CPP/NDF-EV: Highest honors to Antonio “Ka Manlimbasog” Cabanatan!

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 11, 2021): NDF-EV: Highest honors to Antonio “Ka Manlimbasog” Cabanatan!

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 11, 2021

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas gives the highest honors to Kasamang Antonio “Manlimbasog” Cabanatan and his wife Kasamang Florenda “Osang” Yap, Party leaders and martyrs of the Filipino people. They were abducted, secretly detained, physically and psychologically tortured for months until murdered by state forces. Both elderly and ailing, they had retired from revolutionary work since 2017.

We condemn and hold accountable the fascist terrorist US-Duterte regime, its troops in the AFP-PNP, and Duterte’s military junta in the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for the couple’s cold-blooded murder. Such is the brutality of the Duterte regime’s all-out war. Revolutionary justice shall hound the perpetrators of this gruesome crime until they are punished.

The revolutionary forces in Eastern Visayas recognize Ka Manlimbasog as one of the pioneers of the national-democratic revolution in the region. Beginning active revolutionary work as a student activist in the 1960s, he led the spread of revolutionary propaganda and founded progressive mass organizations among students and basic sectors in the Visayas until Northern Mindanao. He would be among the young intellectuals to heed the call to go the countryside and take upon the grueling task of sowing the seeds of armed revolution among the peasant masses. From then on he served the revolution until his death.

After joining the Party in 1971, he became a member of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, its executive committee and secretariat. Leading the Samar-Leyte subregional party committee, he returned to his roots in Eastern Samar where he founded the first Party branches as well as in Western Samar and conducted social investigation among the peasant and fisherfolk. After his detention from 1972 to 1974, Ka Manlimbasog would return to lead the first district Party committee which led the first guerrilla front and squad of the New People’s Army in the island. He served as political officer of the platoon and was part of the command for operations of the NPA in the northern part of Samar.

From 1975 to 1977, tactical offensives by the NPA in the island intensified. Later, Ka Manlimbasog together with Kasamang Prudencio Calubid would lead the expansion of guerrilla warfare in north-eastern Samar, Northern Samar and north-western Samar. Throughout Samar, Party branches and revolutionary mass organizations grew and spread, along with anti-feudal campaigns, propaganda and educational work, organs of political power and NPA tactical offensives. Because these foundations were successfully laid, people’s war in Eastern Visayas grew even more in number and strength and by 1979 cadres, Red fighters, and rifles were deployed to relatively weaker regions. Eventually it would become one of the decisive forces to smite and topple the fascist US-Marcos dictatorship.

In the 1980s, Ka Manlimbasog held key positions in the Visayas and Mindanao Commission. He was also a member of the Central Committee of the Party, the Political Bureau, and the Executive Committee. He correctly stood for the Second Great Rectification and led the struggle against the opportunists in the Visayas and Mindanao. From 1990 onwards, he served as secretariat for the Mindanao Commission during the time of great advances in the revolutionary movement in the cities and in the countryside.

Ka Manlimbasog was a hunchback who stood tall among giants. His physical disability never hindered him from performing revolutionary work in the countryside up until his retirement. He was arrested thrice during the Marcos dictatorship but he always returned to the revolution. He went where he was needed, from integrating among peasants and fisherfolk, to breaking and entering haciendas, overcoming Samar’s mountainous terrain, and evading enemy operations. Able-bodied Red fighters, in awe of his determination, would carry him on their back during difficult treks. He was a shining example of selfless sacrifice and unwavering service to the people.

People who worked with him know his aversion to flowery, circumlocutious speeches. Especially younger revolutionaries, they appreciate how he diligently listens to them during educational discussions, politely correcting them if needed. Education, Ka Manlimbasog often said, should be direct and comprehensible to the basic masses.

The revolutionary forces in Eastern Visayas and the broad masses grieve for Ka Manlimbasog and for all other martyrs who were brutally and cowardly murdered by Duterte’s armed agents. In the midst of the regime’s fascist onslaught, they serve as inspiration to remain brave and persist with waging armed revolution. For those whom they left, they shall be our guiding light as we continue the just struggle to which they offered their lives.

Emulate the great example of Ka Manlimbasog and all revolutionary martyrs!
Down with the fascist terrorist US-Duterte regime!
Carry forward the people’s war until victory!

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-ev-highest-honors-to-antonio-ka-manlimbasog-cabanatan/

CPP/NPA-Eastern Visayas ROC: NPA slams AFP for parading commander’s remains in Leyte as “war trophy”

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 11, 2021): NPA slams AFP for parading commander’s remains in Leyte as “war trophy”

KARLOS MANUEL

SPOKESPERSON

EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (EFREN MARTIRES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 11, 2021

The New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas today lambasted the Armed Forces of the Philippines after its troops exhumed and published pictures of the remains of an NPA commander who was martyred in an encounter in Leyte six years ago, in violation of international humanitarian law.

Ka Karlos Manuel, spokesperson for the Efren Martires Command (NPA-EMC), said the 802nd Infantry Brigade under the command of Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros violated international humanitarian law when soldiers and local police dug up last April 3 the grave of Arnulfo “Ka Sangay/Ka Rawin” Opo, who was killed while fighting government troops in Sitio Kapitungan, Brgy. Libo, Carigara in 2015.

“What else can we expect from the AFP whose troops throughout the country have been desecrating and showing off as ‘war trophies’ the remains of NPA fighters, including Rona Jane “Ka Amir” Manalo and Andrea “Ka Naya” Rosal in Palawan, Jevilyn “Ka Reb” Cullamat in Surigao del Sur, and Justine “Ka Aira” Bautista in Cagayan Valley?” Manuel said.

“In these cases, the soldiers took pictures of their remains and brandished them without any remorse or respect for the dead. They cannot afford their adversaries to let them rest in dignity and peace. These acts which are bereft of basic human morality are unsurprising given the mercenary, fascist, and immoral institution that is the AFP.”

Ka Rawin came from a family of known revolutionaries and martyrs. In his youth he was subjected to government surveillance and had to assume the name “Eleazar Sabidales” to attend school. Following his parents’ and siblings’ footsteps, he eventually joined the NPA and would become commander of the front guerrilla unit in Leyte until his death. He was also a member of the Leyte Island Party Committee.

His comrades recognized him as a well-rounded Party cadre and military commander. He was militant, disciplined, courageous, politically sharp and easily got along with Red fighters and the masses. When government troops raided their unit in 2016, Ka Sangay bravely fought off enemy forces and let his comrades retreat to safer ground. His comrades returned to retrieve his body not long after to give him a proper burial. Members of his immediate family were also promptly notified.

“Oliveros and the AFP should stop spitting their poisonous lies and disrespecting Ka Rawin’s memory. His life and selfless sacrifice carry far greater weight than their dirty war. The revolutionary movement and the entire Filipino people are forever indebted to Ka Rawin and all revolutionary martyrs, and give them the highest honors for their wholehearted service to the people,” Manuel asserted.

The NPA-EMC spokesperson called on the Commission on Human Rights, rights-based organizations and the Filipino people to express their indignation against what he called “an epidemic of disrespecting and trophying the dead” among the Duterte regime’s troops.

He called for Oliveros of the 802nd IBde and all other military officers who commanded the exhumation and brandishing of Ka Sangay’s remains to be held criminally accountable for violating international humanitarian law and the AFP’s own Code of Conduct. #

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-slams-afp-for-parading-commanders-remains-in-leyte-as-war-trophy/

CPP/NPA-COMVAL-North Davao-South Augusan Sub-ROC: AFP bombing spree terrorizes peasants, Lumad in Agusan del Sur

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 10, 2021): AFP bombing spree terrorizes peasants, Lumad in Agusan del Sur

NPA-COMVAL–NORTH DAVAO–SOUTH AGUSAN SUB-REGIONAL COMMAND

SOUTHERN MINDANAO REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (MERARDO ARCE COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 10, 2021

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“Naghulat lang gyud mi nga mahulogan mi og bomba!” (We were just waiting for a bomb to fall on us!)

This was the agonizing statement of one pregnant peasant woman after the series of dawn aerial bombardment by fascist AFP troops in La Paz, Agusan del Sur last week.

On April 6, 2021, between 4:30 to 5:30 am, two FA-50 fighter jets dropped three bombs each and subsequently rained .50 caliber machine gun fire in the forested areas of Brgy. Kasapa 2, close to the farms and houses of Lumad and peasants. As the fighter jets dropped bombed, a Cessna intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew overhead, later joined by two other unmanned aerial vehicles.

A few hours later, another bomber plane continued dropping bombs and strafed the area until midday. While no one was seriously hurt, the masses reported that some of their neighbors sustained bruises and minor injuries in trying to scramble to safety.

No NPA unit was in the area. The sheer gratuitous show of military force shocked not one Red fighter, but did manage to terrorize several poor Lumad and peasants–including elderly, pregnant women and children. The masses decry this useless spending of millions of public money which they say could have been used to help them make ends meet during this time of the pandemic.

Prior to the bombing incident, troops the 60th Infantry Battalion have already been on combat operations since February 28, which they commenced with three rounds of artillery fire directed at the same forested areas of Brgy. Kasapa 2. Residents in the area and adjacent barangays reported that around 600 regular combat personnel of the 60th IB and 26th IB, including paramilitaries CAFGU and Bagani, have swarmed the tri-boundary areas of La Paz, Loreto, and San Luis in Agusan del Sur, and Kapalong in Davao del Norte. The fascist goons harass locals, forcing them to “surrender” and forcibly recruiting them to join the Bagani or CAFGU.

These terroristic acts of AFP troops highlight the US-Duterte regime’s fascist nature in the face of the economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of giving relief and improving healthcare services, the regime instead chooses to channel foreign-borrowed funds toward extravagant military spending.

It also shows the cold indifference and criminal neglect of the regime. Displaying its lack of understanding of and insensitivity to the plight of Lumad and peasants, the AFP rained bombs and artillery fire over the area at a crucial time when the masses were busy trying to ensure they were able to plant corn or rice for the panuig, the traditional planting season between April and May where the harvest is usually more plentiful. The 60th IB troops have now cordoned off the area, consequently denying the farmers the chance in securing better harvest to offset the hardships of the past year. Until now, the peasants are being denied entry to their farms. This is on top of the already existing economic restrictions being forcibly carried out by the 60th IB checkpoints in the area, where the masses are regularly subjected to harassment and intimidation.

But why the intense combat operations and wanton artillery and aerial bombardment in these areas? The hinterland villages of La Paz and its neighboring towns are an economic goldmine, which Duterte’s ruling clique is salivating over. Mt. Kinambaihan in La Paz is a target for foreign large-scale mining.

Since last year, reactionary officials under the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in cahoots with the 60th IB have hamletted Lumad families in Brgy. Gupitan in Kapalong, dragging them out of their ancestral domain and into housing units to make way for banana plantations.

Mt. Diamond in Loreto is also a target for foreign large-scale mining, with roads already under construction. The masses in the area are angered by this intrusive project because they know that the roads are not being built as farm-to-market roads but for the easy entry of mining companies instead.

The AFP has proven yet again as a mercenary protector of the foreign and large capitalist interests out to bleed the country’s natural resources dry.

The masses have also reported that even in the ranks of the fascist mercenaries, the disunity is obvious and manifesting. The foot soldiers complain of the difficult terrain, the tiresome, no-let-up combat operations and the demeaning treatment from their officials. The masses note this low morale in the face of difficulties as a marked difference from their true army, the NPA, whose Red commanders and fighters become tempered in the armed struggle’s inevitable sacrifices and continue to enjoy the people’s trust and support in fighting a just war.

https://cpp.ph/statements/afp-bombing-spree-terrorizes-peasants-lumad-in-agusan-del-sur/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Sa 31st IB, better luck next time

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 10, 2021): Sa 31st IB, better luck next time

SAMUEL GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SORSOGON (CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND)

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 10, 2021

Nabalitaan namin ang rally sa sentro ng Barcelona, Sorsogon kahapon ng umaga, Abril 8, na pinasimunuan ng 31st IB at nilahukan ng mga pinasurender na dating NPA at sibilyan. Namonitor namin ang byahe ng trak na humakot sa mga surenderi papunta sa benyu ng rally. Candle-lighting daw ang tampok na bahagi ng aktibidad.

Hindi gaanong malinaw sa amin ang “karaingan” ng mga dumalo sa naturang aktibidad bagamat napag-alaman naming may kinalaman iyon sa pagkamatay ng intelligence asset ng 31st IB na si Raymundo “Kaday” Fombuena sa operasyon ng NPA nitong Marso 28 sa San Antonio, Barcelona. May reklamo yata ang mga handler ni Kaday ukol sa pagkakapatay sa kanya at ipinasisigaw nila iyon sa mga surenderi.

Sa aming palagay, sapat na naipaliwanag sa pahayag ng Celso Minguez Command noon mismong araw ng pagpatay kay Kaday ang lehitimong batayan ng nasabing aksyon ng NPA. Gayunpaman, handa kaming makinig sa anumang di pagsang-ayon ninuman sa aming tindig sa usapin. Bukas kami, sa katunayan, na tugunan ang anumang karaingan ninuman kung iyon ay may lehitimo ring batayan.

Nagkaroon sana kami ng pagkakataong marinig ang iniaangal ng 31st IB at ng hinakot na mga surenderi kung sa bundok sila nag-rally imbes na sa poblasyon. Nabasa sana namin ang kanilang mga plakard na alam naming pinaghirapan nilang gawin.

May mga tamang lugar, oras at paraan para sa anumang aktibidad, kabilang na ang pagsasagawa ng rally, para matiyak na magiging epektibo ito at hindi masasayang ang pagod ng mga kalahok. Isang partikular naming payo sa 31st IB–mas mainam ang candle-lighting kung ginagawa sa gabi, hindi alas-9:00 ng umaga.

https://cpp.ph/statements/sa-31st-ib-better-luck-next-time/

CPP/NDF-KM-Southern Mindanao: Pinagpapatuloy ng Kabataang Makabayan ang magiting na paglaban sa pasismo at tiraniya

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 9, 2021): Pinagpapatuloy ng Kabataang Makabayan ang magiting na paglaban sa pasismo at tiraniya

KARINA MAGTANGGOL

SPOKESPERSON

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NDF-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 09, 2021

Isang rebolusyonaryong pagsaludo ngayong Araw ng Kagitingan mula sa Kabataang Makabayan, rehiyon ng Southern Mindanao, para sa magigiting na kabataang hukbo ng masang pinagsasamantalahan. Patuloy ang paglaban ng mga kabataan sa diktador at pahirap na rehimeng US-Duterte.

Mula noon hanggang ngayon, patuloy na ipinapakita ng mga makabayang kabataan ang katapangan sa walang humpay na paniningil sa naghaharing uri, lalung-lalo na sa pagtindig at pagharap sa walang-habas na terorismo ng rehimeng Duterte sa mamamayang Pilipino.

Sa paniniil at pasismo ni Duterte sa mamamayan, umabot na ng animnapu’t isang (61) abogado, dalawang daan at walumpu’t walo (288) na mga magsasaka at mangingisda, tatlong daan at labing walong (318) aktibista at progresibong indibidwal, labing siyam (19) na mamahayag, at isang daan at dalawampu’t dalawang (122) mga bata ang napaslang sa limang taong tiraniya ng rehimen.

Sa kabila ng tumitinding crackdown at pamamaslang sa mga kabataan, hinding-hindi natitinag ang makabayang kabataan sa pagsingil kay Duterte sa bawat utang na dugo ng kanyang administrasyon. Lumalago at dumarami ang hanay ng mga makabayang kabataang mulat at nagmumulat ng mas marami pa. Ipinamamalas nila ang malikhaing mga paraan upang itambol ang mga panawagan ng mamamayan.

Sa kanayunan, ang mga kabataang kasapi ng New People’s Army (NPA) ay buong giting na hinaharap ang mga sakripisyo sa buhay-at-kamatayang pakikibaka habang mahigpit na pinanghahawakan ang linyang pampulitika ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan. Gaya ng animnapung libong (60,000) Pilipinong nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay sa araw na ito 79 taon ang nakalilipas upang manindigan laban sa mananakop na mga Hapones, ang mga miyembro ng NPA ay magiting na tinahak ang landas ng armadong pakikibaka upang makamit ang tunay na kalayaan tungo sa isang lipunang may pagkakapantay-pantay. Hindi kailanman malilimutan ang mga rebolusyonaryong martir mula sa hanay ng kabataan at mga estudyante na tinahak ang landas ng rebolusyonaryong armadong pakikibaka.

Ngayong Araw ng Kagitingan, binibigyan natin ng pinakamataas na pagsaludo ang mga ‘di tanyag na mga bayaning patuloy na nakikibaka para wasakin ang sistemang mapagsamantala. Sa panahon ng tiraniya ng asong-ulol na si Duterte na sunud-sunuran sa interes ng imperyalistang US at China, huwaran at inspirasyon ng kabataan ang mga martir ng Bataan Death March ng 1942 sa pakikibaka para sa katarungan at pagsulong ng digmang bayan hanggang tagumpay.

MABUHAY ANG KABATAANG MAKABAYAN!

MABUHAY ANG MASANG API! ISULONG ANG REBOLUSYON NG MAMAMAYAN! PAGLINGKURAN ANG SAMBAYANAN!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pinagpapatuloy-ng-kabataang-makabayan-ang-magiting-na-paglaban-sa-pasismo-at-tiraniya/

CPP/CPP-PIO-Southern Tagalog: Pagpupugay at pakikiisa sa pakikibaka ng mamamayan ng Myanmar

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 8, 2021): Pagpupugay at pakikiisa sa pakikibaka ng mamamayan ng Myanmar

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL COMMITTEE

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 08, 2021

Pulang pagbati ang ipinaaabot ng PKP-TK sa mamamayan ng Myanmar sa mahigit dalawang buwang halos araw-araw na pagprotesta laban sa mabagsik na huntang militar. Malaking inspirasyon ang kanilang pakikibaka na hindi napigilan ng pandemya at karahasan ng estado. Marapat lamang itong suportahan ng mga mamamayan sa daigdig na mapagmahal sa kalayaan at demokrasya.

Matatandaang nagkudeta ang Tatmadaw (mga pwersang militar sa Myanmar) noong Pebrero 1 para patalsikin ang mga demokratikong halal na mga upisyal ng bansa. Inagaw nila ang kapangyarihan matapos matalo ang kanilang prenteng partido sa partido ni Aung San Suu Kyi, ang lider ng sibilyang burukrasya. Ibinilanggo rin sina Suu Kyi at matagal na hindi inilitaw bago isinakdal sa kanilang korte. Mahigpit itong kinundena ng mamamayang Burmese at nagprotesta para palayain si Suu Kyi at ibalik ang demokrasya sa kanilang bayan.

Mahusay na halimbawa at karapat-dapat tularan ang laksa-laksang mamamayang Burmese na nagpoprotesta laban sa diktadura. Kahanga-hanga ang isinasagawa nilang mga mabilisang protesta o gerilyang rali upang patuloy na maipaabot ang kanilang pagtutol. Nakakapagtipon din sila sa pamamagitan ng iba pang pamamaraan o aktibidad kagaya ng mga vigil. Sa maraming syudad, nagbabarikada ang mga nagpoprotesta at nagtatanggol gamit ang anumang sandata na mahahawakan tulad ng air guns, molotov cocktails, bato, pamalo at iba pa.

Patuloy na sinisikil ng Tatmadaw ang mamamayan ng Myanmar. Marahas na dinidispers ang mga nagpoprotesta kung saan humigit-kumulang na sa 570 raliyista ang pinaslang, 46 dito ay mga bata. Noong Marso 27, umabot sa 141 ang pinaslang ng mga militar na tinaguriang pinakamadugong araw sa Myanmar.

Sa parehong araw, inatake at dinamay ng mga militar ang mga grupo ng pambansang minorya sa kanilang kampanyang panunupil. Naglunsad sila ng air raids sa Silangang bahagi ng Karen State sa kabila ng umiiral na ceasefire sa pagitan ng Karen National Union (KNU) at gubyernong Myanmar. Libu-libong katutubo ang nasugatan at lumikas patungo sa mga kahanggang bansa ng Thailand at India habang 20 ang namatay. Ginawa ito ng Tatmadaw upang maghasik ng takot at pigilan ang pagkakaisa ng buong bansa. Pinutol pa ang internet para hadlangan ang mga pagtitipon.

Ang walang humpay na pandarahas ng huntang militar ng Myanmar ay umani ng kaliwa’t kanang pagbatikos sa internasyunal na komunidad. Nakikiisa ang PKP-TK sa pagkundina sa mararahas na dispersal at panunupil ng mga pwersang panseguridad ng hunta sa mamamayan ng Myanmar, kabilang ang mga bata, at atrosidad sa mga minorya.

Sa ganitong diwa, sumusuporta ang PKP-TK sa pakikibaka ng mamamayan ng Myanmar. Makatarungan ang pagkakapit-bisig ng lahat ng mga mamamayang niyuyurakan ang karapatan. Kailangang patuloy na igiit ng mamamayang Burmese ang kanilang karapatan sa sariling pagpapasya laban sa mapaniil na diktadurang militar at nang walang sumasagkang dayuhang kapangyarihan. Makatarungang magsulong ng armadong paglaban upang kamtin ang pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya. Punumpuno ng aral ang pakikibakang Burmese at Pilipino sa pagsusulong ng laban sa diktadura at paglalansag sa pagkubabaw ng imperyalismo sa mahihirap na bayan.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagpupugay-at-pakikiisa-sa-pakikibaka-ng-mamamayan-ng-myanmar/

CPP: Unite to fight Chinese imperialist annexation of Philippine marine territory

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2021): Unite to fight Chinese imperialist annexation of Philippine marine territory

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 07, 2021

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) unites with various Filipino patriotic forces in demanding the immediate pull-out of all Chinese armed maritime vessels illegally moored or carrying out fishing or extraction of marine resources in and around the Julian Felipe Reef and other areas within the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Party considers China’s deployment of more than 220 armed vessels as part of its systematic encroachment and expansion of its imperialist annexation of Philippine maritime territory both for economic and military purposes. As an imperialist power, China has committed military aggression against the Philippines by building military fortresses in a number of artificial islands within the country’s EEZ.

The Party reiterates its position that all military structures built by China within the Philippine EEZ must immediately be dismantled, and that it must be made to pay compensation as back rental for all the illegally occupied areas. It must also remunerate the country for the coral reefs damaged in its land reclamation, as well as the fish and other marine resources illegally harvested by state-subsidized Chinese vessels.

The Party denounces the continued kowtowing of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to China. He has quieted the just protestations of some of his key officials and downplayed the outright armed encroachment into Philippine territory by Chinese militia vessels and its negative implications on Philippine sovereignty by insisting that Philippine-China relations are on a “positive trajectory.” Duterte is clearly persuaded by China’s “vaccine diplomacy,” false promises of “economic investments” and by the numerous bribes he has received and relations with Chinese drug syndicates cultivated over the past few years.

The Party calls for the establishment of a national united front against Chinese imperialist marine annexation. It calls on all forces, from the mass-based democratic forces to the conservative political oppositions as well as elements within the ruling regime and in the military and police forces, to exert all effort to assert the country’s sovereign rights and drive away the Chinese imperialist aggressors. The democratic mass movement, in particular, must mobilize its forces to manifest the strong united position of the Filipino people demanding respect for Philippine sovereignty and an end to Chinese economic plunder of Philippine natural resources.

They must demand the Duterte regime to make an unequivocal stand against Chinese military aggression and exhaust all political and diplomatic means to make China respect Philippine sovereignty and rights as validated by the 2016 international arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). Failure and refusal to do so must be considered as national treachery.

The Party acknowledges the calls of various sectors to divert resources from counterinsurgency to strengthening national defense. A growing number of military and police officers are increasingly disgruntled that fighter planes and attack helicopters are being used for aerial bombing of farming villages and mountain communities instead of being deployed to defend Philippine territory, as well as for the urgent need of ramping up the public health system amid the surge in the Covid-19 pandemic.

They are realizing the futility of deploying thousands of its troops to impose garrison-like conditions on rural villages and inflict abuses against the peasant masses that only succeed in further rousing people to join the armed resistance. There are also those who are critical of the extrajudicial killings being committed with impunity by police and military personnel that ultimately serve the schemes of the Duterte ruling clique to perpetuate its political dynasty in power and its regime of servility to China.

It must be clearly declared that, in line with the struggle to attain genuine national freedom, it is the patriotic duty of all Filipinos to defend Philippine sovereignty against all forms of foreign encroachments in the country’s marine, land and air territories. In the face of outright Chinese annexation of Philippine territories and plunder of resources, the country must rise and resist together as one.

https://cpp.ph/statements/unite-to-fight-chinese-imperialist-annexation-of-philippine-marine-territory/

Arrested ‘BIFF member’ yields 7 firearms in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2021): Arrested ‘BIFF member’ yields 7 firearms in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)

SEIZED. The assorted high-powered firearms seized from an alleged member of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following the Army-led law enforcement operation in Pikit, North Cotabato on Saturday (April 10, 2021). The firearms consisted of an M16 rifle, M14 rifle, M1 Garand rifle, two 12-gauge shotguns, a .45 caliber pistol, a .38 caliber revolver, and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Military and police forces arrested a suspected member of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and seized seven high-powered firearms and ammunition in North Cotabato, the Army here announced Sunday.

Lt. Col. Rommel T. Mundala, commander of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB), led the operation along with 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company, the police’s Special Action Force, against a certain Taoki Payapat alias Alvin, an alleged BIFF member, in Barangay Langayen, Pikit, North Cotabato on Saturday afternoon.

Seized from Payapat were one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, two 12-gauge shotguns, one .45 caliber pistol, one .38 caliber revolver, and assorted ammunition.

Brig. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, attributed the success of the law enforcement operation on the close and constant coordination of all security forces in the area.

“After the clearing operation, all the recovered pieces of evidence were placed under proper custody while appropriate charges were filed by the police against the suspect,” Capulong said.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, commended the security forces involved in the successful joint law enforcement operation.

“Let us continue our fight against terrorism and preserve the peace by securing the communities under our joint area of operation against all lawless elements,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136396

Augmentation force boosts Army 6ID’s fight vs. insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2021): Augmentation force boosts Army 6ID’s fight vs. insurgency

READY FOR ACTION. Members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team arrive to a warm welcome at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao on April 6, 2021. The team is composed of artillerymen, support combat engineers, and explosive ordinance disposal teams. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) in Central Mindanao received a boost with the recent arrival of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) here.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the 6ID commander and chief of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), welcomed the 1BCT, which was backed by armored personnel carriers, on April 6, 2021.

The troop augmentation is seen to strengthen the security forces’ presence in support of peace-building and development efforts in the region.

Uy said the 1BCT is a rapidly deployable unit composed of infantry, mechanized, and artillerymen; support combat engineers; and explosive ordinance disposal teams.

“It has been involved in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group in the province of Sulu from 2019 until 2020 and has significantly contributed to the neutralization of local and foreign terrorists,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Last year, the 6ID and JTFC’s area of coverage was extended to cover the provinces of South Cotabato and part of Sarangani.

Uy said the additional troops will fortify the Philippine Army's capabilities and strengthen the campaign against local terrorist groups, including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Dawlah Islamiya, New People’s Army, and other lawless groups in the Central and the South-Central Mindanao areas.

“This is part of our commitment to the residents in the region to serve the people and to secure the communities from any threat,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136385

PH raises WPS issue in Asean senior officials’ meet

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2021): PH raises WPS issue in Asean senior officials’ meet

ASEAN MEETING. Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso discusses the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea negotiations in a virtual Asean Senior Officials’ Meeting on April 7, 2021. She also called for equitable access to vaccines. (Photo courtesy of DFA)

Acting Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations Elizabeth Buensuceso underscored the Philippines’ commitment towards progress in the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea negotiations between Asean Member States and China.

Buensuceso, also Asean Affairs and Philippine Asean SOM (Senior Officials’ Meeting) Leader, urged all parties to adhere to the rule of law and exercise self-restraint during the Asean held via videoconference on April 7.

The Philippines is the current country coordinator for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-China Dialogue Relations.

“The continued deployment and lingering presence of a large swarm of maritime militia vessels within the Philippines’ maritime zones remains a serious concern and we reiterate that a conducive environment is crucial for the COC negotiations,” Buensuceso said in a news release on Saturday.

She also emphasized that actions that intimidate, escalate tensions, and undermine mutual trust and confidence, violate the sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially those that run counter to international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) impede the progress and momentum of the COC negotiations and threaten its success.

Buensuceso also called on Asean, composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, to raise its collective voice to push for equitable access to vaccines, especially in consideration of developing countries.

She stressed that the procurement of vaccines under the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund (CARF) is highly commendable under the current circumstances given its urgency.

However, Asean should expedite its collective vaccine procurement so as not to lag behind in efforts to achieve herd immunity in the region and to address reports of global shortage of vaccines.

The meeting also discussed a wide range of issues and concerns, including updates on Brunei Darussalam’s chairmanship deliverables, Asean’s Covid-19 response, Asean Community Post-2025 Vision, review of the implementation of the Asean Charter, sub-regional cooperation, cross-pillar coordination, external relations, and Asean candidatures.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136377

Kalinaw News: 2 Abu Sayyaf Group brothers, 8 others yield in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2021): 2 Abu Sayyaf Group brothers, 8 others yield in Sulu



April 11, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu- Yesterday, April 10, 2021, two former teen members of Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) and others surrender to military units in Sulu led by MGen William N Gonzales at Brgy Samak, Talipao, Sulu.

A ceremony for the formal local integration of ten ASG surrenderees which was facilitated by 1101st Infantry Brigade Commander BGen Antonio I Bautista Jr was held this Saturday afternoon at their Brigade Headquarters in Talipao, Sulu. BGen Bautista presented the 10 surrenderors to Joint Task Force – Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales.

The surrenderors were identified as Mis-al Sabtula under ASG leader Alden Bagadi; Marlon Aksan under subleader Raden Abu; Hasbi Mustamir, under the late ASG sub-leader Apo Mike; Alih Salim, Alwa Aidar, Faisal Amisar, Gager Ganih, Jamil Ganih, Hajul Arip and Musar Sakib Jumbli all under the late ASG leader Mohammad Said. The surrenderors are from the municipality of Indanan except Ganih who is from Patikul.

“They brought with them an M16 rifle, M1 Garand Rifle, Cal .30 and Cal .45 pistols. I commend our 100th Infantry Battalion and 15th Civil Military Operations Battalion for actively reaching out to our brothers who now wants to start anew. This is very timely as we approaching ramadan,” said BGen Bautista.

In an interview, 20-year old Alih Salim and 21-year-old Musar Jumli, who are brothers revealed that they joined ASG around 2016 – when they were still teenagers. “Niyaya kami ng isa naming barkada na sumama sa group ni Amah Maas. Noon, mga 50 ang miyembro ng grupo tapos kami ng kapatid ko yung umaakyat sa bundok para magdala ng nga bigas at kung ano pa na pagkain. Minsan buhat ko isang buong sako, ‘yung kapatid ko minsan may dala pa na kabayo,” Jumli said.

The two were just able to reach 3rd grade as they have lost interest in education especially after their father left for Sabah. With pressure from their peers and the promise of instant cash they ventured to go in and out the hinterlands of Sulu. The friend who recruited them have died with Mohammad Said during a clash with government forces in 2016.

“I am happy to know that these young men are now supporting themselves with their hard earned money in a bakery shop. I told them that there are also oppurtunities in the army which they politely declined as they would like to continue their passion in baking. Their dream is to have their own bakery,” said MGen Gonzales.

“I hope that other members, either they be active ASG or lie-low, would also come forward. Admit they were ones lost and free themselves of fear that they may be reported to government forces or they might be tracked down by their former comrades. We will assure that these former members will be assisted accordingly for they all pledged to actively help deny the ASG from taking refuge at their municipality,” added MGen Gonzales.

[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/2-abu-sayyaf-group-brothers-8-others-yield-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: JTF Central and PNP Operations gains 7 firearms in North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2021): JTF Central and PNP Operations gains 7 firearms in North Cotabato



Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – A combined efforts of the Joint Task Force Central and Philippine National Police resulted in the seizure of seven firearms at Sitio Pedtubo, Barangay Langayen, Pikit town of Cotabato on April 8, 2021.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Rommel T. Mundala, the Commanding Officer of 90th Infantry “Bigkis-Lahi” Battalion, the joint law enforcement operation of 90IB, 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company, PNP Special Action Force and Cotabato PNP was conducted against a certain Taoki Payapat alias Alvin, an alleged member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter which resulted in the recovery of one (1) M16 Rifle, one (1) M14 Rifle, one (1) M1 Garand Rifle, two (2) shotguns, one (1) Cal .45 Pistol, one (1) Cal .38 Revolver, and assorted ammunition.

Brigadier General Roberto S. Capulong, the 602nd Infantry Brigade Commander said that the success of this law enforcement operation relied on the close and constant coordination of all security forces in the area. “After the clearing operation, all the recovered pieces of evidence were placed under proper custody while the suspect was filed with necessary charges by police forces”, BGen. Capulong stressed.

Meanwhile, Major General Juvymax R. Uy PA, Commander of JTF Central and 6th Infantry Division extended his commendation to the security forces involved in the successful joint law enforcement operation. “Let us continue our fight against terrorism and preserve the peace by securing the communities under our joint area of operation against all lawless elements”, MGen. Uy 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/jtf-central-and-pnp-operations-gains-7-firearms-in-north-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Additional Forces Augment JTF Central

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2021): Additional Forces Augment JTF Central



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) was welcomed and received by Major General Juvymax R Uy, Commander of JTF Central and 6ID last April 6, 2021, in a simple ceremony inside Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao. The brigade-sized troop augmentation arrived in Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) Joint Area of Operation (JAO) starting on March 23, 2021, to strengthen security forces’ presence in support of the current peacebuilding and development efforts in South-Central Mindanao.

The 1BCT is primarily combined arms and a rapidly deployable unit composed of infantry, mechanized, artillery, support combat engineers, and EOD forces that are ready to assume any given tasks and missions. The 1BCT has been involved in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group in the Province of Sulu from 2019 until 2020 and has significantly contributed to the neutralization of local and foreign terrorists. Further, the unit has been an active partner of Sulu Province in the realization of peace and development efforts in the said area.

It can be recalled last 2020 that JTF Central’s JAO was extended to cover the province of South Cotabato and part of Sarangani. Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of JTF Central and 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division said that the additional troops will fortify Philippine Army’s capabilities and strengthen the campaign against local terrorist groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI), the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), and other lawless groups in South and South-Central Mindanao. He further stressed that the deployment of these troops will help in maintaining peace and order in this part of the country and to assist the Local Government Units in their development initiatives.

“This is part of our commitment to the residents of South-Central Mindanao to always serve the people and to secure the communities from any threat. These modernized forces are highly capable and can be rapidly deployed to adapt to any situation and address any threat in the country,” Maj. Gen. Uy 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/additional-forces-augment-jtf-central/

Kalinaw News: Suspek ng pagpatay na kinanlong ng dating NPA, arestado

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2021): Suspek ng pagpatay na kinanlong ng dating NPA, arestado

Camp Downes, Ormoc City – Abril 10, 2021. Dalawang araw matapos ang engkwentro sa Brgy Anislagan, Calubian, Leyte kung saan nasawi si Nicolas P. Ibanez alyas Botoy ay matagumpay na naaresto at nasampahan ng warrant of arrest ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng kapulisan at kasundaluhan ang Top 1 Most Wanted Person (MWP) sa munisipyo ng Calubian, Leyte na si Marlon Mendoza y Sirat, 46 na taong gulang, may-asawa, kawani (maintenance personnel) ng DPWH Villaba, at residente ng Brgy. Jubay, Calubian, Leyte kaninang ika- 5:15 ng umaga sa Brgy. Railes, Calubian, Leyte.

Matatandaang inilunsad ang isang operasyon sa pangunguna ng kapulisan ng probinsya ng Leyte noong ika-8 ng Abril sa taong kasalukuyan upang ihain ang warrant of arrest kay Mendoza subalit ito ay nakatakas kasama ang iba pang miyembro ng grupo na binuo ni alyas Botoy na dating NPA at sangkot sa mga iligal na gawain at paggamit at pagtutulak ng droga.

Ang mga kapulisan na binubuo ng Calubian MPS, LPPO-PSOG, LPPO-PIU, RSOG 8, RIU8, 2ND LPMFC, na sinuportahan ng 802nd Infantry Brigade at 93rd Infantry Battalion, sa ilalim ng patnubay ng Police Director ng Leyte Provincial Police Office, PCOL Rodelio C. Samson ay naghain ng Warrant of Arrest kay Mendoza sa kasong Murder with no bail (docketed under CC No. CN-20-933 issued by Hon. Wenifredo C Cuaton, presiding judge, Branch 11, RTC 8, Calubian, Leyte). Ang nasabing suspek ay dinala sa Calubian MPS upang sumailalim sa criminal procedures.

Ayon kay Brigadier General Zosimo A. Oliveros, ang matagumpay na pag-aresto kay Medoza ay patunay na handang gawin ng mga alagad ng batas ang lahat ng paraan upang magampanan ang tungkulin sa bayan. Aniya, mananatiling katuwang ng kapulisan ang 802nd Infantry Brigade sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan sa Biliran, Leyte, at Southern Leyte.



[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/suspek-ng-pagpatay-na-kinanlong-ng-dating-npa-arestado/

Kalinaw News: Army thwarts NPA attempt to infiltrate Iloilo village, recovers war materiel

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 10, 2021): Army thwarts NPA attempt to infiltrate Iloilo village, recovers war materiel

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The 12th Infantry (Lick’Em) Battalion figured in another brief encounter with the CPP-NPA Terrorists in Barangay Alabidhan, Bingawan, Iloilo at early in the morning of Wednesday, April 07, 2021.

It happened after the troops received reports from the local populace on the presence of armed communist-terrorists passing through the village.

The brief encounter yielded to the seizure of two shotguns, two magazines for shotgun with ten rounds ammunition, magazine for 9mm pistol with 7 rounds of ammunition, four rounds carbine ammunition, shrapnels for landmine, 15 meters electrical wire, two backpacks, grocery items, two hammocks, cooking pot, personal belongings, and propaganda materials.

On Monday, April 05, the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 12IB also figured in a brief firefight with the members of NPA’s Baloy Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon -Panay (KR-P) in Barangay Aglubong, Janiuay, Iloilo. The said encounter is also a result of the vigilance of the local populace in giving reports to the Army troops about the movement and location of the communist-terrorists.

Major General Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division attributed the two successful armed engagements to the support and cooperation of the peace-loving people in the area.

“In order for the Army to remain at the upper hand in the fight against the CPP-NPA Terrorists we need to be relentless in our operations against this group. Any information relayed to us by the locals and the communities will be acted promptly. We cannot cover every inch of Panay Island but we have forces strategically located in different areas that can ably react to any information that needs our attention. The collective approach of the security forces, of the government agencies and that of the people is the right solution to end the local communist armed conflict. While firefights may suggest disruption of the normal environment, but these are necessary in our fight to finally end insurgency in Panay Island,” MGen Vinoya said,

With the series of firefights as results of the people’s vigilance, the 3ID Commander warned the remaining NPAs. “You can no longer hide from the eyes of the Ilonggos. Wherever you go there are always people who are ready to report your presence and whereabouts. This is an indication that Iloilo towns are no longer safe havens for the terrorists like you,” MGen Vinoya stressed.

[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-thwarts-npa-attempt-to-infiltrate-iloilo-village-recovers-war-materiel/