From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2019): 14 Reds killed, 16 nabbed in Negros Oriental
A day-long joint military and police operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental on Saturday has resulted in the death of 14 and capture of 16 members.
Government forces served 36 search warrants to suspected rebel hideouts in three cities and nine towns in the province. Executive judges in Negros Oriental and Cebu City issued the warrants for alleged violation of Republic Act 10951 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, government sources revealed.
Those killed reportedly fought back and engaged authorities in a shootout as the latter served the search warrants. Some eight of the fatalities were from Canlaon City, four from Manjuyod, and two from Santa Catalina Negros Oriental, it was reported.
Dubbed as “Oplan Sauron 2pt0”, the operation has led to the recovery of 53 assorted firearms, including high-powered rifles, handguns of various calibers and some grenades. Also seized were 210 assorted ammunition, seven gun magazines, 109 empty shells, four mobile phones, and voluminous subversive documents.
“The simultaneous implementation of 36 search warrants resulted to the arrest of 16 person subject for the search warrants while six suspects were able to elude arrest, but resulted to a positive recovery of their firearms,” the Philippine National Police said in its report.
“Oplan Sauron 2pt0” is an internal security operation plan against personalities connected to the Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the first congressional district of Negros Oriental and a follow-up to the Dec. 27-29, 2018 operation dubbed as “Oplan Sauron,” the same sources explained.
The joint operations covered Ayungon, Canlaon City, Guihulngan City, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Siaton, Santa Catalina, Tanjay City, and Vallehermoso.
Government forces conducted the operation in response to recent attacks committed by the CPP-NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.
These rebel offensives reportedly include the thwarted attack on Canlaon Police Station, failed assassination of policemen in Manhuyod town, killing of an Army retiree, failed assassination of a junior police officer in Canlaon town, and assault on the residence of an intelligence operative of Manjuyod police station.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066114
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Reds' front groups scamming for donations: AFP official
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2019): Reds' front groups scamming for donations: AFP official
Militant organizations, reportedly fronting for the communist terrorist groups, are exploiting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and fabricating reports that paint a very dire human right situations in the Philippines which they will then use as a pretext for asking donations from foreign donors like the European Union (EU) and its member states.
This, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations, Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., in a message to reporters Sunday.
"We are armed with the truth and nothing else. We are morally convinced that what this CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) organizations are doing is simply to exploit our IPs, project a very dire HR (human rights) situation in our country, vilify our government by fabricating reports to cast doubt on the efficiency of our government, and then what? Ask for donations,” Parlade said.
“This is a pattern they have established. A fake 'Bakwit' to ask EU funding. A fake advocacy to Save Our Schools and ask for more funding. Kill IPs and attribute it to government then ask for support to HR Watch," he added.
The CPP-New People's Army (NPA) is listed as terrorist organization by the United States and the EU.
In a letter sent by National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) vice chair and National Security Adviser, Hermogenes Esperon to EU Counter-Terrorism coordinator Gilles De Kerchove, the Belgian government, through different non-government organizations based in Belgium, has indirectly and unwittingly partnered with NGOs that act as legal front for the CPP-NPA.
The ‘list’
These Belgian NGOs include the SOLIDAGRO and Viva Salud and KIYO. It was also learned that the SOLIDAGRO has partnered with Philippine NGOs Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV); IBON Foundation (IBON); Karapatan; Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI); Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (Salugpungan/STTICL; and, the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP).
The Viva Salud, on the other hand, has partnered with the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW); Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU); Gabriela, IBON Foundation and ALCADEV. Lastly, KIYO has direct links with Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and Karapatan.
These information was gleaned from the Belgian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esperon said in the letter.
Parlade said RMP and the IBON Foundation partnered in the publication of subversive books being used by IP children in the Salugpungan and ALCADEV schools which are teaching IP children to become child warriors.
"We have to expose this because it is so unfair to the other lay workers and sisters whom we in AFP, PNP (Philippine National Police) and government partner with for our value formation and moral reforms," he added.
Hiding under the cloak
These entities, he said, cannot continue to hide under the cloak of the church, of whatever faith, and then provide funds to the NPAs, and other CPP front organizations like Karapatan, Gabriela, ACT, KMU, Anakbayan, LFS, Bayan or what is called the Makabayan Bloc.
Majority of these organizations are members of the International League of People's Struggles (ILPS), which is also chaired by CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison.
Parlade also gave special mention to RMP for directly supporting NPA members through its "Suporta sa Pamilya" (SUPAMIL).
"The RMP provide 'SUPAMIL' or Suporta sa Pamilya (Support to Family), of CPP and NPA cadres and fighters directly, and they cannot deny this. Those who will say this is a lie should be ready to refute this in a public debate," he added.
CPP-NPA front groups, he said, put up programs like Literacy Numeracy (LITNUM) for IPs, Community-Based Health System for wounded rebels, Farmers Resource Centers and BREAD to feed communist fighters and their families, Sustainable Agri (SUS-AG), or Panday Bolig using disaster rehabilitation as cover.
He said all of these are programs supported by funds coming from EU and given to RMP-Northern Mindanao Region. This in turn provide support to the CPP-NPA.
“Deceit, lies, propaganda are what the CPP NPA have perfected over 50 years which have duped all of us, students, farmers, clergy, teachers, government workers, and international organizations like EU and UN," he said. “How much longer can we tolerate this scam now amounting to billions of pesos, which could have been spent for the needs of the genuinely impoverished and neglected , instead of the NPA and 'Joma's minions?”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066104
Militant organizations, reportedly fronting for the communist terrorist groups, are exploiting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and fabricating reports that paint a very dire human right situations in the Philippines which they will then use as a pretext for asking donations from foreign donors like the European Union (EU) and its member states.
This, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations, Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., in a message to reporters Sunday.
"We are armed with the truth and nothing else. We are morally convinced that what this CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) organizations are doing is simply to exploit our IPs, project a very dire HR (human rights) situation in our country, vilify our government by fabricating reports to cast doubt on the efficiency of our government, and then what? Ask for donations,” Parlade said.
“This is a pattern they have established. A fake 'Bakwit' to ask EU funding. A fake advocacy to Save Our Schools and ask for more funding. Kill IPs and attribute it to government then ask for support to HR Watch," he added.
The CPP-New People's Army (NPA) is listed as terrorist organization by the United States and the EU.
In a letter sent by National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) vice chair and National Security Adviser, Hermogenes Esperon to EU Counter-Terrorism coordinator Gilles De Kerchove, the Belgian government, through different non-government organizations based in Belgium, has indirectly and unwittingly partnered with NGOs that act as legal front for the CPP-NPA.
The ‘list’
These Belgian NGOs include the SOLIDAGRO and Viva Salud and KIYO. It was also learned that the SOLIDAGRO has partnered with Philippine NGOs Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV); IBON Foundation (IBON); Karapatan; Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI); Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (Salugpungan/STTICL; and, the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP).
The Viva Salud, on the other hand, has partnered with the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW); Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU); Gabriela, IBON Foundation and ALCADEV. Lastly, KIYO has direct links with Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and Karapatan.
These information was gleaned from the Belgian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esperon said in the letter.
Parlade said RMP and the IBON Foundation partnered in the publication of subversive books being used by IP children in the Salugpungan and ALCADEV schools which are teaching IP children to become child warriors.
"We have to expose this because it is so unfair to the other lay workers and sisters whom we in AFP, PNP (Philippine National Police) and government partner with for our value formation and moral reforms," he added.
Hiding under the cloak
These entities, he said, cannot continue to hide under the cloak of the church, of whatever faith, and then provide funds to the NPAs, and other CPP front organizations like Karapatan, Gabriela, ACT, KMU, Anakbayan, LFS, Bayan or what is called the Makabayan Bloc.
Majority of these organizations are members of the International League of People's Struggles (ILPS), which is also chaired by CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison.
Parlade also gave special mention to RMP for directly supporting NPA members through its "Suporta sa Pamilya" (SUPAMIL).
"The RMP provide 'SUPAMIL' or Suporta sa Pamilya (Support to Family), of CPP and NPA cadres and fighters directly, and they cannot deny this. Those who will say this is a lie should be ready to refute this in a public debate," he added.
CPP-NPA front groups, he said, put up programs like Literacy Numeracy (LITNUM) for IPs, Community-Based Health System for wounded rebels, Farmers Resource Centers and BREAD to feed communist fighters and their families, Sustainable Agri (SUS-AG), or Panday Bolig using disaster rehabilitation as cover.
He said all of these are programs supported by funds coming from EU and given to RMP-Northern Mindanao Region. This in turn provide support to the CPP-NPA.
“Deceit, lies, propaganda are what the CPP NPA have perfected over 50 years which have duped all of us, students, farmers, clergy, teachers, government workers, and international organizations like EU and UN," he said. “How much longer can we tolerate this scam now amounting to billions of pesos, which could have been spent for the needs of the genuinely impoverished and neglected , instead of the NPA and 'Joma's minions?”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066104
7K plus troops to participate in 'Balikatan' 2019
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2019): 7K plus troops to participate in 'Balikatan' 2019
Around 7,550 Filipino, American and Australian troops will be participating in this year's "Balikatan" exercises which will formally start April 1 and end on the 12th.
This was disclosed by Philippine "Balikatan" public affairs officer, Lt. Cmdr. Liezl M. Vidallon, in an interview with reporters Sunday.
Vidallon said this can be broken down into 4,000 personnel for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 3,500 on the United States side and 50 from the Australian Defense Force.
He added that the Australian participation is possible as exercises are multilateral for this year.
Exercise venues will be in Northern and Southern Luzon.
Objectives for "Balikatan" 2019 are to enhance the inter-operability of participating forces aside from highlighting long-standing military relations between the Philippines and the US.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066109
Around 7,550 Filipino, American and Australian troops will be participating in this year's "Balikatan" exercises which will formally start April 1 and end on the 12th.
This was disclosed by Philippine "Balikatan" public affairs officer, Lt. Cmdr. Liezl M. Vidallon, in an interview with reporters Sunday.
Vidallon said this can be broken down into 4,000 personnel for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 3,500 on the United States side and 50 from the Australian Defense Force.
He added that the Australian participation is possible as exercises are multilateral for this year.
Exercise venues will be in Northern and Southern Luzon.
Objectives for "Balikatan" 2019 are to enhance the inter-operability of participating forces aside from highlighting long-standing military relations between the Philippines and the US.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066109
Negros Oriental police ops ‘legitimate’: PNP
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2019): Negros Oriental police ops ‘legitimate’: PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday defended the police operations that resulted in the killing of 14 people and the arrest of 15 others in Negros Oriental on Saturday.
“The law enforcement operations were legitimate and covered by search warrants issued by the court,” PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac in a statement on Sunday.
“It is the duty of the PNP to enforce the law and maintain peace and order to ensure public safety and security against criminal and other lawless elements,” he added.
Banac made his comment after militant groups condemned the police operations which they claimed as ‘a crime against our farmers’.
“And we always perform this function following the standard rules of engagement, respect on human rights and with presumption of regularity,” Banac said.
He said the PNP would welcome any move by some groups challenging the veracity of the operations.
“All the allegations raised by some groups will be answered by the PNP at the proper time and at the proper venue,” Banac said.
Banac said the operations in Canlaon City and the towns of Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina were implemented based on search warrant issued by local courts for possible possession of firearms and explosive materials.
A total of eight people was killed in Canlaon City while four in Manjuyod and two in Sta. Catalina town, the local police said.
“We are sure that they really tried to shoot it out because our policemen will not use force if there is no threat to their lives,” Banac said.
“The police were running after these personalities because of the violations of the law, and based on the information obtained they were keeping contrabands, guns and bullets. The PNP just implemented the search warrant and at the course of the implementation, there were gun battles,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066115
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday defended the police operations that resulted in the killing of 14 people and the arrest of 15 others in Negros Oriental on Saturday.
“The law enforcement operations were legitimate and covered by search warrants issued by the court,” PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac in a statement on Sunday.
“It is the duty of the PNP to enforce the law and maintain peace and order to ensure public safety and security against criminal and other lawless elements,” he added.
Banac made his comment after militant groups condemned the police operations which they claimed as ‘a crime against our farmers’.
“And we always perform this function following the standard rules of engagement, respect on human rights and with presumption of regularity,” Banac said.
He said the PNP would welcome any move by some groups challenging the veracity of the operations.
“All the allegations raised by some groups will be answered by the PNP at the proper time and at the proper venue,” Banac said.
Banac said the operations in Canlaon City and the towns of Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina were implemented based on search warrant issued by local courts for possible possession of firearms and explosive materials.
A total of eight people was killed in Canlaon City while four in Manjuyod and two in Sta. Catalina town, the local police said.
“We are sure that they really tried to shoot it out because our policemen will not use force if there is no threat to their lives,” Banac said.
“The police were running after these personalities because of the violations of the law, and based on the information obtained they were keeping contrabands, guns and bullets. The PNP just implemented the search warrant and at the course of the implementation, there were gun battles,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066115
Balikatan features new fighter jets
From the Philippine Star (Mar 30, 2019): Balikatan features new fighter jets
This year’s joint Philippines-United States Balikatan military exercises will see, for the first time, the deployment of the US Marine Corps’ new F35B fighter jets to the war games.
Slated for official opening Monday at Camp Aguinaldo, the joint military drill is part of an arrangement stipulated in the Phl-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
“This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the US Marines Corps’ F35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” US Balikatan organizers said in a statement.
The deployment of the new fighter jets as well as the amphibious assault carrier USS Wasp came despite President Duterte’s ordering a downscaling of the joint exercises as part of his “independent” foreign policy and pivot to China.
The drill will last until April 12 and will be held in several areas in Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and Palawan.
The Balikatan will involve “amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations and counterterrorism response,” the US statement said.
The amphibious landing exercises will be held on the coast of Zambales, while the live-fire drill will be held at the military gunnery range in Capas, Tarlac on April 10 and 11.
Representatives from other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will observe the joint exercises.
“Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crisis throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the US embassy said in an earlier statement.
The joint war games made a soft opening last month with the launching of humanitarian and civic assistance projects.
Aside from Filipino and US troops, Australian forces also participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the renovation of three elementary schools in Orani, Bataan, Pangil in Laguna and San Juan in Batangas as well as a health clinic in Moncada, Tarlac.
Slated for official opening Monday at Camp Aguinaldo, the joint military drill is part of an arrangement stipulated in the Phl-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
This year’s joint Philippines-United States Balikatan military exercises will see, for the first time, the deployment of the US Marine Corps’ new F35B fighter jets to the war games.
Slated for official opening Monday at Camp Aguinaldo, the joint military drill is part of an arrangement stipulated in the Phl-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
“This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the US Marines Corps’ F35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” US Balikatan organizers said in a statement.
The deployment of the new fighter jets as well as the amphibious assault carrier USS Wasp came despite President Duterte’s ordering a downscaling of the joint exercises as part of his “independent” foreign policy and pivot to China.
The drill will last until April 12 and will be held in several areas in Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and Palawan.
The Balikatan will involve “amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations and counterterrorism response,” the US statement said.
The amphibious landing exercises will be held on the coast of Zambales, while the live-fire drill will be held at the military gunnery range in Capas, Tarlac on April 10 and 11.
Representatives from other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will observe the joint exercises.
“Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crisis throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the US embassy said in an earlier statement.
The joint war games made a soft opening last month with the launching of humanitarian and civic assistance projects.
Aside from Filipino and US troops, Australian forces also participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the renovation of three elementary schools in Orani, Bataan, Pangil in Laguna and San Juan in Batangas as well as a health clinic in Moncada, Tarlac.
DVIDS: USS Wasp, SPMAGTF 4 Arrive in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan
From the Defense Visual Information Distribution System (DVIDS) (Mar 30, 2019): USS Wasp, SPMAGTF 4 Arrive in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan
SUBIC BAY, Philippines (Mar. 30, 2019) – The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), with embarked Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) 4, led by 4th Marine Regiment, arrived in Subic Bay on March 30, 2019, in preparation for Exercise Balikatan.
Balikatan is an exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States, and also features participation from Australia. Balikatan is a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines.
“We are excited to visit the Philippines for the first time since Wasp was forward deployed to 7th Fleet,” said Capt. Colby Howard, Wasp’s commanding officer. “Balikatan is a great opportunity for the Navy, Marine Corps team and our allies from the Republic of the Philippines to learn from one another, and further improve our ability operate together.”
During Balikatan 2019, U.S. and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response. All events will take place in Luzon and Palawan.
This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the Wasp with the embarked United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to quickly forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occur.
Balikatan 2019 will also bring together ASEAN members for an International Observers Program. The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners; show multinational coordination where the observers can mutually exchange meaningful ideas and best practices; and showcase the joint and combined air, sea and ground operation of the AFP-U.S. armed forces.
This year’s Balikatan focuses on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges. Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond in unison to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
USS Wasp is the flagship for the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and is currently forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to provide a ready-response force for any type of contingency.
For photos and stories about Balikatan, please visit: www.dvidshub.net/feature/BALIKATAN
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/316295/uss-wasp-spmagtf-4-arrive-philippines-exercise-balikatan
SUBIC BAY, Philippines (Mar. 30, 2019) – The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), with embarked Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) 4, led by 4th Marine Regiment, arrived in Subic Bay on March 30, 2019, in preparation for Exercise Balikatan.
Balikatan is an exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States, and also features participation from Australia. Balikatan is a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines.
“We are excited to visit the Philippines for the first time since Wasp was forward deployed to 7th Fleet,” said Capt. Colby Howard, Wasp’s commanding officer. “Balikatan is a great opportunity for the Navy, Marine Corps team and our allies from the Republic of the Philippines to learn from one another, and further improve our ability operate together.”
During Balikatan 2019, U.S. and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response. All events will take place in Luzon and Palawan.
This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the Wasp with the embarked United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to quickly forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occur.
Balikatan 2019 will also bring together ASEAN members for an International Observers Program. The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners; show multinational coordination where the observers can mutually exchange meaningful ideas and best practices; and showcase the joint and combined air, sea and ground operation of the AFP-U.S. armed forces.
This year’s Balikatan focuses on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges. Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond in unison to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
USS Wasp is the flagship for the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and is currently forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to provide a ready-response force for any type of contingency.
For photos and stories about Balikatan, please visit: www.dvidshub.net/feature/BALIKATAN
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/316295/uss-wasp-spmagtf-4-arrive-philippines-exercise-balikatan
35th PH-US Balikatan exercise opens Monday
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 31, 2019): 35th PH-US Balikatan exercise opens Monday
About 4,000 Philippine troops, 3,500 American soldiers, and 50 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members will participate in the biggest annual military exercise between the United States and the Philippines known as “Balikatan” which opens Monday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Filipino Soldiers launch a joint amphibious landing with US Soldiers on the shores of Casiguran, Aurora as part of the Civil Military activities from the sea of the 17th US-Philippines Balikatan exercises. (ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim will be the guest of honor and speaker in the opening ceremony to be attended by high-ranking officials from both the Philippines and the US.
Also expected to attend the opening ceremony to be held at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo, are Philippine Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna who will represent Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr.
Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command (SoLCom) Chief is the Exercise Director for the Philippine side, while Brigadier General Chris McPhillips, the Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, is the Exercise Director for the US side.
Balikatan 2019, the 35th iteration of the annual military drill, is a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the US and the Philippines.
Throughout Exercise Balikatan, the AFP, US Armed Forces, and ADF will carry out information exchanges and live training events. These are aimed at enhancing the militaries’ interoperability during the planning and execution of joint operations to advance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
During Balikatan 2019, American and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response.
All events will take place in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro until April 12, 2019.
New US fighter jets
According to US Balikatan organizers, this is the first time that new and more sophisticated fighter jets from the United States will be used during this year’s exercises.
“This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US Balikatan organizers disclosed.
USS Wasp (LHD-1) is a United States Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ship, and the lead ship of her class. She is the tenth USN vessel to bear the name since 1775, with the last two ships named Wasp being aircraft carriers. She was built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The F-35B Lightning II multi-role fighter is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters. The fifth-generation combat aircraft is designed to perform ground-attack and air-superiority missions. It has three main models: The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C carrier-based catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) variant.
The US Balikatan organizers said participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occurs.
Balikatan 2019 will also bring together Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members for an International Observers Program. The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners, show multinational coordination where the observers can mutually exchange meaningful ideas and best practices, and showcase the joint and combined air, sea, and ground operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Armed Forces.
This year’s Balikatan focuses on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges.
“Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the Balikatan organizers said.
The AFP Northern Luzon Command will exercise command, control, and supervision in implementing the rules and regulations for visiting forces as well as monitor all BK35-2019 training events which will be conducted on its area of responsibility.
Major Erickson C. Bulosan, Public Information Office Chief of NoLCom, earlier said several activities are included in this year’s Balikatan like the Staff Exercise (STAFFEX), Joint Inter-Operability Event (JIOE), Combined Inter Operability Event (CIOE), and the Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA).
Bulosan said the AFP aims to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the PH-US through exercises and operational cooperation for mutual benefit of involved forces.
They will also ensure the safe and successful conduct of PH-US Balikatan 35-2019, together and in coordination with all stakeholders in different sites within Northern Luzon Command area of responsibility.
Prior to the opening of the exercises, Filipino, American and Australian forces started conducting humanitarian and civic assistance activities in Luzon as part of this year’s Philippines-United States Balikatan Exercises.
Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), United States Armed Forces, and Australian Defense Force (ADF), all under the ambit of the US alliance, began their Engineering Civic Action Program last March 12, in Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna, and Bataan.
The AFP said the program seeks to construct medical facility and classroom buildings in selected communities in the areas.
The beneficiaries of the class room buildings are the Don Eulogio Luistro Elementary School in Bulsa, San Juan, Batangas; Victor De Guia Elementary School in Balian, Pangil, Laguna; and Pag-Asa Elementary School in Orani, Bataan Province. The local government of Brgy. San Pedro in Moncada, Tarlac will receive a one-story medical clinic.
Medical teams have also been deployed to conduct health engagements in the areas. Communities will benefit from free consultations, hygiene kits distribution, feeding program, and veterinary care. The teams will also share information on family planning, health, environment protection, and disaster preparedness.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/31/35th-ph-us-balikatan-exercise-opens-monday/
About 4,000 Philippine troops, 3,500 American soldiers, and 50 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members will participate in the biggest annual military exercise between the United States and the Philippines known as “Balikatan” which opens Monday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Filipino Soldiers launch a joint amphibious landing with US Soldiers on the shores of Casiguran, Aurora as part of the Civil Military activities from the sea of the 17th US-Philippines Balikatan exercises. (ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim will be the guest of honor and speaker in the opening ceremony to be attended by high-ranking officials from both the Philippines and the US.
Also expected to attend the opening ceremony to be held at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo, are Philippine Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna who will represent Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr.
Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command (SoLCom) Chief is the Exercise Director for the Philippine side, while Brigadier General Chris McPhillips, the Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, is the Exercise Director for the US side.
Balikatan 2019, the 35th iteration of the annual military drill, is a Tagalog phrase for “shoulder-to-shoulder” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the partnership between the US and the Philippines.
Throughout Exercise Balikatan, the AFP, US Armed Forces, and ADF will carry out information exchanges and live training events. These are aimed at enhancing the militaries’ interoperability during the planning and execution of joint operations to advance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
During Balikatan 2019, American and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response.
All events will take place in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro until April 12, 2019.
New US fighter jets
According to US Balikatan organizers, this is the first time that new and more sophisticated fighter jets from the United States will be used during this year’s exercises.
“This will be the first Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the United States Marines Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US Balikatan organizers disclosed.
USS Wasp (LHD-1) is a United States Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ship, and the lead ship of her class. She is the tenth USN vessel to bear the name since 1775, with the last two ships named Wasp being aircraft carriers. She was built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The F-35B Lightning II multi-role fighter is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters. The fifth-generation combat aircraft is designed to perform ground-attack and air-superiority missions. It has three main models: The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C carrier-based catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) variant.
The US Balikatan organizers said participating in Balikatan demonstrates their ability to forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occurs.
Balikatan 2019 will also bring together Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members for an International Observers Program. The program aims to promote greater defense cooperation with ASEAN and other key allies and partners, show multinational coordination where the observers can mutually exchange meaningful ideas and best practices, and showcase the joint and combined air, sea, and ground operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Armed Forces.
This year’s Balikatan focuses on maritime security and amphibious capabilities, as well as multinational interoperability through military exchanges.
“Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the Balikatan organizers said.
The AFP Northern Luzon Command will exercise command, control, and supervision in implementing the rules and regulations for visiting forces as well as monitor all BK35-2019 training events which will be conducted on its area of responsibility.
Major Erickson C. Bulosan, Public Information Office Chief of NoLCom, earlier said several activities are included in this year’s Balikatan like the Staff Exercise (STAFFEX), Joint Inter-Operability Event (JIOE), Combined Inter Operability Event (CIOE), and the Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA).
Bulosan said the AFP aims to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the PH-US through exercises and operational cooperation for mutual benefit of involved forces.
They will also ensure the safe and successful conduct of PH-US Balikatan 35-2019, together and in coordination with all stakeholders in different sites within Northern Luzon Command area of responsibility.
Prior to the opening of the exercises, Filipino, American and Australian forces started conducting humanitarian and civic assistance activities in Luzon as part of this year’s Philippines-United States Balikatan Exercises.
Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), United States Armed Forces, and Australian Defense Force (ADF), all under the ambit of the US alliance, began their Engineering Civic Action Program last March 12, in Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna, and Bataan.
The AFP said the program seeks to construct medical facility and classroom buildings in selected communities in the areas.
The beneficiaries of the class room buildings are the Don Eulogio Luistro Elementary School in Bulsa, San Juan, Batangas; Victor De Guia Elementary School in Balian, Pangil, Laguna; and Pag-Asa Elementary School in Orani, Bataan Province. The local government of Brgy. San Pedro in Moncada, Tarlac will receive a one-story medical clinic.
Medical teams have also been deployed to conduct health engagements in the areas. Communities will benefit from free consultations, hygiene kits distribution, feeding program, and veterinary care. The teams will also share information on family planning, health, environment protection, and disaster preparedness.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/31/35th-ph-us-balikatan-exercise-opens-monday/
USS Wasp arrives in Philippines for annual 'Balikatan' military exercises
From Taiwan News (Mar 31, 2019): USS Wasp arrives in Philippines for annual 'Balikatan' military exercises
An Australian contingent will reportedly join US and Philippine troops for this year's drills
USS Wasp (LHD-1) (By Wikimedia Commons)
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- The USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship and helicopter carrier, arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines on Saturday, March 30 in preparation for a joint military exercise with forces from the Philippines and Australia.
Exercise Balikatan is an annual exercise in April that typically lasts 10 days. The exercise, with drills planned for Palawan and Luzon, will include U.S. Marines from the fourth Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force.
“Balikatan” is a Tagalog word that means “shoulder to shoulder.” The exercises, which include live-fire drills, are intended to strengthen communication and interoperability between forces and to assist Philippine forces with training for counterterrorism operations.
The commanding officer of the USS Wasp Captain Colby Howard was quoted in a DVIDS press release.
There will reportedly be a delegation of observers from ASEAN member countries participating in an International Observers Program, intended to “promote greater defense cooperation” with U.S. allies and partners in the region, reports DVIDS.
F-35 aircraft on the USS Wasp flight deck (Wikimedia Commons photo)]
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3670014
An Australian contingent will reportedly join US and Philippine troops for this year's drills
USS Wasp (LHD-1) (By Wikimedia Commons)
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- The USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship and helicopter carrier, arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines on Saturday, March 30 in preparation for a joint military exercise with forces from the Philippines and Australia.
Exercise Balikatan is an annual exercise in April that typically lasts 10 days. The exercise, with drills planned for Palawan and Luzon, will include U.S. Marines from the fourth Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force.
“Balikatan” is a Tagalog word that means “shoulder to shoulder.” The exercises, which include live-fire drills, are intended to strengthen communication and interoperability between forces and to assist Philippine forces with training for counterterrorism operations.
The commanding officer of the USS Wasp Captain Colby Howard was quoted in a DVIDS press release.
“We are excited to visit the Philippines for the first time since Wasp was forward deployed to 7th Fleet. Balikatan is a great opportunity for the Navy, Marine Corps team and our allies from the Republic of the Philippines to learn from one another, and further improve our ability operate together.”This year will reportedly be the first Balikatan exercise to incorporate the F-35 Lighting II aircraft, capable of vertical take-off and landing aboard the compact USS Wasp carrier.
There will reportedly be a delegation of observers from ASEAN member countries participating in an International Observers Program, intended to “promote greater defense cooperation” with U.S. allies and partners in the region, reports DVIDS.
F-35 aircraft on the USS Wasp flight deck (Wikimedia Commons photo)]
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3670014
7K plus troops to participate in ‘Balikatan’ 2019
From PTV News (Mar 31, 2019): 7K plus troops to participate in ‘Balikatan’ 2019
Around 7,550 Filipino, American and Australian troops will be participating in this year’s “Balikatan” exercises which will formally start April 1 and end on the 12th.
This was disclosed by Philippine “Balikatan” public affairs officer, Lt. Cmdr. Liezl M. Vidallon, in an interview with reporters Sunday.
Vidallon said this can be broken down into 4,000 personnel for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 3,500 on the United States side and 50 from the Australian Defense Force.
He added that the Australian participation is possible as exercises are multilateral for this year.
Exercise venues will be in Northern and Southern Luzon.
Objectives for “Balikatan” 2019 are to enhance the inter-operability of participating forces aside from highlighting long-standing military relations between the Philippines and the US.
https://www.ptvnews.ph/7k-plus-troops-to-participate-in-balikatan-2019/
Around 7,550 Filipino, American and Australian troops will be participating in this year’s “Balikatan” exercises which will formally start April 1 and end on the 12th.
This was disclosed by Philippine “Balikatan” public affairs officer, Lt. Cmdr. Liezl M. Vidallon, in an interview with reporters Sunday.
Vidallon said this can be broken down into 4,000 personnel for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 3,500 on the United States side and 50 from the Australian Defense Force.
He added that the Australian participation is possible as exercises are multilateral for this year.
Exercise venues will be in Northern and Southern Luzon.
Objectives for “Balikatan” 2019 are to enhance the inter-operability of participating forces aside from highlighting long-standing military relations between the Philippines and the US.
https://www.ptvnews.ph/7k-plus-troops-to-participate-in-balikatan-2019/
US-PH ‘Balikatan’ opens today
From Tempo (Mar 31, 2019): US-PH ‘Balikatan’ opens today
“Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) – the biggest annual bilateral military exercise between the United States and the Philippines – formally opens today in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim is the guest of honor and speaker in the opening ceremony.
High-ranking officials from the Philippines and US are expected to attend the event at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, among them Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, representing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.
PH and US organizers said about 4,000 Philippine troops, 3,500 US soldiers, and 50 Australian Defense Force members will participate in the exercise that will end on April 12.
Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, AFP Southern Luzon Command chief, is the exercise director for the Philippine side while Brig. Gen. Chris McPhillips, the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, is his counterpart in the US side.
This year’s Balikatan is the 35th iteration of the annual military drill. The annual military drill between the Philippines and the United States also involves Australia.
Throughout Balikatan, the AFP, US Armed Forces, and ADF will carry out information exchanges and live training events. These are aimed at enhancing the militaries’ interoperability during the planning and execution of joint operations to advance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition, US and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response.
All events will take place in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro.
http://tempo.com.ph/2019/03/31/us-ph-balikatan-opens-today/
“Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) – the biggest annual bilateral military exercise between the United States and the Philippines – formally opens today in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim is the guest of honor and speaker in the opening ceremony.
High-ranking officials from the Philippines and US are expected to attend the event at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, among them Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, representing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.
PH and US organizers said about 4,000 Philippine troops, 3,500 US soldiers, and 50 Australian Defense Force members will participate in the exercise that will end on April 12.
Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, AFP Southern Luzon Command chief, is the exercise director for the Philippine side while Brig. Gen. Chris McPhillips, the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, is his counterpart in the US side.
This year’s Balikatan is the 35th iteration of the annual military drill. The annual military drill between the Philippines and the United States also involves Australia.
Throughout Balikatan, the AFP, US Armed Forces, and ADF will carry out information exchanges and live training events. These are aimed at enhancing the militaries’ interoperability during the planning and execution of joint operations to advance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition, US and Philippine forces will conduct amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, and counterterrorism response.
All events will take place in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindoro.
http://tempo.com.ph/2019/03/31/us-ph-balikatan-opens-today/
7 bandits surrender to PHL Army in Sulu
From GMA News (Mar 31, 2019): 7 bandits surrender to PHL Army in Sulu
Seven Abu Sayyaf Group members have surrendered to the Philippine Army in Sulu province on Sunday.
According the Army's 2nd Special Forces Battalion, the bandits surrendered and turned over their guns to authorities in Parang town.
Soldiers said the bandits surrendered due to difficulties of the life in the mountains, hiding from the law.
They are being subjected to interrogation, the Army said.
Photo courtesy: 2nd SF Battalion, PA
Meanwhile, Colonel Antonio Nafarette of the Army's 1101st Infantry Brigade said that his command in ready to extend financial assistance, from the government, to those who surrendered to help them start a new life.
Likewise, Nafarette said the seven will be enlisted under the Sulu Provincial government's livelihood program.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/689810/7-bandits-surrender-to-phl-army-in-sulu/story/
Seven Abu Sayyaf Group members have surrendered to the Philippine Army in Sulu province on Sunday.
According the Army's 2nd Special Forces Battalion, the bandits surrendered and turned over their guns to authorities in Parang town.
Soldiers said the bandits surrendered due to difficulties of the life in the mountains, hiding from the law.
They are being subjected to interrogation, the Army said.
Photo courtesy: 2nd SF Battalion, PA
Meanwhile, Colonel Antonio Nafarette of the Army's 1101st Infantry Brigade said that his command in ready to extend financial assistance, from the government, to those who surrendered to help them start a new life.
Likewise, Nafarette said the seven will be enlisted under the Sulu Provincial government's livelihood program.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/689810/7-bandits-surrender-to-phl-army-in-sulu/story/
Saturday, March 30, 2019
AFP-CRS: Army extends medical care to arrested NDF consultant
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 31, 2019): Army extends medical care to arrested NDF consultant
National Democratic Front consultant and former Catholic priest Francisco Fernandez and his wife, Cleofe Lagtapon, were accommodated and given appropriate medical treatment at the Army General Hospital (AGH) after his arrest on Sunday, March 24, 2019.
Fernandez and his wife were arrested by personnel of the Laguna Provincial Police Office by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder and for violating Republic Act 10591 or th...e Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act when several pistols and grenades were found in his possession in his residence in Nagcarlan, Laguna.
According to Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, Fernandez is Secretary of the New People’s Army Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros and has four standing arrest warrants for murder. “It took some time before we got a breakthrough on the location of Frank Fernandez,” he added, pointing out that the Army’s efforts became a law enforcement operation wherein the Philippine National Police carried out the apprehension based on the warrants of arrest issued by the courts.
After the arrest, the couple were initially brought to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa to undergo physical examination when Fernandez complained of chest pains. They were eventually transported to AGH upon the request of Police Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza, CALABARZON Regional Director for security reasons.
“We have received information that some of his comrades will attempt to free the couple from our custody. The police has primary custodial responsibility over the couple but we requested the Army, which has secondary responsibility, to accommodate them in their secure medical facility”, said Carranza.
“We assure the public that his medical needs are being met and his rights are upheld. Our doctors all have taken their Hippocratic Oath and do not discriminate against anyone who needs medical attention”, said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Army spokesperson. | Philippine Army
https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178385965562203/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178386135562186/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178386328895500/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
National Democratic Front consultant and former Catholic priest Francisco Fernandez and his wife, Cleofe Lagtapon, were accommodated and given appropriate medical treatment at the Army General Hospital (AGH) after his arrest on Sunday, March 24, 2019.
Fernandez and his wife were arrested by personnel of the Laguna Provincial Police Office by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder and for violating Republic Act 10591 or th...e Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act when several pistols and grenades were found in his possession in his residence in Nagcarlan, Laguna.
According to Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, Fernandez is Secretary of the New People’s Army Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros and has four standing arrest warrants for murder. “It took some time before we got a breakthrough on the location of Frank Fernandez,” he added, pointing out that the Army’s efforts became a law enforcement operation wherein the Philippine National Police carried out the apprehension based on the warrants of arrest issued by the courts.
After the arrest, the couple were initially brought to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa to undergo physical examination when Fernandez complained of chest pains. They were eventually transported to AGH upon the request of Police Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza, CALABARZON Regional Director for security reasons.
“We have received information that some of his comrades will attempt to free the couple from our custody. The police has primary custodial responsibility over the couple but we requested the Army, which has secondary responsibility, to accommodate them in their secure medical facility”, said Carranza.
“We assure the public that his medical needs are being met and his rights are upheld. Our doctors all have taken their Hippocratic Oath and do not discriminate against anyone who needs medical attention”, said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Army spokesperson. | Philippine Army
https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178385965562203/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178386135562186/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2178386888895444/2178386328895500/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Pagpamatay sang mga mangunguma, Ginakondenar sang LPC- NPA
NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 31, 2019): Pagpamatay sang mga mangunguma, Ginakondenar sang LPC- NPA
JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army
JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army
March 31, 2019
Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command- New People’s Army ang nahitabo nga operasyon sang mga pwersa pangseguridad sang estado sa pagpanguna sang 94th IBPA, PNP-Canlaon, SAF kag iban pa nga nagresulta sa pagkamatay sa Walo (8) tanan ka mga mangunguma subong nga aga, Marso 30, 2019, sa sakop sang Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
Indi makatarunganon ang nahitabo nga pagpamatay bangud ang mga biktima lunsay mga inosente kag mga sibilyan sanday Edgado “Gadong” Avelino kag sa iya utos nga si Ismael Avelino isa ka lider sang asosasyon sang mangunguma sa idalom sang Kahugpungpungan sa Gagmay’ng Mag-uuma sa Oriental Negros (KAUGMAON- Canlaon City Tsapter) sa KMP kag ang mag-amay nga sila Rogelio kag Ricky Recumuno pareho nagapuyo sa Brgy. Panubigan, kag sa iban pa ka mga wala makilal-an ginpamatay nga mangunguma sa So. Manggapa, Brgy. Masulog, Oval kag Brgy. Bayog sakop sang kapareho nga syudad. Subongman, ang illegal nga pag-aresto kay Corazon Javier nga gintamnan sang granada.
Nagbunga ini sang grabe kahadlok kag kakugmat bangud sa kawad-on sang seguridad sang mga pumuluyo sang Canlaon kag katambi nga mga Banwa kag syudad sakop sang Negros oriental. Sa subong, napaidalum sa militarisasyon kag yara sa 500 ang presensya sang mga pwersa pang seguridad sang estado ang naga operasyon sa nasambit nga syudad.
Kung may aton mahinumduman may kaangid ang nasambit nga operasyon sa nahitabo nga One-time Bigtime Operation SEMPO (Sychronize Enhanced Managing Police Operation)/ Oplan Sauron sa Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental nga nag-utas sang anum (6) tanan ka kabuhi sang mga inosente nga sibilyan, masobra sa 50 ka mga illegal nga ginpang-aresto sa planted nga armas kag himu-himo nga mga kaso, pagsunog sang mga balay, grabe nga militarisasyon sa kaumahan, kag pagpang- redtagging sa mga organisasyon mga lider mangunguma.
Ginpanawagan sa bilog nga pumuluyo nga maghimakas kag indi mahadlok nga iduso ang demokratiko nga kinamatarong para malab-ot ang matuod nga hustisya!
#Hustisya
#StopTheAttacks
Sgd: JB Regalado
Spokesperson
LPC-NPA
Central Negros Guerilla Front
Indi makatarunganon ang nahitabo nga pagpamatay bangud ang mga biktima lunsay mga inosente kag mga sibilyan sanday Edgado “Gadong” Avelino kag sa iya utos nga si Ismael Avelino isa ka lider sang asosasyon sang mangunguma sa idalom sang Kahugpungpungan sa Gagmay’ng Mag-uuma sa Oriental Negros (KAUGMAON- Canlaon City Tsapter) sa KMP kag ang mag-amay nga sila Rogelio kag Ricky Recumuno pareho nagapuyo sa Brgy. Panubigan, kag sa iban pa ka mga wala makilal-an ginpamatay nga mangunguma sa So. Manggapa, Brgy. Masulog, Oval kag Brgy. Bayog sakop sang kapareho nga syudad. Subongman, ang illegal nga pag-aresto kay Corazon Javier nga gintamnan sang granada.
Nagbunga ini sang grabe kahadlok kag kakugmat bangud sa kawad-on sang seguridad sang mga pumuluyo sang Canlaon kag katambi nga mga Banwa kag syudad sakop sang Negros oriental. Sa subong, napaidalum sa militarisasyon kag yara sa 500 ang presensya sang mga pwersa pang seguridad sang estado ang naga operasyon sa nasambit nga syudad.
Kung may aton mahinumduman may kaangid ang nasambit nga operasyon sa nahitabo nga One-time Bigtime Operation SEMPO (Sychronize Enhanced Managing Police Operation)/ Oplan Sauron sa Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental nga nag-utas sang anum (6) tanan ka kabuhi sang mga inosente nga sibilyan, masobra sa 50 ka mga illegal nga ginpang-aresto sa planted nga armas kag himu-himo nga mga kaso, pagsunog sang mga balay, grabe nga militarisasyon sa kaumahan, kag pagpang- redtagging sa mga organisasyon mga lider mangunguma.
Ginpanawagan sa bilog nga pumuluyo nga maghimakas kag indi mahadlok nga iduso ang demokratiko nga kinamatarong para malab-ot ang matuod nga hustisya!
#Hustisya
#StopTheAttacks
Sgd: JB Regalado
Spokesperson
LPC-NPA
Central Negros Guerilla Front
CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: Gear up for bolder and greater victories to forward the people’s war!
NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 31, 2019): Gear up for bolder and greater victories to forward the people’s war!
Magno Udyaw
NPA-Mountain Province (Leonardo Pacsi Command)
New People's Army
Magno Udyaw
NPA-Mountain Province (Leonardo Pacsi Command)
New People's Army
March 31, 2019
The Leonardo Pacsi Command (NPA – Mountain Province) is one with all revolutionary forces and the Filipino people in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the New People’s Army.
Together with all revolutionary forces and the Filipino people, we look back at the triumphs of our 50-year struggle and gear up for bolder and greater ones to forward the People’s War towards the strategic stalemate.
On this occasion, we salute all Red commanders, political officers, full-time Red fighters, and the people’s militia who have wholeheartedly and painstakingly offered their lives in service to the masses, the peasants, the laborers, and the national minorities. Arduously they have upholded and defended the interests of the Filipino people, and bravely they have countered the attacks of the US-Duterte regime’s fascist troops.
We honor the toiling masses who have inexhaustibly forwarded the armed struggle, and our allies and friends whose support to the revolutionary cause remains fervent.
We give our highest salute to all the martyrs of the revolution, particularly Noe “Ka Gilbert” Magkachi, a Bontoc youth who died in Mainit last August, whose ultimate sacrifice will help bring forth in his ili and the Cordillera a new generation of young and valiant Red fighters.
In the face of relentless fascist attacks of the US-Duterte regime against the people and the revolutionary movement, the NPA has steadily grown and surmounted the enemy’s intensifying all-out offensives and focused military operations.
In the past year, the LPC mounted a number of tactical offensives – the most recent being the ambush of troops of the Regional Mobile Force (RMF) in Bauko last March 29 – and upheld its active defense as it carried on its political tasks of arousing, organizing, and mobilizing the masses. Also of note is the successful offensive last July 15 during which not less than four high-powered rifles were confiscated by Red fighters.
Under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the LPC has remained steadfast to its mandate of dismantling the State’s fascist machineries – troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Citizen Auxiliary Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) – which serve as the security force of large, plunderous companies in energy, logging, and mining and are responsible for countless human rights violations themselves.
The LPC struck blows against and confiscated materiel from units such as the 54th Infantry Battalion, 81st IB, and RMF, thereby countering tendencies of military conservatism, among other weaknesses identified in the midst of the current rectification movement.
In light of the Duterte government’s permanent withdrawal from peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the LPC will launch bolder and greater offensives against its armed agents that maintain the status quo for imperialists, big bourgeois compradors, and landlords – the very kind of peace saboteurs that has oppressed the Filipino people for the longest time.
Committed to just and lasting peace, the LPC will never kneel to Duterte’s harassment and fearmongering, nor will it conform to the delusional localized peace talks, repressive “peace zone” policies, and deceptive surrender campaigns.
Amid the worsening socioeconomic crisis and the onslaught of fascist attacks of the US-Duterte regime, the justness of waging armed struggle grows clearer.
As the people’s army in Mt. Province, the LPC is committed to carry out its tasks along with the entire revolutionary movement to overthrow the US-Duterte regime, advance the People’s War, and gain greater victories for the Filipino people, up until genuine democracy, justice, peace, and freedom are attained!
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/gear-up-for-bolder-and-greater-victories-to-forward-the-peoples-war/
Together with all revolutionary forces and the Filipino people, we look back at the triumphs of our 50-year struggle and gear up for bolder and greater ones to forward the People’s War towards the strategic stalemate.
On this occasion, we salute all Red commanders, political officers, full-time Red fighters, and the people’s militia who have wholeheartedly and painstakingly offered their lives in service to the masses, the peasants, the laborers, and the national minorities. Arduously they have upholded and defended the interests of the Filipino people, and bravely they have countered the attacks of the US-Duterte regime’s fascist troops.
We honor the toiling masses who have inexhaustibly forwarded the armed struggle, and our allies and friends whose support to the revolutionary cause remains fervent.
We give our highest salute to all the martyrs of the revolution, particularly Noe “Ka Gilbert” Magkachi, a Bontoc youth who died in Mainit last August, whose ultimate sacrifice will help bring forth in his ili and the Cordillera a new generation of young and valiant Red fighters.
In the face of relentless fascist attacks of the US-Duterte regime against the people and the revolutionary movement, the NPA has steadily grown and surmounted the enemy’s intensifying all-out offensives and focused military operations.
In the past year, the LPC mounted a number of tactical offensives – the most recent being the ambush of troops of the Regional Mobile Force (RMF) in Bauko last March 29 – and upheld its active defense as it carried on its political tasks of arousing, organizing, and mobilizing the masses. Also of note is the successful offensive last July 15 during which not less than four high-powered rifles were confiscated by Red fighters.
Under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the LPC has remained steadfast to its mandate of dismantling the State’s fascist machineries – troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Citizen Auxiliary Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) – which serve as the security force of large, plunderous companies in energy, logging, and mining and are responsible for countless human rights violations themselves.
The LPC struck blows against and confiscated materiel from units such as the 54th Infantry Battalion, 81st IB, and RMF, thereby countering tendencies of military conservatism, among other weaknesses identified in the midst of the current rectification movement.
In light of the Duterte government’s permanent withdrawal from peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the LPC will launch bolder and greater offensives against its armed agents that maintain the status quo for imperialists, big bourgeois compradors, and landlords – the very kind of peace saboteurs that has oppressed the Filipino people for the longest time.
Committed to just and lasting peace, the LPC will never kneel to Duterte’s harassment and fearmongering, nor will it conform to the delusional localized peace talks, repressive “peace zone” policies, and deceptive surrender campaigns.
Amid the worsening socioeconomic crisis and the onslaught of fascist attacks of the US-Duterte regime, the justness of waging armed struggle grows clearer.
As the people’s army in Mt. Province, the LPC is committed to carry out its tasks along with the entire revolutionary movement to overthrow the US-Duterte regime, advance the People’s War, and gain greater victories for the Filipino people, up until genuine democracy, justice, peace, and freedom are attained!
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/gear-up-for-bolder-and-greater-victories-to-forward-the-peoples-war/
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Pinagtatakpan ni Duterte ang Kanyang Kaugnayan sa Malaking Sindikato ng Droga na Pinamumunuan ni Michael Yang at Allan Lim
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 31, 2019): Pinagtatakpan ni Duterte ang Kanyang Kaugnayan sa Malaking Sindikato ng Droga na Pinamumunuan ni Michael Yang at Allan Lim
Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson
NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
Pinatunayan lamang ng patuloy na pagtatanggol at paglilinis ng Malacañang sa pangalan ni Michael Yang, dating Presidential Economic Adviser ni Duterte, na may basbas at pinakikinabangan ni Duterte ang malawakang operasyon ng ilang mga pinapaburang sindikato ng iligal na droga sa bansa, kabilang ang grupo ni Michael Yang. Ito ang isa sa mga tuntungan ni Duterte upang ganap na makontrol ang suplay ng iligal na droga sa bansa at maipwesto ang sarili bilang ‘drug overlord’. Samantala, patuloy na tinutugis at pilit na dinudungisan ang pangalan ng mga nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon at nakadiskubre sa malapit na koneksyon ni Duterte at ilan niyang pinakamatatapat na tauhan, kabilang si Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, sa grupo nina Michael Yang at Allan Lim.
Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson
NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
March 31, 2019
Pinatunayan lamang ng patuloy na pagtatanggol at paglilinis ng Malacañang sa pangalan ni Michael Yang, dating Presidential Economic Adviser ni Duterte, na may basbas at pinakikinabangan ni Duterte ang malawakang operasyon ng ilang mga pinapaburang sindikato ng iligal na droga sa bansa, kabilang ang grupo ni Michael Yang. Ito ang isa sa mga tuntungan ni Duterte upang ganap na makontrol ang suplay ng iligal na droga sa bansa at maipwesto ang sarili bilang ‘drug overlord’. Samantala, patuloy na tinutugis at pilit na dinudungisan ang pangalan ng mga nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon at nakadiskubre sa malapit na koneksyon ni Duterte at ilan niyang pinakamatatapat na tauhan, kabilang si Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, sa grupo nina Michael Yang at Allan Lim.
Kamakailan lamang, ilinantad sa publiko ni dating PSSupt. Eduardo Acierto ang ulat na kanyang sinumite kaugnay dito. Ayon sa ulat na ito ni Acierto, malinaw na ilinatag ng isang ‘informant’, alyas ‘Panther’, ang kaugnayan nina Duterte at Bong Go kay Michael Yang, alyas ‘Dragon’. Sina Michael Yang, kasama si Allan Lim, ay tinukoy na utak ng malalakihang pagpuslit ng shabu at operasyon ng mga laboratoryo sa paggawa nito sa Mindanao at Luzon. Kabilang dito ang pagpuslit ng P11 bilyong halaga ng shabu noong 2018 na itinago sa mga ‘magnetic lifters’ na natagpuan sa Maynila at sa Cavite kung saan nakabase si Lim. Nagsimula ang patung-patong na mga akusasyong ito kay Michael Yang noon pa mang nagsisilbi si Duterte bilang alkalde ng Davao City.
Ayon mismo kay PDEA Chief Aaron Aquino, tinalakay kay Duterte sa pamamagitan ni Bong Go ang nasabing ulat. Subalit sa halip na magsagawa ng puspusang imbestigasyon upang patotohanan ang mga ilinahad ni alyas Panther sa ulat ni Acierto, itinalaga pa si Michael Yang sa gabinete bilang Presidential Economic Adviser noong Enero 2018, ilang buwan bago naganap ang pagpuslit ng tone-toneladang shabu. Kahina-hinala na sa kabila ng mga kontratang nagpapatunay sa pagkakatalaga ni Michael Yang sa pusisyong ito, papaling-paling ang pahayag ng Malacañang hinggil dito.
Matapos nito, ilinabas naman ni Duterte ang kanyang sariling ‘special report’ na naglalaman ng listahan ng mga narco-police. Ilinagay sa unahan ng listahan si Acierto at itinuro bilang utak sa nasabing pagpuslit ng P11 bilyong halaga ng shabu. Isinama rin sa listahan ang iba pang miyembro ng isang ispesyal na yunit ng PNP-Drug Enforcement Group na nagsagawa ng imbestigasyon sa sindikatong kinabibilangan nina Michael Yang at Allan Lim. Ilinagay din ang Bureau of Customs (BOC) sa kontrol ng militar upang tiyaking hindi mailalantad ang iba pang impormasyong magpapatunay sa partisipasyon ng pangkating Duterte sa pagpuslit ng shabu. Kahina-hinala din na nito lamang Pebrero, nasunog ang upisina ng BOC kung saan nakaimbak ang lahat ng rekord ng mga transaksyon ng nasabing tanggapan.
Higit na makabuluhan ang ulat na ito ni Acierto sa harap ng patuloy na pagkalantad sa mamamayan ng huwad na gera kontra-droga. Upang muling mapatingkad ang kampanya laban sa droga, pinatampok sa balita ang pagpasok sa bansa ng 276 kilo ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P2.9 bilyon ilang buwan bago ang Eleksyon 2019. Muling nagkaroon ng tuntungan si Duterte para maglabas ng panibagong listahan ng mga narco-pulitiko. Kataka-takang wala ni isa sa kanyang pangkatin, alyado, kapartido at kapamilya ang nasa listahan gayong may malinaw na mga tuntungan ng upang magsagawa ng imbestigasyon. Kabilang dito ang pagkakasabwat ng kanyang anak na si Paolo Duterte at kanyang manugang na si Mans Carpio sa pagpuslit ng P6.4 bilyong halaga ng iligal na droga sa bansa na naipabalita noong Mayo 2017.
Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mamamayang Pilipino na panagutin at ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte bilang utak ng lumalawak na operasyon ng iligal na droga sa bansa. Ang ‘gera kontra droga’ na kumitil sa puu-puong libong mamamayan ay isang gerang ilinunsad ni Duterte upang maging ganap ang kanyang pagiging ‘drug overlord’. Dapat ilantad ang tangka ng rehimen na itago ang isinawalat na ulat ni Acierto upang pabanguhin ang imahe nito at matiyak ang pagkapanalo ng kanyang pangkatin sa darating na halalan.
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