CPP/NDF-Jalandoni: Duterte, Peace Talks and Prof. Jose Maria Sison

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 5, 2021): Duterte, Peace Talks and Prof. Jose Maria Sison

LUIS JALANDONI

CHIEF INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 05, 2021

Duterte’s ridiculous call for peace talks to be held in the Philippines and for Prof. Jose Maria Sison to be returned to the Philippines is bound to fail. In his desperation to avoid condemnation for his numerous human rights violations, including the threat of an International Criminal Court investigation for crimes against humanity and torture, he pretends to be for peace talks. But he insists that these must be held in the Philippines and Prof. Sison ‘s political asylum in The Netherlands must be withdrawn and he be extradited to the Philippines.

Let us closely study the history of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

In 1986, when President Corazon Aquino offered peace talks with the NDFP, the NDFP agreed to hold peace talks in Metro Manila in consideration for the health condition of former Senator Jose Diokno who was officially appointed to head the GRP peace negotiations. Negotiators on the NDFP side were Satur Ocampo, Antonio Zumel Carolina Malay.

In violation of agreements of security for participants of both sides, the GRP put the NDFP panelists, consultants and security personnel under close surveillance. The GRP Generals boasted that their intelligence stocks rose by 25 %. Names, pictures, addresses, telephone numbers and other details were illegally gathered by the military.

The agenda of the talks could not proceed to substantial points. The focus of the GRP was on ceasefire and gathering intelligence. Diokno’s proposal of Peace and Justice, Jobs and Freedom could not get off the ground.

The big blow to talks came when thousands of peasants marching peacefully to Malacanang, calling for land reform, were fired upon by the military and police, killing 13 peasants and wounding hundreds. In the face of this massacre, the NDFP decided to terminate the peace negotiations. Hundreds of NDFP members were subject to attack, while the NDFP negotiators went underground.

Some time later, GRP President Aquno “unsheathed the sword of war” against the New People’s Army.

This was a bitter lesson. Peace negotiations held in the Philippines are subject to grave danger.

In 1992, GRP President Fidel Ramos sent Congressman Jose Yap to negotiate with the NDFP in the Netherlands. The NDFP authorized Luis Jalandoni to meet with Congressman Yap. On August 31, 1992, they met to discuss their positions.

On September 1, 1992, the GRP and NDFP signed The Hague Joint Declaration, an agreement of reciprocity and parity. It declared that neither party may impose surrender or capitulation on the other. Furthermore, this agreement established that the agenda of the talks would be in accord with national sovereignty, democracy and human rights. It declared also that the substantive agenda would be on human rights and international humanitarian law, social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, and end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

The document, Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) was signed on 16 March 1998. The Agreement was formally approved by the Principals of both parties.

Another agreement, The Joint Agreement of the GRP and the NDFP on Safety and Immunity Guarantees was signed on February 24, 1995. In this agreement, both sides agreed that formal talks be held in a neutral foreign venue. This meant it would not be held in the Philippines.

These and other peace agreements render totally untenable Duterte’s demand that peace talks be held in the Philippines.

These facts clearly prove that Duterte is ignorant of the basic agreements of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. Or he simply sets them aside, or pays no attention to them. He must be condemned for his denial of the facts.

Duterte is also condemnable for demanding that the asylum granted to Prof. Sison be withdrawn. It was the Council of State (Raad van State) of The Netherlands, the highest Aministrative Court in the country, which officially declared that Jose Maria Sison is protected by the Human Rights Convention and the European Human Rights Agreement. Therefore, he may not be extradited to the Philippines or any other place where his rights may be put in danger. He has the right not to be subjected to any danger of torture or any other inhuman act.

On the contrary, Duterte is accused of numerous human rights violations against peasants, workers, indigenous people, youth, women and many more. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has declared that Duterte can be accused of crimes against humanity and torture. More is expected to come out when the official ICC investigation is initiated as called for by ICC Prosecutor Bensouda. Moreover, international agencies such as INVESTIGATE PH have issued detailed documentation on the crimes of President Duterte against the Filipino people.

https://cpp.ph/statements/duterte-peace-talks-and-prof-jose-maria-sison/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Komento ng NDF-Bikol sa ‘biro’ ni Duterte hinggil sa bulkang Taal

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 5, 2021): Komento ng NDF-Bikol sa ‘biro’ ni Duterte hinggil sa bulkang Taal

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 05, 2021

Kung may dapat mang takpan, hindi ang bunganga ng bulkang Taal kundi ang ngawa nang ngawang bibig ni Duterte at ng kanyang mga alipures! Wala na nga silang kongkreto at makabuluhang solusyon para sa patung-patong na krisis at trahedyang sinasapit ng mamamayan, napakalakas pa ng loob na magpakawala ng walang katuturang mga salita. Napakabilis ng bibig ni Duterte kung makipagbatuhan ng maaanghang na salita sa mga karibal sa pulitika, pero pagdating sa mga tunay na suliranin ng bansa ay walang ni anumang maasahan ang mamamayan kundi mga walang kabuluhang ‘biro’.Dapat pakatandaan ni Duterte na daig nang kumukulong galit ng mamamayan ang pag-aalburuto ng Taal! Ang pagsambulat ng paglaban ng mamamayan ang pagsabog na yayanig sa kanyang paghahari na hindi niya kailanman mapipigilan. Tiyak na hindi nila palalampasin ang alinman sa kanyang napakaraming krimen laban sa mamamayan – ang kanyang kataksilan, kapabayaan, kainutilan at terorismo.

https://cpp.ph/statements/komento-ng-ndf-bikol-sa-biro-ni-duterte-hinggil-sa-bulkang-taal/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: NDF-Bicol sa paggunita ng Filipino-American Friendship Day

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 5, 2021): NDF-Bicol sa paggunita ng Filipino-American Friendship Day

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 05, 2021

IMPERYALISMO, IBAGSAK! Pitumpu’t anim na taon nang pinagdurusahan ng bansang Pilipinas ang pagiging malakolonya ng Estados Unidos. Nananatiling bansot, atrasado at hindi industriyalisado ang bansa dahil sa pagkakatali sa dikta at kontrol ng naturang imperyalistang bansa. Ngayon, ilinalagay ng US sa ibayo pang panganib ang soberanya at patrimonya ng bansa sa West Philippine Sea dulot ng mga hungkag na tratadong militar habang itinutulak ang pagbabago ng Konstitusyon para tuluyang pag-arian ang ekonomya ng bansa.Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa sambayanang Pilipino na makipagkapit-bisig sa lahat ng uring anakpawis sa loob ng US. Sama-samang itakwil at labanan ang paghahari ng sistemang monopolyo kapitalismo. Panahon na upang wakasan ang lahat ng uri ng pang-aapi at pagsasamantala.

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-bicol-sa-paggunita-ng-filipino-american-friendship-day/

CVPP/NDF-Bicol: NDF-Bicol on PNP’s internal cleansing campaign

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 5, 2021): NDF-Bicol on PNP’s internal cleansing campaign

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 05, 2021

Justice and public trust are not a PR stunts. No amount of vaunted internal cleansing schemes or resolution of backloads of criminal cases by the Philippine National Police could stop the Filipino people from making Duterte, and the fascist AFP-PNP pay for their crimes against humanity. Under the banner of Oplan Kapanatagan, the PNP’s anti-criminality campaign have ironically resulted in one of the bloodiest State-sponsored manslaughter campaigns in the country’s history. Tens of thousands of innocent civilians have been extrajudicially killed either from dubious tokhang and joint military and police operations, mistaken identities or misencounters.Instead, justice is a clamor the Filipino people fights and struggles for. They know that so long as this semifeudal and semicolonial society persists, no degree of internal cleansing would change the rotten institution of this state’s mercenary forces. Only through waging a just revolutionary war can they end the system that had spouted this regime’s state terrorism.

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-bicol-on-pnps-internal-cleansing-campaig/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: NDF-Bikol sa natenggang pondo ng Bayanihan 2

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 5, 2021): NDF-Bikol sa natenggang pondo ng Bayanihan 2

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 05, 2021

Walang kasingkupad ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa pagpapatupad kahit ng mga limos na programang dapat pinakikinabangan ng mamamayan. Pero kapag pasismo na ang usapan, parang ATM kung maglabas ng pera! Ilang buwan lamang ang kinailangan ni Duterte upang ilabas ang P12.6 bilyong pondo ng hungkag na Barangay Development Program (BDP) ng NTF-ELCAC. Sa loob ng limang buwan, 75% na agad ng pondo nito ang nailabas ng pamahalaan. Samantala, lampas isang taon nang hindi malaman ng mamamayang Pilipino kung saan kukuha ng panggastos araw-araw.

Patunay lamang na walang mahihita ang mamamayan ilanmang bayanihan ang ipasa ng rehimeng US-Duterte at mga susunod pang pasistang rehimen. Lagi’t laging kill, kill, kill ang programa ng estadong kontrolado ng mga naghaharing-uri– patayin ang mamamayan sa kapabayaan, patayin ang mamamayan sa dahas, patayin ang mamamayan sa gutom.

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-bikol-sa-natenggang-pondo-ng-bayanihan-2/

CPPP/NDF-Bicol-MAKIBAKA: Bikol sa plano ng rehimeng US-Duterte na ipadala ang mga babaeng militar sa West Philippine Sea upang mapahupa ang tensyon sa Tsina

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 5, 2021): MAKIBAKA-Bikol sa plano ng rehimeng US-Duterte na ipadala ang mga babaeng militar sa West Philippine Sea upang mapahupa ang tensyon sa Tsina

MAKABAYANG KILUSAN NG BAGONG KABABAIHAN-BICOL

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 05, 2021

May bago na namang binubugaw ang pinakamasahol na macho pasistang si Duterte! Matapos buong-lugod na ibigay ang teritoryo at soberanya ng bansa sa Tsina, ilalako naman niya ngayon bilang pang-aliw sa dayuhan ang sarili niyang tropa. Anong klaseng eksklusibong serbisyo ba ang inaasahan mula sa mga babaeng militar at kailangang sila ang ipadala sa WPS upang mapahupa umano ang tensyon dito?

Sadyang gawi ng pasistang rehimeng ipain at ituring na mga piyon sa kanyang marurumi, brutal at walang katuturang plano ang sinuman sa kanyang mga alagad – maging ang mga kasapi ng kanyang sariling mersenaryong hukbo. Laluna ang mga kababaihan na libangan lamang kung ituring ni Duterte. Nananawagan ang MAKIBAKA-Bikol sa lahat ng kababaihan sa hanay ng AFP at PNP na kundenahin at itakwil ang mga macho-pasistang atas ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Lagi’t lagi, bukas ang mga sonang gerilya at yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan kahit sa mga nagmula sa kanilang hanay na nais magsilbi sa bayan at tunay na maipagtanggol ang soberanya ng bansa.

https://cpp.ph/statements/makibaka-bikol-sa-plano-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte-na-ipadala-ang-mga-babaeng-militar-sa-west-philippine-sea-upang-mapahupa-ang-tensyon-sa-tsina/

AFP: Crashed C-130 was not overloaded

From Rappler (Jul 6, 2021): AFP: Crashed C-130 was not overloaded (By RAMBO TALABONG)

The doomed C-130 plane had a maximum capacity of 120. It carried only 96 people when it crashed, says the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, July 6, dispelled rumors circulating that the ill-fated C-130 aircraft which crashed in Sulu on Sunday was overloaded.

"The said C-130 was not overloaded. It was well within the operational limits and capacity when it left Laguindingan Airport with 96 passengers compared to its maximum capacity of 120 passengers," the AFP said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

The plane carried 84 Army troopers and 12 Air Force personnel. The crash killed at least 53 and injured 46 others. Also among the victims were non-passenger civilians, 3 of whom died, and 4 injured.

It was the worst military air disaster in the country's history.

The crash puzzled the military as the pilots of the doomed plane had hundreds of flight hours in their records, and the Sulu landing strip had no reported defects.

Earlier on Tuesday, the military confirmed retrieving the plane's black box or flight recorder, which contained the last conversations of the pilots and the C-130's flight data.

It would be sent to the United States Air Force for examination, the military said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/afp-says-crashed-c-130-plane-not-overloaded

AFP taps US Air Force to probe crashed plane's black box

From Rappler (Jul 6, 2021): AFP taps US Air Force to probe crashed plane's black box (By RAMBO TALABONG)

(1st UPDATE) The Philippines doesn't have the capability to examine the crashed C-130

The Philippines will be asking the help of the United States Air Force (USAF) in probing the C-130 aircraft crash in Sulu, which killed at least 52 people and injured 51 others.

In a phone interview with Rappler on Tuesday, July 6, Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan said the aircraft's black box would be sent to the US Air Force through a commercial flight from the Philippines.

Aircraft black boxes contain critical information like the pilots' final exchanges and flight data which are helpful in aviation accident investigations.

The Philippine military is in a quandary as to what happened during the July 4 crash as its pilots are seasoned with hundreds of flight hours experience, and its Sulu runway had no reported defects.

"We currently don't have the capability [to examine the black box], and it really is this way – where the plane came from, that's where its black box is examined, " Vinluan said.

Vinluan said it was still difficult to tell when the black box would be examined.

The ill-fated plane was acquired just in January 2021 for only about P1.54 billion or $32 million. A brand-new Lockheed C-130 Hercules costs more than $150 million.

The crashed C-130 is one of 6 in the fleet of the Philippine Air Force. Only two are flying and three are undergoing preventive maintenance. 

(READ: Sulu crash leaves AFP without C-130s).

Meanwhile, Senator Manny Pacquiao said in a statement on Tuesday that he will give P50,000 each to the families of the fallen soldiers, and P20,000 to each soldier who got injured in the plane crash. The money will come from his personal funds, he said.

Pacquiao holds the rank of full colonel in the Army Reserve Command.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/crashed-military-plane-black-box-to-be-sent-united-states-probe

NPA hitman linked to slay of soldier, civilians killed

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 6, 2021): NPA hitman linked to slay of soldier, civilians killed (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The guns and ammunition recovered from the encounter site in Brgy. Luz, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Sunday* Army photo

An alleged hitman of the New People’s Army linked to the ambush of an Army soldier, a government militiaman, and two civilians, was killed Sunday night in an encounter with the 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers in Sitio Pitik-Pitik, Brgy. Luz, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.

The slain rebel was identified by Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, as Randy Tapales, who was facing murder charges for the death of Army Cpl. Anthony Quiocson, a member of the 62IB, on July 1 last year, in the barangay.

FIVE-MINUTE FIREFIGHT

Pasaporte said the firefight between the 62IB soldiers and the group of armed rebels, believed to be members of the NPA Special Partisan Unit and Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon of the Central Negros 1, lasted for about five minutes.

Aside from the cadaver of Tapales, soldiers later recovered a fragmentation grenade, a .45 caliber pistol with three magazines containing 25 ammunitions, and a 357 caliber revolver with four ammunitions at the encounter site.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62IB commander, said yesterday that Tapales had another pending arrest warrant for murder for the liquidation of CAFGU member Mico Dinoy, also in the barangay, on Jan. 28 this year, and the killing of two civilians he identified as Jemer Pondador and Romeo Dunggo-an, in Sitio Mandi-e, Brgy. Magsaysay, Guihulngan City, in July 21 last year.

JUSTICE SERVED

Flores tagged Tapales as a member of the NPA Special Partisan Unit of the Central Negros Front 1. No casualty was reported on the government side during the encounter Sunday.

Flores said another life was wasted due to the deceptions and lies of the NPA. However, justice was also served to the families of the victims of Tapales and his comrades, he added.

He appealed to the NPA remnants to abandon the armed struggle.

“Embrace the programs offered by our government and live peacefully with your families or you will face a similar fate,” Flores added.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/npa-hitman-linked-to-slay-of-soldier-civilians-killed/

US gov’t extends medical aid to C-130 crash victims

From Mindanews (Jul 6, 2021): US gov’t extends medical aid to C-130 crash victims (By FRENCIE CARREON)

The United States government provided assistance during the medical evacuation of soldiers who sustained serious injuries when a Philippine Air Force C-130 plane crashed in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday, City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco said Monday.

Filipino soldiers give a warm welcome to a US trooper minutes before the military exercise in Carmen, North Cotabato was formally opened Monday, July 26. MindaNews file photo by GENE BOYD R. LUMAWAG

Responding to a request from Western Mindanao Command chief LGen Corleto Vinluan, the US Emergency Medical Services Team led by Abdel Canti assisted Philippine military doctors in the transfer and treatment of the crash victims.

Aside from medical supplies, Davao City also sent on Monday six surgeons and specialists – Dr. James David, Dr. Kent Antolin, Dr. Ali Pendaliday, Dr. Jikko Superioridad, Dr. Kalvin Estañero, Dr. Marvie Aguro – and Aljimar Kahal, a nurse.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte offered the assistance in view of the fact that Zamboanga City’s medical sector was having its hands full with COVID-19 cases.

Early on Monday, Scene of the Crime Operatives said DNA tests were needed to identify the charred remains of the victims at different funeral parlors in the city.

‘Heartbroken”

US soldiers who were deployed in Zamboanga City and Sulu for months shared their sentiments on the crash and their experiences with their Filipino counterparts.

“I have many fond memories while working in Jolo from 2007-2012 with the US military and working along-side the Philippine military. The security on the island was a concern from Abu Sayyaf, but there were still so many people who were working to make a better life for the Tausug people. I continue to see so much potential in Jolo and look forward to returning someday to vacation and enjoy the beauty of the land and the people again,” Lt. Col. Tyler Wilson, then a civil-military operations officer of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines.

“I know its 4th of July, but I feel so heartbroken over the C-130 crash in Sulu, Philippines. What a terrible way to go out. The fact I’ve landed there, jumped and shared that aircraft with my Filipino brothers and sisters makes it worse. Never take life for granted, people,” Brian Adams said.

“My condolences to the families and the faithful of the soldiers and citizens who died yesterday after their C-130 crashed in Patikul. I fondly remember the warm welcome and protection of the Philippine military during the medical mission,” Peter Du Pont said.

US and Filipino troops have staged joint military exercises in the country under the Visiting Forces Agreement.

During their stay, the US military built, among others the birthing clinic at the Zamboanga City Medical Center which was used for a few days as the treatment and quarantine area of the first COVID-19 patients in the city.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/07/us-govt-extends-medical-aid-to-c-130-crash-victims/

3 alleged members of ‘Akmad Ampatuan’ private armed group surrender in Maguindanao

From Mindanews (Jul 6, 2021): 3 alleged members of ‘Akmad Ampatuan’ private armed group surrender in Maguindanao (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Three alleged members of the “Akmad Ampatuan” private armed group on Tuesday surrendered to the police regional office of the Bangsamoro Region together with their long high-powered firearms.

BGen Eden Ugale, regional police commander identified those who surrendered at Camp Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao as Abby Aguak, Pendatun Ampatuan and Gani Macmod.

Ugale said the surrenderees yielded three M-16 rifles and an M-14 rifle.

Police officials receive the surrendered firearms at Camp Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao. Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office_BARMM

He said the surrender came after a series of negotiation.

He added that Datu Akmad Ampatuan, a former mayor of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao and alleged leader of the armed group, had expressed a desire to surrender, too. He was elected as vice mayor but recently resigned.

Datu Akmad was known as a trusted bodyguard of the late Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., a close relative, but later turned against his patron after he stood as prime witness in the 2009 Ampatuan Massacre.

“It will greatly contribute to the realization of peace and security in the region,” Ugale said of Datu Akmad’s plan to surrender.

Datu Akmad survived two bloody ambuscades which left him badly injured.

The Police Regional Office said it is focusing on the disbandment of private armed groups in line with the normalization track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Ugale assured that surrenderees will receive support from the government to enable them to start a new life.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/07/3-alleged-members-of-akmad-ampatuan-private-armed-group-surrender-in-maguindanao/

‘Black box’ of ill-fated C-130 plane found

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6, 2021): ‘Black box’ of ill-fated C-130 plane found (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Tuesday confirmed that the "black box" or flight data recorder of the ill-fated C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft that crashed in Patikul, Sulu has been recovered.

"Nahanap na po, as of 11 o'clock (a.m.) yesterday (Monday). Nakita na po dun sa site at 'yung ating investigating team from the 220th Airlift Wing ay nandun na rin (It was located 11 a.m. yesterday. It was seen and recovered from the site by the team from the 220th Airlift Wing)," Sobejana said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

A flight data recorder is an electronic recording device placed in an aircraft for the purpose of facilitating the investigation of aviation accidents and incidents.

Sobejana also said the crash site has been cordoned off to prevent contamination of pieces of evidence that will be recovered within its one-kilometer radius.

"Actually, yun nga, there are different versions ng mga account ng mga witnesses. I spoke with the passengers, yung nag-survive na nasa ating military hospital sa Zamboanga at ang sabi nya nag-bounce daw three times yung eroplano. After the third bounce parang nagsi-zigzag siya then lumipad sila muli pero I think hindi naka-regain back ng power, so na-short at sumabit yung pakpak sa kahoy, sa puno ng kahoy, e nag bank to the right at tuluyan nang bumagsak. Yung iba naman nagsasabi nga na isang landing gear lang daw yung nakita pero baka from the line-of-sight lang siguro nya, but anyway all these things will be determined by our site investigators (There are different versions coming from witnesses' accounts. I spoke with one of the survivors and now undergoing treatment at our military hospital in Zamboanga. He said that the aircraft bounced three times, and on its third bounce, it zigzagged and started to fly again but I think it was not able to go into full power, so it ended short and its wings hit a tree which caused it to bank on the right and crashed. Others are saying that only one landing gear was seen, but probably it is due to their line-of-sight, but anyway, all of these things will be determined by site investigators)," he added.

Sobejana also advised the public not to speculate and wait for the final word from the investigators.

He added that the recovery of the "black box" will allow investigators to listen to the last conversation between the pilots and the crew inside the C-130 cockpit so that they will get a clearer picture of what really transpired.

Sobejana added that he wants investigation results to be released as fast as possible but these must be deliberate, accurate, and based on facts.

"(My) instruction (is) to do it as fast as possible but we should not compromise the quality of the investigation," he said.

In a message to reporters Tuesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the "black box" will be sent to the US to retrieve the information inside.

The aircraft was about to transport troops to Jolo when it crashed in Patikul, Sulu around 11:30 a.m. Sunday. It was one of the two C-130H acquired through a grant from the US government that arrived in the country last Jan. 29. It was formally welcomed to the PAF fleet during a ceremony at the Villamor Air Base, Pasay last Feb. 18.

The C-130 is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin.

Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft.

Around 96 people were recorded in the C-130's flight manifest, including three pilots and five aircrew.

At least 50 military personnel and three civilians on the ground were confirmed dead while 46 soldiers and four civilians were wounded in the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146087

BCDA works on finding fund sources for military

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6, 2021): BCDA works on finding fund sources for military (By Azer Parrocha)

File photo

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is looking for funding sources to raise funds for the country’s soldiers, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after President Rodrigo Duterte, in his visit to Zamboanga City to honor the casualties in the military plane crash in Patikul, Sulu, reiterated the government's plan to sell or lease part of Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to raise funds for soldiers' benefits.

He said the government has yet to come up with a timeline for its plan to lease part of Fort Bonifacio, but noted that the BCDA is working on finding other fund sources.

“Wala pa namang timeline pero (There is no timeline yet but) we have an agency headed by Secretary Vince Dizon, BCDA, and the mandate precisely is to make full utilization of all our military assets including the camps and bases para po ma-improve din ang kapakanan ng ating mga sundalo (to improve the capabilities of our soldiers),” Roque said in a press briefing in Pampanga.

The BCDA engages in public-private partnerships to push forward public infrastructure such as tollways, airports, seaports, and also major real estate development.

BCDA president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vince Dizon, who was also present in the press briefing, said the Department of Finance is studying solutions to raise funds for both soldiers and police.

“May working group po si [Finance] Secretary [Carlos] Dominguez to study the long-term solution to the pension issue, not just of the Armed Forces, but also of the police. And I think maghintay tayo dun sa magiging recommendations ng Department of Finance tungkol dito (let us just wait for the recommendations of the Department of Finance),” he said.

Duterte, in several speeches, urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to lease out its remaining lands in Fort Bonifacio to raise more funds for its modernization program.

Fort Bonifacio is the location of the Philippine Army headquarters, the Philippine Marines headquarters, and the Philippine Navy's Bonifacio Naval Station.

He said it could also provide better life insurance, housing, health, and emergency loans for the country’s soldiers.

During his visit to the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) gymnasium in Zamboanga City to honor casualties in the military plane crash, Duterte assured families of soldiers killed and injured that their sacrifices will not go in vain.

“The life of a soldier is always valuable, whether in the fields of fighting or events such as this. They died for our country and for that I am very grateful to those who died and those who helped,” he said in his speech.

Meanwhile, Roque said the Palace is waiting for the results of the investigation into the Philippine Air Force C-130 plane crash in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday and the S-70i Black Hawk Utility helicopter crash in Capas, Tarlac during a night flight training some two weeks ago.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146106

‘Constructive, peaceful’ talks between PH, China vital: Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6, 2021): ‘Constructive, peaceful’ talks between PH, China vital: Duterte (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

VIRTUAL SUMMIT. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte speaks during the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit via video link on Tuesday (July 6, 2021). Duterte valued the friendship and ties between CPC and the Philippines’ ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) which he chairs. (Screengrab from Facebook)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday emphasized the need to maintain the Philippines’ “constructive” and “peaceful” negotiations with China to further bolster “mutual trust and confidence" between the two countries.

Duterte made the remarks, as he joined China in celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the sole governing political party of China with over 95 million members.

In his message during the CPC and World Political Parties Summit via video link on Tuesday, Duterte expressed gratitude to the growing friendship between CPC and his ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

“We value the friendship [and] ties between PDP-Laban and the CPC that have grown significantly over the years. To further build mutual trust and confidence, we must sustain our constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement. This is crucial as the bilateral relations between our two countries expand and deepen,” he said.

Duterte said the Philippines counts on China as a “friend and a partner for peace and development.”

He hoped that the “deep and enduring” ties between China and the Philippines would continue to thrive as the two nations “value win-win cooperation, amity and mutual respect.”

“We trust in the collective wisdom of the great Chinese nation that China will use its newfound strength in defense of what is good and just for all humanity,” Duterte said. “After all we exist, in one global village, our destinies are inextricably linked with each other, peace and prosperity therefore must be shared and enjoyed by all.”

Duterte also thanked the Chinese government for assisting the Philippines in its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and in its bid to restart its economy.

‘Sleeping dragon no more’

Duterte also heaped praises on China’s “extraordinary” rise to prosperity, helping more than 800 million Chinese nationals escape from extreme poverty and driving a global growth in the process.

Gone are the days of sleeping by the Chinese dragon, Duterte said, because of China’s “collective and dedicated” efforts under CPC’s leadership.

“Indeed, the sleeping dragon no more, China has realized its dream of progress and prosperity for its people. With this came great power and equally immense responsibility,” he said.

Duterte likewise expressed confidence that China will continue to play a vital role in years to come.

“Therefore, we won’t be any turning back. China has risen and will play an important role in the global decades for decades to come. The world faces tremendous challenges from Covid-19 to Climate Change and various security threats. While we see difficulties, we also glean many opportunities from greater cooperation and solidarity,” he said.

As party’s secretary general of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese President Xi Jinping led the ruling party’s 100th anniversary celebration on July 1.

In his keynote speech, Xi said the CPC is willing to contribute more Chinese solutions and Chinese strength to the poverty reduction process worldwide.

Xi added that China will never seek hegemony, expansion, or sphere of influence.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146198

Ex-rebel bares how CPP-NPA-NDF ‘tentacles’ work

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6, 2021): Ex-rebel bares how CPP-NPA-NDF ‘tentacles’ work (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

ENOUGH. Anti-Reds groups demonstrate outside the Dutch Embassy in Makati in this June 2021 photo. They demanded that the Kingdom of the Netherlands send back exiled Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison to face numerous charges. (Photo courtesy of SMNI)

The operations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to recruit and radicalize more members is "comparable to an octopus with many tentacles", a former rebel said.

Jeffrey Celiz, also known as Ka Eric Almendras in the communist terrorist group (CTG), said the CTGs put up the National Organizations Department (NOD) to infiltrate and radicalize various sectors such as the youth, women, industry workers, urban poor, transport, and even the government.

"NOD is a central committee staff organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines at dyan po nagmumula ang (and that's the start of) organizing and recruitment, infiltration, radicalization both above ground and underground," Celiz said during Monday's regular press conference "Debunking lies by telling the truth" of the National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Celiz said the NOD is responsible for luring people from rural areas, central towns, universities, religious groups, media, and other professionals to join the communist revolution.

The CPP-NPA-NDF also has an international department which is maneuvered by CPP founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison himself, he said.

"Iyan ay mayroong humigit-kumulang 47 years of existence abroad. Diyan nagtatago sila Joma Sison at iyan din po ang kumukumpas ng mga peace talks sa (It has been more or less 47 years of existence abroad. That's where Joma Sison is hiding at and it's the one demanding for peace talks) abroad and infiltrating overseas Filipino workers and Filipino communities," he added.

Departments, roles

The National Military Commission (NMC), he said, is responsible for the operational command and attacks by NPA rebels across the country.

The NMC organizes mass actions and stages rallies in urban and far-flung communities while the national propaganda and cultural commission is handled directly by the Communist Party Central Committee.

"Nandirito po ang kanilang mga pagmi-maintain ng pangalan na (It involves maintaining the name) Marco Valbuena. In fact, Marco Valbuena is just a name, it’s not a person. Marami pong gumagamit ng pangalan na iyan sa ilalim ng (Several individuals are using that name under the) CPP information bureau. It’s an alias being used by at least three (persons)," Celiz said, noting that Sison himself is hiding under the name to communicate with CTGs.

Celiz lamented that the CPP-NPA is also using tactical operations against local businesses, telecommunications companies, and politicians to extort money they will spend for their terroristic operations.

"So, they are very organized like a big criminal syndicate. This is a national finance extortionist unit. The NPA also has a unit involved in burning, explosions, attacking businesses and politicians, and even targeting big companies such as telecommunications firms," he said.

The CTGs likewise established the national tax implementing group and the national peasant commission that conspire with the land grabbers.

There is also the National United Front Commission responsible for mass actions involving the middle class, media operations infiltration, lawyers, campaign for party-list groups, and non-governmental organization operations.

Real threat

"Ito iyong binabanggit ni Lt. General Antonio Parlade, na ang threat sa pagwasak sa kabuhayan, karapatan at kagalingan ng mga kabataang Pilipino at ng pamilyang Pilipino by way of the deceptive and radical recruitment among the youth ay totoo at hindi kathang isip ng military o ng NTF-ELCAC (This has been mentioned by Lt. General Antonio Parlade that the threat of destroying the livelihood, rights, and well-being of the Filipino youth and the Filipino family by way of deceptive and radical recruitment among the youth is real, not mere imaginations by the military or the NTF ELCAC)," he said.

Celiz said the CPP-NPA-NDF is expanding toward infiltrating "government rank and file workers, the academe, teachers, and even health professionals in public hospitals.

"We are confronting an enemy no matter how maybe small their numbers, compared to our government bureaucracy organization, but they have the capability to sabotage, subvert, and undermine our way of life in a democratic system, even able to maximize legal processes and democratic processes such as elections," he said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146171