CPP/NPA-Quezon: Huwag palakpakan, huwag tawanan, huwag magpapalinlang, huwag magsawalang-kibo – sa anumang buladas at pananakot ni Duterte!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 27, 2020): NPA Quezon: Huwag palakpakan, huwag tawanan, huwag magpapalinlang, huwag magsawalang-kibo – sa anumang buladas at pananakot ni Duterte!

CLEO DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-QUEZON

APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JULY 27, 2020

Isang rebolusyonaryong pagbati sa mga minamahal naming masang Quezonin!

Sa ikalimang SONA ng pasistang Duterte, tiyak na ipagmamalaki niya kahit palpak ang mga programa ng kanyang gubyerno gayong ang totoo ay kasalukuyang humaharap sa krisis-pangkalusugan ang ating bansa at ramdam ng masang Pilipino ang kapabayaan ni Duterte at mga ahensya nito.

Huwag daw mabahala sabi ng Malacañang sa mahigit 70,000 na bilang ng apektado ng sakit na COVID-19 sa Pilipinas! Mas mabilis kaysa inaasahan ang paglaki ng bilang kumpara sa naunang pagtaya na pagtatapos ng taong 2020 ay aabot sa 75,000 ang magkakasakit. Malaki ang pananagutan ng gubyernong Duterte sa pangyayaring ito!

Sa pagsugpo sa COVID-19, militaristang lockdown na walang anumang siyentipikong batayan ang solusyon ng gubyernong Duterte kaya pulis at sundalo ang nasa prontera na dapat ay mga doktor at nars.

Lalong ibinaon sa utang ang bayan nang humiram si Duterte ng 200 bilyong piso para sa ayuda sa anyo ng SAP o Social Amelioration Program at pagbili ng mga kagamitang medikal. Sa katunayan, hindi ito nakakaabot sa mga tunay na nangangailangang maralitang Pilipino. Naging daluyan ito ng malawak na korapsyon mula pambansa hanggang lokal na pamahalaan.

Kabikabila ang napapaulat sa amin na pang-aabuso ng lokal na pamahalaan sa barangay at munisipyo kaugnay ng pamamahagi ng SAP. Tampok ang pagsuot-sa-butas ng karayom bago ka mapabilang sa listahan ng benepisyaryo, pinakamalala ay ang paniningil ng bayad sa diumanong application form sa mga barangay ng Macalelon.

Sa rehiyon ng Timog Katagalugan, umabot sa higit 5,000 ang kumpirmadong nagpositibo sa COVID-19. Sa lalawigan ng Quezon, naitala ang nasa 273 kumpirmadong kaso at 15 na ang namatay. Kasabay ng malalang kalagayan sa ating probinsya, ang kaliwa’t kanang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ni Duterte at ng kanyang mga sundalo at pulis. Sa datos na nakalap ng mga grupong nagsusulong ng karapatang pantao, sa unang tatlong buwan lamang ng taong 2020 ay may 195 na bilang ng kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao. Ito ay sa porma ng iligal na paghahalughog ng bahay, pagpapalikas, iligal na pag-aresto at detensyon, pagbabanta, pandarahas, intimidasyon, pagpapasuko, red tagging at iba pa.

Masugid na tagasunod at tagapagpatupad ng military lockdown si Gov. Danny Suzrez. Wala siyang anumang pagtatangka na pigilan ang malawakan at maigting na presensya ng sundalo at pulis sa buong lalawigan palibhasa’y numero uno rin siyang suporter ng Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, programang anti-insurhensya ni Duterte na ang nagiging target at biktima aY sibilyang populasyon.

Noong Mayo, sa mga bayan ng Lopez at Catanauan, nagkakailang insidente ang naitala ng di makataong pamamarusa sa mga residenteng itinuring na lumabag sa lockdown at physical distancing habang ang mga sundalo at pulis na nag-ooperasyon ay walang pangingiming nag-iinuman, nagsasabong, nagsusugal at ni hindi man lamang naka-face mask.

Sa unang linggo ng Hunyo, anim na residente mula sa Barangay Mabini ng Lopez at Barangay Malabahay ng Macalelon ang iligal na inaresto at arbitraryong ikinulong sa kampo militar dahil pinagsuspetsahang kasapi ng rebolusyunaryong kilusan.

Noong Hunyo rin, isang platun ng 85IB ang nagmintine sa komunidad ng magsasaka sa Sityo Cagascasin ng Barangay Sta Maria-Dao sa bayan ng Lopez ng kung ilang linggo sa pagsasabing inabot sila ng quarantine gayong walang anumang health protocol na ipinatupad ang mga sundalong ito at tuluy-tuloy sa pag-ooperasyon.

Lantaran ang ginawang surveillance at intimidasyon sa kamag-anak ni Joseph “Ka Ken” delos Santos, kumander ng AMC-NPA. Noong Marso 8, 2018, biktima na ang nanay ni Ka Ken ng pamamaril ng mga elemento ng militar na ikinamatay nito.

Kamakailan, napabalita rin na may nakahandang warrant of arrest laban kay Gng. Jenny Dichoso ng Karapatan-Quezon sa di pa malamang kaso.

Sa pag-iral ng de facto Martial Law sa tabing ng lockdown, nagresulta ito ng maraming manggagawang nawalan ng trabaho, paralisadong transportasyon, hindi maipirming simula ng klase ng mga mag-aaral, pagpapabalik sa probinsya ng mga nasa lungsod at napauwing OFW na walang tiyak na pagkakakitaan at hindi makapaghanapbuhay na mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid sa kanayunan.

Sa kalahating taon ng krisis pangkalusugan sa ating bayan, pinatunayan ng gubyernong Duterte ang pagiging inutil sa pagharap sa problema. May mga bansa tulad ng Canada, Vietnam at Cuba na hindi nagpatupad ng total lockdown ngunit napababa ang bilang ng apektado ng sakit sa kanilang bayan. Patunay na hindi militaristang lockdown ang solusyon. Matagal nang panawagan ng mamamayan na maglaan ng pondong pangkalusugan upang maisagawa ang “test, isolate and treat” at nang maiwasan ang paglala ng krisis.

Ngunit hindi ito pinakikinggan ng gubyerno kaya ang sambayanang Pilipino ang nagdurusa ngayon. Balewala sa gubyernong Duterte ang pagkakasakit at pagkamatay ng libu-libong Pilipino dahil ang prayoridad nito ay mga kontra-rebolusyonaryong programa at giyera.

Katunayan, sa gitna ng krisis ng COVID-19, niratsada ang pagsasabatas ng Anti-Terrorism Bill. Hindi makatao at makatarungan ang hakbang na ito ni Duterte. Layunin nito ay pahupain at ituring na terorismo ang anumang paglaban ng mamamayan. Binabalak ding ilusot ang pagbabago ng 1987 Konstitusyon ng Pilipinas. Sa kaibuturan ng mga ito ay ang kontra-rebolusyonaryong programa ng gubyerno na Joint Campaign Plan-Kapanatagan para sa hibang na pangarap na sugpuin ang rebolusyonaryo at armadong kilusan kahit hindi nalulutas ang pundamental na suliranin ng bayan na kawalan ng lupang masasaka at industriyang pinatatakbo ng bansa..

Habang palyado ang gubyerno ni Duterte, naglulunsad naman ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan ng Quezon ng programang edukasyon at serbisyong medikal sa iba’t ibang baryo at bayan.

Mga mahal naming kababayan, hindi pa man idinideklara ang pandemya sa buong mundo ay nagseserbisyo na ang inyong Pulang Hukbo sa mamamayan para tugunan ang inyong kagalingang pang-ekonomya at pampulitika. Upang ipakita ang aming katapatan sa pakikiisa sa nagaganap na krisis, tumugon ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at ang buong rebolusyunaryong kilusan sa panawagan ng United Nations na magdeklara ng tigil-putukan para lalong mailaan ng Pulang Hukbo ang panahon sa pagharap sa pandemya.

Tumatalima ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa ceasefire at patuloy na naglilingkod sa mamamayan ng Quezon sa kabila ng nagpapatuloy na operasyong kombat ng mga bayarang sundalo at pulis na humantong sa mga labanan noong buwan ng Marso sa mga bayan ng Catanauan, Gumaca at San Narciso. Kailanman ay hindi naging tapat ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa kanilang deklarasyon ng tigil-putukan. Sa halip na ilaan ang pondo ng taumbayan sa pagsugpo sa sakit ay winawaldas ito sa giyera at kontra-rebolusyonaryong programa.

Malinaw ang paglabag sa batas ng digma ng armadong tropa ng gubyernong Duterte.. Taksil sila sa mamamayang nangangailangan ng tulong-medikal sa panahon ng pandemya.

Kaisa ninyo ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan at buong rebolusyunaryong kilusan sa pagtutol at paglaban sa mga imbing pakana ng rehimeng US Duterte ngayong panahon ng pandemya at lampas pa rito.

Kailangang wakasan ang paghahari ng rehimeng US-Duterte!

Labis-labis na ang paglabag sa karapatan ng mamamayan. Wasto at makatarungan ang panawagan ng mamamayang Pilipino na patalsikin na si Duterte. Walang kakayahan at anumang dahilan na mamuno ang diktador, papet, pasista at mamamatay-taong si Duterte.

Ang paghihirap na nararanasan ng mamamayan ay walang ibang patutunguhan kundi ang paglaban at paghawak ng armas. Ang paglulunsad ng digmang bayan at pagtatagumpay nito ang maghahatid sa bansa sa tunay na pagbabago – isang lipunang may tunay na demokrasya at pagkalinga sa mamamayan, kung gayon ay isang bayan na handang humarap sa anumang krisis panlipunan.

Nananawagan kami sa mamamayan ng Quezon at sa buong sambayanan na sa ikalimang SONA ng pasistang si Duterte, huwag palakpakan, huwag tawanan, huwag magpapalinlang, huwag magsawalang-kibo – sa anumang buladas at pananakot ni Duterte! Sa halip, salubungin ng maalab na pagtutol at paglaban para biguin ang militaristang paghahari ng rehimeng US-Duterte!

Tumungo sa kanayunan at sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan! Ngayon ang tamang panahon!#

https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-quezon-huwag-palakpakan-huwag-tawanan-huwag-magpapalinlang-huwag-magsawalang-kibo-sa-anumang-buladas-at-pananakot-ni-duterte/

CPP/LUMABANG-Bicol: Duterte’s Charter Change carries the worst of neoliberal and dictatorial agenda

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 27, 2020): Duterte’s Charter Change carries the worst of neoliberal and dictatorial agenda

LUMABAN-BICOL

LUPON NG MANANANGGOL PARA SA BAYAN

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 27, 2020

Lupon ng mga Manananggol para sa Bayan-Bikol (LUMABAN-Bicol) strongly condemns the US-Duterte regime’s plot to prioritize and ensure the fruition of Charter Change (Cha-Cha) before 2022. This has, however, been in the making since 2016 – first, under the banner of federalism, anti-corruption and effectuating societal change; and now, it is being railroaded under the guise of an economic recovery plan due to the Covid-19 crisis. Whatever card Duterte plays does not change the reality that Cha-Cha is but a contract that binds the masses to the whims of imperialists, bureaucrat capitalists and fascists. For the people, Cha-Cha carries the worst of neoliberal and dictatorial agenda. It breaches all rights and safeguards the people fought for through the 1987 Constitution.

Cha-Cha freely hands over Philippine sovereignty to the imperialists. It removes the limitations on foreigners’ ownership of public and private land, public utilities, exploration and exploitation of mineral resources and other raw materials, education, media, advertising, and even the practice of one’s profession. It will thwart the people’s struggle in defending their country from foreign aggression and state terrorism, exponentially increase landlessness among farmers and completely convert public services into businesses, thereby pushing the Filipino people in a state of mendicancy.

Cha-Cha fortifies Duterte’s fascist rule. After passing and, now, implementing the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), the fascist regime remains hellbent at evading the people’s justice and silencing all critics. Duterte’s Cha-Cha ensures the presence of his supermajority even beyond 2022, with term extensions and more elitist requisites for aspiring public servants. Cha-Cha undermines people’s rights. It enslaves the people to the interests of the state. It is contradictory to the fundamental character of a democratic and republican state built by the people, for the people.

How can anyone defend and stand by a Constitution that would effectively destroy the lives and livelihood of the broad masses? The 1987 Constitution is not perfect, but at the very least institutionalized bourgeois-democratic reforms the people fervently fought for during the Martial Law years. Cha-Cha not only revives but magnifies the economic and political strife suffered by the people under Marcos’ autocratic rule. LUMABAN-Bikol challenges lawyers to represent the masses in and out of the court. Stand in the forefront of this battle, alongside the working class, the peasants, the youth and other sectors of society. Any attempt to revolutionize the law should come from the Filipino people and empower them.

https://cpp.ph/statement/dutertes-charter-change-carries-the-worst-of-neoliberal-and-dictatorial-agenda/

CPP/NPA-Bicol: Matapang na haharapin ng masang Bikolano at ng kanilang Pulang hukbo ang batas militar ng rehimeng US-Duterte

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 27, 2020): Matapang na haharapin ng masang Bikolano at ng kanilang Pulang hukbo ang batas militar ng rehimeng US-Duterte

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-BICOL

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JULY 27, 2020



Pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang iginagawad ng RJC-BHB Bikol sa matatatag at matatapang na masang Bikolanong patuloy na lumalaban para sa kanilang mga karapatan. Sa kabila ng papalobong bilang ng pwersang militar na ipinapakat sa mga prubinsya sa rehiyon, higit kailanma’y nag-aalab ang kolektibong diwa ng mamamayang ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili. Pinagpupugayan din ng RJC-BHB Bikol ang mga yunit kumand nito sa matatagumpay na opensibang aksyon at ibayong pagpupursige sa paggampan ng mga tungkulin sa kabila ng tumitinding sitwasyong militar. Ito ang tibay ng rebolusyonaryong diwa ng Pulang hukbo at masang hindi kailanman magagapi ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

Walang simbilis ang pagdausdos at tiyak ang pagbagsak ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Ilampung militar at pulis man ang ilagak nila sa komunidad, patuloy at mulat na ipinaglalaban ng mamamayan ang kanilang mga karapatan. Buung-buong nilang itinatakwil ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno at mga hungkag na reporma nito. Apat na taon mula nang magsimula ang Oplan Kapayapaan-Oplan Kapanatagan ng rehimeng US-Duterte, patuloy pa ring lumalakas ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan at Pulang hukbo sa Kabikulan.

Banat at pagod na maging ang mersenaryong hukbo sa walang katuturang gera ni Duterte. Lalo silang nawawalan ng kakayahang ipagpatuloy pa ang walang katapusan at kontra-mamamayang gera. Inuuk-ok sila ng kabulukan ng sistemang umiiral sa kanilang hanay.

Sa loob lamang ng apat na taon, pitong beses nang nagpalit ng chief of staff ang AFP. Mayroon pang ilang matataas na upisyal na nagbitiw sa pwesto. Maraming militar ang mayroon nang iniindang karamdaman sa pag-iisip matapos masabak sa sunud-sunod na labanan. Isang elemento ng SAF ang umalis nang hindi nagpapaalam nang mabigo sa isang labanan sa Sorsogon noong 2018. Kinundena at linantad ng pulis ng Catanduanes ang gera kontra-droga dahil hindi na nila maatim ang quota at karahasan na pinagagawa sa kanila. Sa rurok ng kanilang pagngangalit sa mga gahaman nilang upisyal, mga elemento na ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU ang lumalapit sa BHB upang idulog ang kanilang mga hinaing at magbigay ng taktikal na impormasyon.

Sa pag-aalburotong takasan ang pananagutan sa mamamayan, tiyak lalo pang gagasgasin ni Duterte, bilang Punong Kumander, ang mga elemento ng AFP at PNP, upang lubusang maitulak ang Oplan Kapanatagan-EO 70-ATA sa nahuhuling dalawang taon ng kanyang termino. Kalaunan, mismong mga patakaran na ng pasistang rehimen ang wawasak sa sarili nito.

Makatwirang hangarin ng mamamayan, kabilang na ang masang anakapawis sa hanay ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU, na pumiglas mula sa walang-puknat na pang-aapi at pagsasamantala ng mga pasista, burukrata kapitalista at panginoong maylupa. Tulad ng nagdaang limang dekada, kasama ng sambayanang Pilipino ang kanilang Pulang hukbo sa paglabang ito. Patuloy na ipagtatanggol at itataas ng BHB ang antas ng kapasyahan ng masang isapraktika ang kanilang soberanong karapatan at sasamahan silang itindig ang estado ng mamamayan.

Nananawagan ang RJC-BHB Bikol sa lahat ng yunit kumand nito na ibayong magpursige sa pag-oorganisa ng baseng masa, itulak ang paglulunsad ng rebolusyong agraryo at palakasin ang armadong paglaban. Itambol ang kaibahan ng rebolusyonaryong digma sa gera ng pasistang estado kontramamamayan.

Dapat mahigitan ng BHB ang paghahanda ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa kanilang mga elemento para sa todo-largang gera ng rehimen sa natitirang dalawang taon nito. Konsolidahin ang mga Pulang mandirigma at baseng masa at mapangahas na bigyan ng pampulitikang edukasyon ang pinakamalawak na hanay ng taumbaryong maaabot ng yunit. Dapat ihanda rin ng BHB ang mga yunit nito sa pagkupkop at pagsalo ng mga posibleng target ng atake ng kaaway at lahat ng nasa pamanatayang nais sumanib sa BHB. Hamigin kahit ang mga nakakausap at naliliwanagang elemento ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU. Bukas ang mga sonang gerilya sa lahat ng taos-pusong naghahangad na lumaban para sa mas mabuting kinabukasan.

Dapat ding magpatuloy sa pagbigwas sa teroristang estado sa paglulunsad ng mga koordinadong batayang taktikal na opensiba. Praktika ang patunay na higit na malakas ang tipon na lakas ng masa at ng kanilang Hukbo upang talunin ang teroristang ligalig ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU at rehimeng US-Duterte.

https://cpp.ph/statement/matapang-na-haharapin-ng-masang-bikolano-at-ng-kanilang-pulang-hukbo-ang-batas-militar-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte/

CPP/NPA-Bicol: Hadlangan at labanan ang Charter Change! Singilin, papanagutin at pabagsakin ang rehimeng US-Duterte!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 27, 2020): Hadlangan at labanan ang Charter Change! Singilin, papanagutin at pabagsakin ang rehimeng US-Duterte!

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 27, 2020

Hadlangan at labanan ang Charter Change! Singilin, papanagutin at pabagsakin ang rehimeng US-Duterte!

Walang paglagyan ang pag-aapura ni Duterte na lubusin ang lahat ng plano niya para sa kanyang mga alipures, burukrata at imperyalistang amo sa nalalabing dalawang taon ng kanyang termino. Nasa tagudtod nito ang pinakaaasam nilang Charter Change (Cha-Cha). Ngunit, ipantabing man ni Duterte ang pandemya ng Covid-19 para sa Cha-Cha, lumang tugtugin na ito para sa mapanuring mamamayang Pilipino. Wala ni anumang rehimen ang nagkasya sa mga probisyon ng Konstitutisyong 1987 para sa pagpapanatili at pagtatanggol ng soberanya ng Pilipinas at mamamayang Pilipino at paglilimita ng kapangyarihan ng naghaharing-uri.

Buu-buong ibinubukas ng Cha-Cha ang ekonomya sa dayuhang panghihimasok. Kinokonsolida nito ang supermayorya ni Duterte sa Kongreso sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalawig ng kanilang termino at pagpapatibay ng kanilang pampulitikang interes lampas pa sa 2022. Tahasan nitong inaalis ang soberanong karapatan ng mamamayang ipaglaban ang kanilang mga karapatan at tinuturing lamang silang mga bulag na tagasunod ng pasistang estado. Pinakikitid nito ang dati nang linilimitahang partisipasyon ng mga batayang sektor sa gubyerno. Inaabswelto nito ang estado mula sa mga tungkuling maipatupad ang tunay na reporma sa lupa, magbigay ng libre at abot-kayang serbisyong panlipunan at kilalanin ang karapatan ng mamamayan.

Para sa Bikolanong anakpawis, nangangahulugan ang Cha-Cha ng ngumangatngat na kalam ng sikmura at pag-aalmusal ng pangamba para sa kanilang kaligtasan. Babawiin nito mula sa mamamayan ang kakarampot pa lamang na burges-demokratikong karapatang ibinunga ng kanilang walang maliw na pagbangon. Wala pa mang Cha-Cha, ito na ang kanilang hinarap. Puspusang itinutulak ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang malawakang pangangamkam ng lupain ng masang anakpawis– gaya ng nangyari sa paliparan sa Albay, pagpapalawak ng mga kalsada sa Sorsogon, pagpasok ng mga dambulahang minahan sa Camarines Sur at Camarines Norte at malalaking proyektong panturismo sa Masbate.

Sa labas ng mga de-aircon at marmol na upisina ng mga burukratang papet, dumadagundong ang panawagan ng mamamayan kapwa sa mga lansangan at pusod ng kanayunan: Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte! Hamon para sa rebolusyonaryong kilusang masinsin at puspusang organisahin ang lahat ng mamamayang handang lumaban at ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga karapatan. Patingkarin ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan bilang natatanging solusyon laban sa lupit ng kahirapan at pang-aapo. Lagi’t lagi, sa kabila ng masalimuot na landas ng pakikibaka, kaisa ng lahat ng patriyotiko at mamamayan ang NDF-Bikol at mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyon sa ilalim nito sa lahat ng laban para sa tunay na kalayaan, katarungan at demokrasya.

https://cpp.ph/statement/hadlangan-at-labanan-ang-charter-change-singilin-papanagutin-at-pabagsakin-ang-rehimeng-us-duterte/

Kalinaw News: FRs in Lanao del Sur receive food packs

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 27, 2020): FRs in Lanao del Sur receive food packs (By TASK FORCE BALIK LOOB)

SAGUIRAN, Lanao del Sur – Thirty-two (32) Former Rebels (FRs) in the municipality of Piagapo recieved food packs today morning July 27, 2020 at Piagapo Municipal Hall, Brgy Bubo, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

These former members of the Daesh-Inspired Terrorists group received 20-kilos of rice and assorted grocery items each from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP)

Mr. Abdul Hakim Limug represented the OPAPP on the said program and assured the surrenderees that the government thru their office, is doing everything to support their rehabilitation and reintegration to the mainstream society.

During the distribution of foodpacks, one surrenderee named @Asis (Not his true name) thanked the government for all the support being extended to them.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng tulong ng pamahalaan sa amin. Sa lahat ng sakripisyo ninyo, unti-unti na naming nababago at naitatama ang aming mga buhay” @Asis ended.


As part of the relentless efforts of the Local Government Unit of Piagapo and other agencies of the government in assisting the former violent extremists in their transformation and journey to peace and normalcy, sustainable livelihood programs are now being crafted.

The Municipal Agriculture Office of Piagapo, Office of the Provincial Agriculture, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – LDS, and the 82nd Infantry Battalion are collaborating in crafting the Agri-Crop Production Program for the FRs in the said town.

Meanwhile, Hon. Ali L Sumandar, Vice Mayor of Piagapo expressed his gratitude to the members of the military who have always been a dependable partner of the municipality in peace and development.

He also urged the former rebels to continue embracing peace and continue to live up to the ideals of Islam. “Piagapo is a Peace-loving municipality. Your rehabilitation and reintegration to the mainstream society will prove that indeed we are peace-loving and that we denounce any forms of violence and terrorism in our society for it is unislamic” he added.

LTC RAFMAN S ALTRE INF (GSC) PA Commanding Officer of 82IB lauded the diligence and sacrifices of the municipality of Piagapo in welcoming the FRs and assisting them as they transition from being a Daesh-Inspired Terrorists to a normal and peace-loving muslims once again.

Also, LTC ALTRE vowed to support the initiatives of the LGU of Piagapo.

“I believe that we are on the right track. The 82nd Infantry Battalion strongly supports all the developmental programs of the Municipality of Piagapo especially in rehabilitating and reintegrating our FR brothers who decided to embrace peace.” He ended.



https://www.kalinawnews.com/frs-in-lanao-sur-receive-food-packs/

Kalinaw News: Gov’t Releases 235k Cash Aid to Former Rebels in Bohol

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 27, 2020): Gov’t Releases 235k Cash Aid to Former Rebels in Bohol

CAMP SIKATUNA, Bohol – As the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) is intensifying its campaign for peace and progress, four former members of the New People’s Army have already been given a head start with their smooth integration through the cash grants from the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration (E-CLIP) Program.

The Provincial Government of Bohol headed by Governor Arthur Yap handed over the cash check worth P50, 000 to “Ka Arlene”; P15, 000 to “Ka Goliat”; P95, 000 to “Ka Ernie”, and P75,000 to “Ka Asyong” in a simple ceremony during the ART 160 Caravan on July 25, 2020 in Alicia and Mabini towns.

These FRs were youth organizers when they were still active in the communist terrorist movement and have been serving the New People’s Army for three (3) years.

Along with their firearms, they decided to return to the folds of law bringing displeasure against the left organization’s false promises. They have been deceived for having a good life in exchange for joining the New People’s Army. Rather, a miserable life awaits them as they entered the organization.

“We slept in grassy and rocky places. The hardships of life especially when it rains and there is nothing to eat. At night, we walked in fear that the military might overtake us. We always talk about the incapability of the government and only the support from the communist party could help me and my family. But for several years I lived in the mountains with them, there’s nothing that happened with their promises. Now, that I have returned to the government, I have proven more that the government is the one who can help me live in peace,” said Ka Ernie.

E-CLIP is one of the gateways for the members of the Communist-Terrorist Group to return to the folds of the law and choose to live harmoniously with their families. These interventions were led by the Department of Interior and Local Government in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army. This is a government’s sincere advocacy in ending the local armed conflict in the country that continuously destroying the lives of our innocent people.

“I thank our government for the help they had given me and my family. I call on my former colleagues to come down and live in peace. I hope you understand that the rebels cannot revive us, they are the ones who are asking from the masses instead. Leave the armed group and avail the government’s integration program for you to start a new and live well,” Ka Arlene to her former comrades.

47IB is continuously urging our brothers and sisters to return to mainstream society and live with their families without fear and anxiety. Our government is sincere in its campaign of winning the genuine peace that everyone is longing for.

[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/govt-releases-235k-cash-aid-to-former-rebels-in-bohol/

Kalinaw News: NAMASUR Exposed as CTG Front Organization

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 27, 2020): NAMASUR Exposed as CTG Front Organization

BANCASI, Butuan City – The Municipal and Brgy Officials of the Municipality of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur have joined hands in exposing the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR) revealing its connection with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) during the conduct of Information Drive and Film Showing regarding Insurgency to the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) held on July 23, 2020 at the Municipal Gymnasium, Brgy Poblacion, Esperana, Agusan del Sur.

In partnership with the 41st Civil Military Operations Company and 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion both under the operational control of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, the LGU of Esperanza spearheaded by Mayor Leonida P Manpatilan with the presence of all Sangguniang Bayan Members led by Vice Mayor Eric Garica Siohan together with the full support of the IP leaders led by their IPMR, Datu Carlos “Balobagyo” M Otacan, initiated the activity attended by the Brgy Officials of the forty – seven (47) BLGUs composed of barangays Captains, Peace and Order Council Committee Chairman and IPMR in order to free the barangays from the CTG and its allied left-leaning organization that controls and influence the residents in the area.

In her speech during the activity, Mayor Manpatilan firmly encouraged her constituents to make all the barangays cleared from insurgency. Mayor Manpatilan alerted the local officials and lamented that while they thought that the barangays are peaceful, there are groups that are slowly creeping in to the communities to create chaos.

She said, “Ang Kalinaw dili makab-ot pinaagi sa pwersa. Makab-ot lamang diha sa pagsinabtanay. Dili kini mahimo sa panggamahan, mahimo lang kini sa tanan nga katawhan. Ingun pa, ‘The Whole of Nation Approach’, tanan ahensya sa gobyerno og tanan stakeholders sa barangay gitahasan nga mu-participate arun lamang makab-ot ang giatawag natu nga kalinaw og kahusay.”

Meanwhile, during the information drive, twelve (12) out of forty-seven (47) Brgy Captains of same town have come forward and revealed the presence of NAMASUR in their barangays after Maj Jerson Igloria, Executive Officer of the 4th CMO Battalion discussed the Anti-Terrorism Law recently signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the connection between the legal fronts of the CTG in the barangays and the CPP-NPA in the mountains commonly termed as White Area and Red Area symbiotic relationship. The said Brgy Officials admitted and disclosed NAMASUR’s connection with the CTG and its activities such as rallies in Brgy Guadalupe and in Butuan City since 2017.

Also, some of the members were encouraged to join teach-in activities of the CNTs. According to them, they have come forward in the open knowing the risk and danger of their safety to fully support the LGUs intention to become free from the CTG influence and sought help from the Philippine Army to reject the NAMASUR group in their respective barangays.

It can be recalled that Brgy Gaudalupe of the said town, was earlier cleared from the presence and influence of the left-leaning allied group, NAMASUR, after its own members composed of residents and Brgy officials rejected it during the Area Clearing Evaluation of CTG affected barangays and sectoral organization conducted last July 21, 2020.

In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine said, “NAMASUR is categorized as an above ground organization operationalized under the so called ‘White Area’ led by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) tasked for initial recruitment targeting urban based activist, sectoral leaders and organizers and used as platform to eventually recruit members to their underground mass organizations (UGMOs) who advocate and support the armed struggle of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the violent terroristic activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF”.

“We are thankful that there is a such an outstanding leader like Mayor Manpatilan of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, who has political will to reject the CTG from her municipality.

Indeed, it is timely that all of us must unite in order to finally end the local communist armed conflict by uncovering the masks of the CTG behind the organizations they established where poor masses were deceived and exploited for so long. To end the insurgency, we must first cut their support channel from the white area”, BGen Licudine added.

[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/namasur-exposed-as-ctg-front-organization/

‘NPA’ clash in San Carlos

From Panay News (Jul 27, 2020): Police, ‘NPA’ clash in San Carlos (BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – Troops of Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 clashed with suspected insurgents of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Masapod in Barangay Nataban, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

In a statement, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office said the cops were conducting a routine patrol in the area when they encountered seven fully-armed NPA rebels early yesterday morning.

A seven-minute gun battle ensued until the rebels retreated to the southeast direction.

The police did not receive any casualties in the gunfight. They also weren’t able to confirm if they killed or wounded any NPA rebels.

However, the insurgents left behind several ammunitions belonging to an M16 assault rifle; an M1 Garand; and three 40mm grenades belonging to M203 grenade launcher.

Police also recovered two detonating cords, an NPA flag, an NPA cap, subversive materials, and the rebels’ personal belongings.

Both the police and Philippine Army conducted “hot-pursuit” operations against the rebels./

http://www.panaynews.net/police-npa-clash-in-san-carlos/

Army engineer construction battalions in EV bare how they support ELCAC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Army engineer construction battalions in EV bare how they support ELCAC (By Olive P. Tiu)

TACLOBAN CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- The 546 Engineer Construction Battalion and the 543 Engineer Construction Battalion, for the first time, bared how they support the achievement of the mission to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Eastern Visayas, during the Panindugan Virtual Kapihan among PIA and Friends.

Guest during the Panindugan on July 24 were Lt. Col. Ricnon Carolasan, commanding officer of the 546 Engineer Construction Battalion and Lt. Col. Vedasto Cabales Jr., commanding officer of the 543 Engineer Construction Brigade.

The 546 Engineer Construction Battalion’s area of coverage includes Biliran, Leyte, 2nd District of Samar and Eastern Samar while the 543 Engineer Construction Battalion covers Northern Samar and other parts of Samar.

Lt. Col. Cabales said that a very significant project of the 543 Engineer Construction Battalion is the Road Opening at the three hinterland barangays of Lavezares, Northern Samar, from Barangay Salvacion to Chansvilla. This project is in cooperation with the 803rd Infantry Brigade and the different Battalions operating in the area.

Lt. Col. Vedasto Cabales Jr., commanding officer of the 543 Engineer Construction Battalion whose area of coverage is Northern Samar and other parts of Samar.
This project was supposed to start in March but it was derailed a bit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Lt. Col Cabales said the Phase 1 is about to be completed. The Road Opening Project will entail the opening of 5.59 kilometers of road which will make the barangays more accessible for help from other agencies and more opportunities for the residents to market their farm produce, thus solving the root-cause of insurgency in the area.

Cabales said the project has become a Bayanihan because even Lavezares Mayor Edito Saludaga has allowed the use of the equipment of the municipality to fast-track the completion of the project.

The Army’s Engineer Construction Battalion usually implement projects in areas not accepted by private contractors.

Cabales said that the Army’s engineer construction battalion is open to partnerships with Local Government Units.

In fact, the 543 Engineer Brigade has just conducted a ceremonial signing with the Local Government of San Isidro, Northern Samar for the construction of a stage and the ground levelling of the church.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricnon Carolasan disclosed that in support to ELCAC, the 546 Engineer Construction Battalion, in coordination with the 14th Infantry Battalion, has just completed the back-filling and repair of one unit two classrooms building at the Hilusin National High School in Mahaplag, Leyte.

Lt. Col. Ricnon Carolasan, commanding officer of the 546 Engineer Construction Battalion whose area of coverage includes Biliran, Leyte, 2nd District of Samar and Eastern Samar. (PIA-8)
Now ongoing is the undertaking by the Engineer Construction Brigade of the construction of the proposed infirmary in Mahaplag, Leyte.

In coordination with the 93rd Infantry Battalion, it has upcoming projects which are the desilting of the Cabuynan-Sacme creek in Tanauan, Leyte and the desilting and de-clogging of the spillway and river system in Carigara.

Moreover, it has an ongoing project, the construction of Peace House for Former Rebels at 8th Infantry Division at Camp Lucban and House of Rebels at 802nd Brigade at Camp Integrated Farming Facilities.

He said most of their projects are funded by the LGUs. The Engineer provides equipment and the LGU provides full fuel.

The two commanding officers of the two Engineer Construction Battalions committed their unwavering support for achieving peace and development in the area. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048649

E-CLIP benefits 296 former rebels in EV in 1st semester of 2020

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27, 2020): E-CLIP benefits 296 former rebels in EV in 1st semester of 2020 (By Olive P. Tiu)

TACLOBAN CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The Regional Task Force 8 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF 8-ELCAC) E-CLIP Cluster was able to process financial assistance worth P13.85 Million to 296 former rebels (FRs) under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) in the first semester of 2020. Of these, 47 were former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) while 249 were Militia ng Bayan members.

This was disclosed by DILG Information Officer Myles Colasito during the July 22 joint meeting of the Crisis Communications Cluster and the Association of Government Information Officers in Region 8 (AGIO).

Colasito said that in the province of Leyte, a total of P11.76 Million was awarded to 33 former NPA members and 229 Militia ng Bayan members. The amount included immediate assistance, livelihood assistance, reintegration assistance and firearms remuneration.

For Eastern Samar, P170,000 was downloaded for one (1) former NPA and two (2) Militia ng Bayan. The amount included immediate assistance of P15,000 each, livelihood assistance at P50,000 each and reintegration assistance at P21,000 per FR, and firearms remuneration.

For the Province of Samar, the total amount downloaded was P856.4 Thousand to cover the benefits of 6 former NPA members, and 9 members of Militia ng Bayan. This covered the immediate assistance, livelihood assistance, reintegration assistance and firearms remuneration.

Colasito said that the COVID pandemic failed to dampen RTF8-ELCAC’s resolve to bring basic services to the most vulnerable.

The Provincial Task Force-ELCAC of Leyte distributed food packs on June 24 to some 530 families of former rebels at the new resettlement site in San Isidro, Leyte. The activity included a dialogue on safety measures against COVID-19 and on crime prevention.

Financial and educational packages were likewise given to Indigenous Peoples in Samar Island.

The RTF8-ELCAC continues to meet virtually or in person resulting in a more active convergence among the members, Colasito added. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048666

PRO-8 efforts on ELCAC continue

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27, 2020): PRO-8 efforts on ELCAC continue (By PNP-8, RPIO)

CAMPETIC, Palo, Leyte, July 27 – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) under the command of Regional Director, PBGen Bernabe M. Balba, continues its operation efforts to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in the three municipalities of Samar -- Sta. Rita, Basey and Marabut.

This is an inter-agency operation of the Philippine National Police in support of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (8ID, PA) to clear and defeat the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The main goal of this program is to end the nonsensical and violent armed struggle of EVRPC and its support structures, which continuously deprives the residents of the identified barangays the lasting peace and development they so deserve.

On July 13, 20 and 22, 2020, PRO deployed its personnel composed of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) teams to the above-mentioned municipalities through send-off ceremonies attended by Director Balba together with the 8ID PA, DILG-8, BFP-8 and BJMP-8. Also present during said ceremonies were the Governor of Samar, Municipal and Provincial Local Government Operations Officer and the Barangay Captains of the targeted barangays.

As of this writing, the RCSP teams are already at the targeted barangays conducting needs assessment to every household to identify their primary and secondary issues which are being exploited by the NPAs. This action of the RCSP will make them as the community’s bridge to the concerned government agencies in addressing their issues.

With these efforts, there are already 11 recorded NPAs who surrendered along with their firearms. This approach has really a great impact on conveying to our armed-brothers on the uplands to submit themselves to the authorities and return back to the fold of the government.

As this program is ongoing, PRO-8 is expecting more rebels to surrender and more firearms to be seized.

“With our intensive campaign against terrorism and insurgency, we are hoping for a massive surrender of our armed brothers and convey them to return to the fold of the government. We are also expecting that upon their surrender, more loose firearms will be seized,” says Director Balba. (PRO-8, RPIO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048704

Army welcomes 10 BIFF members returning to fold of law

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Army welcomes 10 BIFF members returning to fold of law (By 602 Bde, PA)



CAMP LUCERO, Carmen, Cotabato Province, July 27 (PIA) -- The 602nd Infantry “Liberator” Brigade and the local government unit of Pagalungan welcome the surrender of 10 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) recently.

The ceremonial hand over was facilitated by the 90th Infantry Battalion through the efforts of LGU-Pagalungan at the municipal hall on Friday.

Lieutenant Colobel Michael Maquilan, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion, 6ID presented the seven former BIFF members from Karialan Faction and three others from Bunggos faction to Colonel Donald Gumiran, deputy brigade commander of 602nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade.

These former rebels opted to support government programs after realizing that their acts were against the teachings of Islam and that they lost the support of their proponents.

Also at the ceremony, the surrenderees turned over a 7.62mm M14 riffle, an RPG-2, two locally made barrette sniper rifles, two homemade rifle grenade launchers with two rifle grenade ammunition and eight 8 ammunition chargers, four locally made shotgun with eleven ammunition and eight ammunition chargers to Col. Guimaran and Pagalungan Mayor Salik Mamasabulod as a gesture of their commitment to peace and support to the government.

The former extremists received cash assistance and sacks of rice.

Major General Diosdado Carreon, commander of 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division praised the troops for successfully bringing the lawless elements to the folds of the law.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto Capulong, commander of the 602nd Brigade lauded the troops for continuously running after lawless elements despite their added task of enforcing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

“Colonel Maquilan and his troops had once again demonstrated their dedication in attaining long lasting peace in the area. This successful endeavour bespeaks of our improved capability in our fight against terrorism without firing a single shot in promoting stable and peaceful environment as envisioned in our transformation roadmap,” Bgen. Capulong said

Said surrenderee will undergo the custodial debriefing and processing and will be endorsed to the Provincial Government of Maguindanao for appropriate livelihood assistance. (602 Bde, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048688

TESDA, Army chiefs lay down peace interventions

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27, 2020): TESDA, Army chiefs lay down peace interventions (By TESDA Agusan del Norte)



BUTUAN CITY, July 27 -- Peace interventions are now put in place by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office and the Philippine Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) under its new leaders.

The development came after TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva recently paid a courtesy visit to the 23IB headed by Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo.

During the meeting of the two officials, Dir. Cueva presented the interventions that TESDA is offering to communities that are considered Peace Development Zones (PDZs). He also pointed out that former rebels (FRs) are one of the special clients that TESDA is serving, in support to the implementation of EO 70 institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Through this, the official said the “TESDA Abot Lahat” slogan of the agency was conceptualized following the directive of Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña which anchors on EO 70.

For his part, Lt. Col. Paulo welcomed the newly-assigned provincial director and ensure its continuous partnership with TESDA. For the past years, TESDA has been closely working with the Philippine Army’s 23rd IB in the implementation of skills trainings and livelihood programs to FRs and the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Paolo stressed that a number of FRs are currently in their custody. They will be resettled in resettlement areas dubbed as “Masigasig Village for Peace” (MVP) which will be constructed in the following areas: MVP-1 in Sitio Bulak in Brgy. Lower Olave in Buenavista town; MVP-2 in Brgy. Hinandayan in Nasipit; and MVP-3 in Sitio Bukbokan in Brgy. Lawan-lawan, Las Nieves, all in Agusan del Norte. While in the village, the community will develop a farm as a form of livelihood.

The official further said that Agusan del Norte 2nd District Cong. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba and Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera have already committed to provide construction materials for the resettlement village.

Together with Dir. Cueva are the Vocational School Administrator II of the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) Mr. Romel M. Natad whose trainers are regularly handling skills trainings in the 23IB, and Buenafe G. Enaya, Supervising TESD Specialist of TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office. (Robert E. Roperos, TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048460

Army assists in CLOA distribution to Escalante farmers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Army assists in CLOA distribution to Escalante farmers (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.)



NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 27 (PIA)- The Philippine Army's 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion assisted the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in distributing Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to farmer beneficiaries in a ceremony held recently at Barangay Dian-ay, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Twenty Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) sealed ownership of the land as they received the CLOAs covering about 10 hectares of farmland, a press release from the 79th Infantry Batallion said.

Escalante DAR office headed by Maricel Seduco initiated the activity with barangay officials of Dian-ay and Escalante City Center for Collaborative Solutions representative Janet Pantonial.

During the distribution, social distancing and wearing of facemasks were strictly observed in compliance with health protocols against COVID-19.

The issuance of CLOA formalizes the legitimacy of the farmer beneficiaries as owners of the land they till. Farmers were reminded of their obligations as CARP beneficiaries.

Lieutenant Colonel Gerard T. Alvaran, Commanding Officer of 79th IB praised the efforts of Escalante City DAR office and the Escalante City under the leadership of Mayor Melecio J. Yap Jr.

"The government, through its agencies under the program to end local communist armed conflict is doing its best to deliver the services to our farmers. Thus, we encourage our farmers and farm workers to always trust the capabilities of our government and avoid being used and exploited by the communist terrorist for their evil and selfish interests," Lt. Colonel Alvaran said. (79th Infantry Battalion, PA /JSC/Lljr/PIA6 Negros Occidental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048683

Clash foils NPA extortion in Eastern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Clash foils NPA extortion in Eastern Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)



FOILED EXTORTION. The encounter site in Pinanag-an village, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. A clash between government troops and members of the New People’s Army has stalled extortion activities of the communist terrorist group in an upland village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. (Google image)

A clash between government troops and members of the New People’s Army has foiled extortion activities of the communist terrorist group in an upland village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

Sick of extortion activities, civilians gave information on the presence of NPA in their communities that led to a brief firefight on Saturday, the Philippine Army said in a press statement sent to reporters Sunday night.

Troops of the 78th Infantry Battalion (IB) figured in a brief gun battle with seven NPA members tasked to extort food supplies and cash from residents in Pinanag-an village, Borongan City.

The clash happened in the same village where six soldiers died and 20 others from the government troops were critically injured after the NPA detonated a landmine and staged an ambush in November 2019.

Recovered after the clash was an improvised grenade, two magazines with ammunition for the M16 rifle, vital documents, and personal belongings. No one was hurt from both sides, according to the military report.

“Villagers now speak about the massive extortion collection happening in many years in the villages along the stretch of the Suribao River. A former NPA supporter revealed that rebels collect six cups of rice per farmer, cash, and root crops. Farmers didn’t escape from their excessive resource generation activity,” said Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior, commander of the Army’s 78th IB.

The military said rebels resort to extortion due to the scarcity of food supply during the health crisis.

"Your Philippine Army will not hesitate to use legitimate military force against those armed groups that threaten the people's safety and well-being," he added.

Borongan, the capital of Eastern Samar province, is home to about 70,000 people.

At least nine of its 61 villages are still threatened by activities of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110131