CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP aerial assets: Flying coffins

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): AFP aerial assets: Flying coffins

The helicopters and planes of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been recently dubbed as “flying coffins.” This came after the crash of a C-130 Hercules transport plane of the AFP last July 4 in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu, which recorded the highest number of casualties in the past three decades.

Latest reports confirmed that 52 have died, including 49 soldiers and three residents of Sitio Amman of the said barangay. At least 53 were wounded and currently being treated, including 49 soldiers and four civilians.

The secondhand plane was purchased by the regime just this January from the US. The war matériel of the AFP are mostly secondhand, including its warships and war planes which have been used since the World War 2 and the US war of aggression in Vietnam from the 1960s to 1970s.

The incident happened just a few days after Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana Lorenzana grounded the AFP’s fleet of Black Hawk helicopter on June 24, following a helicopter crash during a night proficiency training in Capas, Tarlac.

The combat utility helicopter crashed in the evening of June 23 after taking off from a former military base. The following day, search and rescue teams were able to locate the ravaged helicopter at Crow Valley in Tarlac. All of its six crew and passengers were killed.

The crashed helicopter was among the 16 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters purchased by the Philippines from Poland in 2019. Six of these, including that which crashed, arrived in the country in November 2020. Five more helicopters arrived this June and the last batch is expected to arrive by the end of the year.

The 16 helicopters are part of the $241-million contract (₱11.8 billion) between the Philippines and Poland in 2019. These were manufactured by PZL Mielec in Poland, a subsidiary of US company Lockheed Martin. (The Philippines was forced to buy from Poland after Canada refused to sell war matériel to the country because of the regime’s terrible human rights record.)

In all, 18 pilots and soldiers have been killed in successive helicopter crashes which took place since July 2020 until June 23 this year.

Last July 2020, four crew and soldiers were killed and another wounded when a Huey helicopter crashed while conducting night proficiency training in northern Luzon.

In January 2021, a UH-1H Huey helicopter of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing crashed in Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, killing seven crew and passengers. The helicopter was deployed to support the combat operations of the 8th IB against the New People’s Army.

Last April, a pilot of the Philippine Air Force died while three passengers were wounded when an MG520 helicopter gunship of the 15th Strike Wing crashed in Jetafe, Bohol.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/afp-aerial-assets-flying-coffins/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Protests

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): Protests

75-years of neocolonialism. Around 100 students mounted a lightning rally in front of the United States Embassy in Pasay City on July 4. Youth activists led by the League of Filipino Students demanded the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and other unequal agreements and treaties between the Philippines and the US. They also condemned the Duterte regime for being openly subservient to the US and for selling out the country’s sovereignty.

Pri­de Protest. LGBTQ+ groups and their supporters converged at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Quezon City on June 26 to commemorate the Pride Month and uphold the LGBTQ+ sector’s rights and struggle against discrimination. The protest was spearheaded by Bahaghari and Metro Manila Pride. Pride protests were also mounted by various organizations in Pampanga and Laguna.

Junk Anti-Terrorism Law. National democratic groups protested in front of the Supreme Court in Padre Faura, Manila City on July 6 to demand the junking of the Duterte regime’s Anti-Terror Law. The law has been enacted for exactly a year last July 3 but the Supreme Court has yet to release its decision on the petitions filed against it.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/protests-8/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Groups meet Duterte’s fifth year with protest

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): Groups meet Duterte’s fifth year with protest

More than a thousand individuals marched to the Mendiola Bridge in Manila to mark Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth year in power last June 30 and hold him accountable for his regime of corruption, treachery, killings, and oppression.

Led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, various organizations demanded an end to the killings and for the Duterte regime to be prosecuted for all its crimes against the people. A similar protest was mounted in San Pedro City, Laguna.

On the same day, health workers protested in front of the Department of Health office in Manila City to demand their unpaid benefits and Sec. Francisco Duque III’s resignation.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/groups-meet-dutertes-fifth-year-with-protest/

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP, DOST mount DDoS attacks against alternative media

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): AFP, DOST mount DDoS attacks against alternative media

Sweden-based cybersecurity watchdog Qurium Media exposed in a report last June 22 that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) were behind the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against the websites of Bulatlat, Altermidya and Karapatan. The attacks began mid-May and peaked in June, and continue until today. The websites were flooded with millions of requests to render their services unavailable.

These were mounted simultaneously with DDoS attacks on the Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC at https://cpp.ph) which resulted in intermittent service disruptions. The AFP also used fake Twitter accounts to push for temporary suspension of the handle of the CPP (@prwc_info) and permanent ban on the handle of its information officer (@marco_cpp).

According to Qurium, the attacks were traced to IP addresses linked to an office of the military in Taguig City, and to the Philippine Research, and Government Information Network of the DOST. The Congress is now pushing to investigate the attacks.

Meanwhile, unauthorized elements hijacked the membership application of 1Sambayan during the second week of June. The group believes that their political rivals orchestrated the attack.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/afp-dost-mount-ddos-attacks-against-alternative-media/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA-Surigao del Sur seizes 2 M16 rifles

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): NPA-Surigao del Sur seizes 2 M16 rifles

Red fighters disarmed the security guards of MR1 Construction Company on June 24 in Barangay Zone 3, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. Seized during the said operation were two M16 rifles, a shotgun, a .45 caliber pistol and other military equipment. A security guard and a CAFGU element were killed during the offensive. The company is owned by Paulo Lopez, a relative of Rep. Prospero Pichay, Jr.

On the same day, the New People’s Army (NPA)-Surigao del Sur ambushed policemen aboard a patrol vehicle who responded to the incident. The NPA also fired at a unit of the Regional Mobile Group in the area.

In Samar, the NPA-Northern Samar were able to evict the occupying troops of the 20th IB conducting Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in barangays Epaw and Sag-od in Las Navas. On June 18 and 19, Red fighters sniped soldiers at Barangay Epaw. Earlier, Red fighters also sniped 20th IB elements occupying the borders of barangays Epaw and Sag-od.

The soldiers left the area on June 21 and have not returned since then to conduct RCSP.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/npa-surigao-del-sur-seizes-2-m16-rifles/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Farmer murdered, 22 families evacuate

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): Farmer murdered, 22 families evacuate

During the past weeks, one case each of killing and artillery shelling were reported in Negros Occidental, while 22 families evacuated in Surigao del Sur. Five civilians were arrested in Bohol, Laguna and Agusan del Sur.

Killing. Elements of the 3rd ID gunned down Erming Pacheco, a Tumandok, at Sitio Dala-upon, Carabalan, Himamaylan City. He was accused of involvement in an encounter between the military and Red fighters near the area.

Shelling. On the same day, the 3rd ID shelled the mountainous areas of Himamaylan City and Binalbagan from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This attack traumatized residents and damaged their source of livelihood.

Evacuation. In Surigao del Sur, 22 families (100 individuals) from Sitio Panukmoan and Sitio Manluy-a, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga evacuated from their community on June 23. The evacuees are from the same barangay where three civilians were massacred by soldiers of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion on June 15. The soldiers threatened to kill anyone who will speak about the massacre.

Illegal arrest. Elements of the 47th IB simultaneously arrested Carmilo Tabada, coordinator of Central Visayas Farmers Development Center, in Trinidad, Bohol, and Rev. Nathaniel Vallente, pastor of the United Churches of Christ in the Philippines, in San Jose, Mabini, Bohol, on June 25. Evidences of firearms and ammunition were planted in their possession, and both were slapped with trumped-up charges. They were earlier red-tagged by the regime.

On the same day, the police arrested Dana Marie Marcellana and Christian Relao in San Diego, San Pablo City, Laguna. They were slapped with trumped-up charges of rebellion and illegal possession of firearms.

In Agusan del Sur, the 8th Special Forces Company arrested a 12-year old child at Sitio Marang, Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad on June 4. Prior to the arrest, soldiers indiscriminately fired their weapons at farmers harvesting corn. Two farmers were wounded. Twelve children were among the harvesters.

Harassment. Soldiers and policemen illegally searched seven houses of members of the Trinidad-Talibon Integrated Farmers Association in Trinidad, Bohol on June 27 and June 28.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/farmer-murdered-22-families-evacuate/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Arrests and militarization in Bicol

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): Arrests and militarization in Bicol

A farmer was killed and 19 civilians were arrested in military operations across Bicol during the past two weeks. Many areas across the region are currently under military occupation.

Elements of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion gunned down farmer Alex Llabres at his house in Barangay San Roque Heights, Bula, Camarines Sur last June 24.

In Sorsogon, the 22nd IB illegally arrested 13 individuals including six minors in Bulan last June 28. Soldiers initially arrested Alvin Mapula along with his 2-year old niece Althea Mapula, and 13-year old nephew Janrex Mapula, 13, in Barangay Bulawan.

They also illegally detained the relatives who were searching for the victims. Editha Mapula, 43; Mary Ann Mapula, 29; Angel Mapula, 12; Rey Mapula, 4; RJ Mapula, 7; Renz Guelas, 13; Sunny Preconcillo, 48; Emy Preconcillo, 39 and Dante Bandola, 50, are still detained.

On the same day, state forces arrested Laurente Gestole, resident of Barangay Cadandanan. They also harassed and threatened to arrest Regine Graida and Geraldine Gestole, residents of Barangay Calpi. In the town of Donsol, state forces shot and illegally arrested farmer Jesus Macenas last June 17.

In Masbate, state forces arrested teacher Mariel Suson, 22, and Jennifer Dollison Nuñez, a member of Amihan Bicol and Sano Arendain ng Kilusang Magbubukid ng Bicol on June 22 and 23 in Barangay San Jose, Uson.

On June 18, the elements of the 2nd IB arrested Joseph Delara, 18, resident of Candelaria, Uson, and Jude Serafin resident of Tuburan, Cawayan. Serafin is still under police detention.

Meanwhile, 23 out of the 44 barangays of Tinambac, three in Lagonoy, and two in Goa, Camarines Sur are occupied by the 83rd IB. The soldiers have been encamped in these villages under the pretext of conducting Retooled Community Support Program operations.

The occupation aims to prepare the communities for the entry of big mining, quarrying and ecotourism companies in the Partido district. These companies primarily aim to plunder Tinambac which serves as the largest water reservoir in Camarines Sur. The mountains of the said are have rich mineral and wood resources.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/arrests-and-militarization-in-bicol/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Covid-19 response funds, a corruption goldmine

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): Covid-19 response funds, a corruption goldmine

The Duterte regime’s Covid-19 fund worth billions of pesos is a corruption goldmine. Government reports last June 25 estimate that ₱168.7 billion or 25.43% of the entire ₱665.7 billion appropriated for the program have not been spent by various agencies of the Duterte government since March 2020 for unexplained reasons.

These funds were from the Bayanihan 1 (₱393.63 billion) and Bayanihan 2 (₱205.12 billion), and budget appropriations to various agencies in the national budget for 2021 (₱66.97 billion).

The biggest chunk of unspent funds are in the Department of Health (DOH). Of its ₱157.4-billion fund, it only managed to spend ₱51.4 billion to procure vaccines and support health workers, among others.

Particularly, it only spent ₱1.12 billion of the ₱5.26-billion allocation for the procurement of vaccines. The ₱9-billion budget for payment of special risk allowance of health workers was only released last June 29.

The ₱16.24-million allocation for health workers at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital remains unutilized. This is despite the continuous clamor of the sector led by the Alliance of Health Workers.

End of Bayanihan 2

Government agencies with unspent funds include the Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD (₱1.3 billion), Department of Public Works and Highways (₱1 billion), Department of Agriculture (₱658.3 million), Department of the Interior and Local Government (₱580.471 million), DOH (₱266.2 million), and Department of Labor and Employment (₱224 million.)

Unspent Bayanihan 2 funds will be reverted back to the National Treasury as the extended law expired on June 30. Approximately 4.6% or ₱6.5 billion of the ₱141.6 billion of the extended Bayanihan 2 remains unspent by various government departments.

Several personalities and groups criticized the regime’s negligence. According to Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay, the expiration of Bayanihan 2 with billions of still unspent funds is a “serious indictment” of the regime’s negligence and failure to respond to the pandemic.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers also criticized the Department of Education for failing to utilize the ₱1.7-billion allocation for distance learning. The said budget was particularly allocated for the printing of learning modules, and aid for teachers among others.

The regime’s free public transportation program also ended with the expiration of Bayanihan 2. This is despite shortages in public transport especially in Metro Manila.

Spending probe

Sen. Sonny Angara, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, said that the committee will probe into the spending of each government agency to identify the reasons behind the slow utilization of funds.

Last month, the Senate also questioned the sluggish disbursement by the DBM despite the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Authority which supposedly aims to expedite the process.
Last February and May, Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Sen. Risa Hontiveros respectively filed their resolutions to audit the Bayanihan funds. Thirty-seven lawmakers also filed similar resolutions in the Lower House.

Last July 3, Sen. Manny Pacquiao alleged that ₱10.4 billion in Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the DSWD are missing. He said that of the 1.8 million beneficiaries who were supposed to the cash aid through mobile application Starpay, only 500,000 were able to claim their share.

Aside from DSWD, he also tagged the DOH and Department of Energy as corrupt. He alleged that the DOH is buying near-expiry drugs at regular prices when prices should be lower.

“Without proper accounting, we cannot blame the people for thinking that this administration is trying to create an enormous war chest in the run-up for the 2022 elections,” said Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Zarate.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/covid-19-response-funds-a-corruption-goldmine/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Katahimikang hatid ng pambubusal at paninindak ang sukatan ng tagumpay ng RTF-ELCAC sa Bikol

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)  Website (Jul 10, 2021): Katahimikang hatid ng pambubusal at paninindak ang sukatan ng tagumpay ng RTF-ELCAC sa Bikol

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 10, 2021

Kinukundena ng NDF-Bikol ang malawakan at sistematikong pandarahas at panunupil ng RTF-ELCAC sa mga isla ng Masbate. Hungkag na tropeyo laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang pagbabandera ni Capt. John Paul Belleza ng panibagong pinalobong listahan ng mga pekeng sumerender at nahuhuling kasapi ng Jose Rapsing Command. Bahagi ito ng pinasinsin at pinatinding kampanyang saywar ng RTF-ELCAC. Nakabatay sa kasinungalingan ang mga ito at katumbas din masahol na paglabag sa karapatang tao ng sibilyang populasyon ng Masbate. Kapansin-pansing ang ipinangangalandakan nilang 505 na sapilitang pinapirma sa ECLIP at panibagong 21 ihinabol ay pawang mga sibilyang tinatakan lamang nila ng mga titulong mag-uugnay sa mga ito sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Hilong talilong sa sarili nilang kasinungalingan, hindi maipaliwanag ni Belleza bakit matapos ideklara at isapublikong sumuko sa ilalim ng ECLIP, saka pa lamang gugulong ang pagbeberipika para maipamahagi ang pangakong pondong pangkabuhayan para sa kanila. Ikinukubli rin ng talaang kanyang ipinangangalandakan ang kaakibat na pinasidhing paninibasib ng militarisasyon sa iba’t ibang bayan ng isla-prubinsya upang pigilan ang malakas na paglaban ng mamamayang Masbatenyo sa mga dambuhalang proyektong ekoturismo, huwad na pamamahagi ng lupa at mapangwasak na dayuhang pagmimina.

Tunay at makabuluhang kapayapaan ang mithiing makamit ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan para sa mamamayang Pilipino. Napakalaki ng pagkakaiba nito sa katahimikang idinudulot ng pangangastigo ng sanlibo’t sanlaksang latigo ng pasismong terorismo ng rehimeng Duterte. Hindi mapapadapa sa loob ng kaniyang termino o ng kahit anumang pasistang rehimen ang rebolusyonaryong diwa ng henerasyon ng Masbatenyong paalun-along sumusulong para ipagtanggol ang mga tagumpay ng kanilang sama-samang pagbabalikwas. Higit lamang na ginagatungan ng pinasidhi at pinatinding paninibasib ng RTF-ELCAC sa nasabing prubinsya nitong mga nagdaang buwan ang pangangalit ng mamamayan at kapasyahang suungin ang landas ng pakikidigmang gerilya para makatarungang ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga sarili.

Sa loob at labas ng bansa, ilinalalantad ng mamamayang hindi kailanman pumapanig sa panunupil at pandarahas ang teroristang kampanya ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Kailanman, kaisa ng mamamayang Masbatenyo at Bikolano ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagsusulong ng kanilang demokratikong karapatan. Pinipili at muli’t muling tatanganan ng nagbabalikwas na mamamayan ang landas ng paglaban hangga’t hindi tuluyang napapawi ang ugat ng paghihirap at pasakit sa lipunang Pilipino. Kasabay ng pagtatagumpay ng makatarungang digma ng mamamayan ang pagkakamit ng kapayapaang malaya sa ligalig ng pang-ekonomiya at panlipunang krisis. Mananatiling matatag ang pundasyon ng nagpapatuloy ng digma ng pagpapalaya.

Dae matatanyog ang pagkakasararo kang namamanwaang Masbatenyo at Bikolano!

Kita ang paglaom kan satong banwaan para sa katalingkasan!

https://cpp.ph/statements/katahimikang-hatid-ng-pambubusal-at-paninindak-ang-sukatan-ng-tagumpay-ng-rtf-elcac-sa-bikol/

CPP/NPA-Bicol: Nagpapatuloy ang makatarungang digma ng mamamayan sa Masbate

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)  Website (Jul 10, 2021): Nagpapatuloy ang makatarungang digma ng mamamayan sa Masbate

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

SPOKESPERSON

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JULY 10, 2021

Rebolusyonaryong hustisya ang iginawad ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng Jose Rapsing Command (JRC-Masbate) nitong July 10, 5:30 ng umaga sa Sitio Balunos, Brgy. Rizal, Dimasalang. Apat ang napatay at 17 ang nasugatan sa hanay ng mersenaryong hukbo sa ambus na isinagawa ng JRC.

Ang 24 na elemento ng dagdag pwersa na ipinadala ng 9th ID sa isla ng prubinsya ay karagdagang pwersa ng panunupil at pandarahas ng RTF-ELCAC laban sa mamamayang Masbatenyo. Nitong mga nagdaang buwan, buong bangis na nanghalihaw ang tinatayang aabot sa 1000 elementong pinagsanib na pwersa ng pulis at militar sa mga bayan ng prubinsya. Nagresulta ang kanilang nag-uulol na focused military operations at Retooled Community Support Program sa malawakang paglabag sa karapatang sibil, paninindak, iligal na pang-aaresto at pagdiditene, sapilitang pagpapasurender, ektrahudisyal na pamamaslang at serye ng mga masaker.

Sa gitna ng brutal na pagkakait ng batayang demokratikong karapatan ng mga Masbatenyo ng rehimeng US-Duterte at kanyang mga alipures sa prubinsya, higit na nagpupunyagi ang mga Masbatenyo, sa kanilang natatanging armas at kalasag sa pagtatanggol ng kanilang soberanong karapatan—ang armadong pakikibaka. Kabuklod nila ang buong bansa sa buong tatag na pagharap, paglantad at pagbigo sa pinasidhing kampanyang psywar ng NTF-ELCAC upang ikubli ang mga karumal-dumal na krimen ng berdugong whole-of-the-nation-approach (WONA) ng pasistang teroristang reaksyunaryong estado.

https://cpp.ph/statements/nagpapatuloy-ang-makatarungang-digma-ng-mamamayan-sa-masbate/

CPP/CIO: NPA tactical offensive in Samar is a legitimate act of war

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)  Website (Jul 9, 2021): NPA tactical offensive in Samar is a legitimate act of war

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 09, 2021

We are still awaiting a detailed report about the tactical offensive mounted by the New People’s Army (NPA) last Wednesday in Jipapad, Eastern Samar. Based on news reports, however, it is clear that the action was a legitimate act of war against military targets.

The military and paramilitary forces who were ambushed by the NPA were fully armed and ready to engage in battle. According to the AFP’s spot report, their forces engaged the NPA unit in a 20-minute gun battle where they suffered several casualties.

The claim by some quarters that the tactical offensive violated human rights is baseless and ridiculous. It was mounted by the NPA in the context of the ongoing civil war in the Philippines. The conduct of the tactical offensive is fully in line with international laws on war.

The landmine (command-detonated explosive) used by the NPA is not a prohibited weapon under the Ottawa Treaty or any other international treaties. The weapon was properly employed in the Wednesday ambush as no civilian was hurt. We urge everyone to avoid blanket condemnation of the use of landmines which does not help educate the public about the laws of war.

We would like to point out that not all landmines are prohibited under the Ottawa Treaty of 1997. In fact, the armed forces of Canada (where the landmine treaty was signed) also possesses mines (C19 Detonated Weapon) which it says “does not qualify as a landmine under the treaty because it is fired by a person and not by a pressure plate” which work similarly to the NPA’s landmines.

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-tactical-offensive-in-samar-is-a-legitimate-act-of-war/

CPP/CIO: Tribute to press freedom fighter Nonoy Espina

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)  Website (Jul 9, 2021): Tribute to press freedom fighter Nonoy Espina

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 09, 2021

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) extends profound sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Jose Jaime (Nonoy) Espina, son of Negros, and one of the country’s strongest pillars of press freedom. Ka Nonoy passed away last Wednesday.

Ka Nonoy was a journalist of several decades who became known for having courageously opposed state suppression and censorship and fought for the democratic rights and interests of media workers. He stood firmly on the side of the oppressed and exploited masses and helped their advocacies and struggles.

For his commitment, Ka Nonoy earned the ire of those in power and lived a life under threat of being silenced. He would, however, never be muffled, not by Marcos nor by Duterte.

Ka Nonoy’s lifelong dedication to the people and his craft will always be admired and emulated by the younger generation of Filipino journalists and advocates of the Filipino people.

https://cpp.ph/statements/tribute-to-press-freedom-fighter-nonoy-espina/

Kalinaw News: Abu Sayyaf neutralized, terrorist lair overran in Sulu

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 10, 2021): Abu Sayyaf neutralized, terrorist lair overran in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – July 10, 2021 an armed confrontation transpired between the military and more or less 25 Abu Sayyaf Group members in Sulu on July 9, 2021.

“Based on the report, troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu were conducting focused military operations when they encountered the local terrorists under ASG Sub-Leader Mundi Sawadjaan in Bud Daho, Barangay Lumping Pigi Daho, Talipao, Sulu,” said Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Major General William Gonzales said that “residents of Brgy Lumping Pigi Daho reported that they have seen tents made of laminated sacks. Immediately, troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion who are operating nearby proceeded to the location. Then and there, they fought with more or less 20 Abu Sayyaf’s under sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan and Ellam Nasirin. Upon clearing the encounter site, the troops found the cadaver of an unidentified bandit.”

While scouring the clash site, troops recovered 14 hammocks, eight ponchos, three pairs of boots, and assorted foodstuff.

The slain terrorist was brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for identification and proper disposition while troops continue the clearing and pursuit operations.

During the conduct of pursuit operations, troops discovered an ASG lair that can accommodate more or less 20 individuals situated few meters away from the encounter site.

“The conduct of the Community Support Programs (CSP) gained the trust and support of our Muslim brothers and sisters in ending terrorism in the province of Sulu,” said Brigadier General Antonio Bautista, Commander of 1101st Infantry Brigade.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. said, the Joint Task Force Sulu continues to employ more pressure on the remaining terrorists to possibly neutralize them and gain more enemy strongholds.

“Rest assured that the military will exert more efforts towards the attainment of lasting peace and sustainable development in the province of Sulu,” Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. further stated.

JTF Sulu has neutralized a total of 126 ASG personalities since January 2021, 19 of which were killed, 88 surrendered, and 19 were apprehended.

[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/abu-sayyaf-killed-terrorist-lair-overran-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: Communist terrorists violate IHL anew

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 10, 2021): Communist terrorists violate IHL anew

CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo — An anti-personnel mine (APM) weighing no less than eight kilograms recovered by the Army’s 61st Infantry “HUNTER” Battalion (61IB) once again proves the communist terrorists’ blatant disregard for human life.

The 301st Infantry “Bayanihan” Brigade strongly condemns the CTG’s continuing violation of International Humanitarian Law that prohibits the use of said device which is capable of inflicting massive casualties indiscriminately for it does not distinguish civilians from combatants.

Hunter Troops recovered the APM with approximately 150 meters of electrical wire on July 07, 2021, at Sitio Parapada, Barangay Lanag Norte, Tubungan, Iloilo, following the revelation of concerned citizens.

Brigadier General Marion R Sison, Commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, lauded the personnel of the 61IB for their relentless efforts in putting a stop to communist terrorists’ atrocities.

“Malinaw na walang respeto di lamang sa karapatan, kundi sa buhay ng tao ang mga komunistang teroristang ito. Their continued use of the prohibited anti-personnel mine shows that they do not value human life, especially of innocent civilians. It is a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law. Walang puwang ang mga teroristang ito sa ating mga komunidad. Sama-sama natin silang ikondena upang tuluyan ng mawakasan ang dahas na dulot ng terorismo,” Brigadier General Sison 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/communist-terrorists-violate-ihl-anew/

Kalinaw News: NPA Commander, companions surrender in Bukidnon

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 10, 2021): NPA Commander, companions surrender in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – Tired and weary Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader and members laid down their arms to choose peace and surrendered to the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, Philippine Army in Brgy. Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon last July 3, 2021.

The new surrenderees were identified as Antonio Gayento @Gab/Jano/Gassi/Lagim, 32, Commander, Front Organizational Command (FOC), GF89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC); Cynthia Sante @Kim/Mortal, 18, Medic/Platoon Guide, Squad 2, Platoon PBY, GF89, SRC2, NCMRC; and Remark Letonia, @Aswang/Jerom, 18, Supply Officer, Squad 1, Platoon PBY, GF89, SRC2, NCMRC.

According to Gayento, he became exhausted on fighting for the CTG for more than nine years, “Grabe akong kakapoy ug kasubo sa bukid sukad ako nahimong myembro sa NPA. Walay natabang sa akoa ang hukbo mao nabungkag ang akong pamilya tungod sa armadong pakigbisog. Ako dakong nagbasol nganu nga nahimo pa akong myembro ning teroristang grupo,” Gayento emotionally said. (I felt very exhausted and miserable in the mountains after becoming a member of the NPA. They weren’t able to help me. Instead, the armed struggle is the reason why my family got broken. I really regret joining and becoming a member of the Terrorist group).

Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo Talaroc Jr, Commander 8IB expressed, “Kami nagapasalamat sa desisyon nila Antonio Gayento ug mga kaubanan niini nga mobalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno ug gipili nga mabuhing malinawon. Nalipay usab kami nga duna na usab pamilya nga naluwas ug pakyas nga mabungkag tungod sa komunistang grupo. Naglaum kami nga daghan pang uban ang mosunod kanila tungod kahibalo kami nga wala na silay laing maadtuan, naglisod na sila sa bukid, kapoy na ug gutom pa.” (We are grateful that Antonio Gayento’s group decided to return to the folds of the law and chose to live a peaceful life. We are also happy that we were able to save another family from being destroyed by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). We are hoping that more CTG members will follow their footsteps because we know that they have nowhere else to go, they are struggling in the mountains, they are tired and are hungry.)

Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, Commander, 403rd Brigade also said, “The surrender of Gayento will put the CTG in disarray especially that he is one of the leaders under GF89. We will help in order for them to become Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) beneficiaries.” “I am thankful to our peace and development partners such as the Local Government Units (LGUs), Local Government Agencies (LGAs) and other government offices in our area of responsibility because the surrender of Gayento is a living proof that unity and collective efforts will surely bring about the end of our insurgency problem,” Brigadier General Barandon ended.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-commander-companions-surrender-in-bukidnon/