CPP/CNL-Negros: Protect Fr. Raymond Ambray, Denounce Duterte’s Barbarity — CNL-Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 13, 2020): Protect Fr. Raymond Ambray, Denounce Duterte’s Barbarity — CNL-Negros

CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION-NEGROS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MAY 13, 2020

The Duterte Government continues to employ the barbarity of the state forces to address the pandemic; manifested by the killings of ordinary citizens and activists during the crisis, continued harassment on far-flung communities; the unfounded accusations of NPA attacks, the red-tagging on legal pro-people organizations, the criminal pricing of rebel leaders and just recently the threat and red-tagging of Rev. Fr. Raymond Ambray, a priest of the Diocese of Tandag; and active in his ministry working for the self-determination and education rights of the Lumads.

His dedication to his ministry, is summarized in his statement for his red-tagging: “My involvement with these Lumads is beyond anthropological but more evangelical than theological. As a priest, I consider it my duty to bring about the integral salvation, bought by Christ on the cross, among the Lumads. It means leading them to their full potential as people or persons. It means dialoguing with them or learning also from them. Knowing their oppressive situation, I consider them as the least, according to the gospel-imperative. Hence, it is so unchristian to leave them in their sufferings.”

This threat of the state forces, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is serious; we call our people to protect Fr. Raymond Ambray; and boldly denounce the malicious propaganda and barbaric atrocities of the AFP.

Aware that after the release of the propaganda poster against Fr. Ambray in social media last May 10, 2020; a day after, President Rodrigo Duterte announced during his COVID briefing the reward of ₱2 Million for anyone who can kill or capture a communist leader. This type of warning, is an automatic death sentence issued by the despotic president in coordination with the state forces. Thus, we seriously call for the protection of Fr. Ambray. In the words of Fr. Ambray himself: “Only the military would do this.. blame AFP for my death…”

The ultimate logic of this barbaric threat is the person running the government, Rodrigo Duterte himself. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/protect-fr-raymond-ambray-denounce-dutertes-barbarity-cnl-negros/

CPP/News: Revolutionary Christians in Panay and Guimaras decry trampling of press freedom and democracy

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 13, 2020): Revolutionary Christians in Panay and Guimaras decry trampling of press freedom and democracy

Members of the Christians for National Liberation in Panay and Guimaras denounced the cease and desist order against media giant ABS-CBN. Fr. Santiago Salvador, CNL-Panay and Guimaras Chairperson, labeled the shutdown as an attack against press freedom and civil liberties of almost 11,000 workers of the company.

“It trampled on democracy and press freedom as the masses are now denied access to entertainment and news especially in these trying times,” Salvador said, in a statement issued on May 10.

Fr. Salvador branded the NTC and congress as slaves of Duterte. “This is a play of power – a violation of constitutional guarantee of press freedom,” he added. Various Christian leaders and denominations have also issued support for the resumption of ABS-CBN operations. Among them are Bishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., current president of the CBCP, Radyo Veritas, and Iglesia Filipina Independiente.

Fr. Salvador challenged the Church people and lay faithful to remain watchful.

https://cpp.ph/statement/revolutionary-christians-in-panay-and-guimaras-decry-trampling-of-press-freedom-and-democracy/

CPP/NDF-ST: Palayain ang 6 na mga inosenteng magsasaka ng Barangay Coral ni Lopez, Calaca, Batangas!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 13, 2020): Palayain ang 6 na mga inosenteng magsasaka ng Barangay Coral ni Lopez, Calaca, Batangas!

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MAY 13, 2020

Palayain ang 6 na mga inosenteng magsasaka ng Barangay Coral ni Lopez, Calaca, Batangas na iligal na inaresto ng AFP at PNP! Tutulan at labanan ang patuloy at tumitinding karahasang militar sa Timog Katagalugan! Ibagsak ang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte!

Mariing kinokondena ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Tagalog (NDF-ST) ang panibago na namang karahasan at terorismo ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Philippine National Police (PNP) sa pag-aresto sa anim (6) na inosenteng magsasaka ng Barangay Coral ni Lopez, Calaca, Batangas nuong madaling araw ng Mayo 10, 2020. Hindi bababa sa 45 sasakyan ang ginamit sa pag-atake ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) ng PNP at yunit ng 202nd Brigade ng AFP na tipikal na halimbawa ng kanilang notoryus na Synchronized Enhanced Military and Police Operation (SEMPO). Ang pag-atake ay ginawa sa dis-oras ng gabi habang mahimbing na natutulog ang mga mamamayan ng barangay. Sabayan at sapilitang pinasok ng mga operatiba ng AFP at PNP ang mga bahay ng mga di umano’y target ng search warrant. Tinutukan ng baril ang mga taong dinatnan sa bahay, agad silang pinalabas ng bahay upang malayang makapagtanim ng mga ebidensya ang mga operatiba ng PNP at AFP laban sa mga magsasaka.

Mariing pinabubulaanan ng NDFP-ST ang malisyosong paratang ng AFP at PNP na mga magsasaka sa umaga at NPA sa gabi ang kanilang mga dinakip sa barangay Coral ni Lopez. Kailanman hindi naging mga NPA ang 6 na iligal na inaresto ng PNP at AFP. Sila ay mga lehitimong kasapi ng Samahang Magsasaka ng Coral ni Lopez (SAMACOLO) na aktibong nagtatanggol sa kanilang mga karapatan lalo na sa pagtatanggol sa lupang kanilang sinasaka mula sa pagtatangka ng panginoong maylupa na si Luis Lopez na mabawi ang Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) na hawak ng mga magsasaka batay sa mga butas na laman ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) ng dating rehimeng Cory Aquino.

Kabilang sa mga 6 na hinuli at ngayon kasalukuyang nakakulong sa Camp Vicente Lim sa Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna ay sina Leovino Julongbayan, lider-magsasaka at kagawad ng barangay at Virgilio Vidal, barangay secretary at lider ng SAMACOLO. Ang iba ay sina Marcelo Vidal, Doroteo Bautista, July Julongbayan at Roilan Tenorio pawang mga aktibong kasapi ng SAMACOLO.

Labis ang pinapakitang desperasyon ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa kabiguan nitong durugin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa probinsya, mga inosente at kawawang magsasaka ang kanilang pinagbabalingan. Hindi ito naiba sa nangyaring iligal na pag-aresto sa magsasakang si Lamberto Asinas ng Bundukin, Nasugbu, Batangas nuong Abril 16, 2020. Tulad ng ginawa nila kay Asinas, pinalalabas nilang mga NPA ang 6 na magsasaka ng Coral ni Lopez na kanilang hinuli dahil sa diumanong mga armas at eksplosibo na kanilang natagpuan sa mga bahay ng mga ito. Pero ang katotohanan ay mga armas at eksplosibo na sadyang itinanim ng AFP at PNP bilang ebidensya laban sa mga kawawa at inosenteng magsasaka.

Walang matinong indibidwal ang basta na lamang maniniwala sa akusasyong ito ng AFP at PNP dahil batid ng taumbayan na mga pangkaraniwang magsasaka at kailanman hindi naging mga kasapi ng NPA ang 6 na magsasakang hinuli ng AFP at PNP sa barangay Coral ni Lopez. Batid din ng taumbayan ang talamak na modus na pagtatanim ebidensya ng AFP at PNP para bigyan katwiran ang kanilang mga iligal na pag-aresto at pagpapakulong sa mga pinaghihinalaan at inaakusahan nilang kaaway ng estado.

Dapat mariing kondenahin ng taumbayan ang mga katulad na pag-atakeng ito ng AFP at PNP sa mga magsasaka na ginawa sa panahon na ang buong bayan ay nakatuon sa pagharap at paglaban sa Covid-19. Malinaw na sinasamantala ng AFP at PNP ang kamay-na-bakal na pagpapatupad ng lockdown para isagawa nila ang kanilang maiitim na balak na supilin at atakehin ang mga mamamayang kritikal sa mga katiwalian ng administrasyong Duterte.

Patuloy na dumaranas ang mga magsasaka at mga katutubo ng rehiyong Timog Katagalugan ng walang kapantay na kalupitan at terorismo mula sa AFP at PNP lalo nang maluklok sa Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) ang berdugong si General Antonio G. Parlade Jr. Mula nang pumutok ang isyu ng Covid-19 sa bansa, nagpatuloy at walang patlang ang mga pag-atake ng AFP at PNP sa mga magsasaka at katutubo sa rehiyon kahit sa panahon na mayroon silang “pinapatupad” na unilateral ceasefire sa NPA. Walang lubay ito ang paghahasik ng karahasang militar at pag-atake ng AFP at PNP sa batayang karapatan ng mamamayan sa hibang na layunin nitong durugin sa loob ng natitirang panahon ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Ang kabiguang ganap na pinsalain ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan ay patuloy nitong ibinabaling sa pag-atake sa mga sibilyang komunidad at inosenteng mamamayan, upang bigyan ng hugis ang kanilang delusyon na nagtatagumpay ang kanilang anti-mamamayan at kontra-rebolusyonaryong kampanya..

Nakatutok sa kontra rebolusyonaryong digma ang malaking pwersa ng AFP at PNP sa rehiyong Timog Katagalugan. Ginagamit nilang kober ang di umanong paglaban sa Covid-19 para atakehin ang mga pwersang rebolusyonaryo at hindi upang maghatid ng anumang ayuda o tulong sa mga magsasakang labis na naapektuhan ng lockdown sa rehiyon. Ang mga mamamayang Pilipino ang kinakalaban ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte at hindi ang komon na banta sa pampublikong kalusugang hatid ng pandemikong Covid-19.

Dapat nating ilantad at labanan ang imbing pakanang ito ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte. Covid-19 ang kalaban at hindi ang mga inosenteng sibilyan. Dapat nating igiit ang sapat at mabilis at napapanahong pagdating ng ayuda mula sa gubyerno at labanan ang anumang uri ng karahasang militar lalo na ngayong humaharap ang taumbayan sa krisis na dulot ng pandemikong Covid-19 at kainutilan ng rehimeng Duterte.

Patuloy na ipanawagan ang pagsasagawa ng mass testing para mabilis na matukoy ang mga mayroong Covid-19 at agad na maisagawa ang pagkwarantina at contact tracing sa mga nakaugnayan ng mga nagpositibo sa Covid-19. Igiit na ipatupad ang mga kaparaanang medikal bilang mabisang hakbang sa paglaban sa Covid-19. Tutulan ang mga anti-demokratiko, anti-mamayan at militaristang paraan sa pagpapatupad ng lockdown.

Palayain ang 6 na mga inosenteng magsasaka ng Barangay Coral ni Lopez, Calaca, Batangas na iligal na inaresto ng AFP at PNP!

Tutulan at labanan ang patuloy at tumitinding karahasang militar sa Timog Katagalugan!

Ibagsak ang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte!

https://cpp.ph/statement/palayain-ang-6-na-mga-inosenteng-magsasaka-ng-barangay-coral-ni-lopez-calaca-batangas/

CPP/NPA-Negros: The military is depriving the people of much needed resources in the fight against Covid-19

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 13, 2020): NPA-Negros: The military is depriving the people of much needed resources in the fight against Covid-19

JUANITO MAGBANUA

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MAY 13, 2020

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command (AGC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Island said in a statement today that it is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), not the NPA, that has been depriving the people “bigtime” of much needed resources amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is in response to the 303rd Infantry Brigades’s seeming nonstop tirades of late against the NPA’s alleged exacting of hefty cuts from government cash aids distributed to the rural poor of Negros.

“It is the 303rd Bde chief Col. Inocencio Pasaporte together with the entire rotten military bureaucracy in fact who has a lot of explaining to do as to why the government appears now to be scrimping on funds in the middle of a humanitarian emergency, or why, for example, the Department of Social Work and Welfare is discontinuing disbursement of social amelioration to areas where community quarantine has already been lifted but whose populace continues to suffer the debilitating effects of the two-month long lockdown,” said Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of the AGC.

According to Magbanua, the Duterte government’s obstinate refusal to deprioritize its all out counterrevolutionary war in the countryside to better focus on the Covid-19 situation has meant the unfortunate withholding as well of billions of pesos of public funds from being spent on much more urgent and essential medical and socioeconomic demands of the current crisis.

“At a time when what’s in dire need of funding are the setting up of mass testing and contact tracing systems, the hiring of an army of medical personnel, the purchase of protective equipment, the construction of quarantine centers, Duterte and his mad military dogs are shopping for choppers and bombs,” Magbanua said, referring to the P75-billion worth of attack helicopters, missiles and other war materiel the government is currently trying to procure from the United States.

Magbanua also chided Duterte’s recent announcement that Malacanang and the AFP are offering a reward of P2-million, land and a new identity to anyone who could either kill an NPA commander or inform the military where NPA units are holding camp.

“Duterte is so hardfisted when it comes to providing ample and expedient financial and food relief to millions whose meager livelihoods had been ruined by his own miserably incompetent and heartlessly repressive Covid response, but he is now quick to offer them generous sums when he wants to deprave them into becoming helpless accomplices to his self-serving and evil plans,” Magbanua said.

The AGC said that Duterte is desperate to intensify the AFP’s attacks on the NPA because he is well aware that it is the armed revolutionary movement that poses the greatest challenge to an out-and-out fascist dictatorship that he ultimately intends to impose and to which his Covid-19 lockdown measures has so far served as immediate prelude,” Magbanua said.

Magbanua, however, pointed out that the AFP is incurring one fatal setback after another against the NPA owing to the latter’s perseverance in employing guerilla tactics and because it continues to genuinely and selflessly serve the democratic interests of the people who in turn give it extensive support.

“The patent tyranny of the US-Duterte regime and the onslaught of its neoliberal policies are causing a deluge of toiling masses to join the NPA while the AFP could only orchestrate the fake surrender of an outrageously massive number of Red fighters,” Magbanua said.

According to Magbanua, the more or less 3,000 NPA fighters who the AFP claims to have surrendered in Negros over the last year alone are either ordinary civilians coerced to attend highly publicized surrender ceremonies or simply a fictitious list.

The AFP is said to have earmarked at least P50,000 worth of so-called livelihood assistance for each surrenderee, an amount legally pooled together from its existing budget and those of a cluster of other national agencies including the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the DSWD, consistent with the government’s whole-of-nation approach to “counterinsurgency.” On top of this, according to Magbanua, the AFP has also been arm-twisting local government units to spare the amount of P15,000 for each surrenderee identified to belong juridically to their respective municipalities or cities.

“But those who had been forced to falsely present themselves as rebels returning to the fold were lucky enough to get P10,000 with many receiving just the token amount of P1,000 or the customary package of a few kilos of rice, instant noodles and sardines. By our estimate, the AFP in Negros could have easily pocketed P150 million from its NPA surrender scam from September last year up to around the time that the lockdown started in March,” said Magbanua.

“The history of bureaucrat capitalism in the Philippines is the history as well of bigtime military corruption, a sort of resident evil in the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system that manifests itself most viciously during dark times of fascist dictatorship,” Magbanua said.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-negros-the-military-is-depriving-the-people-of-much-needed-resources-in-the-fight-against-covid-19/

CPP/Ang Paghimakas: Pahayag sang pagpakig-isa sa paghimakas sang pumuluyo kontra sa pagpasara sang ABS-CBN kag represyon sa mga medya — Ang Paghimakas

Propaganda editorial from Negros regional publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 13, 2020): Pahayag sang pagpakig-isa sa paghimakas sang pumuluyo kontra sa pagpasara sang ABS-CBN kag represyon sa mga medya — Ang Paghimakas

ANG PAGHIMAKAS
MAY 13, 2020

Lubos nga Nagapakig-isa ang editorial staff sang Ang Paghimakas, opisyal nga publikasyon sang Partido Komunista sang Pilipinas sa isla sang Negros, sa sektor sang mga kauturan sa mass medya, mga dyornalista, mga mamumugon kag malapad nga hanay sang pumuluyo sa nagabaskog nga panawagan sang kinamatarung para sa hilway nga pagpahayag, pagpamatuk sa pwersahan nga pagpasara sang operasyon sang ABS-CBN kag pagpanawagan nga depensahan ang press freedom.

Bilang rebolusyonaryo nga publikasyon, naga-upod kita sa malapad nga hanay sang mass medya sa pagpaluntad sang hilway nga pagpahayag ilabi na sa karon sa diin nagapangibabaw ang pasista kag diktadurya nga paghari sang tiraniko nga rehimeng US-Duterte.

Sa pihak nga naga-atubang kita subong sa nagasingki nga krisis kag pangkalibutanon nga emerhensiya dala sang halit sang Covid-19 nga pandemya, sako man ang rehimen US-Duterte sa iya mga mapintas kag militarista nga mga tikang sa diin padayon nga nagabakog ang iya sistematiko nga pagpang-atake agud pahipuson ang iya mga kritiko kag hatagan dalan ang iya madugay na nga handum nga ipatuman ang diktadurya nga pangginahum sa pungsod.

Imbes nga hatagan pagtamod ang mga demokratiko nga mga panawagan sang pumuluyo para sa pagtapna sang katalagman nga dala sang pandemya, mas prayoridad pa sang inutil nga gobyerno ni Duterte ang pasismo kaangay sang sini nga mga tikang sa subong sa diin pinaka kinahanglanon sang publiko ang importanti nga mga balita kag impormasyon kapin pa ang matuod nga kahimtangan kag nagakatabo sa pungsod, sa panahon nga ginabayo kita sang makamamatay nga pandemya kag sang nagalala nga mga kontra-pumuluyo nga mga programa kag patakaran nga nagabayolar sang aton kinamatarung para sa ikaayong lawas, palangabuhi-an kag demokratiko nga mga kahilwayan.

Ang mapintas nga tikang sang rehimen sa indi-makatarunganon nga pagpasara sang ABS-CBN ang isa sa pinakadako nga istasyon sa pungsod sa diin nagabahin sang dako nga papel sa pagpalapnag sang importanti nga mga impormasyon kag balita nga pinakakinahanglanon ilabi na sa mapi-ot nga kahimtangan subong ang pamaagi lamang sang rehimen para hinabunan ang ila mga kapalpakan, kapabayaan kag kawad-on sang ikasarang nga resolbahon ang krisis sosyo-ekonomiko kag ikaayong lawas sa pungsod.

Sa panahon nga nagapangatubang kita sa madulom nga kahimtangan bangod sa pagpanumbalik sang diktadurya nga paghari sa idalum sang tiraniko nga pangginahum sang rehimen US-Duterte, nagakadapat nga mag-isa kita kag kolektibo nga maghulag agud ipabilin ang pagluntad sang demokrasya. Padayon nga mangin kritikal sa matu-od nga kahimtangan sa pungsod kag hublasan ang maitom nga plano sang inutil nga gobyerno para sa pormal nga deklarasyon sang laye militar sa pungsod.

Gani, kadungan sa aton nga pagpakamalaut sa pasismo kag militarista nga mga tikang sang reaksyunaryo nga rehimen ang nagalanog naton nga pagpanawagan kag paghulag agud pasabton kag paslawon ang paantus, pabaya, korap kag pasista nga rehimen US-Duterte.

Sa tini-on subong nga ginadingutan kita sang mga ispasyo para sa pagwaragwag sang matuod nga nagakatabu sa aton sosyedad, makatarungan lamang nga isulong pungsodnon demokratiko nga rebolusyon agud maangkon ang matuod-tuod nga demokrasya kag kahilwayan nga nakabase sa hustisya.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/pahayag-sang-pagpakig-isa-sa-paghimakas-sang-pumuluyo-kontra-sa-pagpasara-sang-abs-cbn-kag-represyon-sa-mga-medya-ang-paghimakas/

CPP/NPA-Central Panay: Pahayag angot sa Pagharas sa Anhawan Detachment — NPA Central Panay

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 13, 2020): Pahayag angot sa Pagharas sa Anhawan Detachment — NPA Central Panay

JURIE GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA- CENTRAL PANAY

JOSE PERCIVAL ESTOCADA JR. COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MAY 13, 2020

Madinalag-on nga ginharas sang isa ka yunit sang NPA sa idalum sang Jose Percival Estocada Jr. Command ang Anhawan CAA Detachment sa Janiuay, Iloilo takna alas 5:20 sang hapon kahapon, Mayo 12, 2020. Wala sang nasamaran nga NPA sa amo nga inaway kag hilway nga nakaatras sa lugar.

Ang mga yunit sang NPA yara na sa opensiba nga postura umpisa sang natapos sang Abril 30, 2020 ang 36 ka adlaw nga ceasefire nga gindeklarar sang CPP-NPA. Sa bahin sang Jose Percival Estocada Jr. Command, hugot sini nga ginpatuman ang untat-lupok nga ginmandu sang CPP apang nagpadayon ang combat kag strike operations sang AFP sa sakop sang amon area of operations sa pihak sang mandu nga ceasefire sang ila Commander-in-Chief umpisa Marso 16, 2020. Ang indi pagsunod sang AFP sa ceasefire ni Duterte nagresulta sa isa ka inaway tunga sang isa ka yunit sang NPA sa idalum sang JPEC kag mga tropa sang 301st Brigade sang AFP sang Abril 7, 2020 sa So. Agilan, Panuran, Lambunao sa diin napatay ang ila soldado nga si Pfc. Mark Nemis samtang wala naman sang nasamaran sa bahin sang NPA.

Sa panahon nga ginadalasa sang kahalitan sang pandemya ang pumuluyong Pilipino kag maathag ang kainutil sang gobyerno ni Duterte sa pagproteher sa kabuhi kag pangabuhian sang kadam-an nga imol, magapadayon nga prayoridad sang mga yunit sang NPA sa idalum sang JPEC ang kampanya kontra-Covid-19. Upod sa sini nga kampanya ang pagpalapnag sang husto nga impormasyon, paghatag sang serbisyo sa ikaayong lawas, pag-organisa sang pumuluyo kag pagpasanyog sang produksyon agud epektibo nga mabatuan ang kahalitan nga ginatuga sang sini nga epidemya sa ikaayong lawas kag pangabuhian sang pumuluyo.

Samtang nakahanda man ang mga yunit sa idalum sang JPEC sa paghatag sang hustisya sa anuman nga pag-abuso kag pagpangdaug-daug sa pumuluyo sang mga pasista nga tropa sang AFP, PNP kag paramilitar paagi sa paglunsar sang mga taktikal nga opensiba.

https://cpp.ph/statement/pahayag-angot-sa-pagharas-sa-anhawan-detachment-npa-central-panay/

CPP/Ang Bayan: FEATURE | What the hell are Hellfire missiles?

Propaganda editorial from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 13, 2020): FEATURE | What the hell are Hellfire missiles?



The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the US State Department issued a certification last April 30 approving the Duterte government’s request to buy P76.5 billion ($1.5 billion) worth of war matériel and services. Part of the arms deal is the procurement of 200 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles.

The AGM-114 Hellfire II, one of most expensive types of missiles in the world, is a laser-guided missile that was developed primarily for air-to-surface anti-tank use. It weighs 50 kilograms, has a range of 8 kilometers and a speed of 1,593 kilometers per hour. It is usually deployed from attack helicopters, planes and drones, but can also be launched from waterborne and land-based platforms. The most common platform is the AH-64 Apache helicopter which has a missile capacity of 16 rounds.

Excessive force

Although originally developed to burn through tank armors, Hellfire II payloads are now also being used against plain human targets. With multifunction warheads, Hellfire II missiles are designed to deal excessive and indiscriminate large-scale damage to pulverize not only targets but also the surrounding environment, infrastructures and even civilians.

Such was the case in the US-supported Hellfire airstrikes of Israel in Gaza in 2008 and 2009 wherein about 1,300 Palestinians were killed and more than 4,000 were injured, and billions of dollars worth of infrastructures destroyed, leaving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians homeless. On March 16, 2017, the US also launched Hellfire airstrikes using two Reaper drones against a mosque in Aleppo, Syria killing 49 civilians and injuring more than 100.

Historically, older variants of Hellfires were extensively used by the US in mounting its brutal wars of aggression and interventionist campaigns across the globe including the Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War and the Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On January 3 earlier this year, on orders of US Pres. Donald Trump, the US military also deployed four Hellfire missiles using an MQ-9 Reaper drone in Baghdad, Iraq to assassinate Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was then the highest military official in Iran. The missiles blew up his convoy, killing him along with nine other Iranian and Iraqi officials.

The Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land (Art. 23) explicitly prohibits the use of indiscriminate weapons or methods of combat “that are apt to cause unnecessary suffering or superfluous injury” or “inflict excessive incidental harm on civilians or civilian objects.

Similarly, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), Art 4., prohibits “indiscriminate aerial bombardment, strafing, artillery fire, mortar fire, arson, bulldozing and other similar forms of destroying lives and properties” of civilians. The CARHRIHL was cosigned by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in 1998.

Extravagant deadly toys

Each AGM-114 Hellfire II missile costs P5.08 million ($99,600). This means that the Duterte regime is set to spend up to P1.02 billion ($19.92 million) to complete the procurement of 200 payloads. Based on the contract, the Duterte regime is also set to purchase six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters worth P1.81 billion ($35.5 million) each or a total of P10.86 billion ($213 million).

On top of these, the P76.5-billion procurement deal also covers the procurement of 300 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) All-up Rounds; 1,700 APKWS Guidance Section; 200 FIM-92H Stinger missiles; 18 M2G1 rocket launchers; 18 Stinger missile launchers; 18 M299 missile launchers; 5,000 2.75-inch rockets; 80,000 30-mm rounds training devices, and 6 M230E1+M139 AWS automatic guns, among others.

The aforementioned matériel are all manufactured by US companies Lockheed Martin Corporation and The Boeing Company. These companies form part of what is known as the military industrial complex of big monopoly capitalists who make billions of dollars in profit in US wars of aggression and proxy wars around the globe.

Not only are these war toys costly in themselves, but so is the operation of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The flight cost per hour for each helicopter is P366,027 ($7,177).

Based on the procurement contract, the operation of 6 helicopters, assuming that these are flown by the AFP for 250 hours each annually, will cost the Filipino people up to P549.04 billion ($10.81 million) per year. The cost of maintaining these helicopters in terms from spare parts to hangar space will also run up to millions of pesos.

Ineffective against guerrilla warfare

The procurement program, which was made under the AFP modernization program, primarily aims to boost Duterte’s arsenal in a vain attempt to fulfill his promise to decimate the armed revolutionary movement before the end of his term.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, however, pointed out on Monday that using these weapons and ammunition for conducting aerial bombardment and strafing is ineffective against highly mobile guerrilla units. It noted that in the past, the use of oversized cannons and helicopter gunships has only resulted in indiscriminate destruction of communities and the environment, endangered people’s lives and livelihood, and caused psychological trauma especially on children.

Last year on October 26, the Joint Task Force Storm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command and 8th ID launched an indiscriminate airstrike using FA-50 fighter jets in Barangay Caputoan, Las Navas, Northern Samar. Three 500-pound bombs were dropped and exploded just a kilometer away from the village center, destroying the farmlands of at least 13 families, as well as their huts and rice which they had recently harvested. This resulted in the forcible evacuation of more than 24 families. To justify its atrocity, the military falsely reported that it launched a “surgical airstike” against an NPA encampment.

Such attacks are highly ineffective against NPA units which take advantage of heavy foliage as cover. The loud engines of helicopters, drones and other aerial assets of the AFP also announce their arrival giving the NPA ample opportunity to maneuver even before bombs or rockets are launched.

https://cpp.ph/2020/05/13/feature-what-the-hell-are-hellfire-missiles/

Kalinaw News: One NPA terrorist killed, M16 rifle and explosives seized in Pinabacdao, Samar

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 14, 2020): One NPA terrorist killed, M16 rifle and explosives seized in Pinabacdao, Samar (By 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, Philippine Army)



CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN, SAMAR – Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Team of the 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, Philippine Army encountered not less than five (5) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Barangay Layo, Pinabacdao, Samar today, May 13, 2020 at about 10:30 in the morning. The encounter ensued when government security forces responded to an information provided by the locals on the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities.

After a 10-minute firefight, the rebels retreated leaving behind their dead comrade with one M16 rifle w/ attached M203 Grenade Launcher; one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) approximately weighing 5 kilograms; one blasting cap; one bandolier with one long magazine for M16 rifle loaded with 10 rounds ammunition; two rounds of ammunition for M203 Grenade Launcher and ammunition for AK47. There was no casualty on the government side.

Lieutenant Colonel Rhomel R. Langcauon, Commanding Officer of 46IB, lauded the RCSP Team for their efforts and the residents for providing the Army with timely and vital information that led to the successful security operation.

Colonel Camilo Z. Ligayo, 801st Brigade Commander, in his statement, “This is a display of the intensified support of local communities to the government, denouncing the atrocities and activities of the rebel-terrorists. It is a tragedy that another rebel loses his life as a victim of this senseless armed struggle in an attempt to defend a futile ideology. If they only considered the call to return to mainstream society, unnecessary deaths in encounters like this would have never occurred.”



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/one-npa-terrorist-killed-m16-rifle-and-explosives-seized-in-pinabacdao-samar/

Kalinaw News: Another NPA member yields to Army’s 61IB amid COVID19 Pandemic

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 13, 2020): Another NPA member yields to Army’s 61IB amid COVID19 Pandemic (By 3rd Infantry Division)



CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao Iloilo – Amidst COVID-19 crisis, another member of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) from Tubungan, Iloilo voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Tubungan Mayor Roquito Tacsagon personally facilitated the surrender of his “Kasimanwa” (constituent) with the assistance of 61IB. Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, the Commanding Officer of the 61IB, identified the surrenderee as BOTOY (not his real name), 35 years old and a member of Sibat (SYP) Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.

“The intensified military operations launched by the government troops in Panay Island forced these NPA rebels to return to the folds of the law,” LTC Batara said.

BOTOY revealed that his realization of living a normal life together with his family gave him the courage to abandon the armed struggle.

LTC Batara commended BOTOY for his bravery and determination of returning to the folds of the government especially during this trying time where his family needs him the most.

“We warmly welcome him because he is just a victim of the CNTs’ propaganda and deception. And, most of all, we want him to fulfill his dream of having a normal and peaceful life,” Batara further said.

“Rest assured that your Army’s 61IB with the support of our local government units will continue to encourage the remaining CNT members to lay down their arms and give peace a chance,” Batara added. 61IB will assist BOTOY for his enrollment in the Enhanced- Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

He will also receive assistance from LGU-Tubungan through its integration program dubbed “Project ROKIT”.

On May 02 , alias Ken, a 20 year-old new recruit of the CNTs’ Suyak Platoon also yielded to 61IB after surviving the encounter at Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miagao, Iloilo last April 18, 2020.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/another-npa-member-yields-to-armys-61ib-amid-covid19-pandemic/

Kalinaw News: Army facilitates peace agreement between Barangays long years dispute in SurSur

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 13, 2020): Army facilitates peace agreement between Barangays long years dispute in SurSur (By 4th Infantry Division)



BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur-Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Stn) – The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion and the Local Government Units (LGUs) facilitated the Peace Agreement between the two (2) neighboring Barangays with unsettled dispute for years in Ugoban Gym, Brgy Ugoban, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur on May 09, 2020.

The Brgy Marfil of the municipality of Rosario, Agusan del Sur and Brgy. Hinagdanan of Tagbina, SDS settled the dispute through the Peace Agreement facilitated by the Commanding Officer himself, Lieutenant Colonel Warren C Munda, and attended by Ms. Reygela M. Decalit, Office of the President-Presidential Management Staff (OP-PMS) Caraga Region; Honorable Generoso Naraiso, Municipal Mayor of Tagbina; Hon. Corcodio Ocite, Vice-Mayor of Rosario; Mr. Roel Camba, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) of Tagbina; Ms. Reyna L. Naguita, MLGOO of Rosario; Brgy Council of Ugoban headed by Hon. Edwin P. Soberano, Brgy Chairman; Brgy Council of Hinagdanan headed by Hon. Carlos P. Luchavez, Brgy Chairman; Brgy Council of Marfil headed by Hon. Maria Fe B Montilla, Brgy Chairwoman; personnel from the Municipal Police Station of Rosario; and the local media of SDS.

During the open forum, Brgy. Chairman Luchavez and Montilla expressed all their sentiments for the attendees, LGUs, representatives and other concerned parties to have a knowledge about the conflict between the two Barangays.

It was aggravated when one of the residents, under emergency situation was not allowed to pass through the boundary road due to a lack of documents showed at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) checkpoint. Other issues and concerns were also brought up such as their water supply, quarrying, and land titling but were addressed by the MLGOO of the respective municipality and their Local Chief Executives (LCEs).

Mr. Camba and Ms. Naguita expressed their gratitude to 75IB for facilitating the activity to resolve the conflict between the two Brgys together with the LGUs who attended the peace agreement.

“Even we live to different Barangays from different localities, still we belong to one government. We are interdependent with each other as we need and we cannot live without the other.” Mr. Camba said.

Further, Mayor Naraiso was also grateful for the time and effort of 75IB in initiating the activity. “A small conflict could be harmful and dangerous. And we must take appropriate action on every detail to resolve the conflict. Communication is a must for us to understand and appreciate each other.” Mayor Naraiso said.

In her message, Ms. Decalit said, “Communication is the key to peace and unity. You’ve been all elected by the people in your respective community as their Brgy Officials to lead them. You are their foundation which has the authority and responsibility to lead towards a progressive and peaceful community. Find ways to reach out one another and be able to give and forgive.” Ms. Decalit ended.

Moreover, all Brgy. Officials of Marfil and Hinagdanan have signed during the Peace Agreement during the Ceremonial signing which both parties agreed to take full responsibility in settlement of past, present, and future conflicts through peaceful means.

Hence, Lt. Col. Munda was also grateful for the effort and presence of the LGUs and the concerned Brgy Councils who attended the activity who sincerely wanted to end the conflict.

“It is vital that we settle the conflict especially that we are facing this pandemic. It is time to establish a good relationship not only among the constituent but to the adjacent Brgys, Municipalities, and even Provinces because we are one towards sustainable peace and development.” Lt. Col. Munda stated.

The Philippine Army, as a peace advocate, ensures all factors that would contribute to a just, sustainable, and lasting peace towards development have been considered and responded. The local leaders and the people in the community must be empowered for them to directly involve in peace-building initiatives and conflict resolution.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-facilitates-peace-agreement-between-barangays-long-years-dispute-in-sursur/

Kalinaw News: Running gun battle kills 10 rebels in Agusan Norte-MisOr border

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 13, 2020): Running gun battle kills 10 rebels in Agusan Norte-MisOr border (By 4th Infantry Division)



BUTUAN CITY – A running gun battle that erupted at dawn last May 10 at the Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental border has already killed at least 10 communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, Army officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the first encounter took place in Sitio Likudon, Barangay Kamanikan in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Molina said Sitio Likudon is at the border of Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte and under the operational jurisdiction of the 23IB, a unit under the 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde).

“As of early morning Tuesday (May 12), we already recovered 10 dead bodies of NPA combatants and brought them to two funeral parlors in Gingoog City,” Molina said.

Pursuit operations

He said pursuit operations are still ongoing and sporadic encounters continue since Sunday in the area as the remaining NPA members scampered in different directions after the first armed engagement.

“It’s still dangerous in the area. The NPAs planted landmines and our troopers are very careful while conducting pursuit operations,” Molina said.

He said government troops also recovered five high-power firearms, ammunition, landmines, cellphones, and subversive documents.

Molina said the military operation was launched Sunday after residents reported the presence of around 70 armed men who later turned to be NPA rebels under its Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A).

Upon reaching the area at around 4 a.m. on Sunday, Molina said the armed men fired on approaching troopers that resulted in a 10- to 15-minute firefight.

Running gun battle
The Philippine Air Force (PAF), he added, immediately dropped in more Army troopers in the area.

In an interview Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, 402Bde commander, commended the 23IB troopers for the “success of the military operations in the area.”

“This is a running gun battle as gun fires can still be heard in the area,” said Licudine, who was in Gingoog City with Molina to personally monitor the continuing pursuit operations.

Licudine said they are expecting more NPA casualties as government troops continued to scour the Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental border to pursue the remaining NPA combatants.

Licudine said the rebels harassed, extorted, and collected food from civilians who recently received their relief assistance from the government.

The rebels, he said, were short on food supplies following the lockdowns enforced to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Hunger, exhaustion

“The NPA rebels have suffered hunger and exhaustion as their emissaries encountered difficulties in finding supplies of foods and other basic needs,” the Army official added.

He said the NPA is also constrained in obtaining supplies after most barangays in Gingoog City and parts of Agusan del Norte had declared the NPA as persona non grata last year.

“Despite the declaration, civilians continue to fear the presence of the NPA. I commend the courage of some civilians who, despite the danger, managed to provide us accurate information on the area where the NPA were gathering. The information resulted in this successful military operation,” Molina said.

Molina said no casualties were reported on the side of the government.

Persona non grata
1Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations officer, said the unit has conducted a series of information drives in the area since last year that resulted in the declaration of persona non grata of communities against the NPA.

Since the declaration, Maglalang said the civilians have been providing vital information on the movements of the NPA.

“The support of the civilians is vital to our effective operations. The recent military operation was a success due to their support and cooperation,” Maglalang said.

Meanwhile, military officials have called on the remaining NPA combatants to surrender and return to their families and communities peacefully.

“The government is always ready to accept them and to provide assistance to start their lives again,” Licudine said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/running-gun-battle-kills-10-rebels-in-agusan-norte-misor-border/

Kalinaw News: SurSur Manobo Tribe’s dream school becoming a reality amid pandemic crisis

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 12, 2020): SurSur Manobo Tribe’s dream school becoming a reality amid pandemic crisis (By 4th Infantry Division)



Lianga, Surigao Del Sur (SDS) – Manobo tribes in the conflict-affected Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9) in Diatagon, Lianga wear big smiles as the government recently started the construction of their most awaited IP school for their children.The school will be called Sitio Simuwao School of Living Traditions and replace the alleged communist-linked Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) according to a statement by the Lianga IP Mandatory Representative, Hawudon Jumar S. Bucales today.

Arnold Godez, a resident of Km 9 said “Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa eskwelahan na ipapatayo ng DepEd dito sa Sitio Simuwao. Bilang magulang, natutuwa ako na hindi na kailangang lumayo pa ang aming mga anak para mag-aral.”

The construction of the IP makeshift school emanated from the IP Council and the barangay’s resolutions. The Lianga Local Government adopted the resolutions which was strongly and unanimously supported by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chaired by Governor Alexander T. Pimentel and Regional Development Council-Social Development Committee (RDC-SDC) chaired by Mayor Kirk A. Asis as part of the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (RTF-ELCAC’s) efforts to implement development projects for identified Peace and Development Zones (PDZ) in CARAGA.

Lieutenant Colonel Joey B Baybayan INF GSC PA said that the community support teams with the 544 Engineer Battalion will continue to protect the sitio until the completion of the school project. It can be recalled that Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) attacked civilians last February 21 which injured 3 civilians as a desperate move to hamper the development intended for the IPs and demonize the military.

Brigadier General Allan D Hambala AFP, 401ST Infantry Brigade Commander, expressed his gratitude to the prompt response of the RTF-ELCAC member agencies to make the schools ready before the opening of classes after the COVID-19 crisis.

“To make the IPs resilient and not deprive them of quality education are some of the primary objectives of the Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Through proper education, the IPs will be able to protect themselves from the CNTs’ deception and exploitation. Further, providing them quality education could help them preserve and develop their culture and tradition, “Brigadier General Hambala, said.

Meanwhile, the Lianga Tribal Council has called on the Bayan Muna and their local affiliate, the alleged communist-linked militant and anti-government group Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) and their allied religious group not to create any scene to disrupt the establishment of the IP schools because the people will surely be disappointed with their actions.

“Siguro naman hindi masama na magpatayo ng kalidad na eskwelahan para sa aming tribo. Kung pipigilan at gagawan na naman ng kung anu-anong isyu ito ng Bayan Muna at ng MAPASU, eh wala na talaga silang mukhang ihaharap sa mga tao dito sa Sitio Simuwao. Makiisa nalang sana sila at suportahan ito para sa tribo at ideklara ang mga teroristang NPA na persona non-grata na siyang dahilan ng kaguluhan at kahirapan dito sa komunidad,” Bucales, said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/sursur-manobo-tribes-dream-school-becoming-a-reality-amid-pandemic-crisis/

Kalinaw News: Two (2) more NPA members voluntarily surrendered to the 73IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 12, 2020): Two (2) more NPA members voluntarily surrendered to the 73IB (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



Malapatan, Sarangani Province – Another two (2) male NPA members voluntarily surrendered to the 73rd Infantry “Neutralizer” Battalion yesterday, May 10, 2020. The surrender is due to the continuous effort of the unit in the implementation of its Community Support Program.

The two NPA were identified as @Jobel and @Lala, both residents of Brgy Sapu Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani Province and members of Platoon South, WGF TALA, FSMR. @Lala brought with him one (1) M653 Elisco.

According to @Lala, they were influenced by the communist terrorists that the military is abusive and cruel. “Most of our companions already surrendered and were not beaten. They now have a better life. It only proves that the communist terrorist organization is just exploiting and gives us false hope of a better future.” @Lala said

@Jobel, on the other hand, was grateful because his family received food packs from the government, especially the personnel of 73IB. “I had a conversation with my family back then, and even though I am a communist terrorist, the government did not let my family die in hunger. With this, I concluded that the government is sincere and willing to help us,” he stated.

The wife of @Jobel had a conversation with him through a mobile phone. According to @Jobel, he was convinced by his wife to surrender because she wants their family to be reunited to overcome the pandemic.

“The WGF TALA is on the verge of collapse as they are losing their regular members and fighters. With this, we are asking the help of our former rebels to persuade the remaining NPA members to voluntarily surrender while they still have the chance. We opt our community to be peaceful and harmonious amid this pandemic crisis.” Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, Commander of 73IB, said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/two-2-more-npa-members-voluntarily-surrendered-to-the-73ib/

3ID welcomes P2M bounty for NPA commanders arrest

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 13, 2020): 3ID welcomes P2M bounty for NPA commanders arrest

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division yesterday welcomed the offer of President Rodrigo Duterte for a P2 million reward to anyone who can either capture or kill the top commanders of the New People’s Army (NPA).

While they have not received the official guidelines from higher headquarters on how to go through with it in detail, Maj. Cenon Pancito, 3ID spokesman, yesterday said it will be fully implemented since it is a presidential pronouncement.

Duterte, during his meeting with Cabinet officials on Monday night, announced that he would give a bounty of P2 million for every top NPA commander arrested or killed.

The Chief Executive once again expressed his ire over the NPA’s series of attacks against the government forces, who are assisting local governments in addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Duterte assured informants that they will be treated as witnesses, accorded with protection from the government and will be given a “new identity” to protect them, as well as land for their relocation.

But he warned them to avoid conferring with local officials because some are NPA sympathizers.

“The reason why they (NPA rebels) thrive until now is because there are some local officials who are actively supporting the Communist Party of the Philippines. Iyan ang totoo diyan (That’s the truth),” Duterte said.Pancito said that it is always the stand of the Philippine Army that any tool or method that will fast-track the efforts in the anti -insurgency drive is most welcome, adding that it is also the vision of 3ID for Western and Central Visayas to be free from the terrorism of the NPA.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/May/13/topstory4.htm

NPAs raid another tribal community

From the Mindanao Times (May 13, 2020): NPAs raid another tribal community (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Barely two months after the attack in Sitio Tapayanon, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, communist guerrillas again raided an isolated Ata-Manobo in the same town.

1Lt. Amadeuz Vj Celestial, the civil-military operations officer of the 60th Infantry battalion, said the attack transpired Monday morning while soldiers were conducting outreach activities to the people in the community.

He said rebels fired on the soldiers who retaliated, resulting in a 10-minute clash. The Philippine Air Force provided close air support, which forced the New People’s Army fighters to escape. No one was hurt in the encounter.


Since the last attack in Tapayanon, the military and the villagers have become more vigilant. The 60th IB has since leveled up the village’s defense system.

Kapalong Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol condemned the NPA’s “total disregard for human life” and “traitorous act of cowardice and treason.”

She said that the local government and the military will continue to safeguard the communities against harassment and attacks from the NPA.


The Tribal Council of Sitio Tapayanon, through the Office of the Municipal Tribal Affairs of Kapalong, also issued Resolution 01-2020, which called for “legal action and justice … for the innocent inhabitants of the sitio.

The Army described the attack as a “nuisance harassment” to instill fear in the villagers.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Sarmiento, 60th IB commander, said soldiers will continue to empower residents of far-flung villages so they would be less vulnerable to NPA recruitment.

“We are doing good and this is certainly hurting them [CPP-NPA]. Because as we slowly but surely get rid of Tapayanon’s social, cultural, and economic poverty, we are also ripping the CPP-NPA off an entire community and some generations of potential communist-terrorist recruits,” Sarmiento said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/05/13/npas-raid-another-tribal-community/