Naga City police conducts counter-terrorism simulation exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21, 2022): Naga City police conducts counter-terrorism simulation exercise (By Connie Calipay and Jason Neola)

ELITE FORCE. Undated photo shows operatives of the Naga City Police Office’s Mobile Force Company during the conduct of one of its counter-terrorism simulation activities at the Metro Naga Sports Complex. The conduct of exercises was part of the evaluation and validation as a finalist in the search for the Best City Mobile Force Companies in the country. (Photo courtesy of Rey Baylon)

NAGA CITY – To boost its performance in operational readiness and capability, the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) has conducted a simulation exercise on counter-terrorism and other criminal activities.

Staged at the expansive Metro Naga Sports Complex in Barangay Pacol on Monday, the operatives of the local police’s mobile force company conducted simulation exercises on different drills and workouts aimed at enhancing the conduct of their operations against assaults and aggressions by lawless elements.

In an interview on Thursday, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson, said the conduct of exercises by the mobile force company was part of the evaluation and validation as a finalist in the search for the Best City Mobile Force Companies (CMFC) in the country.

"Teams of field evaluation and validation visited the Bicol region to conduct inspections, evaluation, and validation as part of the Final Phase for selecting the "Best of the Best" as part of the celebration of the upcoming 121st Police Service Anniversary on August 8, this year," Calubaquib said.

Aside from the Naga City Mobile Force Company, she said other police units in Bicol are also finalists in the search.

These are the Police Regional Office 5 for best PRO; Camarines Norte Provincial Police Office for best PPO; Naga City Police Office for best city police office; Bulan Municipal Police Station for best MPS; Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 for best RMFB; and 1st Masbate Provincial Mobile Force Company for best PMFC.

Aside from counter-terrorism strategies, Calubaquib said the evaluators also looked at the city mobile force company’s performance in manning a high-risk checkpoint, conducting police counter-insurgency operations, managing the peace and order situations during rallies and protests, and arresting an armed suspect or criminal.

Masbate's 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (M1st PMFC) was included in the Top 3 candidates out of more than 160 PMFCs nationwide during the initial selection process, based on significant accomplishments, competency, and best practices.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179447

8 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21, 2022): 8 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

ABANDONED REBELS. One of the eight New People’s Army rebels hands over his firearm to authorities following their surrender in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, Thursday (July 21, 2022). The surrenderers said they were abandoned by their leaders. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Eight members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat surrendered to government forces Thursday, claiming their leaders had abandoned them.

The group turned in weapons to Lt. Col. Frederick Chicote, 7th Infantry Battalion commander. The military unit is based in Barangay Masiag, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

The firearms consisted of two M16 rifles, an M1 Carbine rifle, two KG9 pistols, an Ingram machine pistol, an M79 grenade launcher, a 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, and several explosives.

Chicote said the surrenderers were remnants of NPA South Regional Command, Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region, which has experienced a major setback in its ranks following the series of surrenders.

“They have withdrawn their allegiance to the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA group,” Chicote said.

He said the surrenderers also want to clear their names and live normal lives as their leaders have abandoned them after failing to deliver their promises of a good and secure life.

Ruben, one of the surrenderers, said he was happy they were given the chance to change their lives and correct the mistake they have committed "due to the deception of the CPP-NPA."

“We were victims of lies, lip service, and clearly we were duped,” he said in the vernacular.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the Army hopes to "save many families and help them live a peaceful and happy life away from the armed struggle."

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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179498

‘More than enough’ forces in central Negros vs. NPA: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21, 2022): ‘More than enough’ forces in central Negros vs. NPA: Army (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

The Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) is optimistic about defeating the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in central Negros with sufficient manpower and support from the communities.

As of Thursday, Himamaylan City and Binalbagan town in Negros Occidental and the municipalities of Tayasan and Manjuyod in Negros Oriental are considered strategic areas in the 94IB’s operations.

“We have more than enough forces. We consider the NPA in central Negros as just roving bandits,” Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB, said over the Provincial Capitol’s Radyo Negrense.

The 94IB, with headquarters in Ayungon, Negros Oriental, also covers seven villages in Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental, as well as the municipalities of Jimalalud, Tayasan, and Bindoy on the Oriental side.

Almonte said in his past four months as the battalion’s commanding officer, his troops have engaged communist rebels in clashes that mostly took place in Himamaylan City, and also neighboring Binalbagan.

On July 6, joint forces of the 94IB, 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company, and Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Company neutralized four fighters of the NPA’s Central Negros Front 2 - Komiteng Rehiyon Negros during an encounter in Sitio Amilis, Barangay Santol in Binalbagan town.

Almonte said the CPP-NPA continues to recruit young people to fight against the government and replace the aging cadres and combatants.

He emphasized that parents should be aware of the company their children keep and should also be alarmed once they start joining protest rallies because it is where the recruitment starts.

“They should fear those who pretend to be good with intention as they plan to take their children away,” he said, adding that the CPP-NPA also targets out-of-school youth in remote areas.

Almonte said aside from implementing the government’s holistic approach to fighting insurgency under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, they also work with other sectors in the communities.

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.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179491

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Pasaporte’s admission by denial

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2022): Pasaporte’s admission by denial

Juanito Magbanua

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

July 21, 2022

While ostensibly denying that the 79th Infantry Battalion is planning to bomb Northern Negros Natural Park covering swathe of mountain ranges and forest lands in Murcia and other towns, 303rd Brigade Commander Inocencio Pasaporte could not helped himself but show off the AFP’s aerial assets.

He bragged about smart or precision bombs that can be delivered by the ageing OV-10 Broncho and newly acquired A-29 Super Tucano bombers to hit specific targets and strike “decisive” blows against the NPA.

The Rose Jean Pelle Command of the NPA’s North Negros Front earlier reported about this malevolent plan citing verified information from various reliable sources, including one from the AFP itself.

Pasaporte’s logic, if you can call it that, is contradictory at its very core and ambivalent at the very least. He denies planning to bomb said areas, but at the same time prates about precise decisive aerial strikes. Indeed, by denying he is actually admitting.

Precision bombs or not, these bombs can inflict irreparable damage and destruction to the people residing and farming in these areas, as well as, to the environment that are supposedly “protected areas.”

Besides, the record of AFP’s aerial bombings can hardly be called precise. The AFP has dropped at least 591 bombs against the NPA since 2017. But only 109 actually hit an NPA camp, with an accuracy rate of only 18.44%.

As Negrosanons confront the adverse effects of Tiempo Muerto (dead season) often marked by pervasive poverty, hunger and lack of work, it is the height of callousness to squander millions of tax payers’ money for useless bombing operations. These funds are better spent on much needed social services and subsidies to poor families.

Pasaporte is obviously showing off to please his new commander-in-chief and gain favor, especially with Marcos Jr’s upcoming SONA spectacle. ##

https://cpp.ph/statements/pasaportes-admission-by-denial/

CPP/CIO: Condemn AFP plan to bomb Negros natural reservation

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2022): Condemn AFP plan to bomb Negros natural reservation

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

July 21, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns the plans of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the 303rd Infantry Brigade, to carry out a massive aerial bombardment over the hinterland communities of Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

According to reports, the 79th IB, a unit under the 303rd IBde, has been securing “permits” to mount a 3-day bomb testing in Minapasuk’s Mandalagan Mountain Range, a part of the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP). The NNNP is considered a key biodiversity area and the largest protected area in Northern Negros, and is recognized by international conservation organizations.

Reports from local residents say people of several sitios are being forced to evacuate their homes. The military wants the area to be cleared and declared a “no man’s land”.

In a media interview, 303rd IBde’s Brigadier General Innocencio Pasaporte confirmed the plan to mount aerial strikes in the said area. He said with complete disregard to its possible effects to civilians and the environment, that “a military commander will use whatever resources are available to accomplish the mission.”

In conjunction with its planned aerial strikes, the AFP has subjected at least 21 sitios of two barangays in Calatrava town to relentless harrassment, threats and intimidation. Last July 6, forces of the 79th IB fired indiscriminately in the vicinity of communities in Barangay Marcelo which caused severe injuries to a child and several other people.

Gen. Pasaporte is making himself look stupid when he declares that the planned aerial strikes aim to target NPA units. If it were true that there are NPA units in the area, they would have already maneuvered to secure their safety, with public pronouncements of the planned aerial bombing.

In fact, the real aim of the AFP in conducting these aerial strikes is to terrorize the people of Calatrava to force them to “surrender” their defense of their land, destroy their farmlands and forest resources. The bombing will surely wreak havoc on the wildlife and resources of the Mandalagan Mountain Range.

We call on the Filipino people, the people of Negros, peasant advocate groups, defenders of human rights and environmentalists, to stand together and collectively fight and frustrate the AFP’s plans to drop bombs against the protected range and once and for all demand an end to the AFP’s brutal campaign of aerial bombardment.

https://cpp.ph/statements/condemn-afp-plan-to-bomb-negros-natural-reservation/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Laganap na miltarisasyon at paglabag sa karapatang-pantao ng mga sibilyan sa Central Negros, kinokondena ng LPC-NPA!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 20, 2022): Laganap na miltarisasyon at paglabag sa karapatang-pantao ng mga sibilyan sa Central Negros, kinokondena ng LPC-NPA! (Widespread militarization and violation of human rights of civilians in Central Negros, condemned by LPC-NPA)

JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

July 20, 2022

Mariing kinokondena ng Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) ang walang patumanggang pinagbabaril ng matataas na kalibre ng armas ng mga kasundaluhan sa ilalim ng 62nd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army (IBPA) kung saan namamahinga sa isang kubo ang limang sibilyan sa So. Catuptop, Bray. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental kaninang alas 8:00 ng umaga, ika-20 ng Hulyo 2022.

Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ng LPC-NPA sa pangyayari, ayon sa ulat nasawi sa nasabing pangyayari si Pompeo Landisa, magsasaka at residente ng nasabing lugar habang nakaligtas at nakatakbo ang iba pang kasamahan nito. Itinanim lamang ang nakuhang baril sa pangyayari at walang naganap na engkwentro sa pagitan ng mga berdugong tropa ng 62nd IBPA at yunit ng LPC-NPA.

Sa kabilang banda, kinokondena rin ang pag-aresto kay Ramonito Mahinay na resisdente ng So. Kamanggahan, Brgy. Tabon, Valle Hermoso sa isinampang gawa-gawang kaso na illegal possession of firearms kung saan itinanim lamang sa kanya ang nakuhang baril noong Hulyo 9 taong kasalukuyan.

Kung matatandaan, inaresto rin si Nelfa De lima sa gawa-gawang kaso at tinaniman ng baril at eksplosibo gayundin ang pagpangharass at pamamaril ng mga AFP at PNP sa mga magsasaka na pinararatangang myembro ng New People’s Army.

Talamak ang nasabing kalakaran ng mga pasista at berdugong Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Philippine National Police (PNP) sa pag-atake sa demokratikong karapatan ng mga mamamayan at sibilyan laluna sa kanayunang saklaw ng Central Negros.

Nagbunga ito ng takot, pagkasira ng pamumuhay, dislokasyon at pangangamba sa seguridad na mabuhay ng malawak na mamamayan na naninirahan sa kanayunan.

Malaking hamon sa mga mamamayan na maninidigan at igit ang karapatan. Makibaka at huwag matakot!

https://cpp.ph/statements/laganap-na-miltarisasyon-at-paglabag-sa-karapatang-pantao-ng-mga-sibilyan-sa-central-negros-kinokondena-ng-lpc-npa/

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: Revolutionary forces of Negros firmly reject and oppose “localized peace talks”

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 20, 2022): Revolutionary forces of Negros firmly reject and oppose “localized peace talks”

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

July 20, 2022

Lately, the illegitimate US-Marcos II regime resurrected the long dead balderdash of conducting “localized peace talks” in place of the national peace negotiations between the NDFP and GRP.

It is a vain and desperate ploy to divide the revolutionary movement and mislead the people on the question of peace negotiations and the struggle for just and lasting peace.

Marcos Jr.’s henchmen at the NTF-Elcac brandished “localized peace talks” as if it is a novel innovation in their arsenal of psychological warfare and chicanery. And it is being rebranded as “local peace engagement” that would allegedly address the so-called specific “dynamic of conflict”.

“Local peace talks” has nothing to do with genuine peace, that is peace based on social justice. It serves only to deodorize the continuing brutal counterrevolutionary war and its attendant murderous campaigns that for years wrecked lives and trampled on people’s fundamental rights. It seeks to destroy the revolution by instigating capitulation as an appendage to armed counterrevolution. Hence, “localized peace talks” is packaged with a duplicitous amnesty program.

Paid hacks in the NTF-Elcac babbled nonsensically about “peace” while people’s socio-economic and political woes at the core remain unattended. As if real peace can be achieved by mere spectacle of showcase projects and palliatives or periodic dole-outs.

It deliberately projected armed struggle as the problem while obscuring the social conditions and crises in the country driving the people to rise up in greater numbers and take up arms. Armed struggle is the answer to these problems and not the other way around.

The civil war between the people’s democratic government and the reactionary state is rooted in the basic problems of the country that is imperialism, feudalism and bureaucratic capitalism. These have, for more than 70 years, impoverished the Filipino people from all parts of the country and relegated its economy to a backward, agrarian and pre-industrial state.

These fundamental problems could have been addressed in a peaceable manner at the negotiating table between the two belligerent parties while the civil war is ongoing. Limited ceasefire is also possible to give favorable ambiance to the talks. But truce or cessation of hostilities is only attainable only after the comprehensive agreements on the remaining substantive agenda in the peace talks, especially that of socio-economic reforms which is the meat of the negotiations, is forged, approved and subsequently implemented.

In this spirit, the NDFP as the duly representative of all revolutionary forces and organs of political power in the country engaged in a peace negotiation with the GRP since November 1986. Despite so many stumbling blocks and difficulties, it was able to forge numerous agreements beneficial to the people. Foremost among these are the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the final draft of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-economic Reform (CASER).

To claim that peace is attainable in one part of the country without resolving the over-all social problems besetting the Filipino people is pure and simple twaddle.

NTF-ELCAC is pushing for “localized peace talks” to suppress the people’s resistance against the onslaught of “development” aggression of imperialist mega projects. For instance, the mineral-rich lands of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental inhabited by Magahat-Bukidnon tribes have been target by transnational mining companies for massive extractive activities. These areas are currently under AFP control and heavily militarized.

The revolutionary forces of Negros—from CPP’s regional committee to the branches, NPA’s regional operational command to front operational commands, and NDF’s allied organizations at all levels, firmly reject and oppose “localized peace talks” and will not engage, participate or even recognize such bogus peace undertaking.

If ever such talks is ever held in Negros, NTF-ELCAC will be talking with themselves or maybe with some former revolutionaries-turned traitors and other elements with dubious character misrepresenting the revolutionary movement.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/revolutionary-forces-of-negros-firmly-reject-and-oppose-localized-peace-talks/

CPP/CIO: Condemn US intervention over reinclusion of CPP and NPA in US-FTO

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 20, 2022): Condemn US intervention over reinclusion of CPP and NPA in US-FTO

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

July 20, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns the US government for political and military intervention in the country’s national affairs over the recent re-inclusion of the CPP and the New People’s Army (NPA) in the list of so-called “foreign terrorist organizations” maintained by the US State Department.

The re-inclusion of the CPP and NPA, as well as other Moro and domestic Islamic groups, was made in a July 6 resolution signed by US state secretary Anthony Blinken and published yesterday in the US federal register1.

We denounce the US for the “terrorist-labelling” of the CPP and NPA. This is baseless and merely serves its war-craving. Far from being “terrorists,” the CPP and NPA are revolutionary organizations that advance the cause of democracy and national freedom, and work to lead the Filipino people in the struggle for liberation from the clutches of US imperialism.

The US government has included the CPP and NPA in its so-called FTO list to pressure the Philippine government against conducting peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). In October 2017, then US president Trump personally delivered the message to former president Duterte, who weeks later issued a proclamation terminating the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations and declaring the CPP and NPA as terrorists. On the advise of the US, officials of the newly-installed Marcos regime have already declared it will not resume the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations.

The US opposes the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations because it wants the armed suppression of the patriotic and democratic forces that oppose US intervention and domination. The US government is also pushing for the so-called “localized peace talks” to carry out a widespread war of pacification to allow the unimpeded entry of American multinational corporations which are aiming to control around 300,000 hectares of plantation land and mining areas in Mindanao.

The US imperialists also want a perpetual war in the Philippines to ensure a steady market for US bombs, jet fighters, artillery, rifles and bullets. To unload itself of surplus military supplies, the US has been pushing the Philippine military and government to carry out a costly and brutal aerial bombardment campaign in counterguerrilla operations.

The US’ inclusion of the CPP and NPA in its FTO list is being used to justify the deployment of US military forces in the Philippines.

Since 2017, an undetermined number of American soldiers are operating in the Philippines under the Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines (OPEP). Many of these are based in US facilities inside Camp Navarro in Zamboanga, as well as other military camps across the country. They are protected and given extra-territorial rights under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and other unequal military agreements.

US military forces advise, train and join the AFP in conducting counterguerrilla operations, including the operation of surveillance drones in the country. The US is known for conducting its own aerial surveillance within the country’s sovereign airspace.

The US “FTO” list is being used to justify the extension of military aid to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The US feeds the corrupt generals of the AFP and security establishment with millions of pesos of kickbacks from the so-called “modernization” program.

Experts have denounced the US “foreign terrorist organizations” list as arbitrary and without legal basis under international law. While the US labels revolutionary organizations such as the CPP/NPA as “terrorists”, it does not apply the same label to fascist groups such as the notorious Azov Battalion in Ukraine, which the US, in fact, helps arm and train.

The CPP demands the US government to stop its political and military intervention in the country. The Party denounces the Philippine government for allowing the US to trample on the country’s sovereignty and for bowing to US dictates.

We urge the American people to demand the US government to stop interfering in the internal affairs of the Philippines and to stop supplying bombs, jet fighters, and other weapons being used by the Philippine military and police against the Filipino people under the Marcos regime. Human rights abuses perpetrated by the AFP and PNP in the course of US-supported counterguerrilla operations run rampant.

The American people can demand the revocation of the so-called FTO list which is being used as an instrument of intervention in the Philippines and across the world.

https://cpp.ph/statements/condemn-us-intervention-over-reinclusion-of-cpp-and-npa-in-us-fto/

CPP//////NPA-Southeast Negros: PNP’s recent arrest in Sta. Catalina: proof of regime’s corrupt counterrevolutionary drive

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 19, 2022): PNP’s recent arrest in Sta. Catalina: proof of regime’s corrupt counterrevolutionary drive

Estrella Banagbanag

Spokesperson

NPA-Southeast Negros (Rachelle Mae Palang Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

July 19, 2022

The RMPC-NPA expresses condemnation and outright disgust on the recent claim of the PNP in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental involving the arrest of Charlie Saliganan, who they suspect as an active member of the revolutionary movement. Lt. Gen. Danao’s commendation of the arrest is akin to his commander-in-chief Marcos’ talent for fabrications. This act is nothing but hogwash to bolster their misplaced egos and insatiable greed, as Saliganan is not a member of the revolutionary movement.

The reactionary troops have piled lie after lie to cover up their failure of meeting several extended self-imposed deadlines of quelling the armed revolution. Danao is obviously sucking up to the illegitimate US-Marcos regime with his bloody record as Marcos’ first SONA nears. He aims to reap both monetary rewards and promotions for himself.

And like Danao, the 302nd Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña’s repeated claim of a ‘dismantled’ Southeast Front now only operated by ‘remnants’ is a myth consistently disproved by recent encounters and their focused military operations in the area. The sycophant Peña is sitting on this fiction to hide his brigade’s embarrassment as the NPA continues to flourish and is fully supported by the revolutionary masses in Negros Oriental.

It has become a pattern of the AFP and PNP to arrest civilians, red-tag them as members of the CPP-NPA coupled with exaggerated yet inexistent positions, plant firearms and ammunition that do not match with each other during illegal arrests, and fabricate trumped-up charges. All of these senseless follies have become the milking cow of fascist troops to extort bail money or leech off of intended funds for ‘rebel returnees’. Unwittingly, these dirty tricks push the people to side with their NPA.

The top officials of the mercenary troops have revealed themselves to be bootlickers serving the Marcos-Arroyo-Duterte (MAD) alliance to advance the interests of the few, deliberately bulldozing the rights and welfare of the majority of the Negrosanons. The state’s desperation ridden with corruption, disinformation and atrocities will continuously debunk their recycled scripts of a weakening revolution and swell the numbers of the NPA even more.

What the likes of Danao and Peña need to understand is that the armed struggle cannot be obstructed by their ridiculous mix of ‘benevolent’ persuasion and brutal methods if the former does not work. The revolution cannot be dismantled by state violence as that will only reinforce and urge the Negrosanons and the entire Filipino people to wage a just war against all forms of injustice and oppression. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pnps-recent-arrest-in-sta-catalina-proof-of-regimes-corrupt-counterrevolutionary-drive/

CPP/NPA-northern Negros:Real-Life Drama Acted by 79th IB-PA,No Armed Encounter Happened in Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 18, 2022): Real-Life Drama Acted by 79th IB-PA,No Armed Encounter Happened in Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava!

Cecil Estrella

Spokesperson

NPA-Northern Negros (Roselyn Pelle Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

July 19, 2022

No armed clash happened between 79th IB-PA and elements of Roselyn Jean Pelle Command – Northern Negros Guerilla Front of the New People’s Army (RJPC-NPA) on July 6, 2022 in Sitio Banwa Minatay, Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava. Around 40 elements of 79th IB-PA indiscriminately fired at civilians.

At 11 o’clock in the morning of the said date, two elements of the 79th IB-PA initially fired indiscriminately at a forested area. The shooting prompts other fascist elements to shoot indiscriminately affecting the household nearby. This resulted to a child severely wounded from a gunshot, trauma of a mother, another child and other household members present and an illegal arrest of a civilian based on planted evidences. Follow-up investigation is to be conducted to check on the status of the child victim and other household members.

Since May 26, 2022 up to this writing, the 79th IB-PA conducts a massive military operation covering 11 communities of Barangay Minapasuk, namely Ekogan, Victory, Wingsing, Kalanugan, Yamingon, Nabaisan, Mangkak, Tinibiangan, Tagaytay, Kapanuyan, Crossing Kawayan and nearby sitios Inyam, Ulunganon, Banwa Minatay, Balagoncagay, Palala, Huybesan, Bugtong Linaw of Barangay Marcelo. During this military operation, residents have reported multiple incidents of threat and intimidation, community encampment, physical assault, psychological warfare, fake encounter and the recent indiscriminate firing which severely wounded a child, traumatized family members and a civilian’s illegal arrest based on planted evidences, all perpetrated by terrorist forces of 79th IB-PA. Due to fear of life, residents followed the perpetrators’ order not to report the said incidents to authorities.

Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte of 303rd Infantry Brigade, expeditiously made stories to cover up the incidents saying that an encounter happened between 79th IB-PA and the same remnants of the so-called dismantled Northern Negros Front from the recent self-claimed Minapasuk clash. RJPC-NPA reiterates that no encounter happened, whether in Barangay Minapasuk nor in Barangay Marcelo, in the past weeks.

In Northern Negros, a real-life drama is broadcasted based on the script writing and direction of Pasaporte, together with Colonel J-Jay Javinez of 79th IB-PA, which aims to garner an award-winning promotion. With the masses as the critics and adjudicators, the entry of Pasaporte is surely a flunker and only paid audience is willing to recommend the said show.

RJPC-NPA is calling all patriotic within the ranks of the uniformed personnel to unite with revolutionary forces in rendering genuine service to the people. We urge you to expose to the public the wrong-doings of your officials, fellow combatant and the institution you belong. RJPC-NPA welcomes those who are tired following marching orders of targeting civilians and those burned-out making up fake news and stories.

RJPC-NPA challenges the Commission on Human Rights and all human rights group to conduct an independent investigation on the so-called encounter and rights violations during the combat operation.

RJPC-NPA calls on all media outlets in Negros Island to conduct investigative reports and highlight civilian victims’ statement. We urge you to investigate the matters submitted to your respective offices.

Furthermore, RJPC-NPA calls on all the Filipino people, especially of Northern Negros, to overcome your fear and be united in exposing all rights violations and in opposing militarization of your community.

https://cpp.ph/statements/no-armed-encounter-happened-in-barangay-marcelo-calatrava/

Kalinaw News: Pagpupugay sa Bayaning Sundalo

From Kalinaw News (Jul 21, 2022): Pagpupugay sa Bayaning Sundalo (Tribute to the Hero Soldier)

CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City, Hulyo 20, 2022 – Bilang pagkilala sa kabayanihan ni late Sgt Gleen C Amado, ang 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade at 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion sa pangunguna ng Brigade Commander na si Colonel Noel A Vestuir ay nag-alay ng “Heroes Honors” sa kanyang labi sa Municipal Hall ng Jaro, Leyte nitong Hulyo 20, 2022. Si Sgt Amado ay residente ng Jaro, Leyte at kasapi ng 20th Infantry Battalion na nakatalaga sa Northern Samar. Kong matatandaan, noong Marso 5, 2022, si late Sgt Amado at ang kanyang mga kasamahan ay inatake ng teroristang grupong CPP-NPA habang sila ay nagsasagawa ng Community Support Program (CSP) sa Sitio Canunghan, Palapag, Northern Samar na kung saan, siya ay tinamaan ng bala sa leeg. Kaagad namang dinala sa AFP Medical Center, sa Victoriano Luna Road sa Quezon City, Metro Manila, ngunit sa kasawi-ang palad, siya ay binawian din ng buhay nitong Hulyo 7, 2022.

Ang CSP ay isang programa ng pamahalaan sa ilalim National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) upang alamin at tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mamayan at komunidad. Kalakip nito’y nilalayon din ng CSP ang iangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng bawat Pilipino, gawing mapayapa at maulad ang mga komunidad lalong lalo na ang mga lugar na malayo sa kabihasnan o Geographically Isolated Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs).

Ang pagkasawi ni late Sgt Amado ay maituturing na isang kabayanihan sapagkat kanyang ibinale wala ang nakaambang na panganib at banta ng mga teroristang cpp-npa, maisagawa lamang ang kanyang tungkulin sa naturang Barangay.
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Ayon kay Mayor Jassie Tańala ng Jaro, Leyte, sila ay nalulungkot sa pagkawala ng isang magiting na anak ng Jaro, subalit ang kanyang kabayanihan ay nagpapakita ng katapangan at katapatan sa kanyang tungkulin, kapalit man nito ang kanyang buhay. Kanya ding pinaabot ang kanyang pakikiramay sa pamilya ni Sgt Amado. Ayon pa sakanya, “di natin maibabalik ang buhay ni Sgt Amado, ngunit ang kanyang ginawa na paglilingkod sa ating bayan ay hindi natin makakalimutan.”

Ipinaabot ni Col Vestuir ang kanyang pakikiramay sa mga naulilang pamilya ni Sgt Amado at ang kanyang pasasalamat sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Jaro, Leyte, sa pagkilala sa kabayanihan ng kanilang kababayan. Ayon kay Colonel Vestuir, “tayo ay nagbibigay pugay sa kabayanihan ng isa nating kasamahan na nagbuwis ng buhay sa ngalan ng tapat na paglilingkod sa ating bayan at sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Bagamat ang pagkamatay ni Sgt Amado ay isang malaking kawalan sa buong Hukbong Katihan, ito din ang magsisilbing inspirasyon sa aming mga naiwan upang ipagpatuloy ang laban, upang ating makamtan ang tunay at ganap na kapayapaan.”

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/pagpupugay-sa-bayaning-sundalo/

Kalinaw News: Davao del Sur opens 3rd Former Rebel Live-in Training and Deradicalization

From Kalinaw News (Jul 21, 2022): Davao del Sur opens 3rd Former Rebel Live-in Training and Deradicalization

MAKILALA, COTABATO – Provincial Task Force In Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Davao del Sur opened its 3rd batch of Former Rebels Live-in Training and Deradicalization in a ceremony on July 20, 2022 at Mindanao Rural Life Center, Brgy. Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

The 3-month program which is called Tupad Pangako Program (TPP) will cater a total of 25 Former Rebel (FR) participants.

They will be given series of lectures, trainings and workshops to be able to understand the platform and to acquire various skills to be used as they indulge into the reality and be part of their communities anew.

Modules include Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that provides assistance, knowledge, and skills necessary for starting a new life; Deradicalization to reorient and reorganize the mindset of the Former Rebels (FRs) and acknowledge the legitimacy of the government; and Livelihood & Spiritual Program to provide skills and knowledge in pursuing a sustainable livelihood that will serve as foundation for the FRs as they reintegrate into society.

The said opening ceremony was attended by key people who were behind the materialization of the said program led by the former Davao del Sur Governor Marc Cagas

During his speech, Cagas express his happiness on the decision of the FR which greatly contributed to the declaration of Davao del Sur as an insurgency free province.

“I am in awe that we all are working together to make this activity possible and enduring. May we continue to work together, and I would like also to extend my gratitude to our friends who are again putting your trust to the Philippine government and taking part in maintaining an insurgency free province. Rest assured that we shall be with you in your endeavors until you are be able to stand on your own and be progressive.” Cagas expressed

On the other hand, alias Allan, former member of Regional Sentro De Grabedad, Regional Operation Command, Far South Mindanao Region could not contain his joy that he had been one of the fortunate recipients of the program. He said, “I am very thankful for this opportunity. I did not regret that I surrender because I know the government will take care of us. I hope that with this program there will many rebels who surrender so that everyone of us will work together to have a a peaceful and progressive country.”

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/davao-del-sur-opens-3rd-former-rebel-live-in-training-and-deradicalization/

Kalinaw News: One (1) NPA killed in a clash with 62IB

From Kalinaw News (Jul 20, 2022): One (1) NPA killed in a clash with 62IB

CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, Negros Occidental – Concerned locals of Brgy Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental reported the presence of armed NPA Terrorist Groups in the area which resulted to a clash with the troops of 62IB and members of Communist NPA Terrorist leaving their dead comrade at around 8:00 in the morning today July 20, 2022 (Wednesday) in said city.

Elements of 62th Infantry Battalion responded to a report from concerned citizens in Sitio Taluktok regarding the presence of suspicious persons believed to be Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in the area. They encountered more or less five (5) CTG members at Sitio Taluktok Brgy Sandayao, Guihulngan City, NOR. Said NPA Terrorists hastily withdrew leading towards the eastern direction of Sitio Taluktok of said brgy leaving behind their dead comrade in the area.

The firefight lasted for about five (5) minutes that resulted to: one (1) enemy killed (body count) identified as Pompeo D Landisa @POPING LANDEZA, 54 years of age, resident of Sitio Daku Budlasan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City, NOR, a member of CN1-KRNCBS and with two (2) standing warrant of arrest for violation of RA 1059 and crime of murder with no bail. The troops were able to seized also the following war materials: One (1) KG9 loaded with one (1) magazine, one (1) magnum 357 loaded with three (3) ammos, one (1) hand grenade, and subversive CTG documents.

Guihulngan City PNP facilitated the retrieval of the dead NPA for proper disposition and further identification.

Meanwhile Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade Commander in a message said that, “With the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (GCTF-ELCAC), we will unify and harmonize our peace and development efforts especially with the different stakeholders to end the local communist armed conflict in the City of Guihulngan. We thanked the people of Brgy Sandayao for their vigilance in reporting the presence of armed NPA terrorists and for taking concrete actions to ensure that the NPAs are unwanted in their community. We will ensure that this CNTs’ intimidation and extortion activities are halted. I call on the remaining members of the NPAs especially in Central Negros to return to the folds of the law and to abandon futility of the armed struggle. Take advantage of the E-CLIP being offered by our government which will be of great help for your return to live a normal life,” BGEN Pasaporte added.

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/one-1-npa-killed-in-a-clash-with-62ib/

Kalinaw News: JUST IN: NPA killed, firearms seized in Guihulngan encounter

From Kalinaw News (Jul 20, 2022): JUST IN: NPA killed, firearms seized in Guihulngan encounter 

The army’s 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army encountered more or less five (5) CPP-NPA terrorists in Sitio Taluktok, Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental on July 20, 2022.

This, after a concerned civilian informed the unit about the presence of armed individuals conducting extortion activity in the area.

The encounter that happened at about 08:00 in the morning resulted in the death of One (1) NPA and seizure of One (1) firearm.

This is a developing story.

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/just-in-npa-killed-firearms-seized-in-guihulngan-encounter/

Kalinaw News: 22 Former Rebels receive Livelihood Kits in Davao Occidental

From Kalinaw News (Jul 20, 2022): 22 Former Rebels receive Livelihood Kits in Davao Occidental

MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Pangkabuhayan Business Kits for Sari-sari store amounting to Php150,000.00 worth of groceries were received by 22 former rebels from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week Celebration at New Gymnasium, Poblacion, Malita, Davao Occidental on July 19, 2022. These 22 former rebels were surrenderors to 73rd Infantry Battalion under 1002Bde of the 10th Infantry Division.

Likewise, the Pangkabuhayan Business Kit is a small business program of DTI that allows a wider reach of business development assistance to the former rebels. It is part of DTI’s program called Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG), a livelihood seeding program that aims to help and assist Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) and other marginalized sectors affected by recent calamities.

MGen Nolasco A Mempin, 10ID Commander expressed his gratitude to the Department of Trade and Industry for its program that benefited the former rebels in 10ID’s area of responsibility. “This is a good start for our former rebels in going back to the mainstream society. We encouraged them to continue to work hard for the betterment of their life and their families.” MGen Mempin added.

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/22-former-rebels-receive-livelihood-kits-in-davao-occidental/