3 Maguindanao towns declare state of calamity over skirmishes

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2021): 3 Maguindanao towns declare state of calamity over skirmishes (By Edwin Fernandez)

RELIEF AID. Relief workers from the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao-Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) distribute relief goods Tuesday (April 6, 2021) to families displaced by armed hostilities between government forces BIFF combatants in at least three affected towns of Maguindanao. Data provided by the BARMM–READi showed some 25,000 individuals were affected in the adjoining towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Mamasapano. (Photo courtesy of BARMM Tabang sa Bangsamoro)

Three Maguindanao towns have declared a state of calamity due to ongoing armed conflict between the military and the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), officials said Wednesday.

The conflict, which erupted on March 18, displaced thousands of civilians in the adjoining towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Mamasapano.

On Tuesday, council members of the three towns approved separate resolutions putting their localities under the state of calamity to allow the utilization of local funds for relief operations to their affected constituents.

In Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Mayor Edris Sindatok said the local government has set aside a quick response fund amounting to PHP483,000 for evacuees.

The municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan has 12,215 evacuees, while Shariff Saydona Mustapha has 8,585, and Mamasapano with 13,645.

The encounters were triggered by the presence of BIFF gunmen in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, on March 18, quickly spilling over to nearby areas.

“The armed hostilities displaced over 30,000 individuals from the three towns and are currently being attended by their LGUs,” Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said on Wednesday.

Earlier, the town council of Talitay also approved a resolution putting the area under the state of calamity after some 700 families left their homes due to a “rido” (clan war) that erupted on March 22.

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, the Army's 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the Talitay armed conflict displaced some 700 families or 3,500 individuals.

“The affected families were from Barangays Pageda and Gadingan of Talitay,” Baldomar said in a separate interview Wednesday.

He said some of the Talitay evacuees have started to return home, but others remained in evacuation centers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136000

Maguindanao town execs turn over loose firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2021): Maguindanao town execs turn over loose firearms (By Edwin Fernandez)

FIREARMS TURNOVER. Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong (with microphone), the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, tells local officials of Pagalungan, Maguindanao to continue supporting the disarmament campaign of the government to help bring about peace and development in their communities. Capulong attended the surrender of loose firearms by local officials on Wednesday (April 7, 2021). (Photo courtesy of 602Bde)

In support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' disarmament campaign, a town mayor in Maguindanao led the turnover of assorted loose firearms to the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (602Bde) Wednesday.

“The surrender of these firearms signaled a better relationship between the military and the locals,” said Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 602Bde commander, as he welcomed the move of the officials of Pagalungan town in Maguindanao, headed by Mayor Salik Mamasabulod.

“We in the 602Bde serve as a bridge leading to the attainment of peace and development in Pagalungan,” Capulong said.

Mamasabulod turned in three M14 rifles, two Garand rifles, and two M1 Carbine rifles.

“The absence of loose firearms in Pagalungan means a lesser possibility for crimes to be committed in our locality,” Mamasabulod said during the turnover ceremony at the town hall building.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136056

House leader calls for more US patrols in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2021): House leader calls for more US patrols in WPS (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday urged the United States (US) to conduct more frequent freedom of navigation (FON) operations or patrols in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, Rodriguez cited a report of the US Navy that one of its carrier strike groups entered the South China Sea last April 4 amid strong protests from the Philippines on the presence of hundreds of Chinese vessels in Juan Felipe Reef, which is inside the country's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Rodriguez noted that the April 4 passage was the second patrol by the US Navy this year.

He said conducting more FON operations could deter further Chinese incursions in the Philippine EEZ and threats to other US allies in the region.

“Two FON patrols in more than three months. They should criss-cross that area more often to challenge China’s claim over most of the South China Sea, including international waters and a large part of the Philippine EEZ,” Rodriguez said.“They should support their statements of support for the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea dispute with actual actions on the ground."

He said that such a move would also show the readiness of the United States to come to the aid of the Philippines in case of conflict as provided under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries.

He also called for stronger and more explicit statements on the West Philippine Sea issue on the part of the US.

“Professions of support for Manila in very general language no longer suffice and are just being ignored by the party to which they are directed. There has to be a more direct statement or a warning that the other party will understand,” he said.

Julian Felipe Reef, a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), is located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

The Philippines on March 21 lodged a diplomatic protest against China over the presence of around 200 Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

China earlier said the spotted Chinese boats off Julian Felipe Reef were merely taking refuge due to rough sea conditions.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Manila on April 3 justified the Chinese vessels’ presence at the Julian Felipe Reef, calling it Niu’e Jiao and part of China’s Nansha Islands.

On Monday night, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a maritime patrol will be conducted anew this week to check whether there are still Chinese ships off Julian Felipe Reed.

Lorenzana’s latest statement came after he recently noted that around 44 Chinese vessels have yet to leave the reef in WPS even if the weather in the vicinity has already improved.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136046

NTF-ELCAC stands by NICA’s claim vs. Reds-front org in Senate

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7, 2021): NTF-ELCAC stands by NICA’s claim vs. Reds-front org in Senate (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy (File photo)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday backed the claim of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Director-General Alex Paul Monteagudo that the union of Senate employees is a front of the communist group.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy said the NTF-ELCAC is convinced that the Sandigan ng mga Empleyadong Nagkakaisa sa Adhikain ng Demokratikong Orgnisasyon (SENADO) is being controlled by the labor group Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE).

COURAGE has been tagged as a front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“The NTF ELCAC stands solidly behind the Director General of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Alex Paul Monteagudo when he says that COURAGE is a front of the CPP-NPA-NDF and that it functions as the ears and eyes of this terrorist group,” said Badoy, also spokesperson of NTF-ELCAC, in a statement.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Monteagudo ailleged that SENADO is manned by COURAGE and serves as the “eyes and ears of the CPP-NPA-NDF to hijack government plans and programs.”

Badoy agreed with Monteagudo, saying COURAGE’s main goal is to infiltrate and weaken the government “by radicalizing and then recruiting its innocent members who have no idea they are being used.”

SENADO, in a statement, denied links to CPP-NPA-NDF and dismissed Monteagudo’s Facebook post as “malicious, baseless, and dangerous.”

It urged the senators to conduct an investigation into the allegation hurdled against the union, as well as other organizations in government.

Badoy said CPP-NPA-NDF front organizations, after being used by the communist group, “will have nothing to show for it but the grief and destruction they have brought upon themselves and our country.”

“We, therefore, welcome with open arms the call of S.E.N.A.D.O. president and CPP-NPA-NDF operative Rosel Eugenio for a Senate investigation into this matter,” she said.

No red-tagging

Badoy also lamented that several senators keep on using the term “red-tagging” that was invented by CPP-NPA-NDF.

Citing the previous rulings made by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, Badoy said there is no such thing as red-tagging because “there is no danger to life, liberty, and security when someone is identified as member of the CPP-NPA-NDF.”

She made the remarks after Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Leila de Lima, and Francis Pangilinan called for the immediate passage of Senate Bill 2121 or the proposed Act Defining and Penalizing Red-Tagging to “punish irresponsible officials who act as enablers of red-tagging.”

Badoy said the proposed measure would only be used to continue the “unending 52-year saga of grief and suffering of the Filipino people in the hands of the CPP-NPA-NDF who were able to commit unspeakable crimes against us precisely because of the preponderance of legal covers they employed- like COURAGE.”

“Some of the most grievous crimes on the most helpless among us - our children, our indigenous peoples- happened because the masks of thick deceit the CPP-NPA-NDF wore. Masks of ‘human rights defenders’ by the most egregious offenders of it, masks of ‘youth advocates’ while stepping over the thousands of dead bodies of our children who had been deceptively recruited into the CPP-NPA-NDF, masks of ‘defenders of workers’ rights’ while weakening the Constitution and Democracy they had sworn to be faithful to,” she said.

Ending insurgency

Badoy said the NTF-ELCAC would not let communism thrive.

The government’s resolve, she said, is to end communism under President Rodrigo Duterte’s watch.

She made the vow, as she recognized that the 52-year communist scourge has brought “untold pain and sufferings on our people- more so the most helpless among us: our children, our indigenous peoples and the poorest of the poor.”

“The Filipino people have suffered long enough. We are grateful that we finally have a President who will stop at nothing to end the abuse of the Filipino people” Badoy said.

Badoy said stopping insurgency will be the current administration’s “gift” to the people.

“We are one with him (Duterte) in giving this gift to the Filipino people when he steps down in office in 2022: a country in a much better shape than what was handed to us where the CPP-NPA-NDF will be no more. And the Peace that has eluded us will finally be ours and our children’s,” she said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136067

WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist group political instructor, 4 others surrender in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2021): Communist terrorist group political instructor, 4 others surrender in Sultan Kudarat

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City - April 6, 2021

 
Five followers of the communist terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat surrendered to the government troops in the town of Isulan early morning Monday, April 5, 2021.

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, the five surrendered to Lt. Col. Romel Valencia, Commanding Officer of the 7th Infantry Battalion at the unit headquarters in Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan.

“One of the surrendered personalities identified as Teting Dakias Lonon, a.k.a. Tingting/Tekboy/Boyet, 49 years old, married, and a resident of Sitio Tepayen, Barangay Kesek, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat was a political instructor of the Local Guerilla Unit 1 of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region under a.k.a. Bobo/Ampog/Aldok,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Lonon revealed that he was recruited sometime in 2014 by Gatosan Kindat. He participated in the bombardments by the group in the Sultan Kudarat area.

 
He decided to surrender to clear his name and to return to the fold of the law.

The four others who also yielded together with Lonon include Fredy Senial Gangu, a.k.a. Bravo, 37 years old, married; Jano Lonon, a.k.a. Jano, 16 years old, single, son of Teting; Robert Belis Lonon, a.k.a. Bert, 21 years old, married; and Gatosan Ingil, a.k.a. Saydo, 42 years old, married. All are residents of Sitio Tepayen and members of SRC Daguma.

 
During the initial debriefing, the former militants stated that they were made to believe that once they join the group they will be provided with free scholarship grants for the entire clan, free medicine and medical services, and livelihood programs. But none of those were realized, instead, their participation with the CTG had brought more suffering to them and their community.

The surrendered personalities handed over two cal. 30 M1 Garand (Winchester) rifle, one M14 Springfield, one M79 Grenade Launcher, and one cal. 30 M1 Garand (Springfield).

 
“We urge the surrendered personalities to take part in addressing the problems that haunt their tribal communities and actively participate in the peace campaign of the military to resist the deceitful propaganda of the insurgents,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

 
The surrendered personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at 7IB headquarters.

“We continuously conduct peace dialogues and other counter-propaganda campaigns to protect the vulnerable communities in central Mindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen Vinluan, Jr. ensured that the grievances of the different tribes will be addressed by the local government units to prevent them from being deceived.

#TeamAFP
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#WholeofNationApproach
#TeamWestMinCom

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.2027975764011136/2027975694011143/

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom Commander visits Salman community in Zamboanga Sibugay

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2021): WestMinCom Commander visits Salman community in Zamboanga Sibugay

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- April 6, 2021

 
Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. visited the former training camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Barangay Tumanggong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay on April 6, 2021.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. met with Commander Suaib Edris, the Base Commander of 113th Company, Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); Barahama Ali, Base Officer of the same unit; and Esmael Mamiscal, representative of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities-MILF (CCCH-MILF).

 
The WestMinCom Commander was accompanied by Commission on Elections Regional Election Director Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado; Atty. Teopisto Elnas, Jr., Deputy Executive Director for Operations; and Director James Jimenez, Director IV of Education and Information Department.

 
In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said this is the first time that the COMELEC joined him in such activities.

“This is very important because they will be able to assist you in preparing for next year’s election especially in exercising your right to vote,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said.

 
He further stated that the Western Mindanao Command and the local government of Tungawan are always ready to provide assistance on the security and development aspects of the community.

Meanwhile, Commander Edris ensured that the unit is in full support of the peace process.

He also expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr., Mayor Climaco, and all the visitors for taking the time to visit and check on the situation of the community.

Also present during the historic event were Tungawan Municipal Mayor Carlnan Climaco; WestMinCom Deputy Commander for Admin Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete; Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio; 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas; 102nd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Antonio John Divinagracia; WestMinCom Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations Col. Jessie Montoya; WestMinCom Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Intelligence Col. Yasser Bara; the local government and barangay officials; and other guests.

The visit of Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. at Salman community aimed to establish a better relationship between the military and the MILF for sustainable peace and development in Barangay Datu Tumanggong.

.
#TeamAFP
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#WholeofNationApproach
#TeamWestMinCom.

.








https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.2028299720645407/2028299373978775/

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

WESTMINCOM: High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2021): High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan

High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The stronghold of the communist terrorist group is continuously weakening in Sultan Kudarat as manifested in the series of surrender including their political instructor and four (4) members on April 5, 2021. This was the assessment of Lieutenant Colonel Romel Valencia, Commanding Officer of 7th Infantry ‘Tapat’ Battalion after the surrender of five (5) New People’s Army at 7IB Headquarters in Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

 
These former combatants were members of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region and they turned over one (1) Rifle Cal. 30 M1 Garand, (2) Cal. 30 M1 Garand, one (1) Rifle M14 converted to Springfield, and one (1) M79 Grenade Launcher. Among those who surrendered is a Political Instructor of Local Guerilla Unit 1 of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, FSMR.

 
Brigadier General Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Brigade was elated with the series of surrenders and commended the combined efforts of community support programs of the troops that led to the successful surrender of CTGs especially their political instructor in the province of Sultan Kudarat.

 
Meanwhile, Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division and Joint Task Force Central stressed that the series of surrenders manifested the waning and eventually the defeat of the communist terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat and the entire area of operations of JTF Central.

 
The Division Commander also disclosed that as of January 2021, a total of 37 NPA members already surrendered to 6ID, PA. “For those CTGs who desire to live a peaceful life, your government is always willing to receive you back to the folds of the law. And for those who remained entangled in their twisted violent ideology and against the peace negotiations offered by the government, the JTF Central will be relentless in its focused military operation to hunt you down”, Maj. Gen. Uy said.

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/kampilantroopers/photos/pcb.1602285323311272/1602285226644615/

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

CPP/Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee: Naindaklan a Biag: Dagiti Banuar ti Ilocos-Cordillera

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 6, 2021): Naindaklan a Biag: Dagiti Banuar ti Ilocos-Cordillera

ILOCOS-CORDILLERA REGIONAL COMMITTEE 

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 06, 2021

Download here
Iloco: PDF

“Ti mangibuyat ti dara para iti pagilian
Ket kinabanuar a saan a malipatan
Ti biag a naidaton para iti ipatpateg a pagilian
Napnuan adal ken kinabanuar!”

Paset ti naranggas a naindasigan a kontradiksyon iti malakolonyal ken malapyudal a gimong a Pilipino, nga iti agdama a tukad ket resresolbaen babaen iti gubat ti umili, ket ti nadadagsen a sakripisyo a pakaibilangan ti panangidatun ti biag. Segun kenni Kadua a Mao Zedong, “Sadino man nga addaan ti pannakidangadang ket adda panagsakripisyo ken ti patay ket maysa a kadawyan a pasamak. Ngem naimpusoan nga ikonkonsidera tayo ti pagimbagan ti umili ken ti panagrigrigat ti kaaduan, ken no matay tayo para iti umili, daytoy ket nadayaw a pannakatay.”

Kangatoan a saludo ti ited ti Pangrehiyon a Komite ti Partido Komunista ti Pilipinas iti Rehiyon nga Ilocos-Cordillera (PKP-ICR) ken ti Chadli Molintas Command, ti Pangrehiyon a Kumand ti Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB-ICR) kadagiti naindaklan a martir ken bannuar ti nailian-demokratiko a rebolusyon iti rehiyon. Iti maika-52 nga anibersaryo ti pannakaibangon ti Bagong Hukbong Bayan idi Marso 29, 1969, isagsagut ti PKP-ICR ken BHB-ICR daytoy a libro kadagiti rebolusyonaryo a bannuar a nangidatun ti biag da iti panangiyabante ti gubat ti umili. Kangrunaan a ramen iti pannakagun-od ti agdama a tukad ti panagdur-as ti armado a rebolusyon iti rehiyon ket ti intero a panawen a panangidatun da iti kabaelan, laing ken ti kangatoan a panangisakripisyo iti mismo a biag da para iti awanan panagimbubukod a panagserbi iti umili. Isuda dagiti narimat a bituen nga agtultuloy nga agserserbi kas tarabay ken inspirasyon dagiti rebolusyonaryo a puersa ken umili ti rehiyon tapno ad-adda nga agpatibker, agpakalaing ken agpursige iti panangiyabante ti gubat ti umili inggana magun-od ti balligi na daytoy ken maibangon ti sosyalismo iti masakbayan.

Iti panangidaulo ti PKP a tartarabayan ti Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo, iti las-ud ti 52 tawen a panangiyabante ti gubat ti umili, nagun-od ti adu ken dadakkel a panag-abante ti nailian demokratiko a rebolusyon. Naibangon ti rebolusyonaryo a panagkaykaysa dagiti dasig a maad-adipen ken magungundawayan. Limmawa, timmibker ken rimmamut ti Partido iti intar ti masa a mannalon ken intero nga umili. Pimmigsa ti BHB ken naitakder dagiti sona ken larangan a gerilya iti intero a pagilian. Tuloy-tuloy a naisayangkat dagiti taktikal nga opensiba para iti panangpakapsot iti armado a pwersa ti kabusor kabayatan nga agur-urnong met ti pigsa ti Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Naibangon, napalawa ken napapigsa dagiti naregta a rebolusyonaryo nga organisasyon ti masa iti nadumaduma a tukad ken saklaw.

Ti panangiyabante kadagiti anti-pyudal a laban iti panangipatungpal ti minimum a programa ti rebolusyonaryo a reporma iti daga ken dadduma pay a pannakidangadang ket nakagun-od kadagiti napapateg a balligi para iti tukad-tukad a panangpasayaat iti pang-ekonomya ken pampulitika a kasasaad dagiti mannalon. Karaman ditoy dagiti naimballigian a panangdepensa iti ansestral a daga dagiti nailian a minorya kontra iti panangagaw ti estado ken dagiti imperyalista ken lokal a korporasyon ti minas, logging, enerhiya ken agrikultura. Kasta met dagiti naimballigian a kampanya iti panangpadur-as iti produksyon ti mannalon tapno masungbatan dagiti pangkonsumo a kasapulan ti tunggal pamilya a mamnalon. Iti proseso ti panangiyabante kadagitoy a rebolusyonaryo a laban, pimmigsa ti Partido, Hukbo ken dagiti rebolusyonaryo nga organisasyon ti masa ken naibangon dagiti organo ti bileg pampulitika iti nadumaduma a tukad a mangisigsigurado iti agtultuloy a panangiyabante iti gubat ti umili.

Amin dagitoy a balligi ken sinibogan ti ling-et ken dara dagiti rebolusyonaryo a martir. Saan a nagun-od dagitoy a panagabante no awan ti panagsakripisyo dagiti bannuar ti armado a rebolusyon. iti kastoy a mailadawan no kasano a kadagsen dagiti panagsakripisyo ken biag nga indatun dagiti martir tayo. Segun pay kenni Kadua a Mao Zedong, “Amin a tao ket sigurado a matay, ngem ti pannakatay ket mabalin nga agduma ti kaipapanan. Ti matay para iti umili ket adayo a nadagdagsen no iti Bantay a Tay, ngem ti agserbi kadagiti pasista ken ti matay para kadagiti mananggundaway ken manangidadanes ket adayo a nalaglag-an no iti dutdot.” Segun pay kenni Macli-ing Dulag, “Gapu ta lumaban tayo, mabiag dagiti annak tayo ken matawid da ti daga. Ad-adda a napateg ti daga no masibugan ken pabaknangen ti ling-et ken dara tayo.”

Iti agdama a tukad ti gubat ti umili, ken partikular pay iti panaglaban iti tiraniko a rehimen a US-Duterte, sangsangoen tayo iti nair-irteng, narangranggas ken mas sopistikado a panag-atake ti kabusor iti tengnga ti krisis iti salun-at gapuiti COVID-19 ken ti agtultuloy a kumarkaro a krisis iti ekonomya. Kagiddan na daytoy ti ad-adda a dadakkel pay a karit iti napinget a panangiyabante ti gubat ti umili iti nangatngato a tukad. Iti sango ti kastoy a sitwasyon, ipanpanawagan ti Partido ti dakdakkel a panagsakripisyo tapno itultuloy a labanan ti kontrarebolusyonaryo a gubat ti pasista a rehimen iti nabatbati a panawen na daytoy iti turay, ipreserba ken papigsaen pay ti intar tayo para iti amin a kabaelan ken managparnuay a panangipatungpal kadagiti rebbengen.

Iti kasta, ti kangatoan a pammadayaw a maidaton tayo iti kinabanuar nga inpakita dagiti martir ket ti ad-adda a panagpursige iti panangiyabante ti armado a rebolusyon inggana iti pananggun-od ti balligi.

https://cpp.ph/statements/naindaklan-a-biag-dagiti-banuar-ti-ilocos-cordillera/

CPP/NDF-LAB: Pagpupugay ng Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB) sa mga Magigiting na Pulang Hukbo

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 6, 2021): Pagpupugay ng Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB) sa mga Magigiting na Pulang Hukbo

LIGA NG AGHAM PARA SA BAYAN (LAB)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 06, 2021

Sa kabila ng kaliwa’t kanang mga pag-atake ng mga pasistang berdugo, at ng mga pakulo ng mga ganid pulitikong nakikinabang sa gulo, ay mas lalong tumataginting ang tapang at sigasig ng rebolusyunaryong pwersa at ng mga mamayan. Mapulang pagbati sa ika-52 taong anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ang tunay na sundalo ng mamayang Pilipino.

Rebolusyunaryo at pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang pinapaabot ng Liga ng Agham Para sa Bayan (LAB).

Kasama ng BHB, ang LAB ay napapanday nitong mga peligrosong panahon. Ang ating tugon sa pasistang atake ng gobyernong Duterte ay ang pag-iigting ng ating seguridad, pagbantay at pag-alaga sa sarili’t mga kasama, at higit sa lahat ang walang-humpay na pagtugon sa mga gawain para isulong ang rebolusyon at paglingkuran ang sambayanan.

Sa araw-araw na pagkilos ng mga kasapi ng LAB, inspirasyon nila at pinagkukuhanan ng lakas ang magigiting at hindi-matalo-talong Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Ang pagharap sa pasismo ng estado, ang patuloy na pagtugon sa rebong gawain tulad ng serbisyong teknikal, ang pagsusulong ng kampanya at pag-oorganisa sa hanay ng aming sektor ay pakikiisa at ambag namin sa laban ng ating mga minamahal na Hukbo.

Ang ating mga kasamang kumikilos sa kanayunan ay matagal ng balon ng respeto at inspirasyon sa pakikibaka. Ang kanilang lakas ay hindi lang lakas pang-digma, ngunit lakas ring nakalaan para sa pagtatagumpay ng rebolusyon. Ang kanilang talino at pagsisikap ay hindi lang para sa pagpapanalo ng mga taktikal na opensiba, ngunit talino at sikap din sa pagtatayo ng ating pulang gobyerno, at pagpapatupad ng rebolusyunaryong agraryo sa kanayunan. Sila’y mga sundalo bukod pa sa pagiging mga community workers, magsasaka, duktor, inhinyero, teknisyan, guro, artista, at ang marami pang mga tungkulin na kailangan para buhayin ang pulang komunidad. Ika nga ng isang Soviet na slogan, “ready for labor, ready for defense.” Handang lumaban at dumepensa, habang gumagampan ng mga tungkulin para sa sambayanan at para sa bayan.

Saludo sa mga tagumpay at sakripisyo ng ating mga pulang mandirigmang laging handa para sa gawain, at handa para lumaban!

Ang Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan ay patuloy na nagkakampanya sa aming hanay para sa pagsapi sa BHB at buong panahong pagkilos sa kanayunan. Pinagsisikapan namin ito bilang ambag sa pag-abot ng ating target na abutin sa abanteng sub-yugto ng estratehikong depensiba ng ating digmang bayan.

Mula sa hanay ng mga makabayan, siyentipiko, at maka-masang mga manggagawa sa larangan ng agham at teknolohiya, maalab na pagbati sa ika-limampu’t dalawang anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan! Iniaangat ng inyong pagkilos ang aming tapang at dedikasyon.

Mabuhay ang rebolusyon! Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagpupugay-ng-liga-ng-agham-para-sa-bayan-lab-sa-mga-magigiting-na-pulang-hukbo/

Kalinaw News: 48IB Partners with Youth for Peace for the Community Outreach and Feeding Program in Surigao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2021): 48IB Partners with Youth for Peace for the Community Outreach and Feeding Program in Surigao del Sur



Bislig City, Surigao del Sur – The 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion in partnership with the Youth for Peace-Bislig City Chapter conducted a community outreach and feeding program in Purok 9, Villa Paraiso, Brgy San Roque, Bislig City on April 4, 2021.

The activity is a continuation of the series of outreach programs relative to the Battalion’s 40th Founding Anniversary which also aims to deliver the basic needs in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS).

More or less 130 children including young adults were fed while 100 households were given the reilef items during the distribution led by Lieutenant Colonel Enrique G. Rafael, Acting Commanding Officer ng 48IB together with Youth For Peace- Bislig City President Ramil Hamodiong. Likewise, an orientation and leaflet distribution about the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Porgram (E-CLIP) were also conducted.

“Sa atung bisita kaning sa 48IB, sa atung mga kasilinganan nga purok salamat kaayung tanan.Pasalamat ako sa mga 48IB nga nia karun dri arun pagtan-aw sa atung kahimtang karun dire sa kabukiran. Pasalamat pud ku sa ilang mga daghang mga gasa para sa atung tanan. Salamat kaayu sa inyong tanan” said Purok 9 President Nelon Lumunsad.

Lieutenant Colonel Rafael added, “Ang inyo pong Guardians Battalion ay handang gumabay sa inyo ngayong aming napag-alaman ang mga pangunahing isyu at hinaing niyo dito sa inyong komunidad. Lubos din po ang aming pagpapasalamat sa pagtangkilik ninyo sa aming mga kasundaluhan. Sama-sama at tulong-tulong po tayo upang wakasan na ang matagal nang suliranin ng ating bayan -ang insureksiyon. Ito ay para makamtan natin ang matagal na nating inaasam na kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa ating bayan.”

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/48ib-partners-with-youth-for-peace-for-the-community-outreach-and-feeding-program-in-surigao-del-sur/

Kalinaw News: High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2021): High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The stronghold of the communist terrorist group is continuously weakening in Sultan Kudarat as manifested in the series of surrender including their political instructor and four (4) members on April 5, 2021. This was the assessment of Lieutenant Colonel Romel Valencia, Commanding Officer of 7th Infantry ‘Tapat’ Battalion after the surrender of five (5) New People’s Army at 7IB Headquarters in Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

These former combatants were members of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region and they turned over one (1) Rifle Cal. 30 M1 Garand, (2) Cal. 30 M1 Garand, one (1) Rifle M14 converted to Springfield, and one (1) M79 Grenade Launcher. Among those who surrendered is a Political Instructor of Local Guerilla Unit 1 of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, FSMR.

Brigadier General Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Brigade was elated with the series of surrenders and commended the combined efforts of community support programs of the troops that led to the successful surrender of CTGs especially their political instructor in the province of Sultan Kudarat.

Meanwhile, Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division and Joint Task Force Central stressed that the series of surrenders manifested the waning and eventually the defeat of the communist terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat and the entire area of operations of JTF Central.

The Division Commander also disclosed that as of January 2021, a total of 37 NPA members already surrendered to 6ID, PA. “For those CTGs who desire to live a peaceful life, your government is always willing to receive you back to the folds of the law. And for those who remained entangled in their twisted violent ideology and against the peace negotiations offered by the government, the JTF Central will be relentless in its focused military operation to hunt you down”, Maj. Gen. Uy said.



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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/high-ranking-npa-leader-and-4-members-surrendered-waning-communist-terrorist-movement-in-sultan-kudarat/

Kalinaw News: AGILA-HAVEN Program provided livelihood assistance to 177 Former Extremists

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2021): AGILA-HAVEN Program provided livelihood assistance to 177 Former Extremists



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 177 former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) extremists received livelihood and farm assistance through the Province of Maguindanao’s peace initiative dubbed as Anak na may GInintuang LAyunin, upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon (AGILA-HAVEN) Program. According to the initial accomplishment report presented by Task Force AGILA of the Provincial Government of Maguindanao, 40 motorbikes (payong-payong), 12 farm tractors, 13 motorized bangka, 131 farm merchandises, and livelihood assistance were already distributed to 177 former extremists as of April 05, 2021.

The most recent of the said grant is the turn-over of various livelihood assistance and farm machineries under the AGILA-HAVEN Program to 42 former BIFF and DI members on April 05, 2021. Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu led the simple turn-over ceremony at the Satellite Office of the Provincial Government in Buluan, Maguindanao which was also attended by Brigadier General Jose H. Narciso, the Assistant Division Commander of 6th Infantry Division, representing Major General Juvymax R. Uy, the Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6ID, PA.

The additional grant was composed of 17 Hand Tractors (Kuliglig), two (2) Rotavators, and various farm and livelihood assistance which were intended to help the 42 former rebels start a peaceful and progressive life with their family and community. As of this reporting, another batch of former extremists is still on process to receive the next set of livelihood assistance from the provincial government.

Alongside the event, the Governor also distributed six (6) utility vehicles and 10 rescue vehicles to various DepEd District Supervisors and Barangays Officials of the province to enable them to serve their communities and constituents better.

Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu expressed her appreciation to the former rebels for their decision to cooperate with the government. “Ngayon nandyan na ang tulong kaya wala nang dahilan para tayo ay magkawatak-watak…hikayatin ninyo ang iba nyo pang kasamahan na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno (The assistance is now here and we have no more reason to rebel and be divided…convince the others (rebels) to go back to the folds of the government)”, Gov. Mangudadatu said.

The Governor also declared the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) as persona-non-grata in the Province of Maguindanao. “Walang Muslim ang pumapatay ng kapwa Muslim, wala sila (BIFF and DI) karapatang sirain ang ating bayan…”, Gov. Mangudadatu added.

Brig. Gen. Narciso expressed 6ID’s gratitude for the commitment of the Local Government of Maguindanao in all the peace initiatives in the province. “The AGILA-HAVEN program has gone a long way since its formal launching at the Provincial Capitol in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao in 2020. Now the province’s desire for lasting peace is being realized,” Brig. Gen. Narciso added.

It can be recalled that the Inter-Agency Task Force AGILA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Satellite Office of the Provincial Government in Buluan, Maguindanao on March 31, 2021, to strengthen the implementation of the AGILA-HAVEN Program. Various agencies from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Maguindanao Provincial Government, Provincial Police Office-Maguindanao, and 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army pledged support to the full implementation of the AGILA-HAVEN Program.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division Commander shared his message of support to the program of TF AGILA during the MOU signing. “Sa pamamagitan nitong Memorandum of Understanding, malaki ang maiaambag nitong tulong lalong-lalo na sa ating mga government enforcers at Local Chief Executives sa probinsya para ma-sustain natin ang Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Program sa pamamagitan ng AGILA HAVEN”, the commander said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/agila-haven-program-provided-livelihood-assistance-to-177-former-extremists/

Kalinaw News: Community Support Program Teams of 603rd Brigade scores 9 NPA surrenders anew

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2021): Community Support Program Teams of 603rd Brigade scores 9 NPA surrenders anew



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Nine members of the New People’s Army in the municipality of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, surrendered on March 30, 2021, to the combined Community Support Program (CSP) teams of 37th Infantry ‘Conqueror’ Battalion and 57th Infantry ‘Masikap’ Battalion of 603rd Infantry Brigade. The surrender happened in Sitio Tinapakan, Brgy Datu Ito Andong, and Sitio Nursery, Brgy Sta Clara, all of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Colonel Eduardo B. Gubat, the Commander of 603rd Infantry Brigade said that the former rebels were under West Daguma Front, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR). “These personalities revealed that they are members of Milisyang Bayan and were brainwashed by a certain Edgar Kandi in joining the Communist Terrorist Group. They surrendered to clear their names from any involvement in the unlawful activities of the CTG and to start living again a normal and peaceful life with their families”, said Col. Gubat.

The former rebels turned over ten shotguns and one homemade Cal. 38 revolver. Their surrender was realized through the help and commitment of the Local Government Unit of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

“Our Philippine Army is relentless in its efforts to clear more barangays in Sultan Kudarat and eventually the entire South and South-Central Mindanao from Communist Terrorist threat through the implementation of Community Support Program and with the strong support from the local government units and the local residents of the said municipality”, Major General Juvymax R. Uy, the Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division said.



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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/community-support-program-teams-of-603rd-brigade-scores-9-npa-surrenders-anew/

NPA justifies ambush-slay of 2 soldiers

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 6, 2021): NPA justifies ambush-slay of 2 soldiers (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command justified yesterday the ambush-slay of two Army intelligence operatives on April 3 in Brgy. Yaoyao, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, and insisted that they were “legitimate military targets”.

Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, said in radio interviews that the ambush was successfully carried out by the Armando Sumayang Command Jr.

Killed in the ambush were Sgt. Jhoem Meguillo of Zamboanga City, and Cpl. Alaster Balboa of Midsayap, Cotabato, both members of the 15th Infantry Battalion.

The two slain soldiers were also divested of their firearms by the rebel ambushers, estimated at about 30 armed men, according to initial investigations of the Cauayan police.

Magbanua accused the two soldiers to be behind what he claimed as the fake surrender of their comrades and the red-tagging of farmers.

Meanwhile, Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara has joined the Philippine Army in strongly condemning the atrocities perpetrated by the NPA rebels, especially the Black Saturday ambush in his town.

“I am asking the support of all municipalities and barangay officials to stop these terroristic activities of the NPA,” Tabujara said.

Col. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, who supervises the 15th Infantry Battalion stationed in southern Negros, said he condemned the barbaric acts perpetrated by the NPA in their desperation to hamper the peace and progress brought by the presence of Army soldiers in communities. “Their ultimate sacrifice in the name of service to God, to our country, and to our people will not be put in vain, for we will legally seek justice and file appropriate criminal case against the culprits,” Peña said.*

https://news.visayandailystar.com/npa-justifies-ambush-slay-of-2-soldiers/

Army partners with TESDA for skills training in Agusan del Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Army partners with TESDA for skills training in Agusan del Norte (By 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)Published on April 6, 2021

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 6 -- The Army's 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Agency (TESDA) Agusan del Norte through the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) for the conduct of a four-day Skills Training to Stingers troopers and its dependents. Said training was held at the headquarters, Brgy. Bancasi, this city for the first two days and at the NMSF, Brgy Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte for the remaining days.

A total of 20 personnel of 402nd Brigade and four military dependents completed the said skills training. The participants underwent four days of training on Table Setting, Table Napkin Folding, Table Skirting, Coffee Making, Mixing of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Concoction, and Cookery that will be used in the daily activities of the unit, during special occasion and even in their own homes. The training was facilitated by the NMSF headed by Nancy De Guzman, OIC School Administrator of NSMF, and Training Section of 402nd Brigade.

The said training is in line with the Brigade's intent of equipping its personnel with various skills as part of professionalizing the troops under the Army Transformation Road (ATR) map. The endeavor also aims to strengthen the commitment and partnership between TESDA and the Army's 402nd Brigade under the Provincial Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF- ELCAC).

Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, the 402nd Brigade Commander, said the training, as a convergence program and partnership with TESDA, significantly promotes the skills competency of the troops. "As such, we must always endeavor to provide quality services that will satisfy the expectations of our stakeholders visiting the camp including our own personnel. Hence, there is a need to conduct this training to provide excellent services as a reflection of our standards and professionalism," he said.

Meanwhile, Director Rey Cueva, the TESDA Provincial Director, Agusan del Norte, extends his sincerest gratitude to the soldiers being the protector of the people and preserving the peace and at the same time recognizing their vital role in nation-building.

He highlighted the partnership with the Brigade underscoring the role of the Philippine Army thru the Community Support Program (CSP) in the implementation of livelihood interventions to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) which are the targets of CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) exploitation.

Dir. Cueva further shared the role of the soldiers as a partner of TESDA during calamities such as the construction and repair of houses, providing transportation for the toolkits and TESDA scholars, free services during the civic actions, and the security assistance being provided when TESDA personnel are visiting Peace and Development Zones (PDZs) during pay-outs and other related activities.

BGen. Licudine conveyed his utmost gratitude to TESDA and NMSF for being an instrument in enhancing the troop’s skills. “This training is only one of the many partnerships between the TESDA and this Brigade. We have ongoing projects and programs intended for the IPs and our Former Rebels (FRs) and other lined up activities under the convergence of Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in line with the implementation of EO Nr 70," he said.

“Rest assured that your Army is committed to sustain the partnership thru our Community Support Program in the conflict-affected areas and GIDAs in order to bring the government closer to the people and attain peaceful and conflict-resilient communities,” BGen Licudine added. (Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr., CMO Officer, 402nd Brigade PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071520