Communist rebels call for protests before ASEAN summit

From Anadolu Agency (Nov 11): Communist rebels call for protests before ASEAN summit

Rebels slam US-Philippine ‘master-puppet relationship’ which will be strengthened by President Donald Trump’s visit

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Monday urged Filipinos to stage massive protests in cities and ordered its revolutionary forces to launch tactical offensives against government troops in the countryside ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings next week in Manila.

“The CPP calls on the people of Asia and the world to unite and intensify their resistance against inter-imperialist collusion and rivalries through ASEAN, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (forum) and other imperialist instrumentalities which subject the toiling people to worsening forms of oppression and exploitation,” said a statement released on Philippine Revolution Web Central, the CPP’s official website.

The leaders of ASEAN’s 10 member states Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam along with dialogue partner-countries Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States will convene Nov. 10-14 to discuss a number of issues, including the South China Sea conflict and regional economic development.

The CPP also blasted Washington, which it said “seeks to further break down economic barriers to favor U.S. monopoly capitalists”.

It also cited threats by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a war against Pyongyang as a move to justify U.S. efforts to build up its military presence and strengthen its foothold in South Korea and around the South China Sea.

The communist rebels also slammed Trump’s visit to the Philippines, which will “cement the master-puppet relationship” of Washington and Manila under President Rodrigo Duterte’s regime.

“He (Trump) will surely be pleased by the Duterte regime’s vigorous push for further economic liberalization, particularly with its rush to further open the economy to full foreign control by trimming down the “negative list” of areas of the economy reserved to Filipinos,” said the statement.

The CPP cited the U.S. military’s presence, intervention and control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the Duterte administration’s subservience to U.S. imperialism.

When Duterte won the presidency in 2016, he launched new peace initiatives with the communists in a bid to end decades-long conflict, but the peace negotiations have faced challenges due to truce violations --- a string of communist rebel attacks, including the ambush of a convoy of the Presidential Security Group in July.

There had been over 40 rounds of peace negotiations under the country’s past five presidents which have failed for various reasons.

The party in July ordered its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), to carry out counteractions and offensives across the country when martial law imposed on the islands of Mindanao was proposed to be extended following clashes in the southern Philippine city of Marawi.

The NPA has been waging an insurgency since 1969 that has left tens of thousands of people dead.

 

http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/communist-rebels-call-for-protests-before-asean-summit/958382

NPA siblings yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): NPA siblings yield in Sultan Kudarat

Two more communist rebels have surrendered to military authorities, raising the number of surrenderees to 62 in Sultan Kudarat, the Army said Tuesday.

Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commanding officer, said exhaustion and extreme hunger forced the two New Peoples’ Army (NPA) siblings to lay down arms and rejoin the mainstream society.

Jonathan Kasa, 21, and his brother Jerry, 19, joined their father Zip, in fighting government forces as NPA rebels since May 2015.

The Kasas belong to the Dulangan Manobo tribe in the hinterland village of Kabulanan here. They were members of Platoon Cloud Phone of NPA Guerilla Front 73 operating in Sultan Kudarat province, particularly in the hinterlands of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and Bagumbayan towns.

Cabunoc said the Kasas joined the rebel movement as they were fighting for their rights over a vast expanse of forested area that they claimed as their ancestral land.

"The communist movement promised to return our traditional hunting grounds. We were excited to fight for our land when they handed over high powered weapons to us," Jonathan told Army officials during the surrender rites Monday.

After two years of evading the government forces, the siblings realized their struggle was going nowhere.

"I found out that we have become wanted persons. The NPA recruiters had also failed to deliver their promises to our community," Jerry said in vernacular.

Learning about the government's offer of livelihood opportunities and other social benefits, they decided to escape with their issued M-16 rifles.

Cabunoc presented the brother-surrenderees to Bagumbayan Mayor Jonalette De Pedro who vowed to assist the “lumad” communities in resolving their problems.

"I have always supported the indigenous people by delivering social services to their communities," De Pedro said.

Since May this year, a total of 62 communist rebels belonging to IP communities have surrendered. Some of them have been given livelihood projects under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of Sultan Kudarat.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1015028

Army braces for NPA retaliatory attacks in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Army braces for NPA retaliatory attacks in NoCot

The Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion is bracing for retaliatory offensive from communist New Peoples’ Army in North Cotabato after the military overran a rebel training camp in a remote village here, an Army official said Tuesday.

Lt. Colonel Harold Argamoza, 39th IB chief, said the Army is winning the war in the countrysides due to peoples’ support to government forces.

He added the Army is prepared for retaliatory attacks from the rebels. He cited the case at Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Bulatukan, Makilala, where soldiers and rebels clashed after residents reported the massing of Red fighters in the area on Sunday night.

Argamoza said a team of soldiers went to the village to verify and validate the information but as they approached sitio Mahayag, they were ambushed by about 40 armed men that triggered an hour-long firefight.

The fighting ceased when the rebels fled deep into the forest, located at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak.

After clearing operations, the soldiers found a rebel training camp that can accommodate at least 50 people.

“There were recruitment activities, there was training happening in the camp at the time of the clash,” Argamoza told reporters.

He could not say though whether the rebels who belong to NPA Guerilla Front 51 suffered casualties, as there were no slain or wounded insurgents captured.

Soldiers recovered two rifles, ammunition, training kits and bags left by the fleeing rebels.

Argamoza lauded the support extended by the local residents who became victims of extortion by communist rebels and also suffered the pain of leaving homes every time the fighting erupted.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1015099

Be vigilant, Lorenzana tells ASEAN security teams

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Be vigilant, Lorenzana tells ASEAN security teams

National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana urged military and police units tasked to secure the leaders and delegations attending next week's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to be vigilant at all times.

"We cannot be very complacent. We should be aware, we should be on guard. Kung pwede lang talagang strikto yung palakad natin sa security so that walang mangyari (We need to be strict in implementing tight security measures to prevent any untoward incident)," Lorenzana said on the sidelines of the Department of National Defense's 78th founding anniversary ceremony Monday.

He said no security threat has been detected so far.

An estimated 60,000 personnel from 21 agencies and their equipment will be deployed to various ASEAN meeting venues in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga to secure the week-long event.

Lorenzana added that should anything untoward happen during the ASEAN Summit, there would be a massive backlash against the Philippines.

"So, it is very important that we should secure the heads of state while (they are) here. Kasi kung may mangyari sa kanila dyan, may bukol sa atin yan e (If something happens to them, we will be liable). It will backfire on us," the defense chief added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1015031

More reserve forces needed: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): More reserve forces needed: Lorenzana

With military reserve forces playing a valuable role in the five-month battle to liberate Marawi City from the Maute Group terrorists, it is high time to increase the number of these units, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) activated the reserve soldiers to augment regular units involved in the Marawi campaign, Lorenzana said on the sidelines of the celebration of the Department of National Defense's 78th founding anniversary.

"They served as the overall security in Iligan City, performing such tasks as manning checkpoints and forming visible presence in public places," he said.

These actions, he said, show the importance of reservists in nation-building.

"Thus, to increase their number, we have crafted a bill to revive the Reserve Officers Training Corps, making it a mandatory program for Grades 11 and 12," the defense chief said.

"I urge everyone to please help the department in lobbying for the immediate passage of this bill because our AFP needs a stronger and bigger reserve force. We will also request our reservists’ assistance in rehabilitating war-torn Marawi City," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1015036

Beaching ramp in Pag-asa Island to be completed by 2018

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Beaching ramp in Pag-asa Island to be completed by 2018

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expects the beaching ramp in Pag-asa Island to be completed by early 2018.

He added that completion of the project was delayed by monsoon rains.

“The monsoon rains have hampered the construction of the beaching ramp, which is a vital structure that would allow our navy LST (landing ship, tank) ships to dock, and bring in heavy equipment and construction materials. No construction can proceed without a good beaching ramp," Lorenzana said.

Only when the beaching ramp is finished could the Philippines start repairing, paving and extending the Rancudo Airfield, the DND chief stressed.

Construction of the above-mentioned facility is intermittent due to the inclement weather in the area.

"Then and only then will we be able to start repairing, paving and extending our runway, and build additional facilities for our troops.

Also, once the beaching ramp is done, the Department of Agriculture will build a fishing port for our fishermen," Lorenzana added.

During his visit to Pag-asa Island last April 21, the DND chief said the government would allocate PHP1.3 billion for the improvement of Rancudo Airfield in Pagasa Island and construction of ports and beaching ramps in the locality.

Runway improvements include the concreting of the entire Rancudo Airfield thus making it accessible in all types of weather.

Other improvements for slated for Pag-asa Island include the construction of desalination plant, more solar panels and generator sets for power purposes and establishment of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources marine research and shelter center.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1015057

Palace relies on ‘good faith’ China won’t use dredging vessel in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Palace relies on ‘good faith’ China won’t use dredging vessel in WPS

Malacañang on Tuesday said the Philippines would have to rely on good faith that China would not use its largest dredging vessel to build on disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte recognizes the principle of good faith in international relations.

“China has told the President, they do not intend to reclaim Scarborough and we leave it at that. We need to rely on good faith because otherwise there would be no predictability in international relations,” he said.

His comments were issued amid concerns that China may use its newly-launched Tian Kun Hao, dubbed by its designer as a “magic island-maker,” to create artificial islands in the South China Sea.

The giant dredger, which measures 140 meters long and 28 meters wide, is reported to be capable of dredging up to 6,000 cubic meters an hour and can dig as deep as 35 meters under the sea floor.

It is the most powerful vessel of its type in Asia.

Last March, Duterte announced that China gave its word not to build on the disputed Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea.

The President said the assurance was made out of deference to the warming relationship between the Philippines and China.

Meanwhile, Roque said that the Philippines is not only relying on China’s assurance, but also on the fact that the Philippines had secured a decision from a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

“We’re not just trusting. We have a decision. And the last time I checked, that decision remains unchanged,” Roque said.

The Hague Tribunal found out that China’s claims of historic rights within the nine-dash line, which Beijing uses to demarcate its claims in the South China Sea, were without legal foundation.

The panel also concluded that Beijing’s activities within the Philippines’ two-hundred-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), such as illegal fishing and environmentally ruinous artificial island construction, infringed on Manila’s sovereign rights.

China has disputed the tribunal’s findings.

But while supporters of the Hague decision were urging Duterte to enforce the decision, the President chose to pursue peaceful means to resolve the issue in order to avoid confrontation with China, vowing however to raise it at the right time.

Duterte had also taken steps to mend ties with China, resulting in deeper and expanding relations with the superpower.

Roque pointed out that “it has been beneficial to our national interest to pursue cordial and very friendly relations with China” without relinquishing our claims to the disputed islands.

“I think, we are seeing new heights in terms of Philippine-Chinese relations and it has resulted in very tangible results particularly economic investments,” Roque said.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1015106

Duterte releases P500-M for treatment, rehab of wounded soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Duterte releases P500-M for treatment, rehab of wounded soldiers

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he had ordered the release of PHP500 million for the treatment and rehabilitation of soldiers injured or disabled in the war to liberate Marawi City.

The President made the announcement at the Bonifacio Naval Station Officers’ Clubhouse Social Hall, at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City during the launching of the Department of Agriculture’s Karne, Isda Supply Suporta sa Masa at Ekonomiya (Kiss Me) project.

Soldiers wounded during the five-month conflict were in attendance along with military top brass and other members of the Armed Forces.

“Alam mo, sinabi ko na sa inyo, mahal ko ang sundalo ko, mahal ko ang pulis ko. And for you guys, kagaya ninyo na medyo matindi ang tama, I have released PHP500 million,” Duterte said.

He said the fund would be sourced from the settlement of unpaid obligations of big companies to the government.

Just recently, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) settled almost PHP6 billion in unpaid navigational fees to the government.

Duterte said the fund would be used exclusively for the therapy, rehabilitation and medicines needed by personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who were wounded not just in the five-month conflict, but also those who are wounded or rendered disabled in the other theaters of war throughout the country.

“I just released PHP500 million, para lang ‘yan sa tinamaan. Exclusively para lang ‘yan sa sugatan, requirements ninyo sa prosthetics or whatever. ‘Yan ang asahan ninyo,” he said.

“I’m sure you’ll be all right. Okay ang buhay ninyo, wala kayong problema. Edukasyon ng anak ninyo, ‘yung medisina. But one thing is sure, hindi kayo pababayaan ng gobyerno,” Duterte said.

The President also vowed to provide a housing project near camps or urban cities for wounded soldiers undergoing therapy to give them better access to medical facilities.

“Ang sinabi ko, at this time when you are supposed to go into a therapy or treatment, I would like you to have a housing project or village nearby. Lahat ‘yung mga sundalo na ganun ang sitwasyon ninyo, pati ‘yung wounded recuperating, ‘yung parang convalescence I have ordered a village somewhere near Metro Manila para easy access lang,” he said.

“I want to build a village near here so that you’ll have the best therapy, training and access to the hospital and medyo mas malapit. It will be maybe, just give me until March, matatapos 'yang village ninyo including the site,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief said the government would provide disabled military personnel necessary competencies, like computer training, for them to be able to remain in the service or build new lives.

“But for those who are really, pardon the word, tutal tanggapin na lang niyo, it’s reality, disabled, mayroon kayong buhay na sarili. Wala kayong problema sa edukasyon. I said, aming problema na ‘yan. Ang iyo, there’s another struggle. Struggle first to overcome what you are experiencing now at nandiyan kami,” he said.

“You might want to go to a computer training or whatever. And if you can be accommodated in the AFP again for a job that does not require moving around, I’d be glad to fund the program,” Duterte said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1015148

DWDD: SEND OFF CEREMONY | Philippine Army Contingent to AARM 2017

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 7): SEND OFF CEREMONY | Philippine Army Contingent to AARM 2017

   

FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Philippine Army Shooting Contingent, composed of 45 strong and highly motivated members of the group, is now set to participate in the 27th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) 2017 from November 6 to 23 which will be held in Singapore.

The send-off was held at the Army Marksmanship Training Center.

Graced by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lt Gen Rolando Bautista, the contingent was given an inspiring send-off message by aspiring them to wave the national flag with pride and bring home the bacon.

The contingent is headed by LTC Isagani Criste with Maj Ace Ronald Ampong as the team manager.
   

The contingent will undergo series of shooting competition matches (rifle, carbine, machine gun, pistol men and pistol ladies categories) among the other nine armies of the ASEAN members such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. OACPA / MCAG

 

 

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/11/07/send-off-ceremony-philippine-army-contingent-to-aarm-2017/

DWDD: STATEMENT | AFP on alleged Daesh-Emir Amin Baco

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 7): STATEMENT  |  AFP on alleged Daesh-Emir Amin Baco



CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), following its successful liberation of Marawi City from the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group, is aggressively pursuing its clearing operations.

The AFP’s clearing operations are focused on the remaining areas of Marawi City believed to hold terrorist stragglers and some family members fighting for survival and hiding it out in the hope of escaping the main battle area.

The AFP also denies that the remaining stragglers will be able to influence the overall security situation of the once besieged city.



Contrary to recent pronouncements by some officials that it is now headed by a certain Amin Baco, the AFP strongly believes that the group is now leaderless and without direction.

Amin Baco is believed to have been among the 9 killed in Marawi recently and his remains is now the subject of an ongoing aggressive search.

General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Chief of Staff, AFP assures the residents of Marawi that the AFP is doing its best to expedite the city’s return to normalcy. AES/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/11/07/statement-afp-on-alleged-daesh-emir-amin-baco/

MILF: BDA kicks-off planning workshops on community - based prevention of violent extremism in Bangsamoro

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 7): BDA kicks-off planning workshops on community - based prevention of violent extremism in Bangsamoro



A Planning Workshop on Community-Based Prevention of Violent Extremism in the Bangsamoro kicked off yesterday, November 6, 2017 in Davao City.

Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) headed by Executive Director Dr. Muhammad S. Ya’acob is spearheading the activity that will culminate on November 11 , 2017 at Microtel Inn and Suites this city.

The planning workshop is supported by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) and The Asia Foundation ( TAF ).

The Marawi siege is a clear indication that violent extremism (VE) is a reality in the Bangsamoro. Though, violent extremism (e.g. Abu Sayyaf Group) has been present in Mindanao for decades, the conflict in Marawi revealed that VE is difficult to contain and it can erupt anytime and anywhere in the Bangsamoro homeland.

The recruitment scheme " for the extremist group is a public knowledge and widespread in the Bangsamoro core area that necessitates an urgent actions to mobilize communities all over Bangsamoro homeland and counter violent extremism by controlling their recruitment scheme and make sure that all stakeholders (community leaders, the LGUs , religious leaders , parents , teachers ) are going to develop an antenna for signals of emerging violent extremism in their respective communities.

Violent extremism emerges in complex and confusing realities and effective programming should start from understanding of that reality. There is no such simple - cause - effect analysis to make regarding violent extremism.

A mixture of religious, social, political and economic factors are contributory to violent extremism but in no case that these mixtures can be the same. Given this scenario, the complexity requires constant and deep analysis without ever being able to come to a final conclusion. This complexity should not lead us into paralysis as we need to act now before it will be too late.

The BDA as a development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has more than 10 years of experience in community driven development programs tasked to develop a program on the prevention of violent extremism. This initiative will redound to peace and stability of the Bangsamoro communities.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1075/bda-kicks-off-planning-workshops-on-community---based-prevention-of-violent-extremism--in-bangsamoro

CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - 100 Taon Rebolusyong Oktubre 2017

Ang Bayan editorial posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov 7): 100 Taon Rebolusyong Oktubre 2017



Mensahe para sa mga Pilipinong Komunista kaugnay sa Rebolusyong Oktubre
Rebolusyong Oktubre: Ang tanglaw sa pagsusulong ng Rebolusyong Pilipino

Jose Maria Sison
Tagapangulong Tagapagtatag
Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas

Mahal na mga Kasama,

Nagagalak at nagpapasalamat ako sa paanyayang magpaabot ng mensahe sa lahat ng Pilipinong komunista sa pamamagitan ng Ang Bayan at lumahok sa selebrasyon ng ika-100 anibersaryo ng Dakilang Sosyalistang Rebolusyon ng Oktubre sa pamamagitan ng ispesyal na isyu nito.

Nais kong iugnay ang Rebolusyong Oktubre sa umiiral na rebolusyong Pilipino at ialok sa inyo at lahat ng mambabasa ng Ang Bayan ang isang tala ng mga akdang ginawa ko magmula pa noong Mayo 5 nang inilunsad sa Pilipinas ang pandaidigang selebrasyon ng Rebolusyong Oktubre na pinangunahan at inorganisa ng International League of Peoples´ Struggle at People´s Resource for International Solidarity and Mass Movement.

Bunga ng rebisyonistang pagtataksil sa sosyalismo, nasa panahon pa tayo ng makabagong imperyalismo at rebolusyong proletaryo. Matapos ang ganap na panunumbalik ng kapitalismo sa mga mayor na sosyallstang bansa at pagguho ng Unyong Sobyet sa mga taong 1989-1991, ang estratehikong pag-atras ng layuning sosyalista ay diniinan ng mga opensibang ideolohikal, pulitika, ekonomiko at militar ng imperyalismong US bilang nagsosolong superpoder.

Sa ganitong kalagayan, naging tampok ang demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan sa Pilipinas sa pananatiling matatag at sa pag-unlad nang umaasa sa sarili sa landas ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka para sa pambansa at panlipunang pagpapalaya. Ipinamalas nito sa proletaryado at mamamayan ng daiggdig na maaaring magsagawa ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka laban sa imperyalismong US at reaksyon, maging malakas at nakakabuhay sa layuning sosyalista kahit na sa isang bansang base ng imperyalismong US sa rehyong Asya-Pasipiko.

Ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na namumuno sa demokratikonng rebolusyon ng bayan ay sumusunod sa mga turo ni Lenin at sa halimbawa ng Rebolusyong Oktubre sa teoretikal na konteksto ng Marximo-Leninismo-Maoismo. Sa gayon nananatili at nakakapagpalakas ito. Kaalinsabay nito, nasasaksihan nito ang global na ispektakulo ng imperyalismong US na aroganteng nagbabanat at nagpapahina sa sarili at nagpapabilis sa estratehikong panghihina nito sa pagpapalubha at pagpapalalim ng krisis ng kapitalismo at pagwawaldas sa makaking rekursong pantao at at materyal sa pamamagitan ng neoliberal na ekonomikong opensiba at walang tigil na mga gera ng agresyon.

Sa panahong ito, nakikita na nating ang malakihang transisyon sa isang rebolusyonaryong agos sa global na saklaw. Lahat ng mayor na kontradiksyon ay tumitindi: sa pagitan ng kapital at paggawa sa mga bansang industriyal kapitalista; sa pagitan ng imperyalismo at mga mamamayang inaapi; sa pagitan ng imperyalismo at mga bansang nagggumiit sa kasarinlan; at sa hanay ng mga imperyalistang kapangyarihan. Sa pagiging mayor na kapitalistang kapangyarihan, ang Tsina at Rusya ay mapagpasya sa pagpapatindi sa mga kontradiksyon sa hanay ng mga imperyalista sa isang mulitpolar na daigdig.

Higit sa dati, ang Rebolusyong Oktubre ay tanglaw sa rebolusyong Pilipino. Ang pagpupursigi ng proletaryado at mamamyang Piilipino sa rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ay mayor na sangkap ng may kabuluhang global sa paghahanda ng muling pagsulong ng anti-imperyalistang pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya at sosyalismo. Gayundin nakikinabang sila sa ganitong pagsulong ng pandaigdigang rebolusyong proletaryo.

Napatunayan ang teorya ng Kasamang Mao hinggil sa pangangailangan ng patuloy na rebolusyon sa ilalim ng diktadurang proletaryo sa pagturol sa makabagong rebisyonismo bilang pangunahing makamatay na banta sa layuning sosyalista at sa internasyonal na kilusang komunista at sa paglalahad ng mga prinsipyo at pamamaraan ng rebolusyong kultura sa paglaban sa rebisyonismo, pagpigil sa panunumbalik ng kapitalismo at pagkonsolida ng sosyalismo sa lipunang sosyalista.

Tulad ng Komuna ng Paris ng 1871, tiinalo ng burges na kontrarebolusyon ang Dakilang Proletaryong Rebolusyong Kultural ng 1966-76. Subalit nagpamana ito sa atin ng mahahalagang aral sa paglaban at pagsusulong ng sosyalismo sa patuloy na epokal na tunggalian ng proletaryado at burgesya, sa pagitan ng sosyalismo at kapitalismo.

Umaasa ako na ibayong liliwanag sa inyo ang mga sinabi ko kung basahin at aralin ninyo ang inaalok kong tala ng mga sinulat ko kaugnay ng selebrasyon ng ika-100 anibersaryo ng Rebolusyong Oktubre.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. It can be downloaded from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.

Ang Bayan welcomes contributions in the form of articles and news items. Readers are encouraged to send feedback and recommendations for improving our newspaper. Send your messages to cppinformationbureau@gmail.com

Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/201711-100-taon-rebolusyong-oktubre-2017/

CPP/NPA-NCM: Possibilities are High for Reviving the Soviet Spirit of Russia in the Philippines

NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov7): Possibilities are High for Reviving the Soviet Spirit of Russia in the Philippines

Ka Norcen Mangubat, Spokesperson
Regional Committee
CPP-North Central Mindanao

7 November 2017
Press Release

Having experience colonization and modern-day slavery in its fields and factories, the peoples of the Philippines are currently aspiring for national liberation and genuine democracy against their colonizers and exploiters. They are looking up and learning from the revolutions of several nations, including the North American revolutions, to enlighten them on how to struggle and to win.

It is an opportune time to celebrate the Great October Socialist Revolution because the Filipino people could take up a thing or two about the Soviet Russian experience during the era of Tsarism and the First World War.

Just like the Filipinos, the Russian peoples consisting of various nationalities have also aspired genuine liberation from the yoke of the so-called “militarist-feudal” imperialism in Russia during the time of their leader, Vladimir Ulyanov, also known as Lenin to his comrades-in-arms. Their country was plagued by imperialist oppression and plunder even after decades of the Stolypin reforms similar to the defunct land reform program of the Aquino regime in the Philippines in the 1980s.

The feudal-militarist ruler in Russia exploits their peasantry and proletariat while they collude with the British, French, Belgian and German financial aristocrats. The 1905 revolution and then the parliamentary struggles inside and outside the State Duma have harnessed the potential of millions of workers and peasants throughout the whole of Russia into building similar to that of the Philippine’s people power and they have called these as Soviet power.

Soviets are revolutionary organs of power consisting of peasants, workers and soldiers of the revolutionary army. They were organized by the Bolshevik Party of the Russian proletariat. The revolutionary army mainly came from the Tsarist army who turned away their rifles from the people and their foreign enemies and trained them instead to their aggressor, the Tsar himself.

Soviets gained ground in pressing their need for peace, land and liberty. Most of the small nationalities surrounding Russia heeded these slogans of Lenin’s Bolshevik Party and worked hard for these demands. With the Tsarist expensive wars of aggression against Japan and Germany in a tug-of-war for colonies, the people of Russia could not bear the brunt anymore. Exploitation increased on taxation, on industrial production for the war and on requisition of farm outputs.

The 1917 February and October revolution triumphantly broke the chain of Tsarism and imperialist aggression. Lenin led them all the way to the victory of the Soviets and to the solidarity of the Eastern European peoples in hailing the first socialist Soviet republic in the whole world. Since then, the socialist system has engendered the acceleration of the existence and downfall of the imperialist system.

The Philippines had their share of the Soviet spark that ignited the darkening of our colonial history. The first Filipino communists, led by the unionist Crisanto Evangelista, secretly entered Russia through China in 1928 in order to learn the Russian Soviet experience. They founded the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on November 7, 1930, concelebrating the 13th anniversary of the October Revolution in Russia. They founded the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (HUKBALAHAP) on March 29, 1942 and lead the guerilla warfare against Japan in an anti-fascist and pro-Allied united front during World War II. Throughout Luzon, these guerillas have implemented land confiscation from pro-Japanese landlords and traitors.

Enlightened by China-style guerilla warfare against the British and American imperialism and the local military-bureaucratic warlordism in China, the young Filipino communists led by Jose Maria Sison rebuilt on December 26, 1968 the PKP under the theoretical guide of Mao Tse-tung Thought.

Mao Tse-tung built their Soviet-style revolutionary government in Shanxi, a mountainous northern China loess plain, after their legendary Long March in anticipation for the intensified Japanese invasion in the whole of China in 1936. Enthusiastic support from their peasantry, the Chinese workers, middle class and city-dwellers came to these base areas, especially in Bao’an and Yenan, which culminated to an almost nationwide, self-reliant, anti-fascist counter-offensive against Japan in 1945. Yenan then became a catchword for revolutionaries in China.

The Philippines can and should aspire to put to action China or Russia’s soviet power experience in order to win in the Philippine revolution. The seeds have been sown since 1968 and the fruits have dispersed their seeds throughout the archipelago. Lenin’s notion of the transmission belts and Mao’s “three magic weapons” of the Party, the army and the mass base has been put to test for the past 48 years despite a temporary setback in the 1980s to the early 1990s.

The raw materials for building Filipino people’s revolutionary united front and Soviet power have been there from the start. With the impending intensification of the neoliberal policies of the Philippine state and the imposition of US dominance in Southeast Asia since its Asian-pivot policy since 2011, the Filipino people are again called to arms. The world has witnessed two world wars and are expecting a third that may spark in the Asia-Pacific region given that China has empowered itself militarily and economically as an imperialist power for the past four decades of policy regime changes after Mao Tse-tung’s time.

Having witnessed the bankrupt imperialist policies and reforms due to recurring convulsions of the world economic system, peoples and countries who had a taste of Soviet and democratic power in the past century preferred socialism as an economic system which needs to resurge. This new century is dawning wherein imperialism may encounter a crisis that is unprecedented. It may be terrible, but it’s fine.

The Filipino proletariat is in the right place today for launching anti-imperialist struggles. Together with the peasantry and the middle class, they can exploit the advantage of being able to break away from exploitation, national oppression and foreign domination in the economic, political, cultural and military fields should imperialist war break out once more. They have the CPP as the vanguard in liberating the nation first from US imperialism. They can foster solidarity outwardly with the peoples and democracies of the world against world war and against Asiatic and Pacific aggression of the imperialists. Their migrant workers also have a critical role in popularizing and gaining worldwide support for the Philippine revolution.

Internally, they can launch socio-economic development for workers and peasants, with local allies and international support, despite enforced evacuations due to disasters, militarism in Mindanao and national fascism. Areas discreetly claimed as revolutionary organs of power in the countryside are taking advantage of land reform and production campaigns, legal and extra-legal options, community initiatives for development and new methods of social networking combining internet technologies and word-of-mouth reportage.

Regarding their people’s army, the New People’s Army imbibes the spirit of whole-heartedly serving the people and the revolution. They utilize all available forms of propaganda to reach out to broad workers and peasant population. They are the most effective machinery of the Party in increasing and strengthening the mass base and in gaining both local and international support for the war. They educate the masses with the current trends in politics and various forms of open and underground organizations for them to perform heavier and heavier tasks. They can hit even the most fascist target wherever and whenever they can, with the people vigorously assisting them in launching tactical offensives.

These seeds, which may be termed Filipino Soviets, are still in their germination stage. But the aggravating crisis conditions could surely empower them for swift victory. All power shall soon be theirs.

Hail the Great October Socialist Revolution!
Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!
Death to imperialism!
Long live proletarian internationalism!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171107-possibilities-are-high-for-reviving-the-soviet-spirit-of-russia-in-the-philippines

CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: 54 th IB Fails to Show-off

NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov7): 54 th IB Fails to Show-off

Ka Magno Udyaw, Spokesperson
NPA-Mountain Province (Leonardo Pacsi Command)

7 November 2017

Last October 29, 2017 an encounter between the 54th Infantry Battalion and a unit of the New People’s Army- Leonardo Pacsi Command (NPA-LPC) took place near Brgy. Dalican in Bontoc Mountain Province.

The initial press release of the 54 th IB was that they received intelligence that the NPA was out to sabotage an ongoing concert in Sagada so they needed to secure the area. This is but another deceit by the Philippine Army.

First and foremost, the said location of the encounter was too far from the venue of the concert to be considered a threat of sabotage. In truth, the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police took advantage of the concert to justify a military operation in the area.

It will be recalled that on the night of October 10 another unit of the LPC dismantled and burned the sub-station of Hedcor- Sabangan in Otucan Norte Bauko as punitive action against Hedcor Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation. The 54 th IB which serves as private security for Hedcor, has been inutile in preventing the said tactical offensive and has been proven futile once more in their attempt for a pursuit operation.

The claims of the 503 rd Infantry Brigade that the operating troops discovered an encampment and that the NPA sustained casualties is but a poor attempt to save what is left of the pride of their soldiers, and a failure to show-off to their capitalist master which is Hedcor. This is proof that the mercenary tradition of the Philippine Army will never upset the pro-poor and pro-people principle of the NPA.

All aggressions to take over indigenous people’s common resources, robbing the people of their land and water rights, manipulation and deception to push through with capitalist interests, militarization and all threats against peace will not be condoned by the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army and the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171107-54-th-ib-fails-to-show-off

Lorenzana: AFP chief’s tour of duty should be extended

From Malaya Business Insight (Nov 7): Lorenzana: AFP chief’s tour of duty should be extended

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday said he is going to recommend to President Duterte the extension of the tour of duty of AFP chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero who is due to retire next month.

Interviewed in Camp Aguinaldo after the celebration of the 78th foundation anniversary of the Department of National Defense, Lorenzana said it would be unfair to Guerrero to be given only about two months to serve as AFP chief.

Guerrero assumed the post on October 26, replacing Eduardo Año who reached the retirement age of 56. Guerrero, of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, is due to reach the mandatory retirement age on December 17.

“It’s unfair if you are going to give him only two months. Give him a longer time so that he can accomplish something,” said Lorenzana. “When he took over last October 26, I was asked if I will (recommend extension), I will,” Lorenzana said.

But President Duterte still has the final say, Lorenzana added.

Guerrero is said to be close to the Duterte family.

Lorenzana, in an October 26 interview, said the prevailing martial law in Mindanao could be enough justification to extend Guerrero’s term.

Martial law was declared shortly after the Maute Group attacked Marawi City on May 23.

Among possible contenders to the top AFP position are AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez and Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Bautista, both members of the PMA Class 1985.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/lorenzana-afp-chief%E2%80%99s-tour-duty-should-be-extended