Pregnant NPA member surrenders

From Negros Now Daily (Feb 2, 2024): Pregnant NPA member surrenders (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Another member of the New People’s Army (NPA), who is pregnant, surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Mantiquil, Siaton, Negros Occidental on Jan. 31.

Ruzela Casilao, alias Maine, 22, a remnant of the dismantled South East Front (SEF) of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, was the third female rebel in a family way, who recently abandoned the armed struggle after serving the NPA for almost three years, the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said in a statement.

In December last year, two pregnant members of the dismantled SEF, identified as alias “Sarah” and “Aubrey,” also surrendered, after they were rescued by troops of 11IB and Philippine National Police in Barangay Tayak, also in Siaton.

“Ka Aubrey” recently gave birth to her third child at a hospital in Dumaguete City, after reuniting with her two other minor children, whom she had not met for three years.

Casilao, 22, a finance and logistics officer of SEF Squad 2, decided to surrender due to hardships and demoralization among the remaining members, the 3ID further said.

“The series of surrenders by top cadres and members in Negros strongly manifest that the collaborative efforts of various government instrumentalities and the strong support of civil society organizations are effective in resolving the root causes of the insurgency problem,” it added. | GB

https://negrosnowdaily.com/pregnant-npa-member-surrenders/

Army eyes declaration of Negros in ‘stable internal peace, security’

From Negros Now Daily (Feb 1, 2024): Army eyes declaration of Negros in ‘stable internal peace, security’ (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) is eyeing to recommend the declaration of Negros Island being in a state of “stable internal peace and security” by the end of the first quarter this year.

The 3ID earlier declared the dismantling of all five New People’s Army (NPA) guerilla fronts in Negros Island.

However, the focused military operations against the remnants are ongoing to prevent them from recovering their lost territories and recruiting new members, Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 3ID public affairs head, said in a statement.

First to be declared as dismantled more than two years ago was the South East Front, followed by the Northern Negros Front in 2022, Central Negros 1 and 2 as well as South West Front in 2023.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said the series of surrenders in Negros Island since the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in December 2018 is a testament to the government’s efficiency in addressing the root causes of insurgency.

“If we can maintain this trend and with the commitment and cooperation of our partners and stakeholders, we can already recommend the declaration of Negros Island in a state of ‘stable internal peace and security’ by the end of this quarter,” he added.

Last month, two rebel remnants died while another surrendered, following an encounter in La Castellena, which also led to the recovery of six high-powered firearms and explosives. | GB

https://negrosnowdaily.com/army-eyes-declaration-of-negros-in-stable-internal-peace-security/

NPA loses 10 members, 14 firearms after series of encounters in AgNor

From the Mindanao Daily News Network (Feb 2, 2024): NPA loses 10 members, 14 firearms after series of encounters in AgNor

NPA loses 10 members, 14 firearms after series of encounters in AgNor

BANCASI, Butuan City – The New People’s Army in Agusan del Norte has faced another setback after one (1) member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered and revealed the location of the six (6) high-powered firearms to the 23rd Infantry Battalion, Operational Control unit of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade at H23IB, Jamboree Site, P-6, Brgy Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on February 1, 2024.

Recently, series of armed encounters transpired between the 23IB and the remnants of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG), Sagay, Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) that resulted in the neutralization of the Ten (10) NPA members, seizure of high-powered firearms and other personal belongings.

Consequently, in more than two weeks’ time, another NPA member identified as Jerome Amparo Marapao alias Mark, a medic of the Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG), Sagay, Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) surrendered to 23IB, and revealed the location of the firearms that were hidden at Sitio Malambago, Brgy. Sangay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Subsequently, a follow-through operation was conducted which resulted in the discovery of six (6) AK47 Rifles, one (1) cal. 45 pistol, and other war materiel.

According to alias Mark, their hardships were immense, and the sacrifices often seemed endless. Also, he realized that the ideology he once embraced failed to align with the pursuit of genuine progress and unity he had long been fighting for. This proves that the relentless focused military operations of the 402Bde and 23IB has triumphed against the dwindling forces of the local insurgents in the Province of Agusan del Norte.

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel G Orio, Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, said “Many of NPA members are now following the call for a long-lasting and genuine peace that further weakens the NPA organization. However, the 402nd Infantry Brigade will not cease to intensify our operations to track and pursue the remaining communist rebels here in Agusan del Norte and the rest in our Area of Responsibility. We will stay vigilant as we urge you to abandon the armed struggle, rebuild your family, happy and without fear.”

https://mindanaodailynews.com/npa-loses-10-members-14-firearms-after-series-of-encounters-in-agnor/

OPAPRU tells Filipinos: Reject calls to destabilize, divide PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2024): OPAPRU tells Filipinos: Reject calls to destabilize, divide PH (By Priam Nepomuceno)

OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Friday called on all Filipinos to shun any calls that would destabilize and divide the country, stressing that a united nation is vital in achieving development.

"When we, as Filipinos, are united, there is peace, development and prosperity. But when we, as a people, are divided, there is instability, underdevelopment and disorder," Galvez said in a statement.

The government's top peace adviser said calls for the separation of Mindanao from the Philippines are "an anathema to the letter and spirit of the Philippine Constitution", which serves as the foundation of the country's identity.

Galvez also said the move goes against the principles of a country which is already benefiting from the comprehensive peace process that has put an end to decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.

"As Filipinos, let us therefore continue supporting the Marcos administration’s peace, reconciliation and unity agenda. The dividends of peace are upon us and are now being felt by everyone," he added.

The OPAPRU chief also stressed that former members of revolutionary groups are now playing an active part in nation-building.

"Mindanao has already shed its image as a land of volatility, violence and armed struggle. It has now become a symbol of hope, mutual understanding and solidarity, and most of all, a shining example that good things come to those who choose the path of peace," Galvez said.

He added the country cannot go back to "square one" in its move to achieve lasting peace.

"We must learn our lessons from the past and apply these to all aspects of our life as peace-loving citizens. Let us always choose peace and remain united, as it is the only way to move forward as one people and one nation," Galvez said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218129

NTF-ELCAC abolition inappropriate at this time – NSC exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2024): NTF-ELCAC abolition inappropriate at this time – NSC exec (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya (File photo)

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has been a game changer in the country’s 52-year-old fight against communist terrorism and abolishing it would be an improper move for the government, an official of the National Security Council (NSC) said Friday.

This, after visiting United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan recommended the task force's termination.

“With the strategic victory over the New People’s Army (NPA) and the exploratory peace talks with CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front), it would not be proper at this time to abolish the NTF-ELCAC,” NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a media forum.

Currently, there are only 1,500 armed regulars of the NPA and 11 weakened guerilla fronts, he added.

On Dec. 4, 2018, former President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 70 forming the NTF-ELCAC to respond and raise awareness of the ongoing communist rebellion in the country.

Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said they explained to Khan that the NTF-ELCAC is a creation of the government as an act of defense in the exercise of its sovereign powers and rights.

“We mentioned to her that the right to sovereignty is actually the cornerstone and the foundation of the United Nations Charter and she acceded to that proposition,” he added.

Khan was also informed that there is no order, policy issuance, or law on red-tagging in connection with the NTF-ELCAC.

Malaya said persons who fear being red-tagged can file libel or oral defamation cases in court. Public officers who may be victims of red-tagging can file cases with the Ombudsman or Civil Service Commission.

“Now that we’ve reached this stage in the campaign, we feel it is improper to call for its abolition and it would be best if necessary to undertake the transition,” he said.

He added that the NTF-ELCAC’s roadmap is to transition into a different body — the National Task Force on Unity Peace and Development — that will take charge of continuing development projects in the areas that were impoverished and neglected due to communist conflict.

Vasquez emphasized that Khan’s recommendation is preliminary and the final report will come months later.

“In fact, she herself opened a channel for continuing dialogues and engagements to further clarify,” he said.

“There was also an agreement between her and the State, that indeed the 10-day visit has so many limitations and that's why she herself said there’s a need for a longer time to refine the report.”

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año, meanwhile, said they "respectfully disagree" with Khan’s recommendation to abolish the anti-insurgency task force.

"We are already at strategic victory in our campaign against the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) and to turn back now will be counterproductive and would render moot the 'whole of nation' approach that has been very successful in breaking the back of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the past five years," he added.

Año also noted that the communist insurgents are not yet eradicated as there are still 11 weakened guerrilla fronts across the country with some 1,500 armed fighters seeking to overthrow the government and wreak havoc and sow terrorism in the countryside.

"Once all guerilla fronts have been dismantled – hopefully this year – the NTF ELCAC intends to transition to an NTF-Unity Peace and Development (body) but not a day sooner. We have relayed this position to UNSR Irene Khan during the exit conference this morning and we hope she will consider this in her final report," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218174

Only PBBM, DND can issue statements on AFP modernization

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2024): Only PBBM, DND can issue statements on AFP modernization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday said only the agency and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of National Defense (DND) can issue statements on the acquisition of equipment under the ongoing modernization program of the military.

"The PN (The Philippine Navy) is developing a sustainable fleet build-up to more effectively perform its mandate. Beyond that, the DND cannot provide additional information," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

This came in response to reports that the Navy would acquire a diesel-electric submarine as part of its efforts to protect the country's territory and sovereignty.

These reports also said the acquisition is under the "Rehorizon 3", a revised 10-year military modernization plan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218188

BARMM leaders oppose separation of Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2024): BARMM leaders oppose separation of Mindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Information Office)

COTABATO CITY – The chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has called on all Bangsamoro to help protect the gains of the Mindanao peace processes.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim issued the statement Friday amid calls by former President Duterte for a separate Mindanao.

“We remain grateful for and acknowledge the significant contributions made by past and present Presidents of the Philippines in arriving at the peaceful settlement of the Bangsamoro Question,” Ebrahim said.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, also led by Ebrahim, has agreed to an autonomy setup that is acceptable to the Bangsamoro people instead of the original demand for independence.

“We, therefore, urge everyone to help protect the gains of the peace processes. Let us continue to support the current administration and allow peace and civility to reign over the affairs of our land,” he said.

Ebrahim also said he stands firmly on adhering to the faithful implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) provisions toward the right to self-determination.

“Underlying the CAB is the recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and the aspiration to chart our political future through a democratic process that will secure our identity and posterity and allow for meaningful self-governance,” he said.

Meanwhile, a BARMM regional lawmaker also believed that the separation of Mindanao from Luzon and the Visayas is not as realistic as in the past.

Omar Yasser Sema, the deputy speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and a member of the Moro National Liberation Front, which has also agreed to a peace deal for autonomy with the Philippine government, said that former separatists who were once fighting for the independence of Mindanao have now shifted their focus toward autonomy.

“Separation of Mindanao is not the solution to our current problem,” he told reporters when asked to comment on calls for separation of Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218151

NPA in Agusan Norte loses 10 members, 14 firearms in January

 From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2024): NPA in Agusan Norte loses 10 members, 14 firearms in January (By Alexander Lopez)

NPA FIREARMS. Jerome Amparo Marapao, an NPA medic of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay in Agusan del Norte led government troops on Thursday (Feb. 1, 2024) in the recovery of a cache of firearms hidden by the rebels in Barangay Sangay, Buenavista town. The armed encounters in Agusan del Norte last month also resulted in the death of four rebels, the capture of three, and the recovery of 14 high-powered firearms. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – The communist New People’s Army (NPA) suffered a major blow during the three armed confrontations last month in Agusan del Norte, the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) said Friday.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, the 402Bde commander, said the series of encounters between the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) and the Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay (SRSDG Sagay) under the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee last month had resulted to the death of four rebels, capture of three, and the surrender of three others.

The encounters took place on January 16, 24, and 29 where 14 high-powered firearms and ammunition of the rebels were also recovered by the 23IB, seven of which were seized in the encounter sites.

On Thursday, Orio said a rebel, identified as Jerome Amparo, also turned himself in at the 23IB headquarters.

Upon his surrender, Marapao a medic of SRSDG Sagay, revealed the location of firearms hidden by the NPA rebels in Sitio Malambago, Barangay Sangay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

A follow-up operation led to the recovery of six AK-47 rifles, a cal.45 pistol, ammunition, and other war materials at the site.

“Many NPA members are now following the call for a long-lasting and genuine peace that further weakens their organization,” Orio said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218145

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Nagpapatuloy na pag-block ng rehimeng Marcos sa mga progresibong website, binatikos

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Jan 29, 2024): Nagpapatuloy na pag-block ng rehimeng Marcos sa mga progresibong website, binatikos (Marcos regime's continued blocking of progressive websites, criticized)

 




January 29, 2024

Nagprotesta ang mga progresibong grupo at mga tagapagtanggol sa kalayaan sa pamamahayag sa harap ng upisina ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) sa Quezon City ngayong Enero 29 para batikusin ang nagpapatuloy na pag-“block” o pagharang sa 27 website ng mga alternatibong midya, progresibo at rebolusyonaryong grupo sa bansa. Nagsimula itong i-block noong Hunyo 2022 sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte.

Ang kautusan ay inilabas ng NTC noong Hunyo 8, 2022 matapos iutos ng hepe ng National Secutiry Council na si Gen. Hermogenes Esperon. Ginawa ito ni Esperon alinsunod sa walang-batayang designasyon ng Anti-Terror Council sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas bilang isang teroristang organisasyon at mga binansagan nitong “tagasuporta” o “may kaugnayan” sa Partido.

Kabilang sa mga website na naka-block ang sa pahayagang Bulatlat at Pinoy Weekly, at sa mga grupong Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, Amihan Women, at PAMALAKAYA-Pilipinas.

Muling iginiit ng mga grupo sa rehimeng Marcos na tanggalin ang pagka-block ng mga website bilang pagkilala at pagrespeto sa karapatang magpahayag sa bansa. Itinaon nila ang pagkilos sa isinasagawang pagbisita at imbestigasyon ni Irene Khan, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Experession, sa bansa. Kabilang din ang mga kasong ito sa isinumite ng mga grupo na ulat kay Khan.

Matapos ang pagkilos sa NTC, tumungo ang mga grupo sa National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) na upisina ng National Task Force-Elcac para magsagawa ng isa pang protesta. Binatikos ng mga grupo ang ginagawang panunupil at kampanya ng malawakang red-tagging ng naturang ahensya. Iginiit nilang buwagin na ang NTF-Elcac.

Ayon sa Bayan, inilunsad nila ang magkasunod na pagkilos para “pasinungalingan ang pahayag ng gubyerno sa pagbisita ni Khan na buhay na buhay ang kalayaan sa pagpapahayag sa bansa.”

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/nagpapatuloy-na-pag-block-ng-rehimeng-marcos-sa-mga-progresibong-website-binatikos/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Porum ng US Air Force sa UP-Diliman, napaatras

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Feb 1, 2024): Porum ng US Air Force sa UP-Diliman, napaatras (US Air Force forum in UP-Diliman, postponed)

 




February 01, 2024

Napaatras ng mga estudyante at iba’t ibang grupong demokratiko ang plano ng US Air Force na magsagawa ng porum sa College of Science sa University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman ngayong araw, Pebrero 1. Mahigit 46 organisasyon at 464 indibidwal ang pumirma sa petisyon para ikansela ang naturang porum. Anila, ang abanteng teknolohiya ay di dapat gamitin para sa mga krimen sa digma, katulad ng ginagawa ngayon ng US sa Palestine.

Ang naturang porum, na bahagi ng tinaguriang “Umalohokan Series” ng UP Office of International Linkages ay para himukin ang mga estudyante sa syensya na makipagsabwatan sa syentipikong pananaliksik ng US Airforce. Pangunahing panauhin nito ang mga punong upisyal mula sa US Air Force Office of Scientific Research, ang bisig na nagbibigay ng mga “grant” o ayudang pinansyal sa mga estudyanteng kulang ang pondo para makapagsagawa ng mga pananaliksik na rekisito para sila makapagtapos sa kanilang kurso.

“Tagumpay! US military, rejected!” pahayag ng mga estudyate at grupo. “Ang ating kolektibong aksyon ang naghatid ng ating patutol sa paggamit ng syensya at teknolohiya para sa mga krimen ng digma (ng US) sa mga aping bansa. Naniniwala kaming ang syentipikong pananaliksik ay magiging maka-mamamayan lamang kung ito ay gagawin para likhain ang isang makatarungan at mapayapang lipunan.”

Dagdag ng mga nagpetisyon, hindi syentipiko ang kontra-mamamayang teknolohiya kundi armas lamang para kumitil ng mga buhay.

“Sa harap ng mga krimen sa digma na isinagawa ng US Air Force, nakikiisa ang College of Science at ang unibersidad sa aping mamamayan tulad ng mga Palestino. Ang syensya at teknolohiya ay hindi para sa mga krimen sa digma!”

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/porum-ng-us-air-force-sa-up-diliman-napaatras/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Tropa ng 80th IB na protektor ng Wawa-Violago Dam, inambus ng BHB-Rizal

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Feb 1, 2024): Tropa ng 80th IB na protektor ng Wawa-Violago Dam, inambus ng BHB-Rizal (Troops of the 80th IB protector of the Wawa-Violago Dam, ambushed by the NPA-Rizal)

 




February 01, 2024

Inambus ng isang yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Rizal ang nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 80th IB sa Lukutang Malaki, Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal noong Enero 31, alas-5:10 ng madaling araw. Isang pasistang sundalo ang napaslang, habang dalawang iba pa ang nasugatan. Ang naturang yunit militar ay tagabantay sa mapanirang proyektong Wawa-Violago Dam sa Rizal.

Ayon sa ulat, mag-iisang taon na ang masinsin at walang-puknat na focused military operation ng 80th IB sa naturang bayan sa Rizal. Liban sa pagsisilbing bantay ng itinatayong dam, protektor din ang yunit sa interes sa Lukutang Malaki ng naghahari-hariang malalaking burgesya kumprador-panginoong may lupa na mga Araneta, Villar at Robles.

Imbwelto ang yunit sa patung-patong na mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao kabilang ang iligal na pagkulong sa mga katutubo at mga magsasaka na nagtatanggol sa kanilang karapatan sa kabuhayan. Simula kahapon, Enero 31, pinatindi at pinahigpit ng 80th IB ang pagbabantay sa paglabas-masok ng mga residente sa komunidad. Nagtayo ang mga sundalo ng mga tsekpoynt at nagbabahay-bahay para sindakin ang mga residente at ipailalim sa iligal na interogasyon.

Ayon kay Macario Liwanag (Ka Karyo), tagapagsalita ng BHB-Rizal, ang panggigipit at karahasan ng 80th IB laban sa mga sibilyan ay bahagi ng desperasyon nito na durugin ang hukbong bayan sa prubinsya. Ito umano ang tanging layunin ng 80th IB para mabigyang daan nito ang diumano’y mga proyektong pangkaunlaran ng mga naghaharing uri upang magkamal ng limpak-limpak na yaman para sa kanilang sariling interes” sa kapinsalaan ng kabuhayan ng mga katutubong Dumagat-Remontado at masang magsasaka.

Ang ambus ay pagbibigay-hustisya at pagtatanggol ng BHB-Rizal sa mamamayan ng Rizal.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/tropa-ng-80th-ib-na-protektor-ng-wawa-violago-dam-inambus-ng-bhb-rizal/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga magsasaka sa Masbate, ninakawan, pinaputukan ng CAFGU at militar

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Feb 2, 2024): Mga magsasaka sa Masbate, ninakawan, pinaputukan ng CAFGU at militar (Farmers in Masbate, robbed, shot by CAFGU and military)

 




February 02, 2024

Kinundena ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM)-Masbate ang mga kaso ng pagnanakaw at walang habas na pamamaril ng mga elemento ng Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) at yunit ng 2nd at 96th IB sa ilang bayan sa Masbate noong huling linggo ng Enero. Labis ang takot at tromang idinulot nito sa masang magsasaka at mga residente.

Noong Enero 30, nagpaulan ng bala ang mga elemento ng 96th IB sa Sityo Malapinggan hangganan ng Barangay San Jose, Uson at Barangay Sawmill, bayan ng Mobo noong Enero 30, alas-7 ng umaga. Pinaputukan ng mga sundalo ang mga residenteng nangahas na magkopra sa niyugang inagaw ng militar.

Ayon sa PKM-Masbate, malalawak na niyugan sa naturang mga barangay ang pinagbawalang ipakopra sa mga residente upang ang militar ang makinabang. Kabi-kabilang kaso na ng paninindak ang naitala laban sa mga magkokopra na nais lamang maghanapbuhay.

Noong Enero 29, naitala naman ang mga kaso ng pagnanakaw at sapilitang pagpasok sa mga bahay at iligal na paghalughog ng mga CAFGU at militar. Sa pangunguna ng isang Sgt. Ramos, naghasik ng terorismo ang mga elemento ng CAFGU sa mga komunidad na sumasaklaw sa Hacienda Mortuegue sa bayan ng Pio V. Corpuz at Esperanza.

Sa Barangay Labigan, Pio V. Corpuz, binugbog at ninakawan ng alagang manok si Johnny Compuesto. Sa Barangay Tubog sa parehong bayan, sinalakay din ang tahanan ni Ruel Menchavez. Sa Barangay Tawad, Esperanza, kapwa nakaranas ng pananakit sina Cadong Mendoza at Wilyn Menchavez habang ninakawan naman si Inday Canete at Ruben Menchavez.

Sangkot sa mga krimeng ito ang mga tauhang militar at CAFGU na nakabase sa Barangay Estampar sa Cataingan na sina Jerome Bohol, Ondo Quilong-quilong at Boboy Armenion sa pangunguna ni Sergeant Ramos mula sa 2nd IB.

Ang mga bayan ng Cataingan, Pio V. Corpuz at Esperanza, ay pawang malalawak na kapatagang pabor sa pagsasaka. Kabilang dito ang makasaysayang Hacienda Mortuegue na nabawi ng mga magsasaka mula sa asyendero. Ayon sa PKM-Masbate, ang mga lupaing ito ay desperadong tinatrabaho ng gubernador ng prubinsya na si Gov. Antonio T. Kho para kamkamin at gamitin sa kanyang interes sa rantso at ekoturismo.

“Sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Marcos, lalong naging marahas at agresibo ang gera kontra magsasaka. Sa ilang taon pa lamang, daan-daang pamilya na ng magsasaka ang napalayas sa kanilang lupang binubungkal sa pamamagitan ni Gov. Kho,” pahayag ng PKM-Masbate.

Anito, ang nagpapatuloy na pangangamkam ng lupa at pandarahas sa masang magsasaka ay nagpapatunay sa kabuktutan ng repormang agraryo ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno. “May bahid ng dugo ang libu-libong ektarya ng lupaing inagaw ng gubernador mula sa mga magsasaka,” giit ng grupo.

Sa harap nito, nananawagan ang PKM-Masbate sa mga magsasakang Masbatenyo na magiting na harapin ang teroristang gera ng rehimeng US-Marcos sa pamamagitan ng paglahok sa digmang bayan. Ipinabatid naman ng grupo ang suporta nito sa kanilang hukbo, ang Bagong Hukong Bayan (BHB)-Masbate. “Sabik kami sa aming Hukbo. Lalong kailangan ng mga magsasakang Masbatenyo ang kanilang Hukbo sa harap ng lumalalang pang-aapi’t pagsasamantalang kanilang dinaranas,” ayon sa grupo.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/mga-magsasaka-sa-masbate-ninakawan-pinaputukan-ng-cafgu-at-militar/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Lektura ng USAID sa UP Manila, binatikos ng mga estudyante

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Feb 2, 2024): Lektura ng USAID sa UP Manila, binatikos ng mga estudyante (USAID lecture at UP Manila, criticized by students)

 




February 02, 2024

Binatikos ng University of the Philippines (UP)-Manila University Student Council (USC) ang pagpasok ng US Agency for International Development (USAID) at pagsasagawa nito ng lektura sa loob ng kampus noong Enero 31. Tinuligsa ito ng konseho dahil sa pagtatangka ng US na itulak sa loob ng unibersidad ang imperyalistang adyenda nito.

“Kasama ang iba pang makabayang konseho ng mga mag-aaral at organisasyong masa, tinutuligsa namin ang pagpasok ng imperyalistang mga pwersang militar, o kahit anong balangay ng ahensyang pang-ayuda nito tulad ng USAID, sa aming pamantasan, kahit na at lalo sa tabing ng pagbibigay ng suportang pang-akademiko, mga porum, talakayan at iba pang pakikipagtulungan sa akademya,” ayon sa pahayag ng konseho.

Anito, mahaba na ang kasaysayan ng US sa pagpapadala ng ayudang militar at pinansya sa mga reaksyunaryong estado, tulad ng Pilipinas at Israel. Ginagawa umano ito ng imperyalistang US para panatilihin ang kontrol sa mga rekurso at mamamayan ng bansang kanilang kinukubabawan at supilin ang mga tumutuligsa sa kanilang mapagsamantalang mga intensyon. Sa Pilipinas, anila, ginagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng mga kaso ng Red-tagging, pagdukot, pag-aresto at maging pagpaslang.

Liban dito, naniniwala ang konseho na manipestasyon din ng pagkubabaw ng US sa Pilipinas ang pagpapanatili sa kolonyal, komerysalisado at mapanupil na sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa. “Ang sistema ng edukasyon ay nananatiling naka-angkla sa Kanluraning sistema ng edukasyon na nagtataguyod ng komersyal at indibidwalistang kultura,” ayon sa konseho.

Kaugnay nito, hinimok ng UPM USC ang administrasyon ng unibersidad na “abisuhan at konsultahin ang mga estudyante kaugnay ng mga kaganapan at pakikipagtulungan nito sa iba’t ibang institusyon.” Anila, mayroon silang karapatang malaman kung sino ang pumapasok sa kampus bilang bahagi ng komunidad ng UPM.

Kahapon lamang, Pebrero 1, napaatras ng mga estudyante ng UP Diliman ang porum ng US Air Force na ilulunsad sana nito sa College of Science. Mahigit 46 organisasyon at 464 indibidwal ang pumirma sa petisyon para ikansela ang naturang porum. Giit nila, ang abanteng teknolohiya ay di dapat gamitin para sa mga krimen sa digma, katulad ng ginagawa ngayon ng US sa Palestine.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/lektura-ng-usaid-sa-up-manila-binatikos-ng-mga-estudyante/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagbuwag sa NTF-Elcac, inirekomenda ng espesyal na tagaulat ng UN

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article (Feb 2, 2024): Pagbuwag sa NTF-Elcac, inirekomenda ng espesyal na tagaulat ng UN (Disbanding NTF-Elcac, recommended by UN special rapporteur)

 




February 02, 2024

Nagtapos ngayong araw, Pebrero 2, ang 10-araw na pagbisita ng UN Special Rapporteur para sa pagtataguyod at pagtatanggol sa karapatan sa malayang pagbibigay ng opinyon at pagpapahayag para siyasatin ang kalagayan nito sa Pilipinas. Kabilang sa pinagtuunan niya ng pansin ay ang mga gawi na nakaaapekto sa malayang pagpapahayag tulad ng Red-tagging, harasment at ligal na panggigipit.

Sa kanyang press conference, ipinanawagan niya ang pagbuwag sa NTF-Elcac na aniya’y “lipas na” at “tagapagtulak” ng Red-tagging.

“Diretsahan kong tinanong ang gubyerno kung mayroon ba itong patakaran sa Red-tagging at sinabi nilang hindi nila ito inieendorso o hinihikayat. Gayunpaman, klaro ang ebidensya: Ginagawa ng mga pwersang panseguridad (ng estado) ang Red-tagging at terror-tagging bilang bahagi ng estratehiyang kontra-terorismo.”

Inirekomenda rin ni Khan ang pag-“unblock” o pagtanggal sa restriksyon sa mga progresibong website na ipinataw ng reaksyunaryong estado.

Ang rekomendasyong ito ay mula sa pakikipagdayalogo ni Khan sa iba’t ibang grupo ng midya at iba pang demokratikong sektor, at kahit sa mga upisyal at armadong pwersa ng estado. Binisita rin niya sa kulungan sa Tacloban ang nakakulong na mamamahayag na si Frenchie May Cumpio ng independyenteng midya na Eastern Vista at dalawa pa niyang kasama.

Pangalawang pagkakataon nang inirekomenda ng isang espesyal na tagapag-ulat ng United Nations (UN) ang pagbubuwag sa National Task Force-Elcac. Noong Nobyembre 2023, ito na rin ang rekomendasyon ni Ian Fry, ang UN special rapporteur para sa pagtataguyod at pagtatanggol ng karapatang-tao sa konteksto ng climate change. Tulad ni Khan, nakipagpulong si Fry sa iba’t ibang demokratikong sektor sa bansa.

Malugod na tinanggap ng Altermidya, network ng mga alternatibong midya at mamamahayag sa komunidad, ang mga rekomendasyon ni Khan.

“Sinusuportahan ng alternatibong midya ang rekomendasyon ni Ms. Khan para sa pagbubuwag sa NTF-Elcac, gayundin ang pagpapanagot sa mga tagapagtaguyod ng Red-tagging,” pahayag ng grupo matapos ang press conference. Dapat ding ibasura ang Executive Order No. 70 na batayan ng pagkakatatag ng ahensyang ito.

Ikinalugod din ng grupo ang pagbisita ni Khan sa myembro nitong si Cumpio at pagpanawagan para sa kanyang kagyat na pagpapalaya. Si Cumpio ang pinakabatang mamamahayag na nakakulong sa Pilipinas. Nagdiwang siya ng kanyang ika-25 kaarawan ilang araw bago ang bisita ni Khan. Iligal siyang inaresto, kasama ang dalawa pa, noong 2020. Ayon kay Khan, ang matagal nang pagkukulong kay Cumpio ay “justice delayed, justice denied.”

Nagpasalamat naman ang National Union of Journalists of the Philippines kay Khan sa pagtutulak nito ng mga rekomendasyon para sa proteksyon ng mga mamamahayag at kalayaan sa pamamahayag.

“Nakikiisa kami sa mga pananaw ni Ms. Khan tungkol sa Red-tagging, at sang-ayon kami na dapat nang buwagin ang NTF-Elcac,” anito. Ikinalugod din ng NUJP ang pusisyon ni Khan laban sa Cybercrime Prevention Act na aniya’y pumipigil sa media freedom, partikular ang probisyon nito sa cyberlibel.

“Panahon na para gawing di-kriminal ang libel sa Pilipinas,” ayon sa NUJP.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pagbuwag-sa-ntf-elcac-inirekomenda-ng-espesyal-na-tagaulat-ng-un/

CPP/CIO: Condemn and oppose plan to hold Balikatan near Taiwan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 31, 2024): Condemn and oppose plan to hold Balikatan near Taiwan

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

February 01, 2024

Together with the Filipino people, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns the US military and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for planning to hold another round of large-scale war exercises in the Philippines that trample on the country’s national sovereignty and further drag the country into military and economic conflicts of the Big Powers.

The US plan to bring tens of thousands of troops and naval war vessels to conduct war exercises at the Mavulis island, together with their Filipino minions, at the northernmost tip of the Batanes province, is clearly saber-rattling and a show of force which will surely be considered by China as acts of provocation. Mavulis is a mere 140 kilometers from the southern coast of Taiwan, which the US has long been stoking to separate from China.

The Filipino people must call for the withdrawal of all American troops stationed in the Philippines and demand the dismantling of all US military bases and facilities. Serving as host to thousands of American troops makes the Philippines a pawn of US geopolitical and military strategy. Continuing to allow the US to make use of the country as a military stronghold for mounting its overseas military operations takes away the country’s capacity to exercise an independent foreign policy and uphold the policy of peace, amity and cooperation with all nations.

We must be keenly aware of how the US pursuit of its policy of war has perpetuated endless armed conflicts over the past decades since the end of World War II. The now 2-year war in Ukraine, the Zionist Israel genocide of the Palestinian people, and the expanding and escalating war in the Middle East are just some of recent examples of armed conflicts that arose from the US imperialist policy of using war as instrument in imposing global hegemony, in its rivalry with other imperialist powers and as a means of oppressing countries assertive of their national sovereignty.

Under US colonial, and later neocolonial, rule, the Philippines has long been subjected to US military intervention, and used as a springboard for US wars, including wars of aggression in Korea and Taiwan, as well as in Iran and Afghanistan. Indoctrinated, trained, armed and funded by the US, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) serves as pillar of US domination in the Philippines.

The Filipino people must militantly resist and oppose the Balikatan war exercises, and fight US military intervention and its policy of using the Philippines as a stronghold for US hegemonism in Asia, before the country becomes completely sucked into the vortex of US-initiated wars.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/condemn-and-oppose-plan-to-hold-balikatan-near-taiwan/