Ebrahim calls for unity as BARMM marks 5th anniversary

Posted to MindaNews (Jan 21, 2024): Ebrahim calls for unity as BARMM marks 5th anniversary (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim bangs the gong to mark the 5th Bangsamoro founding anniversary on Sunday, 21 January 2024 at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City. Photo from Facebook page Bangsamoro Government / Hamdan Badrudin / BIO

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 21 January) — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) marked its fifth of the six-year transition government, which is led by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, on Sunday, January 21.

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, also the Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair, banged the gong Sunday morning, symbolizing the start of the week-long celebration for the fifth founding anniversary of the Bangsamoro government at the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) grounds here.

The banging of the gong followed the parade participated by regional and city government workers from Governor Gutierrez Avenue until the BGC.

In his message, Ebrahim urged the Bangsamoro people to unite, emphasizing the importance of collectively moving forward with enthusiasm and resolve.

He highlighted the need for fostering mutual understanding, peaceful co-existence, and envisioning a shared future in the Bangsamoro.

“Let this day serve as a reminder to all of us that the path to peace and autonomy demanded several decades of persistent struggle and sacrifices, especially of the Bangsamoro Mujahideen and those who devoted themselves in ensuring the necessary conditions for enduring peace and socio-economic development in the (Bangsamoro) autonomous region,” Ebrahim said.

This year’s celebration is themed “A Journey Towards Mutual Understanding, Peaceful Co-existence, and a Shared Future in the Bangsamoro.”

A series of activities would be conducted by the different ministries and agencies in the BARMM from January 21 to 26, such as free legal assistance, free public rides with coffee, tree planting activities, clean-up drives, medical missions, distribution of shelter tool kits, Land Transportation Office non-penalty for late registrations, and many more.

Ebrahim noted that “amid the challenges, BARMM is celebrating five years of vibrant progress and unity, laying the foundation for a brighter future for the Bangsamoro homeland and its people.”

BARMM was created after the plebiscites that ratified Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM on January 21 and February 6, 2019.

On February 26, 2019, the then Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao turned over the reins of governance to the BARMM, which was inaugurated by then President Rodrigo Duterte on March 29, 2019.

The BARMM is governed by the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which is dominated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The creation of the Bangsamoro region is at the core of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front  signed in 2014 during the Aquino III administration after 17 years of peace negotiations.

The BTA was slated to end on June 30, 2022 but Duterte signed Republic Act 11593, which resets the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections from May 2022 to May 2025.

The law provides under Section 2 that during the extension of the transition period, the BTA “shall continue as the interim government,” provided that the President “may appoint the eighty (80) new interim members of the BTA who shall serve up to June 30, 2025 or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.”

Ebrahim was appointed by Duterte as the first interim chief minister and was reappointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the extended BTA.

In the scope of five years, the BTA has approved five priority legislations namely the administrative code, civil service code, education code, electoral code, and the local governance code.

Still pending are the revenue and indigenous peoples codes.

For 2024, the Bangsamoro Parliament approved a budget of P98.5 billion, mostly funded by the legislated block grant from shares in national taxes.

The BARMM is the only region adopting a parliamentary government system in a country with a highly-centralized Presidential system. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2024/01/ebrahim-calls-for-unity-as-barmm-marks-5th-anniversary/

Gains mark BARMM’s 5th year

Posted to the Business World (Jan 21, 2024): Gains mark BARMM’s 5th year

A PARADE rolls out in Cotabato City in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Sunday. — PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN FELIX M. UNSON

COTABATO CITY — Regional agencies celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with officials citing the gains from its security and economic initiatives.

Records from various sources indicate that BARMM attracted P8.1 billion in investments over the past 18 months, demonstrating positive economic momentum. Local traders contributed up to P5.7 billion from Q3 2019 to 2022, signaling confidence in the region’s potential.

Established in February 2019 through a plebiscite, BARMM replaced the 27-year-old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following 22 years of peace talks between Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Ahod B. Ebrahim, leader of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, now serves as the chief minister of the region.

BARMM’s labor minister, Muslimin G. Sema, emphasized the collaboration between former rebel groups, MNLF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in managing peace and development programs. – John Felix M. Unson

“Virtually, the BARMM is still an infant but already has something to show for, particularly in terms of the expansion of services to the Moro people, the non-Moro Christians, and the indigenous people in its core territory,” he said.

Members of the 80-seat BARMM parliament, including Deputy Speaker Nabil A. Tan, lawyers Paisalin P. Tago and Suharto M. Ambolodto, and physician-ophthalmologist Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., highlighted legislative efforts to enhance commerce and trade in the six Bangsamoro provinces.

“Personally, I believe that the national officials of member-states of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) that brokered Malacañang’s separate peace compacts with the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are glad seeing how the BARMM government is trying its best to make its six provinces become progressive,” Mr. Tago, also the regional transportation and communications minister, said.

The OIC, which consists of over 50 Muslim states, brokered peace compacts between Malacañang and the MNLF, as well as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Major Gen. Alex S. Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, highlighted the success in maintaining law and order in BARMM and Region 12 provinces. The support of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and MNLF officials, now involved in the BARMM parliament or ministries, played a crucial role in achieving these accomplishments.

“That, per se, is one of the dividends of the national government’s peace process with both groups and the existence now of this five-year BARMM regional government,” Mr. Rillera said.

In the past three years, units of the 6th Infantry Division secured the surrender of over 700 members of outlawed groups with the assistance of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and MNLF leaders, promoting their reintegration into mainstream society. — John Felix M. Unson

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2024/01/21/570258/gains-mark-barmms-5th-year/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Yunit ng 96th IB, binulabog ng BHB-Masbate

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Jan 15, 2024): Yunit ng 96th IB, binulabog ng BHB-Masbate (Unit of 96th IB, bombed by NPA-Masbate)

 




January 15, 2024

Pinatamaan ng isang yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Masbate ang nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 96th sa Sityo Lantawan, Barangay Gangao,Baleno, Masbate noong Enero 13. Nabulabog ang naturang yunit militar at kagyat na itinago ang kanilang kaswalti upang pagtakpan ang kahihiyan.

Ayon kay Ka Luz del Mar, tagapagsalita ng BHB-Mabaste, ang armadong opensiba ay bahagi ng kanilang pagsisikap na kamtin ang hustisya para sa mga biktima ng abusong militar at ipagtanggol ang mamamayan laban sa nagpapatuloy na paghaharing militar sa prubinsya.

Kabilang sa tinutukoy ni Ka Luz ang 24 na biktima ng pampulitikang pamamaslang sa Masbate sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Marcos. Labis din ang galit ng mga residente sa pamalagiang pagkakampo ng mga kontra-insurhensyang yunit ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Philippine National Police (PNP) sa mga eskwelahan sa prubinsya.

Inireklamo maging ng ilang mga tauhan ng Department of Education (DepEd)-Masbate ang patuloy na panghihimasok ng militar sa mga eskwelahan para mangrekrut at pwersahin ang mga estudyanteng ipinagpapalagay nilang naninirahan sa mga erya ng hukbong bayan na magbigay ng impormasyon. Ayon pa sa mga ulat, ilang mga estudyante na ang hindi makapasok sa eskwela dulot ng takot sa presensya ng militar.

Isang residente rin ng Barangay Gangao ang nagpabatid ng kanyang reklamo at pagkadismaya sa armadong pwersa ng estado sa pamamagitan ng post sa social media noong nakaraang linggo. Aniya, “nilagay po kayo [yunit ng militar] dito para magpasimula ng katahimikan, kaayusan at kapayapaan…hindi po para kayo ang magsimula ng pangamba at takot ng mamamayan.”

Pagsisiwalat niya, ang yunit militar na nakatalaga sa kanilang barangay ay nagpasimuno ng mga inuman sa loob at labas ng kampo at kung malalasing ay nagpapaputok ng baril at nanggugulo sa mga residente. Inireklamo rin niya ang prostitusyon sa loob ng mismong kampo ng militar.

“Tapos palalabasin ninyo na may nakita kayong kalaban ninyo?” aniya. Kinwestyon niya ang isang pangyayari kung saan hindi lumalabas sa kampo ang mga sundalo at bastang nagpapasabog at nagpapaputok ng baril nang hindi tiyak kung sino ang matatamaan.

“Obligasyon ninyong protektahan ang taumbayan, hindi magpapakawala kayo ng pasabog at putok ng baril na mula sa kampo niyo,” himutok niya. Kinundena niya rin ang pambababae, kahit na mga dalagita, ng mga sundalo. “At nagdadala pa kayo sa kampo ninyo ng mga bayarang babae, tama po ba iyan?” aniya.

Pahayag ni Ka Luz, ang kanilang armadong aksyon ay nagpapakita ng determinasyon ng hukbong bayan na ipagtanggol ang masa mula sa kamay ng mga berdugo. Nagpaabot din siya ng pasasalamat sa mamamayang Masbatenyo sa kanilang patuloy na pagsuporta sa kanilang tunay na hukbo at papel sa naging operasyong haras laban sa 96th IB.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/yunit-ng-96th-ib-binulabog-ng-bhb-masbate/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Magsasaka sa Negros Occidental, nakaligtas sa pamamaril ng 62nd IB

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Jan 16, 2024): Magsasaka sa Negros Occidental, nakaligtas sa pamamaril ng 62nd IB (Farmer in Negros Occidental, survived being shot by the 62nd IB)

 




January 16, 2024

Pinagbabaril ng mga sundalo ng 62nd IB ang magsasakang si Cerilo Bagnoran Jr habang nagmamaneho ng kanyang motorsiklo at bumabyahe sa Crossing Cordova, Barangay Manghanoy, La Castellana, Negros Occidental. Pinara siya ng tatlong elemento ng 62nd IB Charlie Company sa Crossing Cordova bago pinaulanan ng bala.

Pauwi sana si Bagnoran sa kanyang bahay galing sa trabaho nang pagbabarilin ng mga sundalo. Siya ay trabahante sa isang tubuhan. Bagaman nakaligtas sa pamamaril, labis na takot at troma ang idinulot sa kanya at kanyang pamilya ng naturang insidente.

Bago pa ang bigong pagpatay, hinanap na si Bagnoran ng mga nagpakilalang elemento ng Philippine National Police (PNP) noong Enero 7 sa kanyang komunidad. Noong Enero 8, pinaghahahanap siya ng 24 sundalo ng 62nd IB na noo’y nag-ooperasyon sa Sityo Mandayao-4, Barangay Kamandag, La Castellana.

Samantala, hindi rin nakaligtas sa brutalidad at terorismo ng estado ang pamilyang Carreon sa Sityo Bonbon, Barangay Hinakpan, Guihulngan City. Sapilitang pinasok at niransak ng may 40 tropa ng 62nd IB ang bahay ng pamilya noong Enero 14 ng umaga. Labag sa batas na pinaghahalungkat ng mga sundalo ang kagamitan ng pamilya at hinanap si Bimbo Carreon, ang may-ari ng bahay. Nagdulot ng takot sa pamilya, laluna sa mga bata, ang atakeng militar.

Ang taktikang ito ng 62nd IB ay nakabalangkas sa kampanyang kontra-insurhensyang ipinatutupad ng rehimeng US-Marcos. Imbes na makipagsagupaan sa mga yunit ng hukbong bayan, tahasang tinatarget ng militar ang mga magsasakang sibilyan, na lubhang labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas at mga alituntunin ng digma.

Ipinahayag ng 3rd ID noong Disyembre 2023 na plano nitong “durugin” at ideklarang “insurgency-free” ang buong isla ng Negros sa unang kwarto ng 2024, dedlayn na ilang beses na nitong inusog. Kaugnay nito, nauna nang nagbabala ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Negros na mangangahulugan ito ng pagpapalawig ng militarisasyon sa mga komunidad sa buong isla.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/magsasaka-sa-negros-occidental-nakaligtas-sa-pamamaril-ng-62nd-ib/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas ng AFP sa kampanyang aerial bombing, binatikos

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Jan 16, 2024): Paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas ng AFP sa kampanyang aerial bombing, binatikos (Violation of international humanitarian law by the AFP in the aerial bombing campaign, criticized)

 




January 16, 2024

Binatikos ng grupong International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) ang lansakang paglabag ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa internasyunal na makataong batas (IHL) sa paglulunsad nito ng labis-labis at superyor na lakas na mga pag-atake at kampanyang aerial bombing laban sa maliit at mahihinang istruktura ng mga kampo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB).

“Mahigpit na kinukundena ng ICHRP ang disproportionate na paggamit ng armas ng 403rd IBde, 4th ID ng AFP sa aerial bombing nito noong Disyembre 25 hanggang Disyembre 26, 2023 sa Malaybalay City, Bukidnon,” ayon kay Peter Murphy, chairperson ng koalisyon. Giit niya, ipinakikita nito ang lantarang kawalang respeto ng AFP sa karapatang-tao at internasyunal na makataong batas.

Ayon sa paunang ulat ng yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa Bukidnon, naghulog ng apat na bomba ang Tactical Air Wing ng 4th ID sa isang temporaryong kampo ng hukbo sa Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City. Dalawang araw matapos nito, muli itong nambomba sa Sityo Bagong Lipunan, Barangay Linabo sa bayan ng Quezon. Labis-labis at walang patumangga ang paghuhulog ng ilang 250-libras na bomba, na naghasik ng teror sa mamamayan ng Bukidnon.

Napaslang sa pambobomba sa Malaybalay City ang 10 indibidwal na nasa kampo noon ng BHB. Sa ulat, nagkalasug-lasog ang katawan ng mga tinamaan dahil sa labis-labis na lakas ng mga bombang ginamit ng AFP. Gumamit din ang AFP ng mga kanyong ATMOS 2000 na binili pa nito sa Israel.

Ang paggamit ng malalakas na bomba ay “likas na indiscriminate” o walang pinipili, nagsasapanganib sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mga sibilyan at nagdudulot ng malawak na pagkawasak sa kapaligiran. Sa katotohanan, lagpas sa ground zero ang epekto ng pambobomba ng AFP mula sa ere. Winasak nito ang kapayapaan, nagdulot ng malawak na takot, panic at troma sa mga residente sa kalapit na mga komunidad at winawasak ang kagubatan na pinagkukunan nila ng pagkain at kabuhayan.

Liban dito, binatikos ng ICHRP ang naganap ang pag-atake at walang habas na pamamaril ng 59th IB sa yunit ng hukbong bayan sa Barangay Malalay, Balayan, Batangas noong Disyembre 17, 2023. Napatay dito ang limang Pulang mandirigma at dalawang sibilyan na sina Pretty Sheine Anacta (19) at si Rose Jane Agda (30). Dumadalaw ang dalawa sa kanilang kaanak na Pulang mandirigma ng BHB nang paslangin.

Ayon sa nakalap na ulat ng BHB, hinimatay si Pretty Sheine sa unang bugso ng pamumutok ng mga pasistang tropa, bago siya tuluyang pinatay ng militar. Kasuklam-suklam naman ang sitwasyon ni Rose Jane nang makita ang bangkay niya sa punerarya kung saan nakababa ang pantalon nito, palatandaang pinagsamantalahan siya.

Samantala, dinakip at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa inililitaw ng militar ang sugatang mandirigma na si Baby Jane Orbe (Ka Binhi). Sang-ayon sa mga panuntunan ng internasyunal na makataong batas, dapat kilalanin ang kanyang mga karapatan ng katunggaling armadong pwersa.

“Sa paggamit nito ng labis-labis na lakas at paghahasik ng lagim sa lokal na mga magsasaka sa mga opensibang ito, nilabag ng AFP ang IHL at nagpamalas ng lantarang pagbalewala sa kagalingan ng mamamayan,” ayon pa kay Murphy.

Dagdag pa niya, higit na nakagugulantang ang mga paglabag na ito sa alituntunin ng digma kasunod ang kamakailang indikasyon ng Gubyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas (GRP) na muling makipagnegosasyon sa National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), na kumakatawan sa 18 rebolusyonaryong mga organisasyon kabilang ang BHB.

Binigyang diin ni Murphy na ang brutal na mga pag-atakeng ito sa kanayunan ay bahagi ng kontra-insurhensyang estratehiya ng rehimeng US-Marcos na gumagamit ng sapilitang pagbabakwit, pag-hamlet at rekonsentrasyon ng mga komunidad, peke at sapilitang pagpapasuko sa mga sibilyan, arbitraryong pag-aresto, mga pagdukot at desaparesido, tortyur at ekstra-hudisyal na mga pagpatay.

“Sa harap ng brutalidad na ito ng AFP sa gera nito laban sa BHB, pinagtitibay ng ICHRP ang suporta sa panawagan ng mamamayang Pilipino para sa tunay na solusyon sa armadong tungglian sa pagtugon sa mga ugat nito kabilang ang malawakang kahirapan, kawalan ng trabaho at mga industriya, at ang hindi patas na pamamahagi ng lupa,” pahayag pa ni Murphy.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/paglabag-sa-internasyunal-na-makataong-batas-ng-afp-sa-kampanyang-aerial-bombing-binatikos/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga magsasaka ng Lupang Ramos sa Cavite, sinisindak ng militar

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Jan 16, 2024): Mga magsasaka ng Lupang Ramos sa Cavite, sinisindak ng militar (Farmers of Lupang Ramos in Cavite, terrorized by the military)

 



January 16, 2024

Pinasok ng limang elemento ng Philippine Army Scout Ranger lulan ng isang trak ng militar ang komunidad ng Lupang Ramos sa Dasmariñas, Cavite noong Enero 15. Binatikos ng Katipunan ng mga Lehitimong Magsasaka at Mamamayan sa Lupang Ramos (Kasama-LR) ang pagpasok ng mga sundalong may dalang matataas na kalibre ng armas sa kanilang komunidad. Anila, paninindak at panggigipit sa mga residente at magsasaka ang pakay ng mga ito.

Ayon sa ulat ng Kasama-LR, hindi awtorisadong pumasok ang mga sundalo at nang komprontahin ay nagkasa ng baril ang isa sa kanila para takuhin ang mga magsasaka. “Ito ay isa lamang sa serye ng mga pagtatangkang pagpasok ng militar at kapulisan sa komunidad ng Lupang Ramos at ang serye ng red-tagging sa mamayan at magsasaka ng aming komunidad,” ayon pa sa grupo.

Sa pamumuno ng Kasama-LR, nakikibaka ang mga magsasaka ng Lupang Ramos para sa kanilang karapatan sa 372 ektaryang lupain na pag-aari ng mga lehitimong magsasaka at mamamayan sa komunidad. Inaagaw ang lupa ng Na­tio­nal Grid Corporat­on of the Phi­lip­pi­nes’ (NGCP) na nais magtayo ng mga poste ng kuryente sa lupa simula pa 2014.

Mag-iisang dekada na ang pakikibaka ng mga magsasaka ng Lupang Ramos para ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan sa lupa. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay nilalabanan nila ang pang-aagaw sa pamamagitan ng mga kampanyang barikada at sama-samang bungkalan.

Giit ng Kasama-LR, patuloy silang lalaban para sa kanilang karapatan sa lupa. Dapat umanong patuloy na biguin ng mga magsasaka ang panggigipit at panghaharas ng mga sundalo dahil lantaran itong paglabag sa kanilang mga karapatan at nagsasapanganib sa kanilang buhay at kaligtasan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/mga-magsasaka-ng-lupang-ramos-sa-cavite-sinisindak-ng-militar/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga biktima ng pamamaril ng 2nd IB, kinasuhan at ikinulong

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis pr0paganda article (Jan 17, 2024): Mga biktima ng pamamaril ng 2nd IB, kinasuhan at ikinulong (Victim of 2nd IB shooting, charged and jailed)

 




January 17, 2024

Inaresto ng mga pwersa ng estado ang limang sibilyan sa Masbate noong nakaraang linggo. Ang lima na sina Jamara Tumangan, Rowel Hagnaya, Alden Tumangan, Rico Cuyos at Senen Dollete ay inaakusahan na mga Pulang mandirigma na naka-engkwentro ng 2nd IB sa Barangay Balantay, Dimasalang noong Hunyo 16, 2023.

Itinanggi ito ng mga biktima at iginiit na, katunayan, sila ay mga sibilyang biktima ng pamamaril ng mga sundalo. Ang pamamaril na ito ay nagresulta pa sa pagkamatay ng noo’y kasama nilang 17-anyos na si Rey Belan.

Nangangaso ang mga biktima sa gubat nang makasalubong at pinaulanan sila ng bala ng nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 2nd IB bandang alas-3:35 ng hapon. Nauna nang pinasinungalingan ng mga residente at kaanak ng mga biktima ang palabas ng militar na isang “engkwentro” ang naganap noong Hunyo 2023.

Wala na ngang hustisya para kay Belan at kanyang mga kasamahan, ngayon ay inaresto pa ang mga biktima, pahayag ng BHB-Masbate. “Sa ilalim ng batas militar sa Masbate, ang biktima ang nagiging kriminal, at ang kriminal ang nagiging biktima,” ayon kay Ka Luz del Mar, tagapagsalita ng BHB-Masbate.

Ayon pa kay Ka Luz, ginawa ito ng 2nd IB para pagtakpan ang kanilnag karumal-dumal na krimen at baluktutin ang katotohanan. “Nangangamba ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan na hindi lamang sina Belan, Tumangan at mga kasamahan ang makaranas ng ganitong paglapastangan kundi maging ang iba pang biktima at kanilang kaanak,” pahayag pa niya.

Ipinabatid ng yunit ng BHB sa prubinsya na magsisikap ito para mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga biktima ng pasistang paghahari ng militar.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/mga-biktima-ng-pamamaril-ng-2nd-ib-kinasuhan-at-ikinulong/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Jan 18, 2024): Pagtatambak ng armas at matagalang presensya ng militar ng Canada at UK sa Pilipinas, tusong inilulusot

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Jan 18, 2024): Pagtatambak ng armas at matagalang presensya ng militar ng Canada at UK sa Pilipinas, tusong inilulusot (Arms buildup and prolonged Canadian and UK military presence in the Philippines, cunning/clandestine)

 




January 18, 2024

Di na lamang US ang papayagan ng rehimeng Marcos Jr na magtambak ng tropa, mga sandata at gamit-militar sa Pilipinas, pati Canada at United Kingdom ay pahihintulutan na rin nito sa ilalim ng nilulutong mga kasunduang militar sa pagitan nito at nabanggit na mga bansa.

Isang kasunduan sa “enhanced defense cooperation” o EDCA ang sinasabing “inaayos” na sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Canada, ayon kay Gilbert Teodoro Jr, kalihim ng Department of National Defense noong Enero 16. Pipirmahan ito sa loob ng unang kwarto ng taon. Katulad sa EDCA ng bansa sa US, iniikutan nito ang pagbabawal sa pagtatayo ng mga base militar, pagtatambak ng mga armas pandigma, at pagpasok ng mga armas nukleyar. Naghahabol din ang Canada ng sariling Visiting Forces Agreement na tiyak na magbibigay ng parehong mga pribilehiyo sa mga tropang Amerikano ngayon sa bansa.

Katulad ng EDCA at VFA ng US sa Pilipinas, tiyak ring pahihintulutan ng papet na rehimeng Marcos Jr ang matagalang presensya ng mga dayuhang tropang Canadian.

Nangangailangan ng pagsang-ayon ng mayorya ng Senado ang isang tratadong militar. Nilusaw ng Senado ang huling gayong tratado, ang US-Philippine Military Bases Agreement noong 1991, na sumipa sa mga pwersa ng US sa malalaking base militar nito sa Subic at Clark. Sa VFA, walang awtoridad ang Pilipinas sa mga sundalong Amerikanong pumapasok sa Pilipinas, kahit pa nakagawa ng mga krimen. May mga ekstra-teritoryal din silang karapatan sa inako nilang mga “EDCA site” na walang iba kundi mga base militar.

Magkakaroon din ng “kasunduan” ang Pilipinas at UK para pahintulutan ang presensya ng mga tropa ng huli sa mga isinasagawang wargames ng US sa kalupaan at soberanong karagatan ng bansa sa susunod na limang taon.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pagtatambak-ng-armas-at-matagalang-presensya-ng-militar-ng-canada-at-uk-sa-pilipinas-tusong-inilulusot/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pamilya ng martir, binantaan at hinaras ng AFP

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Jan 21, 2024): Pamilya ng martir, binantaan at hinaras ng AFP (Family of the martyr, threatened and harassed by the AFP)

 




January 21, 2024

Kinundena ng BHB-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command) ang panggigipit ng 31st IB at mga ahenteng paniktik sa pamilya ni Baltazar Hapa (Ka Patrick) noong Enero 20. Sinugod ng 10 elemento, sa pangunguna ni Jordan Enconado, ahente ng 96th MICO, ang burol ni Ka Patrick sa isang punenarya sa sentro ng Gubat, Sorsogon.

Ayon sa pamilya, nagbanta ang mga ahenteng militar na papatayin nila ang kapatid ni Baltazar na matagal nang namuhay bilang sibilyan, kung hindi daw ito susuko.

Nananawagan ang pamilyang Hapa na respetuhin sila at tigilan na ang panghaharas sa kanila. Matagal nang gawi ng AFP na sundan at gipitin ang naiwang pamilya ng mga martir ng BHB.

Si Ka Patrick ay napaslang ng mga elemento ng 31st IB nitong Enero 14, sa Barangay Togawe, Gubat, Sorsogon.

Ayon kay Ka Samuel Guerrero, tagapagsalita ng NPA Sorsogon “Ang pananakot at panghaharas sa walang kalaban-labang mga sibilyan ay isang kaduwagan at paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas at sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) hinggil sa wastong pagtrato sa mga sibilyan sa gitna ng umiiral na gera sibil sa bansa.”

“Ipinapakita lamang ng insidenteng ito ang kaduwagan at kawalang respeto ng mga reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa sa mga batas ng digma,” aniya.

___
(Ulat mula sa Radyo Bulusan)

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pamilya-ng-martir-binantaan-at-hinaras-ng-afp/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 2 magsasaka, pinaslang ng 62nd IB sa modus na pekeng engkwentro

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Jan 21, 2024): 2 magsasaka, pinaslang ng 62nd IB sa modus na pekeng engkwentro (2 farmers, killed by the 62nd IB in a fake encounter)

January 21, 2024

Dinampot at tinortyur, bago pinaslang ng mga sundalo ng 62nd IB ang dalawang magsasaka sa Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental noong Enero 17 ng umaga. Para pagtakpan ang kanilang karumal-dumal na krimen, pinalalabas ng mga sundalo na napatay sina Boy Baloy, 60 anyos, at Bernard Torres, 50, sa modus nito na pekeng engkwentro.

Sa impormasyon ng mga saksi, sina Baloy at Torres ay dinampot sa kanilang tinutuluyang bahay ng alas-6:45 ng umaga, inilayo sa komunidad, ipinailalim sa matinding interogasyon, binugbog at tinortyur, bago binaril ng mga berdugo. Si Baloy ay kasapi ng Kaisahan sa Gamay’ng Mag-uuma sa Oriental Negros (KAUGMAON-Guihulngan Chapter), habang si Torres ay isang drayber ng habal-habal at kasapi ng Undoc-Piston-Guihulngan Chapter.

Mula pa 2017, paulit-ulit nang nakararanas ng panggigipit at panghaharas ang dalawa mula sa mga pwersa at ahente ng estado. Nakaligtas si Torres at kanyang pamilya sa madugong Oplan Sauron na inilunsad ng rehimeng US-Duterte laban sa mamamayang Negrosanon noong Disyembre 2018.

Naglinaw rin si Ka JB Regalado, tagapagsalita ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Central, na hindi mga kasapi ng hukbong bayan ang dalawa. “Hindi armado ang mga biktima at pinalalabas lamang na nakumpiskahan ng dalawang shotgun, kalibre .45 pistola at iba pang sinasabing subersibong dokumento. “Walang engkwentro,” giit niya.

“Ang ganitong kasinungalingan ng 62nd IB laban sa mga inosenteng sibilyan ay hindi na bago, bagkus isang pasistang tatak ng reaksyunaryo at mersenaryong Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” pahayag ni Ka JB.

Binatikos din ng panrehiyong kumand ng BHB sa Negros Island ang modus na pekeng engkwentro ng 62nd IB. Isiniwalat din ni Ka Maoche Legislador, tagapagsalita ng BHB-Negros Island, na mayroong isa pang pinalabas na pekeng engkwentro sa Barangay Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental noong Enero 15.

“Ang sinasabing nareyd na kampo ng 79th IB ay drama lamang at ang sinasabing engkwentro ay gamit na gamit nang iskrip ng AFP,” ayon pa kay Ka Maoche.

Aniya, nagsasagawa ng “fake news spree” ang 3rd ID at ang lahat ng anim na batalyon sa ilalim nito sa isla ng Negros. Hinahabol nito ang hibang na pahayag na “nabuwag” na ang mga yunit ng hukbong bayan sa isla, pinababagsik nito ang kanilang kampanyang kontra-insurhensya na nagsasapahamak at tumatarget sa mga sibilyan at lumalabag sa kanilang karapatang-tao.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/2-magsasaka-pinaslang-ng-62nd-ib-sa-modus-na-pekeng-engkwentro/

AFP’s first woman spox: Cyber expert with presidential security experience

From Rappler (Jan 21, 2024): AFP’s first woman spox: Cyber expert with presidential security experience (By BEA CUPIN)



Also the first woman battalion commander of the Philippine Army, Padilla assumes her post as the AFP shifts its focus to external threats

MANILA, Philippines – When Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla speaks of her 2023 achievements, she is quick to use the pronoun “we,” as if winning Global Security Woman Leader of the Year is an endeavor you can attribute to any and all Filipino.

Padilla, a military officer with a career spanning nearly three decades, is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s new spokesperson – the first woman to hold the post in over 88 years of its existence.

“It underscores the thrust of the AFP to embrace diversity and promote inclusivity,” said Padilla in an interview with state-run PTV4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

Padilla’s new role comes at a crucial time for the military. It’s just beginning to shift its focus from internal security to external threats, as a nation in the middle of “the most complicated geopolitical situation in the world right now,” according to its commander-in-chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Her previous experience will also come in handy, as the Philippines works to beef up its cyber and info-security infrastructure.

CYBER EXPERT. Tech and cyber security have been at the center of Padilla’s career.
Padilla, the ‘ethical hacker’

Technology is the throughline of Padilla’s career.

In 2023, she won Global Cybersecurity Woman Leader of the Year, besting nominees from 62 countries. Years prior, she was recognized as among the Top 30 Women in Security in ASEAN for 2021, having been among the Top 10 Women in Cyber Security in the Philippines in 2020.

She’ also been recognized as an “Epic Woman in Cyber” and a “Wonder Woman in Tech,” according to her official profile.

Speaking to PTV4, Padilla said it was during her time in the Presidential Security Group under the late Benigno Aquino III that she first dove deep into the world of cyber security.

“During the time of [Aquino], we greatly enhanced the digitization of the PSG,” recalled Padilla, who said they worked on setting up server farms and enhancing the cyber security wing of the group tasked to secure the President, top government officials, and visiting dignitaries.

Her PSG stint wasn’t her first interaction with the Philippines’ chief executive. During the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Padilla was among her uniformed aides.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Padilla was designated the information system officer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, according to a Philippine Information Agency report.

Padilla refers to herself as a “certified ethical hacker,” among other designations. She’s also conducted lectures abroad, and served as mentor to other cybersecurity-focused soldiers.

Other firsts

In a predominantly male organization, Padilla has other firsts under her belt.

She was the first woman battalion commander of the Philippine Army, when she was appointed commander of the 7th Signal Battalion in the Northern Luzon Area of Operations. As 7th Signal Battalion chief, Padilla oversaw the entire NOLCOM’s command, control, communications, and cyber systems.

The newly-minted spokesperson says her NOLCOM experience will be key in her new role as spokesperson. “I have first-hand connections to all these commanders,” she said. NOLCOM covers Northern and Central Luzon.

Her cybersecurity experience will come in handy, as the AFP reconfigures Horizon 3 – or its modernization plan for the coming years. Padilla said the details of Horizon 3 have yet to be finalized and approved, but it will definitely include ship and aircraft upgrades, as well as improvements in the military’s communications.

CIVIL AFFAIRS, TOO. Padilla is concurrently the Group Commander of the Media and Civil Affairs Group.

Class of 2000

Padilla is a pistol expert, a VVIP or very, very important person protector, and a judoka.

In her profile, she puts a premium on her role as a “devoted mother of two wonderful sons.” Her two children are now adults, said Padilla, with at least one done with formal education.

Padilla is the widow of the late Felicisimo Esteban Taborlupa Jr., who was also her mistah from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2000. Taborlupa, who retired early from the military to join the Philippine Coast Guard, died in a helicopter crash in Batangas that also claimed the life of businessman Angelo King.

Asked how her late husband would have reacted to her pioneering post as the first woman spokesperson of the AFP, Padilla did not take long to consider. “Full support by the looks of it,” she said.

Padilla is concurrently the Group Commander of the Media and Civil Affairs Group of the Civil Relations Service of the AFP.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-first-woman-spokesperson-armed-forces-of-the-philippines-francel-padilla/

‘Uncooperative’ family member hampering massacre case

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 19, 2024): ‘Uncooperative’ family member hampering massacre case (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The lack of cooperation of Emily Fausto, whose parents and siblings were allegedly massacred by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, was blamed for murder cases still not being filed against the suspects, as of this time.

“Hindi cooperative young family member (The family member is not cooperating with us), PCol. Leo Pamittan, outgoing provincial police director of Negros Occidental, disclosed yesterday.

Pamittan, however, said they are trying their best to convince her to sign the affidavit complaint.

According to police investigations, Couple Roly and Emelda Fausto and their two minor sons were brutally killed by suspected New People’s Army rebels at their house in Sitio Kalingkingan, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, on June 14 last year.

Asked if the police can file a case against the suspects, on behalf of the complainant, Pamittan replied “without the consent of the family, we cannot.”

Interestingly, the leader of the NPA suspects has turned out to be the father-in-law of Emily, based on the investigation of the Himamaylan City police.

Pamittan said the case against the suspects will be strong if the surviving family member will be the complainant.

If she (Emily) signs the complaint affidavit, we will file the case immediately, Pamittan said.

The Himamaylan police earlier filed grave threats and coercion charges against NPA members, who allegedly threatened a witness, according to Vincent Parra, head of the Commission on Human Rights provincial office.

Emily, according to Pamittan, had previously been cooperative with their investigations of the incident. But now, she is not cooperating with us, he added.

“Ayaw naming i coerce siya. If we will do it, mas lalong hindi siya mag cooperate (We do not want to coerce her, because if we do, the more she will not cooperate.)

As for the reason behind her refusal to cooperate, Pamittan said he has no idea.*

https://visayandailystar.com/uncooperative-family-member-hampering-massacre-case/

Accomplished Negrense officer promoted to general

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 21, 2024): Accomplished Negrense officer promoted to general (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Newly promoted Brig. Gen. Eliglen Villaflor*

A Negrense Army officer, who is the commander of an elite unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has been promoted to the rank of brigadier general, as approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., based on the recommendation of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

Newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Eliglen Villaflor, of Bago City, Negros Occidental, is presently the commander of the AFP Joint Special Operations Group, composed of elite units from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force.

The AFP Joint Special Operations Group is tasked with conducting counter-terrorism, unconventional-guerrilla warfare, asymmetrical warfare, and highly specialized operations.

The promotion of Villaflor and seven AFP senior officers, as well as 21 regular officers of the Philippine military technical and administrative services, was contained in a letter from Malacanang, which was addressed to Defense Secretary Teodoro.

Prior to his present assignment, Villaflor also served as the acting commander of the elite Philippine Army’s Special Forces Regiment (Airborne).

Villaflor, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1992, started his military career with the Special Forces Regiment, having been assigned in Negros as commander of 32nd Special Force Company in Cadiz City.

He was among the winners of Metrobank Foundation—Rotary Club Makati Metro Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) in 2016.

As former commander 4th Special Forces Battalion, Villaflor led combat operations against Abu Sayyaf and other threat groups, also while performing community service efforts that benefited thousands of residents during his two-year stint in war-torn Basilan.

As a United Nations peacekeeper, Villaflor successfully negotiated the release of civilians abducted by Syrian rebels in Golan Heights.

He was also recognized by then AFP chief of staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana for the transformation of Army Personnel Management Center into a world-class office, when he was its head for almost two years.*

https://visayandailystar.com/accomplished-negrense-officer-promoted-to-general/

Amid wins, mission not yet over – VISCOM

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 21, 2024): Amid wins, mission not yet over – VISCOM (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Despite excellent accomplishments of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command in 2023, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, its commander, declared “Our mission is definitely not over.”

Though we made significant progress in our campaign in the previous year, Arevalo said there are still issues in the community that they must address, and the neutralization of New People’s Army remnants lurking in the hinterlands.

If these are not addressed, these could cause a resurgence of the terrorist group in the Visayas region, he added.

Among all the Unified Commands of the AFP, military records showed that VISCOM topped all parameters in defeating the CPP-NPA, with five NPA guerilla fronts dismantled.

All the five NPA guerilla fronts in Negros Island have been declared “dismantled” by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, as of December 31 last year, inching closer towards its target of declaring Negros Island as “insurgency free,” by the first quarter of 2024.

Of the 299 NPA rebels neutralized last year in Visayas, VISCOM records further indicated that 62 died during encounters, 19 were apprehended, and 218 returned to the folds of the law. In the same period, 445 firearms were recovered, while all NPA-infested communities in the Visayas have been cleared from the clutches of the terrorist group.

“For the first time in my years of service in the Visayas, VISCOM has topped all the parameters in terms of accomplishment. This is a manifestation that if we really do our best and do away with unnecessary efforts that are not contributory to our campaign, the best result will come, especially when we are doing this for our country and the Filipino people,” Arevalo told AFP commanders during a Command conference at Camp Lapulapu in Cebu City.

He also emphasized that the VISCOM accomplishments have been validated by the Filipino people, citing the latest result of the Satisfaction Survey conducted by OCTA Research Group.

Of the 85 percent satisfaction rating achieved by the AFP in the entire country, it is in the Visayas region where the highest satisfaction rating was attained, with 93 percent of the respondents expressing that they are satisfied with our internal security efforts, Arevalo further said.

Aside from its accomplishments in internal security operations, VISCOM is reported to have sustained and facilitated the implementation of 739 community development projects in the far-flung communities in the entire region of Visayas.

Arevalo also credited the VISCOM accomplishments to the support of their “partner agencies, private sectors, non-government organizations, and most especially our people, as we declare in one voice that terrorism has no place in this peace-loving, humane and civilized society.”

Arevalo also ordered Visayas commanders to sustain their gains and continue their relentless efforts in ending the local communist armed conflict in the Visayas region.

“We should not be complacent. We should not sit down on our laurels and relax. We still have so much to do. There are still remnants of the CPP-NPA that we have to pursue and neutralize, for us to ensure that the well-being of our people is protected and the democratic way of life in the region is sustained.”*

https://visayandailystar.com/amid-wins-mission-not-yet-over-viscom/

Negrense soldier slain in Iloilo encounter

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 21, 2024): Negrense soldier slain in Iloilo encounter (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

SOCO operatives of the PNP retrieved the cadavers of two suspected NPA rebels from an encounter site in Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.* PA photo

A Negrense soldier died in a gun battle with New People’s Army rebels in Iloilo, while the three rebels that died in separate gunbattles in Negros Island have been identified.

PFC Rodelo Alfanza, of Sagay City, Negros Occidental, died following an encounter on January 17 with about 15 NPA rebels in Brgy. Igpaho, Tubongan, Iloilo.

Alfanza, a member of the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion, succumbed to a gunshot injury on the neck. He was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Iloilo, where he and an injured companion were treated, according to a statement issued by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said that PFC Alfanza, 30, sacrificed his life to bring an end to the decades-long insurgency problem in Panay Island.

On the other hand, the three NPA rebels, who are remnants of the Central Negros 1 guerilla front and South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, have been identified.

Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, 3ID Civil Military Operations officer, identified the two NPA rebel remnants killed in an encounter with 62nd Infantry Battalion on Jan. 17 in Brgy. Sag ang, La Castellana, as Dionesio Baloy, 67, of Brgy. Linantuyan, and Bernard Torres Sr., 56, of Brgy. Buenavista, all in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

In a statement, the NPA Apolinario Gatmaitan Command disowned Torres and Baloy as their members, insisting that there was no encounter in La Castellana.

The encounter in Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana, as reported by the 62IB, yielded an AR15 assault rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, and a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, among other war materials and personal belongings.

Javines said the cadavers of Baloy and Borres were turned over to their respective families, as facilitated by the 62IB, La Castellana municipal government and the Guihulngan City Task Force ELCAC.

He also identified the slain rebel in the encounter on Jan. 19, in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, as Edmar Pat Solano, a remnant of the dismantled South East Front.

Soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion recovered an M16 assault rifle, three magazines of an AK 47 assault rifle, and M203 grenade launcher ammunition.*

https://visayandailystar.com/negrense-soldier-slain-in-iloilo-encounter/