed or changed under the Human Security Act of 2007 or Republic Act (RA) 9372 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 or RA 11479.

The proclamations note that the crimes committed in pursuit of a political belief include “acts and omissions performed or undertaken as part of a plan, program of action or strategy decided by the rebel leadership to overthrow and replace the National Government, any of its political subdivisions, or duly constituted authority, with or without the use of arms.”

The amnesty granted shall not cover kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, and other crimes committed against chastity as defined in the amended Revised Penal Code, crimes committed for personal ends, violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 or RA 9165, and grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949.

Other crimes not covered by Duterte’s amnesty are those identified by the United Nations that can never be amnestied such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights.

Members of the communist group, MNLF, MILF, and RPMP-RPA-ABB may apply for amnesty, provided that they commit the crime before the issuance of the proclamations.

A person who has been granted amnesty under previous amnesty proclamations is no longer qualified to apply for Duterte’s amnesty.

Three days after the filing of the proclamations, Duterte formed the National Amnesty Commission that will process applications for amnesty of former rebels and determine whether the applicants are eligible.

Applications for the grant of amnesty shall be filed under oath with the Amnesty commission within one year from the effectivity of the proclamations.

If granted amnesty, former rebels will be able to restore their civil or political rights suspended or lost by virtue of criminal conviction, based on the proclamations.

The amnesty will also extinguish any criminal liability for acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs, without prejudice to the grantee’s civil liability for injuries or damages caused to private persons whose right to be indemnified is fully recognized.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130859

PH has 'right to expect' lethal parity measures in MDT: Locsin

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2021): PH has 'right to expect' lethal parity measures in MDT: Locsin (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Tuesday underscored that Manila has a right to "expect some measure of lethal parity" in its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States.

Citing history, Locsin said it was assumed that the Philippines could hold up its end of the bargain of mutual defense when the MDT was established in 1951.

"US came WW2 (World War II) -- the best armed to the present. We came ruins worse than Warsaw. So we had and have a right to expect some measure of lethal parity in the mutual defense," he said.



The MDT is triggered in the event of an armed attack on the "metropolitan territory" of the United States or the Philippines, including on the island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific or on its armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft.

READ: Palace floats possibility of reviewing MDT, EDCA anew

Malacanang earlier floated the possibility of reviewing the MDT, including the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), noting both agreements' failure to prevent the entry of Chinese forces in disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea.

Locsin's statement also came after President Rodrigo Duterte demanded Washington to pay if it wants the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to stay.

The government formally terminated the VFA, a US-Philippines deal that exempts American troops from passport and visa regulations upon entry and departure from the Philippines, in Feb. 2020.

The abrogation was then suspended for a period of six months twice, the second one of which was announced last Nov. 2020.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there is no indication yet that the US government wants to offer compensation to extend the validity of the VFA.

“If they ask for what our demand is they will give it. But right now I think it’s premature because there’s no offer, there’s no inquiry so far,” he said in a virtual briefing on Tuesday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130864

NDF/CPP-CIO: Duterte, the pro-America pimp

Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Feb 15, 2021): Duterte, the pro-America pimp

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

February 13, 2021

Duterte ended yesterday his yearlong charade of “VFA termination.” After all the drama of standing for “an independent foreign policy,” Duterte revealed what he wanted all along: more bombs and more guns.

In exchange, he declared that America is “free to advance their troops on our land,” one of the most honest declaration of all the pimps who have masqueraded as presidents and sold the country’s national freedom for American dollars. All of Duterte’s pretensions of being “non-aligned” are now completely stripped away.

Duterte publicly revealed himself as a true-blue pro-America amid plans of the US to more aggressively use its overseas military force to “defend its interests” against its rising rival China. Getting signals from Sec. Lorenzana and the US yes-men in the AFP, Duterte is now openly siding with US and allowing it to use the Philippines as a military base of US overseas forces.

The Filipino people must stand up and oppose Duterte’s pimping of the country’s sovereignty in exchange for more weapons to train and use against his critics and all who stand against his tyranny.

They must demand the complete abrogation not only of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) but also of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and other one-sided military agreements which give US military forces extraterritorial rights in the Philippines and trample on Philippine sovereignty.

We urge the American people to call out the Biden government and to cease aligning itself with Duterte’s tyrannical regime and supporting it with arms that are being used in oppressing the people in exchange for securing US imperialists geopolitical and economic interests.

https://ndfp.org/duterte-the-pro-america-pimp/

CPP/CIO: Paghihimay sa pork barrel ng NTF-ELCAC o ang tinaguriang Barangay Development Program

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 14, 2021): Paghihimay sa pork barrel ng NTF-ELCAC o ang tinaguriang Barangay Development Program

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 14, 2021

Naninindigan kami na ang ₱16.4 bilyong pondo ng Barangay Development Program (BDP) ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) ay walang dili’t pork barrel ng militar. At tulad ng pork barrel sa kongreso, ang BDP ay pupulpugin ng korapsyon sa porma ng kikbak sa mga proyektong imprastruktura ng gubyerno na ibubulsa kapwa ng mga local na upisyal ng gubyerno at upisyal ng militar sa pakikibagsabwatan sa mga kontraktor.

Tulad nang nauna naming nabanggit, ang programang ito, na gagamitin para akitin ang masang magsasaka na huwag nang suportahan ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan ay hindi hindi tumutugon sa pundamental na problema ng kawalan ng lupa na siyang dahilan ng armadong pakikibaka ng uring magsasaka. Ang malawakang kahirapan, kagutuman, pang-aapi at pagsasamantala sa kanayunan ay nag-uugat lahat sa usapin ng monopolyong pag-aari sa lupa. Kabilang dito ang mga problema tulad ng mapang-aping upa sa lupa, labis-labis na patubo sa utang, sobrang pagpepresyo sa mga kagamitang pansaka, pangangamkam sa lupa at pagpapalayas at panghihimasok sa lupang ninuno ng minoryang mamamayan.

Ni isa sa mga usaping ito ay hindi tinutugunan ng NTF-ELCAC. Batay sa pahayag ni National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, ang pondo ng BDP ay mapupunta sa konstruksyon ng mga daanan, pagtatayo ng eskwelahan, sistema ng patubig, sanitasyon, reporestasyon at sentrong pangkalusugan. Lilikhain lamang ng mga ito ang pang-ibabaw na ilusyon ng pagbabago ngunit hindi babaguhin sa saligan ang sosyoekonomikong kalagayan ng mamamayan.

Ang pagiging pork barrel ng BDP barrel ay makikita sa paghihimay sa ilang aspeto nito.

1. Malinaw na pinapaboran ng BDP ang Davao City na kung saan mayroong 82 barangay (o 9.97%) na nakalista sa naturang programa. Sunod sa Davao City, ang sampung prubinsya na may pinakamalalaking bilang ng barangay sa BDP ay Bukidnon, Davao de Oro, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Iloilo, Misamis Oriental at North Cotabato. Bukod sa Iloilo, ang lahat ng ito ay nasa Mindanao.

Halos kalahati (49.9%) ng buong pondo ng BDP ay nahahati sa dalawang rehiyon, ang Rehiyon 11 at Rehiyon 13 (Caraga). Ang natirirang pondo ay hinati-hati sa natitirang 12 rehiyon.

2. Ayon sa NT-ELCAC, ang mga pondong ito ay ilalaan sa tinatawag na “nalinis” na mga barangay, mga barangay na wala na umanong presensya ng BHB. Ngunit hindi malinaw ang batayan ng pagtutukoy sa mga ito. Kung isasaalang-alang ang pabagu-pabagong katangian ng digma, ang presensya ng BHB sa isang barangay ay hindi palagian. Sa patuloy na lumalalim na suporta ng masa, nakalilipat ang BHB mula sa isang baryo tungo sa isa depende sa kalagayan at prayoridad nito.

Batay sa datos simula 2020, mayroong naitalang hindi bababa sa 100 armadong engkwentro sa 46 (5.3%) na barangay na kabilang na kabilang sa nakalista sa BDP ng NTF-ELCAC. Nagkaroon ng 21 insidente sa unang kwarto ng 2020, 35 sa Q2, 15 sa Q3 at 24 sa Q4 sa mga barangay na kabilang sa BDP. Mula simula ng taong ito, naganap ang apat na engkwentro sa hindi bababa sa apat na barangay na kabilang sa BDP, lahat ay sa Bukidnon, sa partikular sa Canangaan, Cabanglasan; Banlag, Valencia City; Mandahikan, Cabanglasan; and Palacapao, Quezon.

Dagdag pang indikasyon ng kwestyunableng paraan ng pagtutukoy kung alin ang “nalinis” na barangay, 9 sa 16 na barangay sa Quezon na nakalista sa BDP ng NTF-ELCAC ay isinailalim sa ilang araw na malawakang operasyong militar noong Pebrero 5, matapos ang armadong engkwentrong naganap sa Catanauan, Quezon.

3. Pantay-pantay na distribusyon sa hindi pantay na pangangailangan. Sinasabi ng NTF-ELCAC na ang listahan ng BDP ay “masinop” na binuo ng mga upisyal ng gubyerno batay sa pangangailangan ng mga barangay. Pero ang pantay-pantay na pamamahagi ng ₱20 milyon kada isa ay nagbubunyag na wala talagang pagtatasa sa partikular na pangangailangan ng mga makatatanggap nito at ang halagang ito ay para lamang mabigyan ng pantay na kikbak ang mga lokal na upisyal. Siguradong ang pangangailangan ng isang barangay ay hindi katulad ng iba pa.

Kung ikukunsidera ang laki ng populasyon ng bawat barangay, mabilis na makikitang walang tunay na plano sa pamamahagi ng ₱20 million sa mga ito. Gamit ang datos ng sensus noong 2015, makikitang iba-iba ang populasyon ng bawat barangay sa listahan, mula 110 sa Barangay Minanga, Rizal, Cagayan; hanggang 43,758 sa Barangay Cabantian, Davao City. Resulta nito, mayroong malaking agwat sa distribusyong per capita ng pondo ng BDP mula ₱457.05 sa pinakamalaking barangay hanggang ₱181,818.18 sa pinakamaliit na barangay.

4. Sinasabi ng NTF-ELCAC na hindi bababa sa 15% ng pondo ng BDP ay mapupunta sa pagtatayo ng mga eskwelahan (o ₱3 million kada barangay). Pero kung gagamitin ang datos ng Department of Education noong 2018, natukoy namin na sa 822 barangay na nasa listahan ng BDP ng NTF-ELCAC, hindi bababa sa 26% o 216 na barangay ang mayroon nang kahit isang paaralan sa kanilang barangay. Sa kabuuan, mayroong 346 na paaralan sa mga barangay na ito.

Sa Rehiyon 11, kung saan nabigay na ang unang bugso ng ₱4.3 bilyong pondo para sa BDP, 89 sa mga barangay dito ay mayroon nang paaralan. Kabilang dito ang 9 na paaralan sa Malabog, Davao City; 6 na paaralan sa Colosas, Davao City; tig-5 paaralan sa Barangay Kingking, Pantukan, at mga Barangay Tamugan at Malamba sa Davao City; ay 4 na paaralan sa Suawan, Davao City. Dagdag pa, sa naturang listahan ng mga barangay sa Rehiyon XI, mayroong 13 barangay na may hindi bababa sa tig-3 paaralan; 18 barangay na mayroong tig-2 paaralan, at 52 barangay na may tig-1 paaralan.

Sa 82 barangay na kabilang sa BDP sa Davao City, 70 (o 85%) ay mayroon nang paaralan, kung saan may 65 baranagay na mayroong tig-1 hanggang 3 paaralan, at 4 na barangay na mayroong hanggang 2 paaralan at isang barangay na mayroong 9 na paaralan.

Maaari pa nating himayin ang BDP at suriin ang iba pa nitong aspeto. Ngunit ang naturang apat na obserbasyon ay sapat na para isiwalat ang kasinungalingan at panlilinlang ng NTF-ELCAC sa usapin ng ₱16.4 bilyong pork barrel nito.

Breakdown of NTF-ELCAC’s BDP: Download

https://cpp.ph/statements/paghihimay-sa-pork-barrel-ng-ntf-elcac-o-ang-tinaguriang-barangay-development-program/

CPP/NDF-PKM-Ilocos: Nadayaw a Pananglagip kadagiti ipatpateg tayo a 3 Ilokos Martyrs!

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 14, 2021): Nadayaw a Pananglagip kadagiti ipatpateg tayo a 3 Ilokos Martyrs!

JULIAN SADIRI

SPOKESPERSON

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID-ILOCOS

NDF-ILOCOS | NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 14, 2021

Makatawenen iti napalabas idi kinigtot tayo iti damag iti parbangon ti Pebrero 14, 2020 nga idi rabii sakbay daytoy nga aldaw, Pebrero 13, ket awanan asi a pinalpaltogan dagiti elemento ti 81st IB dagiti tallo a kakadua a nakidagus iti maysa a kalapaw idiay Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur! Isuda Julius “Ka Goyo” Marquez, Eniabelle “Ka Onor” Balunos, ken Ma. Finela “Ka Ricky” Mejia; aw-awagan tayo isuda kas 3 Ilokos Martyrs!

Para kadagiti mannalon iti Ilokos, malaglagip tayo dagiti tallo a banuar gapu ti naindaklan a panagayat da kadatayo. Saan tayo a malipatan dagiti insursuro da a panangilaban iti karbengan pangtao ken pananggun-od kadagiti pang-ekonomya a pagimbagan. Kadakkelan a naadal tayo ti napinget a panangur-urnos iti mismo nga intar tayo a marigrigat ken magunggundawayan tapno mabukel ti tured ken pigsa tayo a mangsaranget iti mapang-allilaw ken mapangsugsog a taktika dagiti naranggas a militar a ti ultimo a panggep da ket paulimeken tayo a mangilablaban iti kalintegan. Saan tayo a malipatan a babaen laeng iti pannakikapet-takyag tayo kadagiti pudpudno a soldados ti umili a magun-od ti pudpudno a rang-ay ti biag.

Para kadagiti berdugo nga elemento iti AFP, saan mi a malipatan a dakayo ket agserserbi kadagiti boss yo a ti panggep da ket paksiaten dagiti pudno nga agserserbi iti interes dagiti mayorya a marigrigat nga umili a pakaibilangan mi a mannalon, mangngalap, ken aldawan a mangmangged ken makitegtegged. Mersenaryo kayo! Mabaybayadan iti dakkel a kwarta nga aggapgapu iti buwis ti umili tapno laeng mangkettel ti biag dagiti tao a saan nga agpabpabayad iti umili ngem makibibiag ken makidangdangadang para iti interes ti kaaduan a makaruk-at iti panaggunggundaway dagiti agar-ari a dasig tapno agturong iti panangsagrap iti pudno a panagpapada ken kappia.

Aldaw dagiti puso itatta. Ammo mi nu sinno dagiti addaan ti napudno a panagayat ken naimpusoan a panagserbi kadakami.

Agbiag ti lagip dagiti 3 nga Martir ti Ilokos!

Agbiag dagiti NPA – dagiti pudno a soldados ti umili!

Agbiag dagiti demokratiko a rebolusyon ti umili!

https://cpp.ph/statements/nadayaw-a-pananglagip-kadagiti-ipatpateg-tayo-a-3-ilokos-martyrs/

CPP/CIO: Oppressors of the Lumads will be made to pay

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 15, 2021): Oppressors of the Lumads will be made to pay

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 15, 2021

The Party adds its voice to the widespread denunciation of the horrific police raid earlier today against the Lumad bakwit school in the University of San Carlos (USC) Talamban Campus in Cebu City where 21 Lumad students, two Lumad elders and two teachers were manhandled and forcibly taken by the Duterte regime’s fascist thugs.

The CPP condemns the PNP for trampling on the Lumad children’s rights with utter contempt of the sanctuary provided them by the university campus. With the USC police raid, the UP campus shelter of the Lumad children are now also under threat.

The CPP condemns the NTF-ELCAC which undoubtedly is behind this monstrosity. The Lumads and their community schools have long been targeted by the AFP and the NTF-ELCAC for teaching their children how to love and defend their ancestral land and culture.

We also hold the NTF-ELCAC responsible for massacre of the Tumanduk people in Capiz last December 30 where nine of their leaders were murdered in their own homes. The NTF-ELCAC is also responsible for the torture and detention of two Aeta farmers from Zambales and the military oppression against their communities. The Igorot people are also under incessant attacks for standing to defend their land.

The Lumad people of Mindanao and other minority groups across the country are being punished by the Duterte fascist regime for not bowing to the armed might of the military, police and paramilitary monsters that have caused the masses untold suffering. For years now, their communities have stood firm against the government’s plans to allow big mining companies and agribusiness, dams, energy, ecotourism and other big capitalist firms to take over and plunder their ancestral lands.

The Party and all revolutionary forces join in demanding the immediate release of the Lumad children, their teachers and elders collectively known as the Lumad 25. We enjoin the Filipino people to voice out their protest against this latest attack against their democratic rights. Duterte’s military and police forces are set on carrying out more brutalities having been emboldened by the Anti-Terror Law and as the ruling Duterte clique aims to paralyze all those who will resist his scheme to perpetuate his dynasty in power.

The oppressors of the Lumad people will be made to pay. The Party and the New People’s Army (NPA) will do everything to avenge and attain justice for the Lumad people, the Tumanduks, the Aetas and the rest of the minority peoples, the workers, peasants and other democratic classes and sectors.

The fascist criminals will be punished.

https://cpp.ph/statements/oppressors-of-the-lumads-will-be-made-to-pay/

CPP/NDF-CNL: Stop bombing national minority territories in the Cordillera, end the NTF-ELCAC, and use the people’s money for the free inoculation of the Filipino people

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 15, 2021): Stop bombing national minority territories in the Cordillera, end the NTF-ELCAC, and use the people’s money for the free inoculation of the Filipino people

REV. FR. NEO PADRE AGLIPAY

SPOKESPERSON

CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION-NORTHERN LUZON

CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION (CNL)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 15, 2021

For some days now, tyrant Duterte has continued “entreating the CPP-NPA not to disrupt the distribution of vaccines to farflung areas”, airing this out nationally through broadcast and social media. This is just another dirty and slanderous propaganda of autocrat Duterte to deflect the call of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to “the Filipino people to get Covid-19 vaccination and raise the demand for free vaccines to all”.

It is also a part of tyrant Duterte’s lie to parry the truth proclaimed by Comrade Marco L. Valbuena, the CPP Information Officer, who has told the Filipino people that “the NTF-ELCAC’s P16.4 billion Barangay Development Program does not address the basic economic needs of the people but is just pork barrel on steroids, and will only go to the pockets of contractors, government officials and the active and former officers of the AFP”. The Christians for National Liberation (CNL) here in Northern Luzon joins the CPP in calling the Filipino people to demand the end of the NTF-ELCAC and the use of the people’s money for the free inoculation of the Filipino masses, especially the health personnel, and the exploited and oppressed masses of workers, peasants, fisherfolks, urban poor and national minorities.

In particular, the CNL-NL is calling the local government units (LGUs) in the Cordillera to demand the AFP-PNP to end the NTF-ELCAC, and stop aerial bombings and helicopter machinegun strafings of the national minority territories. A total of thirty-nine (39) bombs have already been dropped; and the national minorities in the municipalities of Malibcong, Lacub and Tubo in Abra, and Besao in Mountain Province are pleading to stop bombing their ancestral territories. They accuse that their territories have been bombed by the reactionary and fascist armed forces as their shameless response to the defeat of the AFP-PNP in the three (3) tactical offensives launched by the Agustin Begnalen Command, NPA-Abra last January 4 in Malibcong and January 22 in Tubo, resulting to 16 fatalities of the fascist troops (11 KIA and 5 WIA) with no casualty on the side of the Red army.

For three (3) successive days from January 5 to 7, bomber planes dropped twenty-three (23) bombs in the forests and production areas of Barangays Pacgued and Mataragan in Malibcong and of Sitio Sap-al in Barangay Buneg in Lacub.

Then on January 24 and 25, fourteen (14) bombs were dropped in the hunting grounds and forested boundaries of Tubo and Besao. And just very recently last February 11, a bomber plane dropped 2 bombs and a helicopter strafed four (4) times the forested areas and hunting grounds of the Agawa tribe in Besao. Up to the present, joint combat and focused military operations are still being launched by the 54 1B, SAF, RMF and the 69 IB in the six (6) municipalities of Tubo in Abra; Besao, Sagada, Bauko and Tadian in Mountain Province; and Quirino in Ilocos Sur.

We vehemently condemn these aerial bombings as clear violations of the rules of war declared in the International Humanitarian Law. These aerial bombings have damaged the environment, hunting grounds, pastoral lands, production areas and upland farms of national minorities. These terror military campaigns, machinegun strafings and the combat and focused military operations of the fascist reactionary forces have caused psychosocial distress among the masses and great disturbance to the livelihood of national minorities amidst the continuing health and economic crises due to Covid-19 pandemic and Duterte’s tyranny.

We, therefore, call on the Filipino people to continue various forms of massive protest actions for the dismantling of the NTF-ELCAC because this satanic military instrument will surely fail and will never resolve the root causes of the armed conflict. The dismantling of this extremely vicious NTF-ELCAC has to be done so that the taxes of the people, uselessly spent by the pro-U.S. imperialist and fascist AFP-PNP for their anti-people NTF-ELCAC activities, would be used for the development of the agrarian reform, and for free health services and free education of the Filipino people, especially for the families of workers, peasants, urban poor, fishermen, national minorities, and informal employees. And for peace, justice and human rights to reign in the Philippines, we also call for the repeal of the ATA of 2020.

Furthermore, we call on the Filipino people to actively participate in the oust tyrant Duterte movement so that a new president, who would be willing to establish a patriotic and democratic government, would take over and resume the national peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDFP for the concrete resolution of the root roots of the more-than-a-half-a-century-old armed conflict. In relation to this, we call on the Congressmen and Senators, especially those who have faith in Christ the Redeemer, to help in the implementation of the already signed and approved peace agreements such as JASIG and CARHRIHL, and support the resumption of the national peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP peace negotiation panels in order to finalize CASER for the signature and approval of both panels and their respective principals, and draft and finalize agreements on political and constitutional reforms and on the end of hostilities between the AFP-PNP and NPA and the disposition of these forces.

https://cpp.ph/statements/stop-bombing-national-minority-territories-in-the-cordillera-end-the-ntf-elcac-and-use-the-peoples-money-for-the-free-inoculation-of-the-filipino-people/

CPP/NDF-KM: On the arrest of students, teachers in Lumad bakwit school raid in Cebu

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 15, 2021): On the arrest of students, teachers in Lumad bakwit school raid in Cebu

MARIA LAYA GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN (KM)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Kabataang Makabayan stands with the Filipino masses who are enraged by the regime’s audacity to storm into an academic institution with military, paramilitary, and police personnel, brutalize Lumad students and teachers, illegally arrest them, and still call it a “rescue operation.”

The earlier raid of a Lumad bakwit school in the University of San Carlos (USC) Talamban Campus, wherein 21 lumad students were illegally arrested along with two Lumad elders and two Lumad teachers, is a continuation of the Duterte regime’s outright and incessant attack on national minorities who have continuously been at the forefront of the fight against human rights violations, land grabbing, and militarization in their communities.

During the past year, the fascist Duterte regime brought unrivaled terror to the countryside. Nine Moro peasants were killed by the PNP in North Cotabato, a Manobo tribe leader was decapitated in Magpet, Igorot communities suffered indiscriminate firing, harassment, and illegal arrests during the military’s prolonged occupation of their villages, Aetas in Zambales were tortured by the military’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) and subsequently became the first to be charged under the Anti-Terror Act, and Tumandok leaders were massacred and others were arrested in Capiz. All the while, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has continued bombing, intimidating, and exploiting Lumad communities in Mindanao.

Since the start of Duterte’s rule, 166 Lumad schools have been forcibly shut down and hundreds of thousands of communities have been left no choice but to evacuate because of intensified militarization. Plainly, the Lumad youth have long sought to flee from the clutches of the AFP and PNP.

How does the state expect the people to believe that they were there to rescue the same people their fascist butchers were out in the countryside to terrorize?

There is no sanctuary for human rights under the Duterte fascist regime.

This is a brazen assault not only against the rights of Lumad students, but also the academic integrity of the USC. Coming not long after the Department of National Defense’s (DND) pronouncements to cancel the UP-DND accord as well as other such agreements with different state universities and colleges, this displays how much the state is willing to abuse its power and trample on freedoms to ensure and strengthen its tyrannic rule.

Duterte is growing increasingly concerned about the consolidation of the people’s strength and sentiment. He wants, at all costs, to prevent the masses from waging bigger campaigns to protest the worsening economic situation and the regime’s lackluster band-aid solutions, coupled with a disastrous coronavirus pandemic response. Simply, it is Duterte’s worst nightmare realized should the youth and students storm their schools, colleges, and universities and flood the streets arm-in-arm with workers, peasants, and the national minority.

Make Duterte’s worst nightmare a reality!
Hold the regime accountable for its atrocities against the national minority!
Free Lumad 25!

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-arrest-of-students-teachers-in-lumad-bakwit-school-raid-in-cebu/