PH, US military chiefs tout strong ties, discuss cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2024): PH, US military chiefs tout strong ties, discuss cooperation (By Priam Nepomuceno)

US Joint Chiefs of Staff chair Gen. Charles Brown Jr. (left) and AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – The strong military ties between the Philippines and the United States got a further boost following the visit of US Joint Chiefs of Staff chair Gen. Charles Brown Jr. on Tuesday.

Brown met with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials, led by Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., at the military headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"The meeting underscored their commitment to (the) Philippine-United States' long-standing military alliance. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defense cooperation, strengthening joint military exercises, and addressing regional security challenges," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

The officials discussed future initiatives to bolster defense relations and foster greater interoperability.

"Our alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of our national security. Through continued collaboration and mutual support, we fortify our defense capabilities and ensure the stability of our region," Brawner said.

The AFP and US Armed Forces also continue to engage in various joint activities, including training exercises, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, further solidifying their partnership and readiness to respond to contingencies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229107

PCG prepares vs. rogue vessels via boarding exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2024): PCG prepares vs. rogue vessels via boarding exercise (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

BOARDING EXERCISE. Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) held a boarding exercise as part of the ‘Vessel Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS)‘ course in Port Area, Manila on Monday (July 15, 2024). The PCG said the course also includes a series of lectures on conducting boarding operations on vessels suspected of illegal activities and checking a ship's compliance with maritime regulations. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted boarding exercises on Monday as part of the ‘Vessel Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS)‘ course in Port Area, Manila.

In a statement on Tuesday, course director Lieutenant Commander Mark Jefferson Mangoyob said the course includes a simulation and a series of lectures on conducting boarding operations on vessels suspected of illegal activities.

“By simulating real-life scenarios, they become adept in handling various situations at sea, thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of maritime security and safety,” Mangoyob said.

Boarding vessels, he said, are also conducted by PCG personnel to ensure a ship’s compliance with maritime regulations.

“With this, the Command will continue to equip and capacitate its personnel with necessary knowledge and skills to make them competent and qualified frontline service providers,” he said.

From June 24 to 29, the PCG also joined the Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2024 along with the coast guards of Indonesia and Japan.

During the event, the three coast guards trained in executing swift emergency responses focusing on search and rescue, firefighting, oil spill recovery, equipment retrieval, and damage assessment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229111

First Lady joins PCG Auxiliary

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2024): First Lady joins PCG Auxiliary (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

NEW COAST GUARDIAN. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (center) proudly beams as she joined the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary Executive Squadron with the rank of “Auxiliary Vice Admiral” during a ceremony on board the BRP Gabriela Silang in Port Area, Manila on Tuesday (July 16, 2024). With her are Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista (left) and PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has joined the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary Executive Squadron with the rank of “Auxiliary Vice Admiral.”

During a ceremony on board the BRP Gabriela Silang in Port Area, Manila on Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, led the donning and oath-taking ceremony for the First Lady.

Gavan said the PCG Auxiliary supports the PCG in the performance of its mandates centered on “selfless service and compassion for Filipinos.”

“(The PCG Auxiliary) has always been a steadfast partner of the PCG in its mission of promoting the safety of life and property at sea, preserving the marine environment, conducting maritime search and rescue, and such other activities that enhance maritime community relations. The PCGA has provided invaluable support to our communities in times of need,” he said.

The First Lady, he said, would help strengthen the PCG Auxiliary as her presence would inspire other members of the PCG Auxiliary.

“Recently, the First Lady has participated in the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, which is in tune with the PCG’s efforts to preserve our rivers and seas. Like the PCG, the First Lady embodies the highest ideals of service, dedication, and patriotism, and does so with unmatched grace and sophistication,” he said.

During the event, Araneta-Marcos thanked the PCG for its efforts in ensuring maritime safety and maritime security, as well as upholding the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229125

PH, China hotline on SCS elevated to foreign ministers, leaders’ reps

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17, 2024): PH, China hotline on SCS elevated to foreign ministers, leaders’ reps (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

THREATENING. Chinese Coast Guard personnel point an axe to Philippine Navy troops on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal on June 17, 2024. The Philippines and China’s communication mechanism on the South China Sea will soon extend to the two states’ presidential representatives and top diplomats, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday night (July 16). (Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines)

MANILA – The Philippines and China’s communication mechanism on the South China Sea would soon extend to the two states’ presidential representatives and top diplomats, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday night.

In a text sent to the Philippine News Agency, the DFA confirmed that the recently signed “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms” would provide various “channels for communication” between the two nations, specifically on maritime issues.

These avenues include one “through the representatives to be designated” by the Philippine and Chinese presidents.

Another channel is between the DFA and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including at the secretary (foreign minister) and undersecretary (vice foreign minister) levels or through their designated representatives.

Once the corresponding memorandum of understanding between the two foreign affairs is concluded, the two states will activate a communication mechanism between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), the text added.

“The DFA is in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this Arrangement,” it said.

The arrangement was signed last July 2 at the 9th Philippine-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting, a key dialogue between the two states days following the violent June 17 incident in the Ayungin Shoal involving the CCG.

This improved line of communication builds on the mechanism that the Philippines and China created during the 2023 bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping.

The previous direct communication mechanism extended to the DFA’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office and the Chinese MOFA’s Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs and was to prevent untoward incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229128

Satur, party-list Rep. Castro get up to 6 years for child abuse

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15, 2024): Satur, party-list Rep. Castro get up to 6 years for child abuse (By Che Palicte)

Demolition of the Salugpungan Ta'Tatanu Igkanugon Learning Center, Inc. in Purok 6, Sitio Cambudlot, Barangay San Miguel Compostela, Davao de Oro, on Jan. 14, 2022 due to various violations. (PNA file photo)

DAVAO CITY – The Tagum City Regional Trial Court Branch 2 has convicted former party-list congressman Satur Ocampo and incumbent Alliance of Concerned Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro of child abuse, a case involving 14 minors in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

In a decision dated July 5 but only released on Monday, the court sentenced Ocampo, Castro and 11 others to four to six years for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Also found guilty were Ma. Eugenia Victoria Nolasco, Jesus Madamo, Meriro Poquita, Maricel Andagkit, Marcial Rendon, Marianie Aga, Jenevive Paraba, Nerhaya Talledo, Ma. Concepcion Ibarra, Nerfa Awing and Wingwing Daunsay.

The case stemmed from a November 2018 incident when the group was accused of holding 14 students at the Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (STTICLCI) where they supposedly held a solidarity mission.

“Likewise, the above-mentioned accused are ordered to pay, jointly and severally, each of the minor victims the amount of PHP10,000 as civil indemnity and PHP10,000 as moral damages, plus interest at the rate of 6 percent per annum reckoned from the finality of this Decision until full payment,” the ruling stated.

"Notably, the court opines that the accused had no valid justification nor authority to take the fourteen minor students out of Dulyan campus," the decision added.

Meanwhile, Egar Ugal, Ryen Magpayo, Eller Ordeniza and Jurie Jaime were acquitted for failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

In an interview, Ocampo’s fellow former Bayan Muna party-list representative Carlos Zarate said they were surprised with the decision.

“We expected that everyone will be acquitted because this case was just made up by the military and instigated the witnesses on the Nov. 28, 2018 rescue mission,” Zarate said.

Zarate said Castro and Ocampo and the other members were there in response to the reported harassment of indigenous peoples (IP) communities by the paramilitary.

In a joint statement, Castro and Ocampo said the decision wrongfully convicted them and "it was a clear miscarriage of justice."

They will appeal the decision.

The Mindanao Indigenous People Council of Elders and Leaders and Mindanao Indigenous People Youth Organization said the court decision was a victory for the rights of the IPs.

“This legal victory achieved today gives hope that justice can still prevail and IPs' rights are worth fighting for. No matter how long it takes or how difficult it may seem, in the end, justice and truth will prevail,” a joint statement read.

In October 2019, the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao Region shut down 55 STTICLCI branches, three months after suspending the school management's license to operate for various violations and for alleged links with the communist rebel movement.

Among the key findings of the fact-finding team were STTICLCI students did not have learner's reference numbers, a violation of the requirement of DepEd Order 26 series of 2015; misrepresentation of enrolment data; and data in documents submitted to the DepEd did not match with the records in the learner’s information system.

Datu Lumunsad Sibogan, village chieftain of Sto. Niño in Talaingod, said then that they agreed with the decision and that the tribal elders have long known that STTICLCI did not follow the standards set by DepEd.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228981

Army recovers 5 high-powered NPA firearms in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2024): Army recovers 5 high-powered NPA firearms in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SEIZED FIREARMS. The five high-powered firearms recovered in an operation of the Philippine Army troops in Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, on July 11, 2024. Three rebels who had previously surrendered led the Army in the recovery of the firearms. (Photo courtesy of 901Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – Soldiers recently recovered five high-powered firearms of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the fringes of Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

In a statement on Monday, the Philippine Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) said the recovery of the firearms was made possible through the revelations made by three NPA rebels who surrendered on July 6 to troopers of the 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 29IB.

The firearms that were buried in the area, including two M16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, and an M-14 rifle, were recovered on July 11.

The three rebels, identified only as“Rifle,” “Janine,” and “Maxx,” belonged to the dismantled NPA Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Northland, which the SRC Westland of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee later absorbed.

The three decided to abandon the NPA group due to hardships, lack of food and supplies, crises in leadership, and fear. They handed over a Springfield rifle and a 9mm Ingram machine pistol.

“The surrender and recovery of firearms indicate the significant downfall of the NPA in the region,” said Brig. Gen. Arenio Sadural, commander of 901Bde.

He acknowledged the positive impact of the Army's coordinated operations in Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur to uphold peace and stability.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228965

Army: NPA leader's arrest to serve justice to victims of atrocities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2024): Army: NPA leader's arrest to serve justice to victims of atrocities (By Sarwell Meniano)

ARRESTED. The mug shot of Terrence Eder, alias Anjo, the former secretary of the New People's Army sub-regional committee emporium of the Eastern Visayas regional party committee after his arrest on July 8, 2024 in Baguio City. The arrest of a high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas is justice achieved for victims of the atrocities of the communist terrorist group, the Philippine Army said on Tuesday (July 16). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The arrest of a high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas is justice achieved for victims of the atrocities of the communist terrorist group, the Philippine Army said on Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the arrest of Terrence Eder, alias Anjo, and his wife, Annalyn Eder, alias Anya, is a welcome development.

Authorities apprehended the couple in Guisad village in Baguio City on July 8.

The couple has standing warrants of arrest for violating section 4 of Republic Act 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and for the crime of arson.

Terrence was the former secretary of the NPA sub-regional committee emporium of the Eastern Visayas regional party committee. Annalyn served as the educational officer and finance officer of the NPA.

They are residents of Barangay 88 in the San Jose district of Tacloban City.

Ligayo said their apprehension demonstrates the government's commitment to holding those who commit serious crimes, especially violations of anti-terrorism laws, accountable.

"The successful operation shows the government's commitment to delivering justice to victims of terrorism. We will not remain idle and will continue to intensify our efforts to apprehend individuals with outstanding violations," Ligayo added.

The military earlier said the remaining NPA members in Eastern Visayas are now “leaderless” and disorganized with the recent deaths, captures, and surrenders of its top leaders in the region.

The NPA in the region is on the verge of collapse as it could not find potential leaders who would direct and make critical decisions for the group, according to the Army.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229038

Firearms, ammo seized from Batangas private armed group

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2024): Firearms, ammo seized from Batangas private armed group (By Zen Trinidad)

SEIZED ARSENAL. Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr., Batangas Police Provincial Office chief, presents a cache of firearms and ammunition during a media briefing at their Batangas City headquarters on Tuesday (July 16, 2024). The operation in Tanauan City on July 14 also led to arrest of one suspect. (Contributed photo by Robert Maico)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Batangas police presented to the media on Tuesday a cache of firearms and ammunition belonging to a private armed group seized over the weekend in Barangay Bagbag, Tanauan City.

Batangas Provincial Police Office (BPPO) Director Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr. said the operation on Sunday also led to the arrest of an alias "Jad."

The seized arsenal included five Glock pistols of various serial numbers, 10 pistols of assorted calibers, multiple magazines and ammunition, holsters and ammunition storage containers.

Malinao said the Batangas police's intensified efforts in curbing the proliferation of loose firearms need community collaboration.

“Working together with the community is essential to keep our neighborhood safe. Everyone's help is needed to prevent crime and threats in society,” Malinao told the media at the BPPO headquarters in Batangas City.

“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately," he added.

Meanwhile, the suspect and the seized contraband are currently under the custody of the Provincial Intelligence Unit for processing and documentation prior to the filing of charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229083

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17, 2024): IP leader: Justice for NPA victims with Ocampo, Castro conviction (By Alexander Lopez)

Datu Rico Maca, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. (PNA file photo)

BUTUAN CITY – The conviction of former party-list congressman Satur Ocampo and incumbent Alliance of Concerned Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro is a triumph for all Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Mindanao, especially the victims of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Datu Rico Maca, IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, said Tuesday that Ocampo, Castro and other left-leaning organizations orchestrated the establishment of schools in IP villages in Mindanao that served as recruitment grounds for the NPA.

On July 3, the Regional Trial Court Branch 2 in Tagum City convicted Ocampo, Castro and 11 others for violating the provisions of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

They were sentenced to four to six years.

The case involved the holding and transporting of 14 minors in Talaingod, Davao del Norte in 2018.

“Here in Surigao del Sur, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NPA established the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development and the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur or TRIFPSS schools in the towns of Lianga, Marihatag, and San Miguel,” Maca said in an interview.

With the efforts of the tribal leaders, local government units and concerned government agencies, the schools have been shut down, he said.

In San Miguel town alone, Maca said NPA-linked groups managed established TRIFPPS schools with 22 classrooms in the villages of Bitaugan, Bolhoon, Libasod, Siagao and Carromata. All were closed in 2021.

“Just like Ocampo and Castro, former Bayan Muna representative Eufemia Cullamat, a Manobo from our province, together with the Save our School Network, established these CPP-NPA-linked schools here in Surigao del Sur, taught our children with false ideas that paved the way for their recruitment to the communist movement,” Maca alleged.

Unfortunately, he added, most of the recruited youth ended up dead during encounters, while others surrendered or were captured and are facing charges in court.

“These groups of Ocampo, Castro, and Cullamat destroyed the future of our youth. We struggled to close down these schools and succeeded. We only wanted an education for our children that would provide them a good future,” Maca said.

The court’s decision, he said, meant that the country's justice system "is genuinely working."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229070

3 gunmen in S. Cotabato die in shootout with police

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17, 2024): 3 gunmen in S. Cotabato die in shootout with police (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Polomolok town, South Cotabato.

KORONADAL CITY – Three armed men died while a police officer was injured during a shootout in Polomolok, South Cotabato, on Tuesday afternoon.

Major Johnny Rick Medel, Polomolok municipal police chief, identified the fatalities as Ronnie Romano, 51, Harold Pasaquian, 40, and Yok Dajay, 30, all of Antipas, North Cotabato.

“We received reports from civilians about the presence of armed men roaming in their farms, so we immediately responded,” Medel said in a radio interview here on Wednesday.

Medel said one of the gunmen, Nestor Espelon, 56, a farmer from Barangay Palkan, was arrested while four others managed to elude arrest.

Police Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Boiser of the Polomolok police force was slightly injured.

As the police, backed by Army Special Forces, were approaching the village, the gunmen opened fire, triggering a shootout. Police found two Carbine rifles, an M16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, and ammunition.

Medel said the armed men belong to an unidentified private armed group.

Barangay Palkan Chairperson Avelina Rencio said the gunmen were believed to have been hired by one of the families locked in a land dispute in the village.

One of the claimants of about 10 hectares of farm lot was seen allowing gunmen to enter his farm the past three days, which led civilians to alert the police.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229146

Samar town gets P100-M bridge under peace project

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17, 2024): Samar town gets P100-M bridge under peace project (By Sarwell Meniano)

PEACE EFFORTS. Officials inspect the site of a bridge project in Matuguinao, Samar in this Nov. 16, 2023 photo. The interior town in Samar province will receive PHP100 million for the construction of a bridge that will link formerly rebel-infested communities to the town center. (Photo courtesy of Matuguinao local government)

TACLOBAN CITY – The interior town of Matuguinao, Samar will receive PHP100 million in funding for the construction of a bridge that will link formerly rebel-infested communities to the town center.

In an interview Wednesday, Mayor Aran Boller said the 30-meter concrete bridge in Maduroto will start within the year, replacing a makeshift bridge set up by a contractor and repaired by the local government.

“The tall bridge will benefit thousands of residents from 12 villages. We are committed to ensuring that the construction of this bridge will not only connect our barangays but also bring sustainable development to our communities," Boller told the Philippine News Agency.

The bridge is funded under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program, which is under the oversight of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.

The structure will form part of the road that will connect the towns of Matuguinao in Samar and Las Navas in Northern Samar. The upland areas of these towns are hiding places of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Pamana projects have been implemented in different parts of Samar Island primarily to contribute to addressing issues of injustice and improve community access to socio-economic interventions.

Matuguinao, a 5th-class town with a population of over 7,000 people, is one of the recipient communities of Pamana projects since some areas have been affected by armed conflict.

Of the town’s 20 villages, four are still affected by the NPA’s armed struggle, the mayor said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229136

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 74th IB, nangdakip at nang-hostage ng bata sa Northern Samar

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (English edition) propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) PRWC Website (Jul 14, 2024): 74th IB, nangdakip at nang-hostage ng bata sa Northern Samar (74th IB, captured and held a child hostage in Northern Samar)

 

July 14, 2024

Pinaulanan ng bala ng mga sundalo ng 74th IB ang 11 magsasaka, kabilang ang pitong menor-de-edad, habang nasa koprasan sa Sityo Canonghan, Barangay Osmeña, Palapag, Northen Samar noong Hunyo 2. Matapos nito, inaresto sila ng mga sundalo at dinala sa hedkwarters ng.

Para takasan ang pananagutan sa kanilang krimen at paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas, pinalalabas ng 74th IB na isang engkwentro sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Northern Samar ang nangyari sa araw na iyon. Tuso pang ipinahayag ng militar na “nireskyu” nila ang mga menor-de-edad na pinalabas na mga “kuryer ng pagkain” ng hukbong bayan.

Habang nasa kamay ng 74th IB ay nakaranas ng mental at pisikal na tortyur ang mga bata. Itinuturing sila mga “hostage” o “pain” para ipresyur kanilang magulang na “sumurender” kahit mga sibilyang magsasaka lamang sila sa komunidad.

Ayon sa mga ulat, kasalukuyang nasa kamay ng Municipal Social and Welfare Development pero mga sundalo ang may awtoridad sa kanilang kalagayan. Habang nasa kostudiya ng estado, nilason ng 74th IB ang kanilang mga laban sa kanilang mga magulang. Sinasanay silang mga espiya o aset ng mga pasistang sundalo para sa kampanyang kontra-insurhensya nito. Lahat ng mga hakbang na ito ay seryosong mga paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas.

Samantala, naglunsad ang 74th IB at ang Municipal Task Force-Elcac ng Palapag ng aktibidad at treyning sa Barangay Osmeña at Barangay Bagacay nooong Hulyo 5. Pagtatangka ito para tabunan ang kanilang karumal-dumal na krimen at pilitin ang masang magsasaka at mga residente na pumanig sa kanilang anti-mamamayang programa at mapanupil na kampanyang kontra-insurhensya.
74th IB, berdugo ng Northern Samar

Simula Enero, walang-tigil ang mga operasyong kombat at militarisasyon ng 74th IB sa marami pang mga barangay ng Palapag. Desperadong tangka ito ng rehimeng Marcos para abutin ang dedlayn ng pagwasak sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan ngayon 2024. Kabilang ang prubinsya sa tinukoy ng rehimen na erya ng operasyon ng natitirang “pitong natitirang mahina nang larangang gerilya” ng BHB. Dumating ang 74th IB sa Northern Samar noong Pebrero 2023 sa layuning “gapiin” ang BHB sa Eastern Visayas.

Noong unang linggo ng Pebrero, inaresto ng mga sundalo ang ang magsasakang si Sami Arnesto habang nasa kanyang kubo sa Sityo Canonghan, Barangay Osmeña. Dinala si Arnesto sa hedkwarters ng 74th IB at inilitaw pagkatapos ang mahigit isang buwan bilang “surrenderee.” Sa panahon ding ito pinaputukan ng mga sundalo si Gabi Arnesto, tiyuhin ni Sami at isa pang pilit na pinapasurender ng mga sundalo.

Naitala sa Barangay Osmeña ang paulit-ulit na pagpapatawag ng mga sundalo sa mga pamilya ng magsasaka para magpa-“clear” ng pangalan sa kanila. Pinakahuli sa serye ng sapilitang pagpapatawag ay naganap noong Mayo 22. Nanganyon din ang mga berdugong sundalo malapit sa bukirin na bahagi ng sityo noong Marso.

Tahasang nagpataw ng “lockdown” ang 74th IB sa barangay. Sapilitang pinaglilista sa “logbook” ang mga magsasaka sa araw-araw para “bantayan” ang kanilang pagkilos. Tinatakdaan pa ng militar kung anong oras ang kanilang uwi at pagtatrabaho at ipinagbabawal ang pagpapalipas ng gabi sa mga sakahan. Pinagbawalan rin silang magdala ng bigas sa kanilang koprasan. Maging ang mga tindahan ay pinipilit na maglista ng binibiling pagkain o anumang materyal ng kanilang mga kababaryo.

Noong Mayo 23, inaresto ng nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 74th ang sibilyang sila Maria Snooky Jagonoy, Mylene Capoquian Arnesto, Ronnie Capoquian sa barangay ding iyon. Nasa koprasan ang nabanggit nang hulihin sila at dalhin sa kampo. Si Mylene at Maria Snooky ay mga asawa ng magsasakang matagal nang pinipresyur ng militar na magpa-“clear” ng pangalan. Si Ronnie Capoquian naman ay tatay ni Mylene na mayroong deperensya sa pandinig. Hanggang ngayon ay hawak pa sila ng militar kasama ang 4-taong gulang na anak ni Mylene. Minsan na rin silang isinama sa operasyong kombat.

Noong namang ikalawang linggo ng Hunyo, iligal na inaresto ng mga sundalo ang magkapatid na Api at Pampam Jagonoy at kamag-anak nitong si Egay Arnesto sa isang terminal sa bayan ng Gamay. Ang tatlo ay papunta sanang Maynila para magtrabaho. Isinama sila sa kampo at ipinailalim sa walang batayang interogasyon. Dumanas ng pambubugbog ang mga biktima mula sa kamay ng mga sundalo. Ang magkapatid na Jagonoy ay kapatid ng hinuling si Maria Snooky. May mga kapatid din sila na pilit na pinapasurender ng 74th IB.

Samantala, sa Sityo Cag-anibong, Bagacay, Palapag ipinatawag ng kaaway ang sibilyang si Jonalyn Laureno kasama ang mga anak noon ding Hunyo. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa sila pinapauwi at ginagawang “hostage” para pauwiin ang asawang pinapasurender ng militar.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/74th-ib-nangdakip-at-nang-hostage-ng-bata-sa-northern-samar/

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: Indi dapat matiplang sa peke nga amnestiya sang rehimen US-Marcos II

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 13, 2024): Indi dapat matiplang sa peke nga amnestiya sang rehimen US-Marcos II (We should not fall for the fake amnesty of the US-Marcos II regime)

 


Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

July 13, 2024

Ang ginapatigayon nga lima ka adlaw (Hulyo 8-12) nga pagbaton sang aplikasyon para sa amnestiya sang mga sadto rebelde sang National Amnesty Commission (NAC) sa Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, isa ka mapaniplang nga iskema sang US-Marcos nga rehimen.

Luyag sini ipakita nga ang iya rehimen gusto sang kalinong paagi sa pagtanyag sang amnestiya. Apang wala ini sang kinalain sa iban pa nga nag-agi nga mga reaksyonaryo nga rehimen antes pa niya bisan pa sa panahon sang iya amay. Pareho nila ginhimo ini nga gatasan sang korapsyon ang pundo sa sini nga ahensya. Isa pa ka katuyuan sini amo ang dugmokon ang Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) kag National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) nga dako nga pamahug sa iya pagginahum. Binutig kag mapaniplang man ang pagbutang sa Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) kag Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) nga mga rebelde tungod madugay na ini nga mga grupo nga nasuyop sang reaksyonaryo nga gobyerno kag nagahinan kag nakagasto na gani ini sang dako nga pundo sa ila kasugtanan upod sa reaksyonaryo nga gobyerno. Pareho sa RPA-ABB sa Negros nga pila na ka bilyon nga pundo ang nabubo para sa reintegrasyon kag mangin kabahin sang armadong pwersa sang gobyerno batuk sa rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan.

Ini isa ka desperado nga tikang sang US-Marcos nga rehimen nga malab-ot ang iya gintalana nga dedlayn nga mawasak ang bug-os nga istruktura sang CPP-NPA-NDFP sa bug-os nga pungsod sa sini nga tuig. Gintanyag ang amnestiya sa handum nga mawasak na ang bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan para mapalig-on ang pagbutang sa istatus sang Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) sa isla agud makapokus na sa nagahana nga gyera kontra Tsina nga gina-deriheran sang iya amo nga imperyalismong US nga uhaw sa gyera.

Agud mapahambog sang 302nd kag 303rd IBde diri sa Negros nga nagahuyango na ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa isla, mayoriya sa ila ginatikal nga nagsurender mga inosente nga mangunguma nga ginapasibangdan nga mga katapo kag tigsakdag sang NPA.

Imbes nga hatagan sang prayoridad ang ginaatubang nga krisis sa ekonomiya sang bug-os nga pumuluyo ilabi na sa Negros, mas ginpokusan sini ang peke nga amnestiya. Wala pa nakabangon ang pumuluyo sa grabe nga halit sang El Nino, paglupok sang Kanlaon, pagdagsa sang armyworms kag sa subong ang kalamidad nga igatuga sang nagasulod nga La Nina. Subong man, grabe ang kaimolon kag kagutom nga gintuga sang implasyon, kulang ukon wala sang trabaho kag pagpang-agaw sang duta nga nagdislokar sa palangabuhian kag puluy-an sang malapad nga mangunguma kag iban nga demokratikong sektor tungod sa neoliberal nga mga proyekto sang mga dumuluong nga korporasyon kag lokal nga mga agalon-kumprador nga nagadagsa diri subong.

Padayon ang pagpanalasa sang militarisasyon sang AFP-PNP sa kaumhan nga nagtuga sang lapnagon nga kalapasan sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung. Ang ila nga pagpamatay, pagpang-aresto, pagpamahog, pagpamomba kag iban pa, nagdugang sa pag-antus sang pumuluyo, ilabi na sa mga mangunguma.

Nagapanawagan ang NDF-Negros sa tanan nga demokratikong pwersa kag sa bilog nga pumuluyo nga Negrosanon nga hublasan ang mapaniplang nga amnestiya nga programa sang US-Marcos Jr nga rehimen. Indi dapat matiplang kag mahaylo sa kwarta kag wala sang unod nga promisa nga ginatanyag sang pasista nga AFP kag NTF-Elcac.

Tubtob nagaluntad ang isa ka malapyudal kag mala-kolonyal nga sistema sang pungsod, indi mapatuman ang matuod nga reporma sa duta kag pungsodnon nga industriyalisasyon, magapadayon kag magasulong ang armadong paghimakas para sa paghilway sa bug-os nga pumuluyo sang pungsod.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/indi-dapat-matiplang-sa-peke-nga-amnestiya-sang-rehimen-us-marcos-ii/

16K ex-rebels, backers benefit from gov’t reintegration program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2024): 16K ex-rebels, backers benefit from gov’t reintegration program (By Darryl John Esguerra)

MANILA – A total of 16,551 former members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) who abandoned the terror organization have benefitted this year from the government’s comprehensive reintegration program.

In its first semester report for 2024, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said the beneficiaries are from different geographIcally isolated and disadvantaged areas comprising 6,945 recipients of livelihood projects and 9,606 former rebels who benefitted from reintegration assistance.

National Security Adviser and concurrent NTF-ELCAC co-vice chair Secretary Eduardo Año credited the aggressive implementation of the government’s whole-of-nation/whole-of-government approach in putting an end to the decades-long armed struggle.

“Through the unimpeded provision of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), which in total has assisted 864 barangays in this year alone, we have relentlessly delivered the necessary skills and development and assistance programs to conflict-affected communities,” Año said in a news release.

Meanwhile, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said the SBDP has been a potent game-changer in preventing the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA from recovering their so-called mass bases.

“Despite this year’s meager budget for our SBDP, we continue to reap gains and these peace gains we have to sustain as we are on the process of transitioning to the next level after totally eliminating the armed component of the CPP-NPA, which would be focused on unity, peace and development,” he said in an earlier statement.

This year, the SBDP fund allocation is PHP2.160 billion for 885 projects.

Of the amount, PHP1.292 billion has been released by the Department of Budget to fund farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, rural electrification and health stations, among others.

Torres said they are aiming for Congress to restore the PHP10 million per village for next year’s budget.

Citing data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the NTF-ELCAC reported that 2,451 farm-to-market road projects totaling 1,050 kilometers are completed while 57.54 kilometers are ongoing; 461 school building projects are completed while 120 school buildings are ongoing; out of the total 1,049 water and sanitation system projects, 846 have been completed and 203 are ongoing; out of the 447 health station projects, 366 have been completed and 81 are ongoing; and out of the total 518 rural electrification projects, 14,457 (on-grid 749, streetlights 9,355, off-grid 4,353) have been completed while 271 others are ongoing (127 pre-procurement, 144 ongoing).

DILG data also showed that the Budget department released PHP28.393 billion under the Local Government Support Fund-SBDP for fiscal years 2021 to 2023. (With reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228943

300 ex-rebels in Negros, Panay apply for gov't amnesty

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2024): 300 ex-rebels in Negros, Panay apply for gov't amnesty (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

AMNESTY APPLICATION. Former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army rebels filing their application for amnesty before the Local Amnesty Board in Bacolod City last week. Some 300 applicants in Negros and Panay enrolled in the government's amnesty program from July 5 to 12, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said on Sunday (July 14). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army-3ID)

BACOLOD CITY – Three hundred former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in Negros and Panay islands enrolled in the government's amnesty program during the application period July 5 to 12, the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said in a report on Sunday.

Under the National Amnesty Commission's Local Amnesty Board (LAB)-Bacolod, 210 applicants in Negros processed their papers at the Bacolod City College campus, with assistance from the line battalions of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades.

LAB-Iloilo received the applications of 90 former rebels in Panay assisted by the 301st Infantry Brigade at Camp General Adriano Hernandez in Dingle town.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, urged anew the remaining CPP-NPA members to surrender, leave their past behind and have peaceful and productive lives.

“The former rebels’ willingness to apply for amnesty is an affirmation of their readiness to forgive, seek forgiveness, and embrace second chances, paving the way for establishing a harmonious and inclusive region with stable internal peace and security,” he added.

In Negros, all five guerrilla fronts of CPP-NPA have been dismantled while in Panay, only one rebel front remains.

Under Proclamation 404, former members of the CPP-NPA and its political arm, National Democratic Front (NDF), who committed any act or omission in pursuit of political beliefs, including those detained, charged, or convicted for such acts or omissions, may file an application for amnesty.

The proclamation grants amnesty to former rebels and insurgents who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

Crimes subject to amnesty, committed before Nov. 22, 2023, include rebellion or insurrection, conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection, disloyalty of public officers or employees, inciting to rebellion or insurrection, sedition, and other similar crimes.

For former CPP-NPA-NDF members, the amnesty application must be filed before March 4, 2026.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228947