‘Child soldier’ surrenders

Posted to Panay News (Oct 8, 2021): ‘Child soldier’ surrenders

Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, accuses the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army in Negros Island of exploiting minors. Making them child warriors is a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law, he stresses.

A 15-year-old boy, who recently became a child warrior of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), surrendered to the military and the police in central Negros on Oct. 4.

According to reports of the Philippine Army, the teen was among the combatants who clashed with troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Sitio Cunalom, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Oct. 1.

Captain Kim Apitong, officer-in-charge of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Public Affairs Office, said alias “RR” was recruited about two months ago by communist terrorists.

“They frequently visited the child and convinced him to join them, without his parents knowing it. They used deceptive propaganda to recruit him,” he said.

The minor then became a member of the NPA’s Squad 1, Sentro de Grabidad Platoon, Central Negros 2.

Three days after the encounter, the boy, accompanied by his mother, surrendered to the joint personnel of 94IB and Himamaylan City Police Station.

In its report, the 94IB said his claim of being an NPA member was backed by a former rebel who positively identified him as one of the estimated 10 minors recruited by one alias “Carding”.

“RR” has been endorsed by the government forces to the City Social Welfare Department (CSWD), which classified him as a child-at-risk.

He was then temporarily placed under the care and protection of the 94IB troops upon the consent of his mother.

In a statement, Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3ID, assailed the CPP-NPA in Negros Island for exploiting minors. Making them child warriors is a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), he stressed.

IHL is a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict and protects people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.

“Don’t allow these CPP-NPA terrorists to enter your communities. Be vigilant and report any suspicious movement in your area for us to spoil their recruitment activities. Let us save our children by putting communist terrorism to an end,” said Arevalo.

Lieutenant Colonel Angelo de Guzman, commanding officer of the 94IB, said he is grateful to the local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Himamaylan City for its commitment of support to the former child warrior and their unit’s pursuit of peace and progress in Negros.

“Recruitment of minors as combatants is a clear violation of the IHL. For decades, they have ruined the lives and future of many children with their deceptions. This devious tactic should be stopped,” he added. (PNA)

https://www.panaynews.net/child-soldier-surrenders/

Surrender of 12 Leyte allies stalls NPA infiltration plan

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): Surrender of 12 Leyte allies stalls NPA infiltration plan (By Sarwell Meniano)

PLEDGING OF LOYALTY. Supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) pledging loyalty to the government during their surrender on Oct. 1 in Abuyog, Leyte. The recent surrender of 12 staunch mass-based supporters of the NPA is a huge setback to the communist terrorist group's effort to influence communities, the Philippine Army said on Thursday (Oct. 7, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The recent surrender of 12 staunch mass-based supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Abuyog, Leyte is a huge setback to the communist terrorist group's effort to influence communities.

Maj. Ryann Velez, acting spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade said in a phone interview on Thursday these NPA allies belonging to the rebel’s politico-military group, have been helpful in the NPA’s effort to retake control in some Leyte villages.

“We are running after some remnants of the NPA in Leyte and crucial to their existence in the province is the support of masses. With their surrender, that means our enemies are losing resources,” Velez said.

The military identified the surrenderers as Lucy, Linda, Roger, Marites, Pidyo, Eduardo, Victor, Roberto, Bibi, Larry, Cesar, and Renato, all residents of a remote community in Balocawehay village in Abuyog town.

The 12 surrendered to the village officials in Balocawehay, Abuyog town on Oct. 1.

NPA terrorist leader Fermin Guzon recruited them three years ago with promises of assistance through the so-called “agrarian revolution”.

In exchange, they attended series of meetings and allowed themselves to be used either as contacts, active couriers, and supporters in villages.

The surrenderers revealed that their move to yield has aborted Guzon’s plan of establishing a politico-military organization in their village with the 12 of them composing the core group.

Their surrender brings to 33 the total active NPA supporters, couriers, candidate party members, and contacts who surrendered to authorities in recent months in Leyte province.

NPA supporters, according to Velez, are more dangerous than fighters since they interact with government forces without being noticed as rebels. They have been providing vital information to the communist group.

“Formers rebels formed into a peacebuilders group has helped a lot in convincing their friends to completely abandon the communist ideology,” Velez said.

The official believes that recent sightings of armed rebels in upland areas of Abuyog, Mahaplag, Burauen, Ormoc City, Kananga, and Carigara in Leyte indicate that there are still organized NPA supporters in the province.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1155885

Hospitals scrap plea for military docs, nurses as infections drop

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): Hospitals scrap plea for military docs, nurses as infections drop (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The decline in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has prompted some hospitals in Metro Manila to cancel their request for military medical personnel, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday night.

"Mayroon pong magandang balita, Mr. President, dahil nag-cancel na 'yung St. Luke’s at bumaba raw 'yung kanilang kaso ng mga naospital. Initially, mayroon silang request na isang doktor at saka five nurses pero ayaw na nilang tanggapin 'yun (We have good news, Mr. President, as St. Luke's (in Quezon City) cancelled their request their augmentation request for medical military personnel as their Covid-19 cases went down. Initially, they have a request for one doctor and five nurses, but now they cancelled them)," Lorenzana told President Rodrigo Duterte during his Talk to the People.

Lorenzana, also the chairperson of the National Task Force against Covid-19, said the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Pasay City also scrapped its request for military medical personnel.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana said the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City has requested an extension of the deployment of the eight military medical personnel at the facility which is set to end on October 30.

"At ang gusto pa nila ay humihingi sila ng isang doktor at dalawang nurses na ibibigay naman ng ating (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Surgeon General (They are also asking for one more doctor and two nurses, which was already approved by our Surgeon General)," he added.

Lorenzana said they are also waiting for feedback from the Sta. Teresita General Hospital in Quezon City on whether it will push through with its request for personnel augmentation.

Last month, Duterte appealed to the medical personnel of the police and the military to help hospitals that are struggling with the surge of Covid-19 cases.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155901

AUKUS complements Asean Indo-Pacific Outlook: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): AUKUS complements Asean Indo-Pacific Outlook: envoy (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO (Photo by Joyce Rocamora)

Australia's move to forge a trilateral partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom complements the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (Asean) Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO said on Wednesday.

The pact, known as AUKUS, provides for Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, which Canberra believes is "appropriate" to beef up its defense capabilities against the backdrop of a rapidly changing security environment in the region.

Robinson assured that Australia is sticking to its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

"We're just going to get the propulsion mechanism from the US and the UK, no nuclear weapon. Being a signatory to the Treaty on Nuclear Non-Proliferation, we're not changing anything," he told reporters during a dinner at his residence in Makati City.

"It is just about a capability that's important to Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy, it does not impinge upon anyone else's strategy for the Indo-Pacific and is indeed complementary to-- our approach is complementary to the Asean outlook for the Indo-Pacific," he added.

The Asean Outlook, initiated and pushed by Indonesia, provides for the bloc's engagement in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, with an aim to maintain peace, freedom and prosperity in the area.

Robinson said plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, enhance cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and undersea capabilities would not only boost Australia's capabilities but also strengthen its ability to work with regional partners in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

"AUKUS is an important partnership for Australia and our commitment to Asean centrality and working with Asean-led regional architecture remains steadfast," he said.

At the recent Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated its previous position, saying the Philippines "sees value in the enhancement of a neighbor’s capability to project power" and that it "believes it will restore and keep the balance in the region, rather than destabilize it."

“We continuously assess this agreement and welcome efforts made by the countries concerned to explain it further,” said Ambassador Ma. Theresa Lazaro, DFA Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155902

PH, Australia expand maritime security engagement

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): PH, Australia expand maritime security engagement (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The Australian and Philippine governments are working on a new program that would strengthen Manila's capabilities to protect its waters, Australian Ambassador to Manila Steven J. Robinson AO said.

At a dinner he hosted in Makati City Wednesday, Robinson said the two governments are meeting on October 7 to move forward with the proposed Philippine Civil Maritime Security Program (PCMSP) with Australia.

"So we've been talking with a number of different bodies like the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Security Council. We're keen to commence this as quickly as we can because we think there is significant utility in this for the Philippines particularly on the civil side," he told reporters.

Robinson previously visited Palawan where he met with the military's Western Command and the Philippine Coast Guard and discussed first-hand the challenges they faced and how Australia could support them.

"One way is by expanding our engagement on maritime cooperation through a new Philippine Civil Maritime Security Program (PCMSP) which aims to support the Philippines to strengthen its civil maritime security," he said.

He said current discussions are centered on different areas, including the protection of coral and marine resources in the country's waters and mapping out some of the areas of key importance to Manila in the West Philippine Sea.

The envoy said Canberra and Manila's civil maritime cooperation will primarily focus on the following:

- Maritime governance systems, processes, and interagency coordination.

- Marine natural resources management and environment protection.

- Technical assistance, research, and workshops.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155910

Duterte ‘glad’ peace talks with communists terminated

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): Duterte ‘glad’ peace talks with communists terminated (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he is “glad” that the peace talks between his administration and the Communist Party of the Philippines - National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) were terminated.

Duterte made the remarks during the inauguration of the Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay, as he once again slammed the arrogance of the communist movement’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

“Hindi ako bilib sa tapang-tapangan nila (I’m not amused by their arrogance),” Duterte said. “Ewan ko kung ano ang nakuha nila (I don’t know what they get [or]) what gain they earned by killing people.”

Duterte said he could not give the communist guerillas another chance to resume the peace negotiations with the government, because they continue their killing spree.

He said the NPA insurgents’ continued attacks against government troops and civilians enraged him.

“Galit ako sa kanila (I am mad at them). To continue the killing and continue the ferocity of the hate, ewan ko kung ano ang gusto nitong mga ito (I don’t know what they want). But I’m not happy with them. I’m glad that we suspended the talk,” Duterte said.

Duterte said the communist group’s political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), has to wait for his successor to renegotiate the stalled peace talks with the government.

“Maybe the next president can do it but hindi ko kaya (I could not do it),” he said.

In June this year, Duterte said no peace talks can ever succeed, unless NPA stop attacking state forces and civilians.

The peace talks between the national government and NDF have been intermittent since 1986.

Duterte held a series of peace negotiations with the NDF, but was forced to scrap the talks following the NPA’s relentless attacks against government troops and civilians.

He formally ended the peace dialogue with the NDF through Proclamation 360 inked on Nov. 23, 2017.

The termination of talks was followed by the Dec. 5, 2017 signing of Proclamation 273 which brands the CPP-NPA as a terror group.

Apart from the Philippines, the CPP-NPA has been listed as a terror organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155950

Let tribal leader Bae Bibyaon go, kin appeals to groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): Let tribal leader Bae Bibyaon go, kin appeals to groups (By Marita Moaje)

LET HER GO HOME. Relatives of tribal leader Bae Bibyaon appeal to the group holding to let her go home during a virtual press briefing on Thursday (Oct. 10, 2021). They said the 94-year-old Bibyaon should be home with her relatives who can better take care of her. (Photo grabbed from NCIP Facebook page)

Relatives of tribal leader Bae Bibyaon appealed to the groups in custody of the latter to let her return to her community.

During a virtual press briefing on Thursday, Bibyaon’s relatives who traveled all the way from Talaingod, Davao del Norte to Quezon City, said they have not seen her for years now.

In a message of Rurelyn Bay-ao, Bibyaon’s grandchild who previously worked with her since 2014 and joined the Lakbayan in 2015 but decided to surrender to the government, urged her to return to their community.

“If you want to defend our ancestral land, di ba palagi nating sinasabi ng organisasyon na yung sariling pagpapasya o yung self-determination, yung paguwi mo dun sa ating community (we have always said in the organization our self-determination, come home to our community),” Bay-ao said to Bibyaon.

Bibyaon’s relatives said they are not giving up, adding they wanted to meet her.

They said Bibyaon, 94, should be home with her relatives who can better take care of her.

She also made an appeal to the Save our Schools (SOS) Network currently holding Bibyaon inside the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City.

“Sa Save our Schools Network, maawa kayo kay Bae Bibyaon, matanda na po siya. Tama na yung paggamit sa aming tribu at lalong lalo na pauwiin nyo na si Bae Bibyaon (have pity on Bae Bibyaon, she is old already. Enough of using our tribe, allow Bae Bibyaon to go home),” Bay-ao said.

The SOS earlier held a virtual press briefing showing Bibyaon telling her relatives to stop.

Datu Benito Bigkay, her nephew, also told SOS to stop using Bibyaon.

He also urged Bibyaon to return to their community if she wants to fight for her tribe.

“Kung gusto mong tumayo sa sarili mong paa, doon tayo sa ating komunidad para mapansin at makita tayo ng gobyerno, hindi kung saan saan (If you want to stand on your own feet, do that in our community so the government can see and notice us, and not anywhere else),” he said.

CPP-NPA’s deceitful acts

Bay-ao said she knows how the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its legal front organizations move to get support from her fellow tribe members.

She said it would be even harder if they just stay silent and see the future of the youth, including her, and the lives of the IPs crumble.

“Gusto ko lang ipaabot na tama na yung panloloko, pagsasamantala, panlilinlang, yung paggamit sa aming mga tribu para makakuha ng malaking suporta, pera na isuporta sa CPP-NPA (I just want to say enough with the deception, abuse, and exploitation of our tribes to be able to get financial support for the CP-NPA),” she said.

“Dahil kung hindi kami magsasalita, kung hind namin isiwalat yung tunay na ginagawa ng mga front organization, mga CPP-NPA sa amin nung nandoon kami sa bakwit school na palaging sinasama sa pagra-rally ay maraming na re-recruit na hindi lang IP, mga kabataan na nasa lungsod kaya nandito kami para magsalita, kaming mga biktima ng patuloy na panlilinlang ay wala, hindi matuldukan yung kagagawan ng CPP-NPA (because if we will not talk, if we will not tell what the front organizations are really doing, the CPP-NPA when we were still in the bakwit school, that they always bring us to join the rallies, many youth will continue to be recruited, we, the victims, should talk, to put an end to all of this),” she added.

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.

Lawyer Josie Rodriguez-Agusti of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-4A (Calabarzon) said they are also making an appeal on behalf of Bibyaon’s relatives.

Rodriguez-Agusti said legal remedies may be filed on behalf of the relatives if the groups holding Bibyaon refuse to listen to NCIP’s appeal.

“Maaaring sinasabi nila na nasa magandang kalagayan si Bae pero kinakailangan po talagang makita ng pisikal ng kaniyang mga kamaganak para talagang mapatunayan na siya ay nasa mabuting kalagayan. Kung hndi matugunan ang ating pakiusap may mga agarang kaso na maaaring magamit ng kaniyang mga kaanak sa tulong ng NCIP, ito yung isa sa mga sibil at agarang remedy na maaaring gamitin natin (They may be saying that Bae is in good condition but her relatives should be able to see her physically to prove that. If not, there are charges that may be immediately filed by her relatives with the help of the NCIP),” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155965

AFP chief formally receives 4th star

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8, 2021): AFP chief formally receives 4th star (By Priam Nepomuceno)

4TH STAR. President Rodrigo Duterte (left) dons the four-star rank to Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. on the sidelines of his visit at the Bicol International Airport, Daraga, Albay on Thursday (Oct. 7, 2021). Duterte has approved the appointment of Faustino and five other AFP senior officers effective September 15. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr. officially received his fourth star and was promoted to the rank of General on Thursday.

In a statement on Friday, AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said President Rodrigo Duterte, also the Commander-in-Chief, personally administered the donning of rank to Faustino during his official visit at the Bicol International Airport, Daraga, Albay.

Duterte also donned a new rank to Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) commander Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro on the same occasion.

“It is an honor to don these lustrous stars which carry the weight of our obligations to the country and its people. This milestone demands no less than exemplary performance in the fulfillment of our mandate as soldiers," Faustino said.

Duterte has approved the appointment of Faustino and five other AFP senior officers effective September 15.

Faustino took over the AFP leadership from Gen. Cirilito Sobejana who bowed out from military service on July 31 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Prior to his assumption as the 56th AFP chief-of-staff, Faustino was the head of the Joint Task Force Mindanao and has also served as the acting commanding general of the Philippine Army.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988. Faustino likewise held various military positions such as battalion and brigade commander in Western Mindanao and chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command among others.

“With the help of the hardworking men and women of the AFP, rest assured that the military's tradition of excellence and professionalism is continuously upheld," the AFP chief said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155985

WESTMINCOM: MPOS trains youths for peace-building in BARMM

 Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 5, 2021): MPOS trains youths for peace-building in BARMM

MPOS TRAINS YOUTHS FOR PEACE-BUILDING IN BARMM

COTABATO CITY—Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) conducted the 2nd batch training-workshop for peace promotion in the region from September 28 to October 2, 2021 at Precious Cabana Resort, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

According to Director-General Atty. Al-Rashid Balt, the activity aimed at actualizing the mandates of MPOS as an institution of peace-building, reconciliation, and unification. Most of the participants were youths and university students.

“It shall have coordinative function with law enforcement agencies such as AFP, PNP, BJP and so on, to maintain public order and safety […] we have a lot of joint programs with them pertaining to peace-building,” Balt said.

Program Officer Sittie Janine M. Gamao said, “ang peacebuilding activity na ito ay isinagawa upang maipon sa isang venue ang mga youths para magkakilala sa isa’t-isa at upang pag-usapan nila ang peace. Sila ay mostly coming from conflict-affected areas at biktima ng conflict from different provinces.”

The participants are coming from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Special Geographical Areas of North Cotabato, specifically from the conflict-affected areas. Some of them are sons and daughters of the Abu Sayyaf returnees.

“Tulong na rin natin kung paano ma-cut ang cycle ng violence. In the future paano nila ma-appreciate na maraming ways how to resolve the conflict in a peaceful and collaborative manner, at ma-address ang grievances nila,” Gamao added.

Meanwhile, Fadwa Mohammad, a 19-year-old youth leader from Basilan said, “I am so thankful as one of the fellows. It is so helpful to improve myself as youth leader and bring something to my community as I get back.”

“We want to educate and promote peace to the youths by providing learning materials to the madrasah in one of the municipalities. It is written in our planning as immediate intervention,” she added.

Niman P. Datu, another fellow from a remote village of Tapocan Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, said partaking in with the said activity is a big opportunity for him.

“Isang big opportunity ito para sa akin na nakasali rito at maibahagi ko ang knowledge and skills na natutunan ko sa aming barangay, which is 10 percent lang ng populasyon namin ang nakapag-aral ng formal education,” Datu said.

Accordingly, MPOS will give away Php20,000.00 cash for each province to start up implementing their project proposals.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamCRSAFP

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https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/?ref=page_internal

WESTMINCOM: 5IB seizes improvised explosives in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 5, 2021): 5IB seizes improvised explosives in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur

5IB SIEZES IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVES IN LUMBA BAYABAO, LANAO DEL SUR
Operating troops of the 5th Infantry DUTY BOUND Battalion conducted a raid on a reported hideout of an armed group in the remote barangay of Gadongan, Lumba Bayabao last 28 Sept 2021.

 
The troops responded to a report from a concerned citizens about the presence of more or less 10 armed men camped in the said area. An intense firefight ensued which lasted for almost 45 minutes until the said armed group withdrew leaving behind six improvised explosive devices, assorted ammunition for M14 and M16 assault rifles, a Night Vision Device, communication equipment, medical supplies, combat packs, foodstuff and subversive documents which included a detailed manual on the fabrication of improvised explosives devices (IED).

 
No one was hurt among the government forces while an undetermined number of wounded was reported on the enemy side.

 
"The Philippine Army will continue to relentlessly pursue and neutralize armed groups in the province of Lanao del Sur in order to protect the populace and preserve the peace. We will continue to do so untill all remaining members of the Dawla Islamiya Maute Group and Communist Terrorist Group have either been killed or have surrendered," said LTC ROMULUS B RABARA, Commanding Officer of 5IB.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamCRSAFP

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https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/?ref=page_internal

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pekeng engkwentro, pantabing ng 94th IB sa sariling kaswalti

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 6, 2021): Pekeng engkwentro, pantabing ng 94th IB sa sariling kaswalti

ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 06, 2021

Para itago ang pagkatalo ng sariling yunit matapos atakehin ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), nagpakana ang 94th IB ng isang pekeng engkwentro sa Sityo Lanap, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City noong Oktubre 1 ng hapon. Iniulat ng militar na nakakumpiska ito ng kagamitan ng BHB sa naturang engkwentro.

“Walang katotohanan,” ito ang saad ni Ka Dionesio Magbuelas, tagapagsalita ng BHB-South Central Negros (Mount Cansermon Command) sa isang pahayag noong Oktubre 4. Ang totoo, apat na elemento ng 94th IB ang nasugatan matapos ang armadong aksyon ng hukbong bayan sa nakahiwalay na pwersa ng 94th IB sa Sitio Kubay-Anahaw, Barangay Carabalan sa parehong syudad umaga ng Oktubre 1.

Sampung minuto ang itinagal ng palitan ng putok at gumamit ang hukbong bayan ng command detonated explosive, dagdag ni Magbuelas. “Ligtas na nakaatras sa paborableng tereyn ang yunit ng hukbo,” ayon sa kanya.

“Tatlong linggo nang nanghahalihaw sa kabundukan ng Himamaylan ang mga sundalo,” sabi ni Magbuelas. “Ginagwardyahan nila ang konstruksyon ng daan na magbubukas sa lugar sa mapanirang pagmimina.”

Bago nito, isang sundalo ng 62nd IB ang napaslang sa operasyong isnayp ng BHB-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command) sa detatsment ng militar sa Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City noong Setyembre 22.

Ayon sa tagapagsalita ng yunit ng BHB na si Ka JB Regalado, tandang-tanda pa ng taumbaryo ang maramihan at sabayang pagpaslang ng 62nd IB sa mga sibilyan sa naturang lugar noong Marso 2019. Dagdag pa niya na bahagi ng pagbibigay-hustisya ang armadong aksyon.

Ipinatupad din noong Oktubre 1 ng yunit ng BHB ang pasya ng hukumang bayan na parusang kamatayan kay Alvino Ejida, isang espiya at tauhan sa paniktik at operasyong kombat ng AFP sa Barangay Gihub, bayan ng La Libertad. Nakumpiska sa kaya ang dalawang maiiksing armas, mga magasin at ilang bala.

Inilahad ng BHB na si Ejida ay isang notoryus na kriminal na sangkot sa ilang kaso ng panggagahasa, pagnanakaw, pang-aagaw ng lupa at pagpaslang sa mga sibilyang residente kabilang sina Rolan Fabellaran, Rolan Paculanang at Mansio Cañete.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pekeng-engkwentro-pantabing-ng-94th-ib-sa-sariling-kaswalti/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Sa pagsasama-sama, malalabanan ang gutom sa pandemya

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 6, 2021): Sa pagsasama-sama, malalabanan ang gutom sa pandemya

ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 06, 2021

(Ang sumusunod ay hango sa isang akdang inilathala sa Tilamsik, pangkulturang lathalain ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Camarines Norte, sa isyung Hulyo 2021.)

Ipinakita ng karanasan sa isang baryo sa Camarines Norte ang kakayahan ng mamamayan na labanan ang kagutuman na hatid ng pandemya basta’t sama-sama at nagtutulungan.

Noong nakaraang taon, nagbuklod ang mga residente ng isang baryo sa prubinsya para labanan ang kagutumang inasahan nang ibubunga ng pagpataw ng rehimen ng militaristang lockdown. Gumawa sila ng mga palayan, gulayan, kaingin at palaisdaan para sa kanilang mga pamilya. Nilayon nilang paunlarin ang kanilang mga sakahan para punan ang noo’y nagbabadyang kakulangan sa pagkain at iwasan ang todong pagsalig sa pagbili ng pangkonsumong pagkain.

Para mabilis na maisagawa ang pagtatanim, naghati-hati sa tatlong grupong tulungan ang 34 pamilya sa baryo. Sa loob ng isang linggo ay naipunla nila ang 1,000 halamang sitaw, 500 okra at 100 ampalaya. Naipunla nila ang dalawang kilo ng mais, tatlong kilo ng trigo at batal. Nakapaghasik sila ng tatlong kaban ng palay sa kaingin.

Mabilis nilang nagawa ang limang pitak na palaisdaan at nalagyan ng 500 semilya ng tilapya. Naitayo rin nila ang silungan ng mga manok na kanilang alaga. Pinlano nilang dagdagan ang mga ito ng alagang itik.

Kinwenta ng mga nagtulungan ang pang araw-araw nilang konsumong bigas. Sa kanilang taya, kukulangin ang maaani nila sa hasik na palay lampas sa isang siklo ng anihan. Sa gayon, kailangan nilang maghanda ng pagkain hanggang sa susunod na pagkaingin at anihan.

Sabi pa ng pinakamatanda sa grupo, “malaking hamon sa amin na madagdagan pa ang tanim na palay para maging sapat ang aming bigas sa buong taon.” Tiwala siyang kaya nilang punan ang kakulangan ng pagkain kahit walang kapital sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa at mahigpit na pagtutulungan.

Plano ng mga grupong tulungan na abutin ang sapat na pagkain ng bawat pamilya. Kapag naabot na ito, handa silang maglabas ng mga prudukto sa kalapit nilang mga lugar.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/%ef%bb%bfsa-pagsasama-sama-malalabanan-ang-gutom-sa-pandemya/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Apo ni Marcos, binaha ng batikos ng mga kabataang Cordillera

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 6, 2021): Apo ni Marcos, binaha ng batikos ng mga kabataang Cordillera

ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 06, 2021

Sabay-sabay na nagpahayag ng mga mensahe ng pagkamuhi at pagbatikos ang mga dumalong estudyante sa isang online na porum sa Cordillera laban sa pamilya ng diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos. Ito ay isinagawa sa webinar o online seminar na inisponsor ng Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera (CHED-CAR) noong Oktubre 5 kung saan panauhin ang apo ni Marcos na si Sandro Marcos. Ayon sa mga estudyante, protesta nila ito sa pambabaluktot ng mga Marcos sa malagim na karanasahan ng mamamayan sa ilalim ng batas militar.

Ang porma ng protestang ito ay katulad sa tinatawag na “Zoombombing” o ang pagbabato ng mga komento para guluhin o pigilan ang pagsasalita o presentasyon ng isang tao o grupo. Tinarget ng mga kabataan ang bidyo ng nagtatalumpating Marcos na pinamagatang “redefining the role of youth in nation-building” (pagbabago sa papel ng kabataan sa pagtatayo ng bansa). Habang pinalalabas ang bidyo, sabay-sabay na nagpalit ng kanilang pangalan sa Zoom ang mga dumalo tungong #NeverAgain, #MarcosMagnanakaw, “Marcos Diktador”, at sa pangalan ng iba pang mga biktima ng paglabag ng karapatang-tao sa panahon ng batas militar.

Pansamantalang sinuspinde ng CHED-CAR ang porum dahil dito. Nag-anunsyo kamakailan si Sandro na tatakbo siya bilang kongresista sa unang distrito ng Ilocos Norte para sa 2022. Si Sandro ay anak ni Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

Samantala, nag-trending ang #NeverAgain sa Twitter matapos magdeklara si Bongbong Marcos na tatakbo siya sa pagkapresidente sa susunod na taon.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/apo-ni-marcos-binaha-ng-batikos-ng-mga-kabataang-cordillera/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Sa World Teachers’ Day, mga guro nagprotesta

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 6, 2021): Sa World Teachers’ Day, mga guro nagprotesta

ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 06, 2021

Higit isandaang mga guro at edukador ang nagprotesta sa Mendiola Bridge sa Maynila bilang paggunita sa World Teachers’ Day (Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Guro) kahapon. Sigaw ng mga gurong nagkakaisa sa ilalim ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) ang limang puntong kahingian para sa pagpapaunlad ng kalunus-lunos na kalagayan ng sektor sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Pinalubha pa ito ng kasalukuyang umiiral na ‘blended learning’ at kakulangan sa suporta ng Department of Education.

Pangunahing panawagan ng mga guro ang umento sa sahod. Noong Enero 2020, pinirmahan ni Duterte ang batas na nagdagdag ng karampot na ₱1,500, malayo sa halos dobleng (₱15,0000) dagdag sa sahod na ibinigay sa mga sundalo at pulis. Malayo rin ito sa ipinangako ni Duterte na umentong ₱10,000. Nasa 900,000 ang mga pampublikong guro sa buong bansa.

Ayon kay Raymond Basilio, pangkalahatang kalihim ng ACT, nananatiling sobra sa trabaho, kulang sa bayad at suporta ang mga guro sa ilalim ni Duterte. “Kaya muli kaming natutulak na kumilos at gamitin ang kolektibong lakas para isulong ang interes ng sektor,” aniya.

Dagdag na panawagan ng mga guro ang pagbibigay ng nararapat na service credit at bayad sa obertaym, laptop at ₱1,500 buwanang alawans sa internet para sa guro at gadyet at ₱10,000 ayuda para sa mga mag-aaral, ₱3,000 Inflation Adjustment Allowance at ₱10,000 tax-free election service honorarium. Noong Hunyo, pinangakuan ng DepEd ang mga guro na babayaran ang 87 sobrang araw ng pagtatrabaho, pero napag-alaman noong Setyembre na walang hininging badyet ang kagawaran para rito. Dahil dito, tinawag ni Rep. France Castro si DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones na “manloloko” sa pagdinig sa badyet ng kagawaran sa Kongreso noong nakaraang buwan.

Naglunsad rin ng mga piket protesta sa kani-kanilang mga paaralan ang mga unyon sa ilalim ng ACT. Kabilang dito ang ilang mga guro sa Davao, Cebu, Manila, Quezon City at iba pang prubinsya. Nagsabit naman ng mga balatengga at tarpolin ang ibang mga guro sa kanilang paaralan. Nagpaabot ng pagbati sa mga guro ang mga grupong kabataan sa pangunguna ng Kabataang Partylist at nagpahayag ng pakikiisa sa kanilang makatarungang mga panawagan.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/sa-world-teachers-day-mga-guro-nagprotesta/

Kalinaw News: LGU holds a 3-day Leadership Seminar for Jasaan Youth

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 7, 2021): LGU holds a 3-day Leadership Seminar for Jasaan Youth



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – Local Government Unit of Jasaan, in partnership with the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion, held its 1st Youth Leadership Seminar 2021 from October 1 to 3, 2021 at Sophie Red Hotel and Onshore Restaurant, Jasaan Misamis Oriental.

The Misamis Oriental Chapter of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY), in collaboration with the 58IB, organized the three-day Youth Leadership Seminar 2021 with the theme “Empowering Youth Leaders to Ripple Genuine Peace-building in the Zones of Peace.”

A total of 150 young people from various barangays in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, participated in the leadership seminar, which aims to build youth leaders and inspire them to become responsible citizens and catalysts for peace and growth in their communities. Despite the pandemic threat that is currently being faced by the country, risks must be taken to continue its development, especially for the next generation, thus the realization of the said seminar. Safety protocols were strictly imposed during the event to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Aside from the discussion of youth in peace-building, the participants were also given a series of lectures on, Preventing Student Involvement in Criminality and Drug Abuse, and R.A. 7610, Basic Fire Safety and Quick Response Firefighting Techniques and Demonstration, Gender and Development, and Deceptive Recruitment of CPP- NPA- NDF on Youth Sector.

Team building activities, healthy competitions, and small group discussions, were also supplemented to complete the package that has prepared the participants on becoming an equipped peace advocate.
During the opening ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, delivered a message emphasizing the seminar’s main objectives. “This YLS is intended not only to inform and educate you about the true intentions of the Communist Terrorist Groups, but also to help you build and develop your character. We have been conducting these activities to protect our youth. This is the best time to end that problem and the youth is integral part of our campaign. We hope that by giving you this leadership seminar, several lectures on drug awareness, and other activities, you can become a better and more responsible citizen in your municipality and avoid being recruited by the deceptive CTG youth recruitment. I strongly encourage everyone to take this seriously since you never know when the teachings, lessons, camaraderie, and friendship you will earn here will come in handy down the road. With that, I’d want to express my profound gratitude to Jasaan’s municipal mayor and council, as well as SK Fed, DILG, and PNP, for making this activity possible.”

Meanwhile, the Municipal Mayor of Jasaan, Hon. Redentor S Jardin asked the youth to be actively involved in ending local communist armed conflict. “The communist terrorist group seeks to overthrow our government and their ways of taking over government is thru violence, which we oppose. The Philippines has been created through our constitution. And what exactly does the constitution entail? That instead of dictatorship, we must elect our leaders. We don’t rule by the blood of the people. Dili nato gusto nang patay patay. Ang atong kontra kaning mga walhon, na radicalize ang utok. That is why I am grateful to the Army for taking the time to sit down with you and address this critical issue, orienting your minds to go the straight path of the democratic way of life. We don’t want to see any violence. We must persuade our constituents, particularly the youth, to pursue the straight path, na ang tanang kalambuan mahimo lamang thru good governance. This problem has been going on for 53 years. And I don’t want you to be CPP-NPA-NDF lovers. Ayaw gyud mo mainlove sa ilahang ideology.” Mayor Jardin 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/lgu-holds-a-3-day-leadership-seminar-for-jasaan-youth/