Caraga RPOC resumes implementation of projects amid pandemic

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 7, 2020): Caraga RPOC resumes implementation of projects amid pandemic (By DILG Caraga)


BUTUAN CITY, August 7 (PIA) -- The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Caraga region is set to resume the implementation of its various projects and activities on maintaining and enforcing peace and order in the region amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the virtual meeting for the 3rd Quarter of 2020 presided by Surigao del Sur provincial governor and council chairperson Alexander T. Pimentel held on Wednesday, July 29, a forum for an inter-disciplinary dialogue and deliberation of major issues and concerns affecting peace and order and public safety and anti-insurgency strategies was provided for the council’s 37 members.

The meeting yielded the creation of the Special Action Committees (SACs) in order to address and prevent specific incidents affecting the region such as on anti-insurgency and prevention of violent extremism, anti-criminality, public safety, and crisis management.

The council also agreed to converge efforts in the provision of support services to select barangays in line with the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

On the usage of schools as quarantine facilities for COVID-19, it was also discussed during the meeting that local government units (LGUs) may seek for the Department of Education (DepEd) approval to extend the usage of schools as quarantine facilities for COVID-19 cases.

The department has previously issued a directive that LGUs may only use schools for the said purpose until the end of July.

Request for extension shall be sent to the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Eduardo M. Año or Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr, Chief Implementer of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Diseases (IATF-MEID).

The council approved and adopted the Handbook in Handling Conflict-Induced Internal Displacement, which shall provide guidelines in the management of internally-displaced persons in the region.

The meeting also provided the council an opportunity to commend the efforts and achievements of various members to maintain the peace and order in the region.

Among those was the arrest of KAPA Community Ministry International leader/founder Pastor Joel A. Apolinario, his wife, and 23 of his men, which was made successful through the partnership between the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Local government leaders were also praised for accomplishing the establishment Home Defense Villages (HDV) and hallway houses in the various provinces and cities. An HDV had now been established in Sitio Amongon in Barangay Noli in Bayugan City. Meanwhile, the halfway house in Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City is already at 100 percent. (Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa, DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIACaraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049707

TESDA to upskill AFP, PNP officers in Iligan City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 7, 2020): TESDA to upskill AFP, PNP officers in Iligan City (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)



ILIGAN CITY, Aug. 7 (PIA) - To address the challenge of not having enough trainers to reach far-flung communities, the Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) in Lanao del Norte is set to provide skills training to police and military officers here.

The first batch of participants for the training of trainers coming from the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 554th Engineer Battalion, Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), and residents of Balay Silangan Reformatory was welcomed in the Regional Training Center (RTC) Iligan by TESDA Mindanao Cluster Head Director Lorenzo Macapili, TESDA Region 10 Director Tarhata Mapandi, TESDA Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Noralaine Rasul, and RTC Iligan OIC Administrator Mario Labisig along with key government officials on Thursday, August 6.

TESDA Mindanao Cluster Head Director Lorenzo Macapili emphasizes that the training of trainers is a strategy to equip members of the PNP and AFP so that they could help TESDA and other national line agencies in the implementation of Executive Order 70 which institutionalizes a ‘whole-of-nation' approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace. (Angelo Dologmandin/PIA ICIC)

Macapili said the training program is in line with the memorandum of agreement (MOA) inked by TESDA with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Under the MOA, TESDA will provide free skills training, assessment, and issue certifications to qualified DND and PNP personnel who have undergone skills training and Trainers Methodology Course.

The trained personnel, on the other hand, will help TESDA in training and empowering former rebels, Indigenous People (IPs), and other members of remote communities.

Macapili emphasized that the training of trainers is also a strategy to equip members of the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) so that they could help TESDA and other national line agencies in the implementation of Executive Order 70 which institutionalizes a ‘whole-of-nation' approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Residents of the Balay Silangan who will be taught by TESDA to become trainers. (APB/PIA ICIC)

Meanwhile, Iligan City Administrator Ret. Gen. Leony Roy Ga who represented Mayor Celso Regencia during the ceremonial program expressed gratitude to TESDA for accomodating the residents of Balay Silangan.

"LGU Iligan fully supports and commits to all the programs and endeavors of TESDA and we hope that this will become an opportunity for us to improve our partnership in delivering services to the community particularly the residents of Iligan City," he said.

LtCol. Arniel Catarata, Deputy City Director of ICPO, also thanked the TESDA for extending the training to their men. "They will have upliftment of their skills and surely these skills will be used in doing public service while still in the police duties," he said.

"We would like to thank you for the talent, expertise, and time that you would impart to our troops because these skills will help us. Makakasa po kayo sa unit namin na makakatulong kami sa inyo after nitong mga training," added 1Lt Christian Emmanuel Bullanday of the 554th Engineer Battalion.

The AFP, ICPO and Balay Silangan training participants will undergo training on Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Plumbing NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, and Pipefitting NC II. (APB/PIA ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049705

NPA members withdraw during Tinambac encounter with 83rd IB

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 7, 2020): NPA members withdraw during Tinambac encounter with 83rd IB (By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay)

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur, Aug. 7 (PIA) – Elements of 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) earned another triumph when members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Tinambac, Camarines Sur withdrew after a 10-minute firefight with the government troopers.

Sightings of CTG’s presence in the area alerted concerned residents of Brgy. San Antonio, said town and reported them to the soldiers who immediately conducted security operations.

True enough, at around 8:30 Wednesday morning, responding elements of the 83rd IB encountered at least 15 Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in the said area.

9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Spokesperson CPT John Paul Belleza said that firefight lasted for about 10 minutes before the enemies withdrew. No one was harmed on the government's side while it’s still undetermined on the enemies' side.

Photo credit: 83rd IB/ 9ID DPAO 

Found in the encounter site were anti-personnel mine, M2O3 40mm grenade, 200-meter electrical wire, ammunitions, personal belongings and propaganda materials of the CNTs.

JTFB under MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, 9ID Commander, extended his gratitude to the residents for the prompt report.

MGen Robinson attributed this development to the combined extensive military operations, intensified campaigns in encouraging the CTG members to return to the folds of the law and the cooperation of the local populace to the anti-insurgency campaigns of the government.

In the press statement issued by DPAO, they noted the surrender of alias Sandy and Ramir of Bato; alias Cris, Jay-r and Roselyn of Sipocot, all regular members of CTG who voluntarily surrendered to the PNP and the Army just this week.

“Our decisive military operations will not stop until we finally clear all conflict-affected areas from the influence of the CTG. The recent recoveries and scores of the Army and our counterpart from the PNP speak about our persistent thrust to eradicate the lingering presence of communist insurgency in our region,” Robinson added.

The 9ID Commander again call on CTG members to return to the folds of law, embrace peace and be reunited with their families and loved ones. (LSMacatangay, with reports from CJPBelleza, DPAO 9ID-PIAV/Camarines Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049739

PRLEC CamNorte launches “One Province, One Barangay” in Guisican, Labo

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 7, 2020): PRLEC CamNorte launches “One Province, One Barangay” in Guisican, Labo (By Rosalita B. Manlangit)

DAET, Camarines Norte, Aug. 7 (PIA) – In order to promote and empower priority far flung community residents affected by insurgency, a project dubbed as “One Province, One Barangay” was launched in Brgy. Guisican, Labo recently. It aims to bring the convergence of government resources to the beneficiaries.

This will be through the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster-Provincial Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PRLEC-PTF-ELCAC) led by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).

TESDA Regional Director Toni June A. Tamayo said that the project was the brainchild of their Director General, Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña in response to Executive Order 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach in eliminating local communists’ armed conflict to attain lasting peace.

Tamayo said that “One province, One Barangay” was also launched in Masbate and will soon start in other provinces.

It aims to attain food security in the countryside. He said that there will be no security if there is no food. He added that in this time of pandemic, backyard gardening helped a lot in rural areas.

He added that the focus of TESDA funds this year is more on agriculture and construction but other skills training will still continue.

"The project will not only focus on planting, but we'll l be giving training on entrepreneurship, establishment of agricultural production site, trading center among others to be provided by the partner agencies , he said.

 

Regional Director Toni June A. Tamayo discusses the different interventions to be given by partner agencies for the "One Province, One Barangay" project, during its launching held July 30. (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte) 

The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the beginning of the project implementation not only for Barangay Guisican but also for Brgy. Bayabas, both identified areas that need convergence action as recommended earlier by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

PRLEC member-agencies also affirmed their commitment and signed pledged of support during the launching.

TESDA Acting Provincial Director June B. Oliveros also thanked the provincial government for their continuous support through technical and financial assistance in all undertakings and collaboration efforts.

The activity was also graced by Congressional District I Representative, Congresswoman Josie Baning Tallado, District I Board Members Aida Dasco and Artemio Serdon who also expressed support to TESDA’s project.

It was also attended by local officials and beneficiaries headed by Brgy. Guisican Punong Barangay Danilo E. Bequio and Brgy. Bayabas Punong Barangay Medel G. Labayan who extended their sincerest gratitude in behalf of their people for such great project that would bring livelihood to their community.

One of the beneficiaries, Shirley Villaluz Lara, chieftain of Guisican, thanked the stakeholders for the opportunity of being included in the project.

The said launching will be followed by a series of training in 8 batches within 64 days to be given to the 200 participants including the eight (8) “Manide” or Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from the said two barangays.

The series of training include: production of organic vegetables, organic fertilizer, organic concoction and extract and raise organic ruminants that will lead to Organic Agriculture Production with a National Certificate II (NCII).

PRLEC member agencies and support stakeholders include DA, DAR, DOLE, LBP, DOT, PCA, NIA, DENR, NCIP, DSWD, BFAR, CDA, DILG, AFP-PA, PNP, PIA, OPAPP, NAPC, NICA, NEDA and LGU-Labo. (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049709

N. Samar Army lauds NPA loyal supporter's peace efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2020): N. Samar Army lauds NPA loyal supporter's peace efforts (By Sarwell Meniano)



ABANDONING NPA. A soldier shakes hand with Baby Senobio in San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar in this August 5, 2020 photo shared by the Philippine Army. The military lauded her for abandoning the communist ideology and taking part in peace efforts in their village. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 20th Infantry Battalion)

The Philippine Army lauded a staunch supporter of the New People’s Army for abandoning the communist ideology and taking part in peace efforts in their village in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

In a social media post, the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion (IB) honored on Thursday the humility of Baby Senobio for turning her back on the communists. The military is optimistic that more NPA fighters and their supporters will follow her footsteps.

Senobio, a community official in San Francisco, Las Navas town was a member of the “secret and exposed” left-leaning organizations in Northern Samar. These are Northern Samar Small Farmers Association, Alliance san Parag-uma Anti-hunger san Las Navasnon, and Stand with Samar-Leyte, among others.

“Currently, her view seems to have changed. The former hated soldier is now on her side in promoting the programs he deserves for his countrymen,” said Lt. Col. Juan Gullem, commander of the Army’s 20th IB in a phone interview.

The military started to notice the change in Senobio’s view last month.

Citing accounts of former rebels, Senobio's home served as a temporary shelter for armed rebels sighted in San Francisco village.

She was one of the active personalities in organizing anti-government demonstrations from 2016 to 2019 in her hometown and the Las Navas local government had declared her before as persona non grata.

Senobio’s sister, Maricris Pajanilla, is the medical officer of the NPA sub-regional committee arctic operating in the Pacific towns of Northern Samar based on documents recovered by the military after a clash on April 23, 2020.

“I hope her experience will serve as a light to those who are lost and are taking the dark path. To the other personalities in Las Navas, it's not too late. Like Baby Senobio there is still time to change. We will wait for your return,” Gullem said.

Las Navas, a fourth-class town in Northern Samar with a population of 38,000, has been the center of propaganda by several organizations linked to the CPP-NPA.

For years, left-leaning groups have been accusing government forces of human rights violations, militarization, extra-judicial killings, mass evacuation, among others, according to the Philippine Army.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111472

53 ex-NPA rebels in Sarangani get aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2020): 53 ex-NPA rebels in Sarangani get aid (By Richelyn Gubalani)



REINTEGRATION AID. Some of the former members of the communist New People’s Army from parts of Sarangani who received financial and livelihood assistance on Friday (Aug. 7, 2020) through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. The recipients were former members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 71 who have surrendered to the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion since January. (PNA photo by Richelyn Gubalani)

At least 53 former members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) from parts of Sarangani province received livelihood and financial assistance on Friday through the government’s reintegration program.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, commanding officer of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, said the former guerillas received immediate financial assistance and livelihood grants as set under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The grants, which are part of the program’s initial assistance package, consist of PHP65,000 for each recipient, with PHP50,000 allotted for the livelihood assistance and PHP15,000 for the initial financial aid.

Valdez said the returnees were mostly former members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 71 (Tala) -Far South Mindanao Region who have surrendered to troops in the municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan, Malungon, and Glan since January.

“We immediately processed their enrollment into the ECLIP and they eventually qualified for the assistance,” he said during a simple ceremony held at the Pacman beach resort in Barangay Tinoto, Maasim town on Friday morning.

Valdez said the released grants were on top of the incentives the former rebels would receive under the firearms remuneration program.

Sarangani lone district Rep. Ruel Pacquiao, who graced the event, distributed an unspecified amount to each of the returnees as additional assistance, released through the Ronda Probinsya component of the province’s Kalinaw (peace) program.

Pacquiao assured that his office would continue to find ways to assist the needs of the returnees as they return to their communities and lead normal lives.

He said poverty should not be a reason for residents to get lured into joining the NPA and fight the government.

“We need to strive more to improve our lives and the government is always there to help us,” Pacquiao said.

As part of ECLIP’s support packages, the former rebels underwent lectures and orientations from the Department of Agriculture and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 12 (Soccsksargen).

Valdez added that some of the returnees have undergone various skills training through TESDA and are ready to start their livelihood projects.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111550

Pompeo, Locsin discuss US policy in SCS, maritime cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2020): Pompeo, Locsin discuss US policy in SCS, maritime cooperation (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and his American counterpart, Michael Pompeo, discussed on Thursday (August 6) Washington's policy shift in the South China Sea (SCS).

According to a press readout by the State Department, the two top diplomats also talked about America's support to Southeast Asian states in upholding their sovereign rights and interests in the region, including a possible US-Philippine maritime cooperation.

The telephone conversation comes after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on August 3 revealed that Manila is not joining any naval drills in the South China Sea except within its national waters.

Although Manila is sitting out from the exercises, Locsin underscored that Manila's position remains clear: "What is ours is ours under the Arbitral Award and no one else can tell us different."

"We're sitting out this one, we don't know if there we will (be in) the next one," he said in his tweet.

Vietnam and the Philippines, along with some member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have been contesting the claims of the South China Sea with China, which asserts a large portion of the waters with its invisible demarcation called the nine-dash line.

As Beijing and ASEAN work to conclude a code of conduct in the region, Chinese Ambassador in Manila Huang Xilian said Washington as an "outsider" should respect the efforts being made to maintain peace in the region.

"When you talk about the US as (an) outsider, we expect outsiders to respect the efforts of the regional countries in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea," he said in a CNN Philippines interview on Friday.

"It’s a regret that we have seen the US meddling vigorously in the South China Sea issue," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111531

Russia ready to supply, invest on 'vaccine production' in PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7, 2020): Russia ready to supply, invest on 'vaccine production' in PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Moscow is ready to supply Manila and invest in the "local production" of a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine once mass production in Russia starts.

In a virtual presser on Friday, Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev said the country has already developed an "effective and safe" vaccine, created by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology.

"All necessary bureaucratic procedures in order to get an official administrative approval may be completed mid-August. After that the Russian industrial facilities will be ready to prepare all necessary conditions to launch the production of this Russian vaccine," Khovaev said.

The Philippines, should it agree on a partnership, could opt for a deal on vaccine supply, local production on Philippine soil, and clinical trials if necessary.

"The third most promoted option is local production of vaccine on the Philippine soil. It means that we are ready to combine our efforts (and) that we are ready to make necessary investments together with our Philippine partners and share our technologies," he said.

As of this posting, Khoavev said Russia is still waiting for a response from Manila.

"What we need now is get the official response of our Philippine partners about (their) willingness to cooperate with us in this field. After that we'll be ready to launch a negotiation process and to agree upon relevant details," he said.

Khovaev said the vaccine developer is the same laboratory that created a vaccine against Ebola and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Citing Russian scientists, he said the results from clinical trials have been "promising".

"Believe me, we don't like risky undertakings. That's why I'm saying again that the vaccine is effective and safe. It's an absolute necessary precondition, which was articulated by Russian President (Vladimir) Putin. We are responsible people," he said.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs conveyed its appreciation for Russia’s willingness to assist the Philippines, as well as its offer to supply the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine developed by Gamaleya.

The offer has been referred to relevant agencies for proper assessment and evaluation, it said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111569

AFP-CRS: 3 Terrorists NPA killed in Laguna encounter

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 6, 2020): 3 Terrorists NPA killed in Laguna encounter

Three suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed during an encounter between communists and police forces on Tuesday in Kalayaan, Laguna.

Information from CALABARZON police on Wednesday identified the killed rebels as Dioscorro "Ka Termo Cello, the supposed platoon leader of Platun Laguna-Quezon, Melito Glor Command; a certain Ka Omar/Efren; and one Ka Danny/Mar/Rey.

#AFPyoucanTRUST |www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3517985654886800/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: 3 members of Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan gave up

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 6, 2020): 3 members of Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan gave up

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3518229574862408/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

CPP/NDF-PKM: Pinakamataas na pagpaparangal at pagpupugay kay Kasamang Fidel V. Agcaoili

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2020): Pinakamataas na pagpaparangal at pagpupugay kay Kasamang Fidel V. Agcaoili

ANDRES AGTALON

SPOKESPERSON

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID (PKM)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 06, 2020

Nagluluksa ang milyong mga magsasaka, magbubukid, at mamamayan sa kanayunan sa pagyao ni Kasamang Fidel V. Agcaoili, Tagapangulo ng Negotiating Panel ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Nagbibigay ng pinakamataas na pagpupugay at pagpaparangal ang Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magsasaka (PKM-NDFP) kay Kasamang Fidel Agcaoili — rebolusyonaryo at proletaryadong internayunalista.

Sumaklaw sa higit limang dekada ng kanyang buhay ang inilaan ni Ka Fidel sa paglilingkod sa sambayanan. Simula nang siya’y naging aktibista noong 1960s, ikinarsela ng diktaduryang Marcos at naging bilanggong pulitikal noong 1970s hanggang 1980s, hanggang sa pagbase niya sa labas ng bansa kung saan siya gumampan ng mahahalagang gawain para sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Pinanday si Ka Fidel ng mga kahirapan at sakripisyo ng pagrerebolusyon at pinayabong din ng puspusang pakikibaka ng mamamayan. Matapat at masigasig niyang itinaguyod ang mga interes at kagalingan ng masang api hanggang sa biglaan niyang pagpanaw nitong Hulyo 23, 2020 sa Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Si Ka Fidel ang isa sa mga pinakadeterminadong nagsulong ng usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at ng reaksyunaryong gobyerno. Sa pagharap sa peace talks sa GRP, sinsero at buong tatag na tinanganan ni Ka Fidel ang layunin ng NDFP na mawakasan ang mga ugat ng armadong tunggalian at krisis ng lipunang Pilipino, mabigyang solusyon ang malaon nang suliranin ng kawalan ng lupa ng sanlaksang maralitang magbubukid, at magkaroon ng mga makabuluhang reporma para sa mamamayan.

Sa kabila ng mahabang tinakbo at mga pinagdaanang liko at ikot ng usapang pangkapayaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at ng mga nagdaan at kasalukuyang reaksyunaryong rehimen, patuloy na naging matiyaga at optimistiko si Ka Fidel sa hinaharap ng peace talks at sa pagkakamit ng tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan na nakabatay sa panlipunang katarungan. Isa si Ka Fidel sa pinakamarubdob ang harangin na palayain sa tanikala ng pagsasamantala ang masang magbubukid, ang mga manggagawa at ang lugmok na sambayanan.

Palaging masigla, alerto, at prinsipyado sa pagharap sa mga negosasyon si Ka Fidel habang mahigpit na tangan ang programa ng NDFP at ang linyang pang-ideolohiya, pampulitika at pang-organisasyon ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP). Ang mga gawi at halimbawa ni Ka Fidel bilang isang nakakatandang rebolusyonaryo ay lalong nagtataas sa prestihiyo ng PKP, ng NDFP at ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Nagbibigay din ito ng inspirasyon sa mga mga nakababatang aktibista at rebolusyonaryo.

Bagamat malungkot ang biglaang pagkawala ni Ka Fidel sa gitna ng umiigting na pakikibaka ng masang anakpawis laban sa pahirap, pasista at papet na si Rodrigo Duterte, maraming siyang iniwan na mga aral at gabay para sa lahat ng mga rebolusyonaryo at sa kilusang magbubukid.

Ipinapaala ni Ka Fidel na dapat palagiang magsikhay sa pag-aaral ng kasaysayan ng lipunan at rebolusyong Pilipino. Gayundin, dapat na magpakahusay sa pag-unawa, at pagsasapraktika ng mga teoryang gabay ng rebolusyon na Marxismo, Leninismo, at Maoismo. “Magpakahusay sa ideolohiya” — ito ang isa sa maraming gintong payo ni Ka Fidel sa lahat ng rebolusyonaryong Pilipino.

Buhay na praktika rin ang pagkilos ni Ka Fidel sa kalahagahan ng mahigpit na pakikipagkapatiran sa iba pang nakikibakang mamamayan ng daigdig, sa layuning pagbuklurin at palakasin pa ang mga kilusang mapagpalaya at kilusang anti-imperyalista para pahinaihan ang kapangyarihan ng mga imperyalista.

Natatanging kasama at rebolusyonaryo si Ka Fidel V. Agcaoili. Ipagbunyi natin ang kanyang buhay, pakikibaka, at kamatayan na inialay sa sambayanan.

Paalam, Ka Fidel. Ang iyong kamatayan ay higit na mabigat kaysa sa Bundok Sierra Madre. Mananatiling buhay ang iyong mga aral at alaala sa puso at isipan ng mamamayang Pilipino. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/pinakamataas-na-pagpaparangal-at-pagpupugay-kay-kasamang-fidel-v-agcaoili/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Saludo kay Ka Luhan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2020): Saludo kay Ka Luhan

SAMUEL GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SORSOGON

CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 06, 2020

NAGPUPUGAY ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Sorsogon kay Jessica Altarejos, 19, Pulang mandirigma na nagbuwis ng buhay nang salakayin ng mga tropa ng 31st at 22nd IB ang himpilan ng NPA sa Barangay Daganas, Bulan nitong Hulyo 30.

Si Jessica, kilala ng mga kasama at masa bilang Ka Jane at Ka Luhan ay tubong Salvacion, Irosin. Sumapi siya sa NPA noong Hunyo 2019 at hindi naglao’y naging kasapi ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Sa mahigit isantaon niyang pagkilos bilang pultaym na mandirigma at Partidista, nagpamalas si Ka Luhan ng kapursigihan sa mga gawaing iniatas sa kanya. Gumanap siya ng tungkulin bilang guro sa mga kursong pangmasa at nagsasanay bilang instruktor sa Batayang Kurso ng Partido. Kinakitaan din siya ng sigasig sa pulitiko-militar na pagsasanay na nilahukan niya noong nakaraang taon.

Kabilang si Ka Luhan sa yunit na itinalaga ng Celso Minguez Command para umasikaso at gumabay sa masang magsasaka na mag-iisang buwan nang gingipit ng dumog na operasyon ng reaksyunaryong AFP at PNP sa mga bayan ng Irosin, Bulan, Magallanes at Juban.

Magiting na nagtanggol ang yunit ni Ka Luhan nang abutin ng nag-ooperasyong militar ang kanilang hinihimpilan. Anang ulat ng militar, namatayan ang 22nd IB ng dalawang sundalo na kinilalang sina Cpl. Arnel Divinagracia at PFC Greyan Andus. Gayunman, ayon sa ilang nakasaksi, hindi kukulangin sa anim ang bangkay na dala ng ng mga sundalo sa pag-atras matapos ang labanan.

Nagpapatuloy pa ang operasyon ng pasistang AFP at PNP sa pinangyarihang barangay at mga karatig. Sa harap ng sitwasyong ito, buo ang kapasyahan ng yunit na naiwan ni Ka Luhan na ipagpatuloy ang tungkuling nakaatang sa kanila.

Ang kataas-taasang sakripisyong inialay ni Ka Luhan ay nagpapaalab lamang sa determinasyon ng mga mandirigma ng NPA-Sorsogon para patuloy na harapin ang kalaban at ipagtanggol at paglingkuran ang mamamayan.

https://cpp.ph/statement/saludo-kay-ka-luhan/

CPP/NPA: Red salute of the New People’s Army to Ka Fidel V. Agcaoili

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2020): Red salute of the New People’s Army to Ka Fidel V. Agcaoili

KA ORIS

SPOKESPERSON

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
AUGUST 05, 2020

In behalf of the National Operational Command of the New People’s Army, and together with all its Red commanders and fighters, I would like to extend heartfelt sympathies to the wife, children and grandchildren, family, friends and colleagues of Ka Fidel V. Agcaoili, chief of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. We were deeply shocked and saddened by news of his untimely death due to pulmonary arterial rupture at the age of 75 last July 23 in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Ka Fidel was a respected and beloved leader of the Filipino people and revolutionary movement. He upheld the interests and cause of the toiling masses and all the oppressed classes in Philippine society. For more than five decades, from his youth until his senior years, he always marched along the straight path of revolutionary struggle. Although he came from a well-off family, Ka Fidel chose the path of simple living and all-out and dangerous struggle.

Ka Fidel’s life, his militance, commitment and determination to advance the revolutionary struggle for national freedom and social liberation will forever serve as inspiration for all Red fighters of the NPA and for the Filipino people.

Wherever Ka Fidel was assigned and whatever his task was, the desire to seen an end to the oppression and exploitation of the Filipino people, as well as all the peoples of the waord, was always foremost in his mind. It is clear that Ka Fidel was imbued with the communist spirit of selfless service to all oppressed and exploited.

The NPA recognizes and expresses its gratitude for the leadership and all the contributions of Ka Fidel, from the period of nationwide building of the Party and people’s army, to the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship, to helping develop international anti-imperialist solidarity of all the oppressed classes, and in ably representing the entire revolutionary movement in various stages of peace negotiations.

The NPA upholds the highest tribute of the Party’s Central Committee to Ka Fidel and recognition as a hero of the Philippine revolution.

On August 8, Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Ka Fidel, all units of the New People’s Army are directed, wherever they may be encamped, to go on formation at the break of dawn, hoist the banners of the Party, NPA and the NDF, present arms, and sing the Internationale as a way of remembering and giving Ka Fidel our snappiest Red salute.

Long live the memory of Ka Fidel!
Long live the Filipino people and the Philipine revolution!

https://cpp.ph/statement/red-salute-of-the-new-peoples-army-to-ka-fidel-v-agcaoili/

Kalinaw News: Armed encounter between gov’t troops and CNTs ensued in CamSur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2020): Armed encounter between gov’t troops and CNTs ensued in CamSur

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Troops from the Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) continue to initiate successful combat engagements as part of its intensified military operations against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Bicol region.

Around 8:10 in the morning, August 5, elements of 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) encountered at least 15 Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Tinambac town in Camarines Sur.
Residents from Barangay San Antonio heeded the call of the military to immediately report the presence of CTG members in their area prompting the troops to conduct security operations.

Firefight lasted for about 10 minutes before the enemies withdrew. No one was harmed on the government’s side while still undetermined on the enemies’ side.

Captured in the encounter site were anti-personnel mine, M2O3 40mm grenade, 200-meter electrical wire, ammunitions, personal belongings and propaganda materials of the CNTs.

JTFB under MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA thanked the residents for the prompt report.

Just this week, alias Sandy and Ramir of Bato; alias Cris, Jay-r and Roselyn of Sipocot, all regular members of CTG voluntarily surrendered to the PNP and the Army.

MGen Robinson attributed this development to the combined extensive military operations, intensified campaigns in encouraging the CTG members to return to the folds of the law and the cooperation of the local populace to the anti-insurgency campaigns of the government.

“Our decisive military operations will not stop until we finally clear all conflict-affected areas from the influence of the CTG. The recent recoveries and scores of the Army and our counterpart from the PNP speak about our persistent thrust to eradicate the lingering presence of communist insurgency in our region. Kasabay nito ay ang panawagan natin sa mga myembro ng CTG na huwag ng patuloy na magpalinlang sa teroristang grupong ito. Walang patutunguhan ang inyong ipinaglalaban. Mas mainam kung magbalik-loob na kayo sa gobyerno at mamuhay ng tahimik kasama ang inyong pamilya,” MGen Robinson 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/armed-encounter-between-govt-troops-and-cnts-ensued-in-camsur/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Coconut Authority provided 60,000 coconut seedlings for barangay in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 6, 2020): Philippine Coconut Authority provided 60,000 coconut seedlings for barangay in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

Makilala, Cotabato – The Philippine Coconut Authority(PCA) provided 60,000 coconut seedlings for local residents of barangay Datal Blao, Columbio,Sultan Kudarat today August 5, 2020.

As the nation struggles in battling the COVID-19 pandemic, both national and local government units come up with systematic ways to help the community to slowly recover its economic status down to the barangay level.

Through the partnership of the PCA, Local Government Units of Columbio headed by Mayor Edwin Bermudez, Councilor Datu Jahir Mamalinta, Barangay Officials, 39th Infantry Battalion and PNP, 60,000 coconut seedlings were successfully distributed to benefit the Muslim and Blaan tribes of barangay Datal Blao.

Local residents expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards the PCA, Local Government Units of Columbio, PNP and the Philippine Army.



[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/philippine-coconut-authority-provided-60000-coconut-seedlings-for-barangay-in-columbio-sultan-kudarat/