2 NPA leaders, soldier killed in Southern Leyte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): 2 NPA leaders, soldier killed in Southern Leyte clash (By Sarwell Meniano)

FRESH CLASH. A portion of the upland village of Lawgawan village in Bontoc, Southern Leyte in this undated photo. Two leaders of the NPA and a soldier died in a clash between the military and communist terrorist group in the area on Wednesday (Aug. 18, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Southern Leyte Police Mobile Force Company)

Two leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) and a soldier died in a clash in the upland village of Lawgawan in Bontoc, Southern Leyte on Wednesday.

The Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade reported that the hour-long clash occurred around 11:30 a.m. when soldiers encountered a band of 11 rebels belonging to the remnants of NPA’s Island Committee Levox, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

“We have been receiving reports that the two killed rebels are known commanders of the remaining NPA fighters in Leyte Island. We are currently in talks with their families and former rebels to gather more information,” said Capt. Kaharudin Cadil, Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, in a phone interview on Thursday.

With bloodstains found in the encounter site, Cadil said they suspect the enemy suffered heavy casualties aside from the two confirmed fatalities.

The official refused to name the slain soldier pending notification of his family. Another soldier is being treated for sustaining minor wounds after the clash.

During clearing operation, soldiers of the 14th Infantry Battalion recovered an M16 rifle, three backpacks, 10 tents, and personal belongings.

The rebels were hiding in the jungles of Bontoc as government forces intensified their combat operations.

The military managed to locate the small NPA lair based on tips from villagers.

The area is about 16 kilometers upland from Bontoc town center.

The encounter site in the upland area of Bontoc is near the boundary of Hilongos, Leyte where NPA remnants were frequently sighted by locals.

These areas were identified as one of the infiltrated areas of the terror group in Leyte with locals forced to provide support to its armed struggle.

Last May 26, 2021, six NPA spies and 19 staunch supporters yielded to village officials in Hilongos town. The withdrawal of support forced the NPA remnants to move to the mountains of Southern Leyte, according to Cadil.

Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, ordered the deployment of additional soldiers including a reinforcement to hunt down the fleeing members of the armed group.

"In the name of Executive Order No. 70 which aims to attain lasting peace and inclusive development in the country through the whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach, we always encourage and welcome the support of local officials and the citizens in ending the local communist armed conflict," Brig. Gen. Oliveros said in a statement.

EO 70, which was signed by President R. Duterte in December 2018, created the National Task Force to End Local Communist (NTF ELCAC) that institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in fighting the five-decade armed struggle of NPA.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1150947

152 ex-BIFF members complete biz skills training in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): 152 ex-BIFF members complete biz skills training in BARMM (By Edwin Fernandez)

SHIFT TO BUSINESS. Former BIFF extremists undergo entrepreneurial training for livelihood through the help of the BARMM’s MILG and MTIT offices to make them productive citizens of their communities. The latest of such training carried out under MILG-BARMM’s Project TuGon (Tulong Ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit) ran from Aug. 11 to 18 in the towns of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao; President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat; and Kabacan, North Cotabato. (Photos courtesy of MILG-BARMM)

A total of 152 former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have completed entrepreneurial skills training from Project TuGon (Tulong Ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit) of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG - BARMM).

The skills training was held separately between Aug. 11 to 18 at Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao; President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat; and Kabacan, North Cotabato, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) - BARMM.

BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said Thursday these trainings were in preparation for the former BIFF combatants’ reintegration into the mainstream society as productive citizens.

With the help from the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, 601st and 602nd Infantry Brigades, the entrepreneurship development training was part of the assistance of Project TuGoN purposely to capacitate former combatants on starting up a business, gain financial literacy, business resiliency, and other important areas of free enterprise.

“We believe that those BIFFs still out there would now be convinced that the government is serious in helping their comrades return to the mainstream,” he said in a statement Thursday.

He said Project TuGoN also plans to hold the same activity in the provinces of Lanao Del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the 63 BARMM villages in North Cotabato to cater to former combatants in availing of the skills training that could help them reshape their lives.

Sinarimbo said the BARMM government will continue its drive to end local armed conflict in the region and encourage other lawless groups to surrender and avail the Project TuGoN programs and services.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150958

Northern Samar clash foils NPA bomb attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): Northern Samar clash foils NPA bomb attacks (By Lizbeth Ann Abella)

BOMB MATERIALS. Some of the bomb materials seized by policemen from the New People's Army in San Isidro, Northern Samar on Wednesday (Aug. 18, 2021). The clash between patrolling policemen and members of the NPA members has stalled a plotted anti-personnel mine attack by rebels in Northern Samar. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

The 10-minute clash between patrolling policemen and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Happy Valley village in San Isidro, Northern Samar on Wednesday foiled a plotted anti-personnel mine attack by rebels in the province.

“The terrorist group attempted to assault the 17 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company while conducting combat patrol operation at the vicinity,” said Brig. Gen. Rommel Cabagnot, PNP Eastern Visayas regional director, in a statement on Thursday.

Policemen spotted bloodstains after the clash, indicating casualties on the enemy side, he said, adding no one from the police was hurt.

The policemen recovered a roll of detonating cord approximately 200 meters long, a roll-time fuse approximately 200 meters long, an electric wire approximately 20 meters long, improvised shrapnel, 500 pieces of blasting cap, a battery for motorcycle, and other personal belongings.

The official suspects the bomb materials are intended to launch treacherous attacks against forces in Northern Samar.

“This rebel group is adding much chaos and panic in the community without feeling remorse by putting the public in danger and instilling fear as well," Cabagnot said.

The whole police force will continue to be vigilant for any possible retaliation from NPA after the chance encounter.

Police operatives are now scouring the area in search of the fleeing rebels.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1150948

Troops intensify monitoring vs. NPA extortion activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): Troops intensify monitoring vs. NPA extortion activities (By Richelyn Gubalani)

Google map of South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat

Government troops have intensified their monitoring against extortion activities by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels based in the mountainous tri-boundaries of Sarangani, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, commanding officer of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, said Thursday they received reports that some personalities and companies in the area have been receiving extortion demands from the rebels.

He said they are currently validating recent reports that numerous sacks of rice and other supplies have reached the supposed NPA enclaves in the area.

“We’re still determining the origin or possible sources of those supplies,” Gubat said in a radio interview.

He said law enforcement agencies and intelligence units are also investigating the matter in coordination with concerned officials.

The Army official, who previously headed the Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan, said such activities should be stopped as it is considered as “terrorist financing”.

He acknowledged that some personalities and companies are still swayed by the extortion demands of the NPA and its allied groups under the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

Gubat said they should stop entertaining these and instead report the matter to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

He assured that they are ready to provide them the necessary protection against any threat from the NPA rebels.

“These communist terrorist groups continue to operate out of their collections from the extortion activities,” he said.

The 603rd Brigade covers the coastal towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat, South Upi, and Datu Blah in Maguindanao and the coastal towns of Lebak, Kalamansig, and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat.

Authorities had monitored movements of NPA rebels under Guerilla Front 73 in the tri-boundaries of South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

Eduardo Marquez, director of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-12, said they are also monitoring the extortion activities of the rebels on politicians as the filing of certificates of candidacy for the May 2022 elections draw nearer.

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/1150967

1ID starts training of 196 candidate soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): 1ID starts training of 196 candidate soldiers (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

CANDIDATE SOLDIERS. A total of 196 candidate soldiers are undergoing a 16-week rigorous basic military training at the 1st Division Training School at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, home of the Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID) in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. The training kicked off after the candidate soldiers take oath Wednesday (Aug. 18, 2021) at the 1ID grandstand. (Photo courtesy of 1ID Public Affairs Office)

Some 196 candidate soldiers are undergoing a 16-week rigorous basic military training at the 1st Division Training School (1DTS) at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The training reeled off after the members of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 686-2021 took oath Wednesday at the grandstand of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division (ID) at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an.

The 1ID, in a statement Thursday, said 27 of the 196 candidate soldiers are females while the remaining 169 are males, who are from the different parts of the region.

They will be taught with the basic foundations of soldiery and the Army’s core values being the future defenders of the nation, according to the 1ID.

Col. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, 1ID chief-of-staff, welcomed the new batch of candidate soldiers.

“Some may feel the excitement in anticipation of a beginning of a new phase in their lives. Some may feel sadness in leaving behind their families and friends who have been their steady and constant source of encouragement and support. Others may feel anxiety in contemplating what lies ahead,” Almagro said.

The 196 recruits were chosen as the best among the thousands of aspirants who lined up to fulfill their dreams of becoming soldiers and serving the Filipino people.

Master Sgt. Angelito Paler, the 1ID assistant sergeant major, led the oath-taking of the 196 candidate soldiers.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., 1ID assistant division commander and the keynote speaker of the oath-taking ceremony, congratulated the members of the Candidate Soldiers Course Class 686-2021 for surpassing the application phase.

Gaerlan also shared the four purposes of training to the recruits: train to fight, train to think, train to lead, and train to win.

He also urged the trainees to work hard to survive, take the training seriously, put their best in everything they do, respect human rights, and consider mistakes as part of learning.

Gaerlan also reminded the training staff of their role as teachers of the 1DTS.

“A mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior demonstrates, and a great teacher inspires,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150957

Over 100 Visayas reservists join Navy’s ‘interoperability’ drills

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): Over 100 Visayas reservists join Navy’s ‘interoperability’ drills (By John Rey Saavedra)

RESERVISTS' DRILLS. Philippine Navy reservists (right photo) simulate a maritime operation off the waters of Camotes Island in Cebu province, as part of the Pagsasama 2021, a week-long annual training exercise to foster interoperability and integration of the reserve and regular force. The left photo shows one of the Philippine Navy vessels participating in the exercises. (Photo contributed by Naval Forces Central Public Affairs Office)

CEBU CITY – Over 100 Navy reservists from three regions in the Visayas are participating in a week-long naval exercise dubbed as Pagsasama 2021, aimed at boosting interoperability and integration among regular and reserve forces.

Commodore Ernesto Baldovino, Naval Forces Central commander, on Thursday, said the naval exercise for the reservists is an annual activity of the Philippine Navy designed to assimilate integration of the reserve to the regular force.

The subjects covered in the exercises were maritime operations, search and rescue, humanitarian and disaster response, amphibious raid and civil-military operations, he said.

“The Navy reservists undergo training, lecture and practical that will enhance their knowledge and skills on how our Navy operates in maritime operations involving different shipboard evolutions, maneuvers, amphibious raid, water search and rescue, and the conduct of maritime security operations in our area of responsibility,” Baldovino told the Philippine News Agency in a message.

The drills gathered 102 Navy reservists from Central, Western, and Eastern Visayas regions, nine of whom are commissioned reserve officers and 93 are enlisted reservists.

Baldovino said the navies in the Naval Forces Central is fortunate that the exercise for the reservists is conducted in their area of responsibility, adding that last year’s drills in Luzon were spearheaded by the Fleet Marine Ready Force.

“This exercise is specifically created for our PN reserve force (reservists and Philippine Navy affiliated reserve units) to be trained together with our PN regular force,” he said.

He said they will also work for interoperability events with the inter-agency partners from the Army, Coast Guard and the police on some part of the exercises to foster good relationships and joint counter operations against enemies of the state.

The naval command in the Visayas conducted maritime operations utilizing surface events components at seawaters of Camotes Island in Cebu province on Tuesday.

Capt. Raul Regis, deputy commander, said vessels such as the BRP Batak, BRP Abraham Campo, BRP Alfredo Peckson, BRP Enrique Jurado, BRP Filipino Flojo, BRP Fort San Felipe, and 5th Patrol Boat Division joined the activity.

“Part of the exercise was the Gun Exercise (GUNNEX) event wherein navy surface assets tested and fired their naval guns. PN reservists were able to experience the firing of the naval guns in their designated navy ships,” Regis said.

The Navy also gave a four-day lecture series for the reservists starting on Sunday to bolster their knowledge on operational and strategic concepts, maritime security and situational awareness, fleet and marine operations, and naval communications.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150999

Army fetes 2 soldiers for gallantry vs. NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): Army fetes 2 soldiers for gallantry vs. NPA rebels (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

EXEMPLARY. Members of the 1st Infantry Division award the Wounded Personnel Medal on Thursday to Private First Class John Mark Grande (4th from left), one of two soldiers who sustained injuries when they gallantly took on New People’s Army rebels in Zamboanga del Norte the day before. Grande is recuperating at Camp Maj. Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 1ID-PAO)

The Army’s 1st Infantry Division (ID) awarded two soldiers for gallantry in action against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Zamboanga del Norte.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander, pinned the Wounded Personnel Medal on Private First Class (PFC) John Mark Grande of the 97th Infantry Battalion (IB) while confined at the Camp Maj. Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday.

The other wounded soldier of the 97IB, whose name was not yet known as of posting time, is confined at the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Hospital in Dipolog City.

He was hit on the left leg and is waiting for his X-ray result.

The Wounded Personnel Medal is awarded to those hurt in action against an enemy of the country or as a direct result of an act of the enemy and those who displayed bravery, professionalism, and heroism in the performance of their duty.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, 97IB commander, said the two were wounded during a clash with about 12 NPA rebels on Wednesday in Purok 4, Barangay Bagumbayan in Sergio Osmeña Sr. town.

The rebels were in the same group that the 97IB and 42IB troops encountered on July 4 and 30, and on Aug. 10 when a militiaman was wounded.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1150994

PH-Australia defense logistics accord to boost disaster response

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): PH-Australia defense logistics accord to boost disaster response (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Presidential photo)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday said the finalized Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA) between the Philippines and Australia will greatly help militaries of both nations in responding to disasters.

"MLSA will, likewise, facilitate rapid deployment of both forces for purposes of humanitarian assistance and disaster response. It is intended to enhance the interoperability between the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and ADF (Australian Defence Force) which regularly conducts exercises under the PH-Australia Defense Cooperation and the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA)," Lorenzana said in a statement.

Lorenzana added that the accord will allow the provision of logistics support during exercises, training, deployment, and other exigencies as mutually determined by both countries.

The MLSA between the Philippines and Australia was signed by the Philippines on Feb. 18 this year and by Australia on April 23.

The signatories are Rear Adm. Alberto Carlos for the Philippines, in his capacity as AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, and his counterpart, Rear Adm. Ian Murray of the Australian Defence Force.

The MLSA will be endorsed by the Department of National Defense to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which will then will transmit it to the Office of the President for ratification of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippines has a SOVFA with Australia that entered into force in September 2012.

The SOVFA, which facilitates the entry of the two nations' visiting forces, was instrumental in 2013 during Operation Philippines Assist where Australia assisted the country in its response to Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

It facilitated the rapid deployment of medical assistance, humanitarian and reconstruction support involving over 500 service personnel, numerous aircraft, and the landing ship HMAS Tobruk.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150932

2ID Army exec Cabangbang is next PSG commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): 2ID Army exec Cabangbang is next PSG commander (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Duterte has named Philippine Army’s (PA) 2nd Infantry Division (ID) chief Col. Randolph Cabangbang as the next commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Cabangbang will be replacing PSG chief, Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, PSG spokesperson Maj. Zeerah Blanche Lucrecia announced Thursday.

“[I] would like to inform you that Col. Randolph G. Cabangbang is our incoming Commander,” Lucrecia said in a statement sent to Palace reporters.

Lucrecia said Durante has been designated as commander of the PA’s 1001st Infantry Brigade in Davao de Oro.

Prior to his new designation as PSG commander, Cabangbang was the Chief of Staff of the 2nd ID in Tanay, Rizal since August 2020.

He also served as PSG Chief of Staff from Sept. 2019 to Aug. 2020.

Cabangbang also became the deputy commander of Task Force Davao.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City in 1991.

Cabangbang ranked first in his Officer Candidate Course at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Officer Candidate School in Tarlac in 1992.

He also received numerous bronze cross medals, military merit medals, commendation medals, military civic action medals, and letters of commendation, certificate and plaque of appreciation.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151055

CPP/IB: Revolutionary artist Parts Bagani, murdered by state agents

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 19, 2021): Revolutionary artist Parts Bagani, murdered by state agents

INFORMATION BUREAU

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 19, 2021

Last Monday, August 16, Ka Parts Bagani, renowned revolutionary painter and illustrator, was murdered in cold-blood in Barangay Cannery Polomolok, South Cotabato by military and police operatives.

Marco Valbuena, Chief Information Officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) countered the lies peddled by the military and police that Ka Parts was killed in a gunfight when he was supposed to be served an arrest warrant. “Ka Parts was unarmed and was in no position to fight,” Valbuena said.

Valbuena expressed outrage “at the barbarity of the criminal agents of the US-Duterte regime.” He strongly condemned and held accountable the 5th Special Forces Battalion and Philippine National Police for their crime of extrajudicially killing Ka Parts.

The CPP paid its highest tribute to Ka Parts Bagani as a Red Artist of the People and valiant warrior of the New People’s Army. “Ka Parts devoted his entire life and artistic talent to the Filipino people and their struggle against imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.”

“His artworks reflected the people’s yearning for freedom from oppression, exploitation, hunger and for national and social liberation,” Valbuena said. His art pieces gave life and color to many revolutionary publications, books, and other literature that motivated and endeared the masses.

Despite coming from pettybourgeoisie origin, Ka Parts’ heart belonged to the masses. According to him, “Parts” was derived from the contraction of “Pulang Artista ng Sambayanan.” And because he had a special love for the Lumad masses he took the name “Bagani” (a Lumad warrior) as a pledge to fight for their rights.

In 2007, his masterpieces were exhibited in UP Diliman which drew praises from people, artists and critics because of its distinct style and subject, where the masses and their warriors were always the centerpiece.

“Ka Parts was humble and was never conceited nor arrogant,” added the CPP. Even to those whom he just met, Parts was easy to get along and was good company. He share his talent with anyone who wanted to learn to paint, illustrate and sculpt.

Although he was known as a revolutionary artist, Ka Parts was primarily a Red fighter and military cadre of the NPA. The Party noted his immeasurable contributions to advancing the armed revolution in the Southern Mindanao Region and other parts of Mindanao.

“Ka Parts’ life will forever serve as an inspiration to the Filipino people, to Red fighters and to revolutionary artists in all fields of art who are one with the workers and peasants in their aspiration and struggle to reshape society and the entire world, to erase oppression and exploitation and sculpt a new system of progress and freedom.” the Party declared.

https://cpp.ph/statements/revolutionary-artist-parts-bagani-murdered-by-state-agents/

CPP/CIO: Tribute to Ka Parts Bagani, Red Artist of the People and Warrior

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 18, 2021): Tribute to Ka Parts Bagani, Red Artist of the People and Warrior

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 18, 2021

Read in: Pilipino | Bisaya | Hiligaynon

All revolutionary forces pay their highest tribute to Comrade Parts Bagani, valiant Red fighter of the New People’s Army and Red Artist of the People. In violation of the laws of war, fascist monsters murdered Ka Parts in cold-blood in Polomolok, South Cotabato last Monday. He was unarmed and was in no position to fight. He was 54.

We express profound sympathies to Ka Parts’ beloved wife and children, relatives, comrades and friends. We are outraged at the barbarity committed by the criminal agents of the US-Duterte fascist regime. We condemn in the strongest terms and hold the 5th Special Forces Battalion and the Philippine National Police for their crime of extrajudically killing Ka Parts.

When the fascists rained bullets on him, Ka Parts only had his handy pencils, brushes, paint and paper. These were his tools to create the pointed masterpieces that tore the false images of the reactionaries and sharpened the people’s consciousness.

Ka Parts devoted his entire life and artistic talent to the Filipino people and their revolutionary struggle against imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism. With his rifle on hand, whether at military work or mass work, he created images which reflect the people’s yearning for freedom from oppression, exploitation, hunger and poverty and for national and social liberation.

Ka Parts was an exemplary fighter of the NPA and a revolutionary cultural worker, a painter and illustrator. While focused on armed struggle, he also actively participated in the field of cultural revolution. He said that he chose the name “Parts” derived from the contraction of “Pulang Artista ng Sambayanan” or Red Artist of the People.

Ka Parts was of pettybourgeoisie origin, but his heart and mind belonged to masses oppressed and scorned. Ka Parts had a special love for the Lumad masses, which is why he took the name “Bagani” (a Lumad warrior) as his pledge to serve as their warrior. He created numerous art pieces which gave life and color to revolutionary publications, books and other literature that roused and endeared the masses.

Like other revolutionary artists, Ka Parts portrayed on paper and canvas the sufferings of the oppressed and exploited masses and vignettes of the their Red fighters, images of their fervent service to the masses, and valor in the field of war. His imagery and colors gave inspiration to struggle for liberation.

He became known for the distinct style and subjects of his artworks, where the masses and their warriors were always the centerpiece. The exhibit of his artworks in UP Diliman in 2007 drew praises from people, artists and critics.

Like all Red fighters, Ka Parts was humble and was never conceited nor arrogant. He was good company and was easy to get along with even by people whom he just met. He did not keep his talent to himself but rather shared it with anyone who wanted to learn to paint, illustrate and sculpt. He was inquisitive and desirous to learn from the experiences of others.

While known for his work as a revolutionary artist, Ka Parts was primarily a fighter and a military cadre of the NPA. He had rich experiences in war, from advances and retreats, from leading tactical offensives and studying the art of warfare. He knitted his brows to come up with plans to further raise the capacity of the NPA and Red fighters in waging armed struggle.

He used his talent in illustration to draw plans for tactical offensives. He made immeasurable contributions to advancing the armed revolution in the Southern Mindanao Region and other parts of Mindanao.

Ka Parts’ life will forever serve as an inspiration to the Filipino people, to Red fighters and to revolutionary artists in all fields of art who are one with the workers and peasants in their aspiration and struggle to reshape society and the entire world, to erase oppression and exploitation and sculpt a new system of progress and freedom.

https://cpp.ph/statements/tribute-to-ka-parts-bagani-red-artist-of-the-people-and-warrior/

Kalinaw News: JTF Bicolandia Condemns Assassination Plot Against a Gov’t Official in Masbate, Joint Ops with PNP Intensified to Crush NPA Members Responsible for the Crime

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 19, 2021): JTF Bicolandia Condemns Assassination Plot Against a Gov’t Official in Masbate, Joint Ops with PNP Intensified to Crush NPA Members Responsible for the Crime



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed after a Punong Barangay retaliated in defense to an assassination attempt against him by the NPA in Placer, Masbate at around 5 o’clock in the afternoon, Tuesday, August 17.

According to a report, Barangay Chairman Valiente Mangubat of Barangay Villa Innocencio and his aides were invited for a dinner in Barangay Tubod.

When they were about to leave, four NPA members under Elias Pautan Canete AKA Mar of Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4 of Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) fired upon the group wounding Punong Barangay Mangubat and four of his aides including a 17-year old minor.

Despite his injuries, Punong Barangay Mangubat was able to fire back killing one of the perpetrators identified as Raymond Naraha.

Mangubat and his aides were immediately brought to the nearest hospital for proper medical attention.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia joins the Masbateños in condemning the said attack on government official and civilians staged by the NPA which came four days after their brutal killing of three innocent vendors in Palanas.

Lieutenant Colonel Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), directed his troops to conduct pursuit operations together with the PNP against the fleeing terrorists while heightening the security measures laid out in Placer.

Colonel Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, said that the recent terroristic attacks by the NPA against the civilians in Masbate and this time, against a government official, only reflects their extreme desperation seeing their group’s continuing collapse as terrorism has no place in the people of the province.

“The NPA is trying to regain their ground and project its presence in Masbate by threatening the government officials and the Masbateños who are now supporting the campaign against communist terrorism. Ngunit sa halip na matakot, lalo lamang umiigting ang pagnanais ng mga Masbateño na tuluyang puksain ang teroristang grupong ito na naghahasik ng karahasan sa mga komunidad at pumapaslang ng mga walang kalaban-labang sibilyan,” Col. Almase said.

Meanwhile, PBGEN JONNEL C ESTOMO, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) said that aggressive offensives of the PNP and army forces against the MPA are ongoing to make sure that they will be put behind bars and justice will be served.

“Binabalaan natin ang mga responsable sa krimeng ito na sumuko na lamang sa mga otoridad dahil ang security forces at mga Masbateño ay tulong-tulong sa paghahanap sa kanila upang sila ay maparusahan,” PBGen. Estomo said.

Major General Henry A. Robinson, Commander of JTF Bicolandia, underscored that CTG’s rampant violation of international and domestic laws only creates public outrage.

“Gone are the days when the local populace can still be swayed by fear and threats. Alam na ng mga Bicolano lalo na ng mga Masbateño na upang tuluyang mahinto ang karahasang inihahasik ng teroristang grupong ito ay kailangan nating magkaisa at sama-samang labanan ang insurhensya. Our firm stand against the NPA is the best way to protect our families and our communities. Itong nangyaring ito sa Placer ay patunay na wala sa matinong pag-iisip ang NPA lalo na at may nadamay na namang menor de edad sa kanilang kriminalidad. We, in the Army, will be in close coordination with the PNP to crush these terrorists,” MGen. Robinson said.

NPA’s killing and attack against innocent civilians both violate the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

JTF Bicolandia also warned individuals, especially government officials and organizations about the charges they might face for condoning, tolerating and supporting the NPA’s unlawful acts.

[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/jtf-bicolandia-condemns-assassination-plot-against-a-govt-official-in-masbate-joint-ops-with-pnp-intensified-to-crush-npa-members-responsible-for-the-crime/

Kalinaw News: 2 NPAs die in Southern Leyte clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 19, 2021): 2 NPAs die in Southern Leyte clash



CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City, August 18, 2021 — Two communist terrorists died in an hour-long clash between Army soldiers and a CPP-NPA armed band in the hinterlands of Barangay Lawgawan in the Municipality of Bontoc in Southern Leyte about 11:30 in the morning today.

The Army, with the help of local officials are still trying to identify the enemy fatalities who are believed to be remnants of Platoon 1, Island Committee Levox, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), CPP-NPA-NDF.

During clearing operation, soldiers of the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, PA recovered one M16 rifle, three backpacks, 10 tents and personal belongings.

With bloodstains found aplenty in the encounter site, 14th Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto dela Rosa has reason to believe that the enemy suffered heavy casualties aside from the two confirmed fatalities.

In the thick of the firefight, however, a soldier was fatally wounded and died on the spot. Another soldier was wounded but is already given immediate treatment. The identities of the government casualties are withheld pending notification of their respective families.

Meanwhile, the 802nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Zosimo Oliveros, ordered the deployment of additional soldiers including a reinforcement from the 93IB to hunt down the fleeing members of the armed group.

“In the name of EO-70 which aims to attain lasting peace and inclusive development in the country through the whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach, we always encourage and welcome the support of local officials and the citizens in ending the local communist armed conflict,” BGen Oliveros concluded.

[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/2-npas-die-in-southern-leyte-clash/

Kalinaw News: 2ID Giving Premium on Civilian Authority over Military

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 19, 2021): 2ID Giving Premium on Civilian Authority over Military



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army made a courtesy call to the local chief executive of the province of Rizal on August 18, 2021.

As an explicit gesture of recognition and respect for civilian authorities over the military, Major General Rowen S. Tolentino of the Philippine Army paid courtesy to Honorable Rebecca “Nini” A. Ynares, governess of Rizal, 1:00 in the afternoon of the said date.

During the said occasion, Major General Tolentino assured the chief executive that the people, not only of the province of Rizal but the whole Region 4A, can expect the full support and whole-hearted service of 2ID, especially on maintaining peace and order, as well as the security situation. On the other hand, Governor Ynares reciprocated and expressed gratitude on behalf of her constituents for the assurance given. And likewise, assured the military commander to expect the same level of support in achieving just and lasting peace from the province of Rizal.

When asked if it was necessary, Major General Tolentino smiled and humbly answered. “The governess represents the people of Rizal, so rendering courtesy to the chief executive is the same as paying courtesy to every constituent of the province that in its truest essence are our bosses. It is also the simplest way that I, as a military commander, can do, to be able to live by the Army core purpose of serving our people and securing our land”.

With the gesture of Commander 2ID and the reciprocation made by the chief executive of Rizal, rapport was established and ensured between two major stakeholders in the province. With the circumstance achieved, the people of Rizal is sure to benefit more.

[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/2id-giving-premium-on-civilian-authority-over-military/

Kalinaw News: 79IB Commemorates 15TH Anniversary through Adopt-A-School and Outreach Programs

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 19, 2021): 79IB Commemorates 15TH Anniversary through Adopt-A-School and Outreach Programs



SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental — Driven by its theme “Masaligan@15: Pursuing Professionalism and Service Excellence Amidst the Pandemic”, 79TH Infantry ‘Masaligan’ Battalion, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel J-jay T Javines kicked-off the celebration of the unit’s 15TH Founding Anniversary celebration, with the adoption of Pacol Elementary School in Brgy Baviera, Sagay City, NOC as one of the beneficiaries of its Adopt-A-School Program, distribution of food packs and delivery of basic services as part of its Community Outreach Program.

By virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on August 17, 2021, 79IB and Pacol Elementary School, ably represented by Mr. Ramelo D Lopez, Teacher-in-Charge, committed themselves to embark on a meaningful journey with the end in view of providing quality and relevant education to the students as provided for in Republic Act 8525 or the “Adopt-A-School Act of 1998. In the said agreement, 79IB, through the support of its partners and stakeholders, pledged to conduct repairs and maintenance of dilapidated school facilities, improvement of water system and construction of feeding center, among others.

Although by no means new to undertakings that support and advance community education, this initiative is the unit’s first Adopt-A-School Program in Northern Negros.

After the MOA signing, a community outreach activity was also conducted in collaboration with the City Government of Sagay headed by Mayor Alfredo D. Marañon III; Teachers of Pacol Elementary School headed by Mr. Ramelo D. Lopez, TIC; Felix G Yusay Foundation, Inc. headed by Ms Sharon Jornadal, Executive Director; Ms. Remelie D Teton, Owner of Teton Company; Ms. Divine Abela, SPAG-Asa Silay Coordinator, 1ST Negros Provincial Mobile Force Company; Tactical Operations Group 6 – TOW Central; Radyo Bandera Sweet FM, Motorcycle Club Inc.; and RYU Foundation Inc.

About 75 students of Pacol Elementary School together with their parents received food packs containing rice, coffee, noodles and canned goods; school supplies; vitamins and fruits. Other services offered were feeding program by SPAG-Asa and free haircut services from Teton Company and the Masaligan Troopers.

Mr. Ramelo Lopez, Teacher-in-Charge of Pacol Elementary School thanked 79IB and emphasized that the partnership will be of great help for the improvement of the school and especially to the students. “We are very fortunate to have been selected as a beneficiary to the program. This is not only our accomplishment as members of the Brigada Eskwela, but also of the whole school and the Division of Sagay City”, Lopez said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col Javines expressed his gratitude and appreciation to numerous partners and stakeholders of 79IB for their continued support and cooperation that immensely contributed to the overall accomplishment of unit’s mission to sustain the peace and development in Northern Negros. He also assured that the Masaligan Troopers will remain steadfast and committed to serve the Negrenses with utmost professionalism and provide them with excellent service that they truly deserve.”

Prior the anniversary celebration, Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Companies of 79IB also conducted various Community Outreach activities in cooperation with LGUs, local PNP units, CSOs and POs in their respective Areas of Operation which benefitted more or less 120 individuals from Gen. Luna, Sagay City; 100 from Hacienda Camantero in Guimbala-on, Silay City; and, at least 50 persons from Gen. Luna in the Municipality of Toboso.

Together, let us continue building peaceful and progressive communities that are INHOSPITABLE to the presence and influence of any threat group who seek to undermine our efforts for nation building.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/79ib-commemorates-15th-anniversary-through-adopt-a-school-and-outreach-programs/