PH Navy ‘Ilustrados’ undergo weapon systems training

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): PH Navy ‘Ilustrados’ undergo weapon systems training (By Priam Nepomuceno)

WEAPONS TRAINING. Crew members of the BRP Jose Rizal undergo weapons training in this undated photo. The ship on Thursday (Sept. 30, 2021) said these include operational level trainings for surface-to-air missile, fire control radar, and 76mm Super Rapid multi-feeding gun. (Photo courtesy of BRP Jose Rizal Facebook page)

The officers and crew members of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the country's first guided-missile frigate, are constantly training on the ship's various weapon systems and other related platforms to ensure their readiness at all times.

"BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) conducts operational level trainings for surface-to-air missile (SAM), fire control radar (FCR), and 76mm Super Rapid multi-feeding gun from their respective original equipment manufacturers (OEM)," the ship said in its Facebook post on Thursday.

It added that these trainings are needed to maintain the so-called "advantages at sea".

"The ultimate goal is to ensure that when critical situations arise, the 'Ilustrados' (the ship and crew's nickname) will be ready to accomplish operational and tactical objectives," it added.

"Alongside these trainings, FF-150 is continuing the combat information center personnel qualification standard (CICPQS) course, a pilot program for CIC and weapons personnel to elevate their warfare knowledge and expertise," it added.

Strategic training like these must be adopted since the BRP Jose Rizal is one of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s most versatile ships in securing and protecting the country's vast maritime domains.

The ship is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

The BRP Jose Rizal was launched at the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on May 23, 2019.

Its sister ship, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), was launched in the same facility on November 8 of the same year.

The BRP Jose Rizal was commissioned on July 10, 2020. The contract for the two ships was PHP16 billion, along with PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155149

PH Army helicopter pilots hold cross-country training

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): PH Army helicopter pilots hold cross-country training (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING. A Robinson R-44 helicopter, manned by PA aviators 1st Lt. Rhona K. Salvacion and 1st Lt. Mark Zimry A. Roldan, departed from Fort Magsaysay Army, landed in Loakan Airport, Baguio City as part of their proficiency training on Tuesday (Sept. 28, 2021). The rotary-wing or helicopter pilots of the Army Aviation Regiment are continuing their cross-country training as part of efforts to enhance their proficiency. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The rotary-wing or helicopter pilots of the Army Aviation Regiment are continuing with their cross-country training as part of their efforts to increase their proficiency.

In a statement Thursday, the Philippine Army (PA) said that the latest cross-country training took place last September 28 at the Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

Flying a Robinson R-44 helicopter, PA aviators 1st Lt. Rhona K. Salvacion and 1Lt. Mark Zimry A. Roldan departed from Fort Magsaysay, landed in Loakan Airport, Baguio City and successfully returned to Fort Magsaysay as part of their proficiency training in flying multipurpose helicopters.

"The training aims to enhance the flight and navigational proficiency of Army pilots as preparation for future missions. Currently, the PA owns three rotary assets for training and emergency purpose," said Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Army spokesperson.

Meanwhile, PA commander Lt. Gen. Andres C. Centino, commended the Army Aviation Regiment for its continuous efforts in its capability development which is part of its major programs.

"As we channel our efforts to eradicate local armed conflicts, training such as this is beneficial in defending and serving our people in times of disasters and other unforeseen events. Your PA will continue to extend its support to you and other units who are dedicated to enhancing our capabilities to serve the Filipino people better and keep them secured in their communities," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155150

Fixed terms for AFP execs to ensure continuity, stability: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): Fixed terms for AFP execs to ensure continuity, stability: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday welcomed the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 2376 which will provide fixed terms for officials holding senior positions and ranks in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"The Defense Department welcomes the passage of SBN (Senate Bill Number) 2376 in the Senate, which will provide fixed terms for military officials holding senior positions and ranks in the AFP. We thank the Senate for recognizing the urgency and necessity of this reform, which will finally end the revolving door system in the military leadership," Lorenzana said in a statement.

On Monday, the upper chamber approved on third and final reading SB 2376 also known as “An Act Strengthening Professionalism and Continuity of the Policies and Modernization Initiatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes".

"Like our lawmakers who unanimously passed SBN 2376, the DND firmly believes that the measure will not only allow for continuity, stability, and accountability in the AFP but will also ensure that only the most capable and competent are promoted to assume leadership positions," Lorenzana said.

Under the bill, the AFP chief-of-staff, vice chief-of-staff, the deputy chief-of-staff along with the heads of the Army, Air Force, Navy, unified command commanders, and the inspector general will be given a fixed term of three years.

Meanwhile, the head or superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy will be given a four-year tour of duty but is no longer eligible for any other position in the AFP and will be retired compulsorily after the conclusion of his term.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155165

DFA hits China's restriction on Pinoy fishermen in Scarborough

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): DFA hits China's restriction on Pinoy fishermen in Scarborough (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (File photo)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday has protested China's "incessant and unlawful" restriction imposed on Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal or the Bajo de Masinloc.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. instructed the DFA to file the government's diplomatic protest, noting that China has illegally restricted Filipino fishermen from conducting legitimate fishing activities in the area.

Scarborough Shoal, located 124 nautical miles off the coast of Masinloc, Zambales, is a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos and other nationals.

In a series of tweets, Locsin also ordered the filing of two protests on Chinese radio challenges "unlawfully issued against Philippine maritime patrols" and the continued presence of Chinese fishing vessels in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef.

The top diplomat, however, did not disclose further details about the latest Chinese incursions.

The fresh diplomatic protests follow a flurry of notes verbales lodged by the DFA early this year over Beijing's continued and increased presence within Philippine waters.

On Wednesday, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon, sponsor of the National Security Council's (NSC) 2022 budget, confirmed that some 150 Chinese fishing vessels were sighted in the West Philippine Sea.

Citing information from the NSC, Biazon said the vessels were "doing fishing operations, moving from one spot to another" in the area.

China, the Philippines, and several other littoral states have overlapping claims in the West Philippine Sea.

In a 2016 arbitral ruling, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Beijing's nine-dash line, a demarcation that covers almost 80 percent of the South China Sea, is illegal.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155162

PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty revisions 'tricky': Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty revisions 'tricky': Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The question on whether to revise or not the Philippines' 70-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States is tricky as it has security implications, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday,

"I go back to my previous question, is the MDT still relevant or does it need to be appropriated, replaced, or revised? This question is tricky as it has implications for the security of both parties and individually," he said during an online Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies forum titled "70 Years of the 1951 Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty".

Lorenzana also admitted that while the US is open to the idea of revisiting the MDT, an outside party is not.

"When I first brought up the idea of revisiting the MDT, a former Chinese ambassador came to me and said, please do not touch the MDT, leave it as it is. But the more important question is, how does the MDT fit in with the current situation in the region?" he said.

Signed on Aug. 30, 1951, the MDT is an accord that stipulates that the Philippines and the US would support each other if either of them were to be attacked by an external party.

Also, Lorenzana noted that the US has bilateral arrangements with other Asean countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, and to some extent with Taiwan and asked whether such arrangements are better than multilateral ones.

"Are bilateral agreements better than multilateral ones? Is it time to create a NATO-like arrangement? Not to prepare for war but to address the concerns previously enumerated. How does the newly formed alliance AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) fit into the large picture, will it contribute to peace and stability, or exacerbate current problems?" Lorenzana pointed out.

And at the micro-level, the DND chief said smaller countries will have to find a way to manage the relationship with China as it has disputes with most nations in the region.

"How would disputes in the South China Sea play out? What is the end game? President Xi Jin Ping during his last bilateral meeting with President Duterte said, in his words, ‘after the latter invoked the arbitral ruling’. And I quote, ‘Mr. President...I do not think we will resolve this issue in our lifetime, maybe our children or our grandchildren will have better solutions’. These words speak volumes on China’s strategy on the South China Sea," he added.

Lorenzana said many proposals were brought forward, such as joint management in the area, joint development of its resources, and turning it into a global commons, among others.

"But one thing is clear, the Chinese, having embedded themselves with the artificial islands, are not in a hurry for any resolution that is not in its favor. How do other states deal with this strategy?" he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155199

US looks forward to 'even more robust' ties with PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): US looks forward to 'even more robust' ties with PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The United States said it is committed to working with the Philippines in ensuring it has the capabilities to defend its interests against the backdrop of a rapid-changing security environment in the region.

"What we are seeing across the region and in the South China Sea are persistent actions that create a new threat to sovereignty and economic security," said Ambassador Jennifer Galt, senior foreign policy advisor to the US Indo-Pacific Command, at a forum hosted by the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) on Thursday.

"The United States is committed to working alongside the Philippines to ensure you have the necessary capabilities to defend your interests and to ensure collectively that our alliance has the capability to address new threats and challenges in the security environment," she added.

She said the two nations are currently working on a "joint vision statement" that would outline new priorities for the next phase of the US-Philippines alliance cooperation.

Marking the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Galt said the US looks forward to "even more robust ties" as she highlights the "highly relevant" relationship of Manila and Washington DC today.

"As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the MDT, we are on a positive path forward and the future of the alliance is bright," she said.

In the same forum, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Washington DC is also open to the idea of revisiting the MDT, a move supported by Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez who sought for a "refresh" in the Philippine-US defense alliance if it is to keep with the times.

READ: PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty revisions 'tricky': Lorenzana

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, meanwhile, believes it is the parties' actual political will and commitment that will make the MDT effective and credible, especially in the South China Sea.

He said the two nations must be able to clearly convey the message of enforcing the MDT to a third part aggressor in order to lessen the risk of a conflict.

"[W]e are of the view that the MDT can be made relevant in the South China Sea without the need of formal re-negotiation as to its text. The Philippines and the US need to continue their security dialogue to reach a common understanding on how the MDT will be applied in particular situations," he said.

The 1951 MDT is the country's oldest defense pact with another nation.

The Department of National Defense first floated the review calls in December 2018, citing the need to make the deal more relevant to the region’s changing security environment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155218

Duterte eyes US visit to thank gov't for vaccines

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): Duterte eyes US visit to thank gov't for vaccines (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte wants to visit the United States to personally thank their government for their donation of vaccines against Covid-19.

In a prerecorded public address, Duterte bared that the Philippines will be receiving an additional 5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines.

“Kasasabi lang ni Secretary Galvez at Secretary Duque na ang America nagbigay ng bago, 5 million [doses] (Secretary [Carlito] Galvez and Secretary [Francisco] Duque just informed me that America is giving us new doses, 5 million doses),” he said.

He did not mention the brand of the vaccine.

“Ang bait ng America. Baka pupunta ako doon (America is so generous. I might go there) just to thank the American government and the people,” he added.

Citing government data, Duterte said the country has received more than 71 million Covid-19 vaccine doses.

Of this number, around 46 million doses were purchased by the government, 16 million doses were coursed through the World Health Organization-COVAX facility, 5 million doses were purchased by local government units, and more than 3.6 million doses were donated by other countries.

The Philippines has administered more than 45 million Covid-19 vaccines doses, of which over 21 million are fully vaccinated.

In his final State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) in July, Duterte said he would not visit the US, one of the country's oldest allies.

"I have not been to America, almost 10 years, 22 years, I have not visited America and I do not have any intention of visiting anymore," Duterte said.

Last August, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque admitted that the vaccine donations from the US may be one of the reasons Duterte decided to keep the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“The President considered the totality of the recent situation and thorough assessment [of the agreement] based on national interest. By considering the totality of the circumstances, there is a good possibility that it was factored in the situation,” Roque said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155261

Female NPA officer yields to Leyte cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): Female NPA officer yields to Leyte cops (By Sarwell Meniano)

SURRENDERED. Alias "Claire" hands over a short firearm to Capt. Ricci Nikki Emmanuel Detruz of the Eastern Visayas police regional mobile force company on Wednesday (Sept. 29, 2021) in Carigara, Leyte. She surrendered to policemen after week-long negotiations. (Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police)

A female ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Leyte surrendered on Wednesday as the government heightened its drive against the communist terrorist group, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday.

In Carigara, Leyte, alias "Claire", 28, a native of General MacArthur, Eastern Samar, surrendered to operatives of the PNP Regional Mobile Force Company and PNP Regional and Provincial Intelligence Units.

She turned over a caliber .9mm pistol with one magazine assembly loaded with eight ammunition.

Claire was a member of Caloy platoon under the command of NPA’s Eastern Visayas sub-regional front committee and joined the movement in 2011 when she was 18 years old.

She served as education, medical, finance, liaison, intelligence officer, and squad vice commander.

“She surrendered after a series of negotiations that started as early as Sept. 10, 2021 through intensified joint efforts of PNP units. She could no longer bear the hardships she experienced with the rebel group. She also longed to be with her three children and want to send them to school,” the PNP said in its report sent to journalists.

Carigara town has been the center of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign in Leyte after the NPA managed to recruit new members by organizing the Municipal Upland Farmers Association in Carigara in 2016.

There are still less than 20 NPA remnants hiding in the town’s thick forest as of mid-2021, according to the military.

The town is about 48 kilometers northwest of this regional capital. It is a second-class town with a population of over 54,000.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is 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/1155181

Lady NPA exec, 3 other rebels killed in Negros clash

 From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 30, 2021): Lady NPA exec, 3 other rebels killed in Negros clash (By Glazyl Masculino)

Four suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a high-ranking official were killed in a clash with the local police and the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental on Thursday, Sept. 30.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), identified one of the casualties as Marilyn Badayos, an alleged head of finance and taxation responsible for extortion activities, and former secretary of the SouthEastern Front based in Negros Oriental.

Pasaporte said the three other fatalities remain unidentified.

Pasaporte said Badayos was previously arrested in Siaton, Negros Oriental in 2016, after she was linked to an ambush in the province that claimed the life of a soldier in Bais City in 2014.

Badayos was also linked to the ambush in Candoni, Negros Occidental that resulted in the killing of two policemen in 2016.

Badayos was also arrested here in 2011 by virtue of an arrest warrant for rebellion.

However, Pasaporte said that Badayos was able to post bail for the said offenses.

Authorities recovered from the encounter site a .38 caliber, a .45 caliber, two grenades, cellular phones, flash drives, and subversive documents.

Pasaporte said these rebels were believed to be the same armed men that were encountered by the soldiers in Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental on August 20, 2021 that resulted in the death of one soldier, and two rebels, including a high-ranking official of Northern Negros Front – Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/30/lady-npa-exec-3-other-rebels-killed-in-negros-clash/

4 government troopers killed in Agusan NPA attack

From the Philippine Star (Sep 30, 2021): 4 government troopers killed in Agusan NPA attack (Ben Serrano)

Three soldiers of the 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) and a militiaman were killed in an attack by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Maraiging in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte yesterday.

Second Lt. Roselyn Matulac, 29th IB spokesman, said around 30 members of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee fired at government troopers providing security to the construction of a farm-to-market road.

Three communist rebels were arrested following a brief firefight. An M16 rifle was recovered at the scene.

Matulac withheld the identity of the fatalities pending notification of their family members.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/09/30/2130644/4-government-troopers-killed-agusan-npa-attack

NPA torches Bulacan tourist site, demands 'revolutionary tax'

From the Manila Times (Sep 30, 2021): NPA torches Bulacan tourist site, demands 'revolutionary tax' (By Frederick Silverio)

The Philippine National Police confirmed on Wednesday some 30 members of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels raided a tourist spot in Mount Balagabag in the City of San Jose del Monte on Monday night.

According to LtCol. Julius Alvaro, acting city chief of police, the rebels burned down several equipment and a nipa hut where tourists and bikers frequently visit to enjoy the mountain view.

Alvaro said the arson incident was perpetrated by armed men believed to be led by a certain "Ka Boyong" of Platun Uno GF Narciso.

Alvaro said the property is owned by Ernesto Sanchez and Robert Robes, who allegedly failed to pay a "revolutionary tax" to the NPA.

According to Alvaro, the group of Ka Boyong gathered the people in one place before intentionally burning the nipa hut, one generator set and destroying the water source owned by Sanchez.

"The said group left the scene 15 minutes after they set fire to the above-stated properties," Alvaro said. "No one was hurt."

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/30/news/regions/npa-torches-bulacan-tourist-site-demands-revolutionary-tax/1816554

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Buwis sa yaman ng mga bilyunaryo, ipinanukala sa Kongreso

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 29, 2021): Buwis sa yaman ng mga bilyunaryo, ipinanukala sa Kongreso

ANG BAYAN | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Ipinanukala ng mga kinatawan ng blokeng Makabayan noong nakaraang linggo ang House Bill No. 10253 para patawan ng karagdagang buwis ang pinakamayayamang kapitalistang mayroong hindi bababa sa ₱1 bilyong halaga ng ari-arian. Nakasaad sa panukala na bubuwisan ng 1% ang pag-aari ng mga kapitalistang may halaang ₱1 bilyon, habang tig-2% at 3% naman ang may ari-ariang higit sa ₱2 bilyon at ₱3 bilyon.

Ayon sa mga kongresista, umaabot sa ₱236.7 bilyon ang maaaring malikom ng estado kada taon mula pa lamang sa buwis sa 50 pinakamayayamang kapitalista sa bansa. Anila, sa loob ng mahabang panahon, buwis sa mga produktong pangkonsumo na pinapapasan sa mamamayan ang ipinapataw ng estado, habang ni minsan ay hindi ito nagpataw ng buwis sa yaman ng mga kapitalista. Layunin ng panukala na tugunan ang lumalawak na agwat sa pagitan ng pinakamayayaman at pinakamahihirap sa bansa na lalong umigting sa panahon ng pandemyang Covid-19.

Sa kasagsagan ng pandemya noong nakaraanga taon, lumaki nang 30% tungong ₱4 trilyon ang kabuuang yaman ng 50 pinakamayayamang Pilipino, habang 17 sa kanila ang nakapasok sa listahan ng Forbes ng pinakamayayamang kapitalista sa buong mundo. Nasa 0.8% lamang ng mga pamilyang Pilipino na kumikita nang ₱140,000 hanggang ₱8 milyon kada buwan ang inaasahang maaapektuhan ng batas. Sa kabilang banda, 29% ng mga pamilyang Pilipino ang nabubuhay sa badyet na ₱10,000 o mas mababa pa kada buwan. Patuloy na binabarat ang sahod ng mga manggagawa samantalang patuloy na tumataas ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/buwis-sa-yaman-ng-mga-bilyunaryo-ipinanukala-sa-kongreso/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Partido, nagparangal kay Bien Lumbera, pambansa-demokratikong alagad ng sining

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 29, 2021): Partido, nagparangal kay Bien Lumbera, pambansa-demokratikong alagad ng sining

ANG BAYAN | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Nakidalamhati ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, kasama ang sambayanang Pilipino, sa pagkamatay noong Setyembre 28 ni Bienvenido Lumbera, makata, mandudula, kritikong pangkultura at pampanitikan at guro, Pambansang Alagad ng Sining at aktibistang pambansa-demokratiko.

Isang malaking kawalan sa pambansa demokratikong kilusang pangkultura ang pagpanaw ni Ka Bien, ayon sa Partido. Malaki ang kanyang ambag sa teorya at praktika ng kultura ng sambayanang Pilipino sa anyo ng kanyang mga tula, dula, sanaysay at kritisismo. Marami siyang ginabayang progresibo at rebolusyonaryong artista ng bayan.

BIlang artista at manunulat, isinulong ni Ka Bien ang estetikong Pilipino, pagsusulat ng mga Pilipinong paksa, at pagpapalaim at pagsasalin sa paniitkan mula sa mga rehiyon at mga wikang lokal. Kabilang sa kanyang mga akda ang Philippine Literature: A History Anthology; Abot-Tanaw: Mga Sulyap at Suri sa Nagbabagong Kultura at Lipunan; Writing the Nation, Pag-akda ng Bansa; at Poetika/Politika: Tinipong mga Tula.

Matatag na nanindigan si Ka Bien para sa interes ng sambayanang Pilipino laban sa dominanteng kulturang burgis at pyudal na pinalalaganap ng mga mapagsamantala at mapang-api. Nanindigan siya laban sa tiraniya — mula sa diktadurang US-Marcos hanggang sa pasismo ng rehimen ni Rodrigo Duterte.

Si Ka Bien ay isang masigasig na organisador at aktibistang pangkultura. Nakita ang kahalagahan ng mga manggagawa sa kultura sa pagsusulong ng kilusang masa at sa rebolusyon sa lipunan. Noong dekada 1960, nagsilbi siyang tagapangulo ng tanyag na grupong Panulat para sa Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan (PAKSA). Sa mga nakaraang taon, nagsilbi rin siyang tagapangulo ng Concerned Artists of the Philippines.

Si Ka BIen, kilala bilang Professor Lumbera sa karamihan, ay hinirang ng gubyerno ng Pilipinas noong 2006 na isang Pambansang Alagad ng Sining para sa Literatura. Nahirang din siya bilang katang-tanging mamamahayag ng Ramon Magsasaysay Awards.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/partido-nagparangal-kay-bien-lumbera-pambansa-demokratikong-alagad-ng-sining/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagtortyur sa dalawang mandirigma, kinundena

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 29, 2021): Pagtortyur sa dalawang mandirigma, kinundena

ANG BAYAN | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Tinuligsa ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Benguet ang mahigit isang buwang iligal na lihim na pagkukulong at sikolohikal na tortyur sa mag-asawang Ricca Llanes at Daniel Ladawan, Jr., mag-asawa, na dinukot ng militar noon pang Agosto 7.

Ang mag-asawa ay kapwa mandirigma ng BHB na bumibisita noon sa kanilang mga kamag-anak. Hinuli sila na walang mandamyento de aresto. Nilinlang ng mga ahente ng AFP ang pamilya ng mag-asawang mandirigma upang “makipagtulungan” sa pangakong “lilinisin” nito ang mga pangalan ng kanilang kaanak. Pangako ng AFP, agad ding makauuwi sa kanilang pamilya ang dalawa.

Halos dalawang buwan nang itinatago ang mag-asawa sa hedkwarters ng 503rd IB sa Calanan, Tabuk City, Kalinga. Hindi kinikilala ang kanilang mga karapatan bilang mga detenido o bilang mga bilanggo-sa-digma. Pinagkakait ang kanilang karapatan na magkaroon ng kanilang piniling abugado para kumatawan sa kanila. Hindi pa rin sila inihaharap sa korte.

Ang matagalang detensyon at kawalan ng representasyon ay labag ito kahit sa reaksyunaryong mga batas.

Kinundena ng BHB-Benguet ang pag-aresto at iligal na detensyon at nanawagan para sa kagyat na pagpapalaya sa dalawa. Hinimok rin ng yunit ng BHB ang mga kaibigan at kamag-anak ng dalawa na igiit sa militar na palayain na sina Llanes at Ladawan.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pagtortyur-sa-dalawang-mandirigma-kinundena/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Aerial bombing sa Cagayan at Northern Samar, kinundena ng mga residente

Ang Bayan Daily News and Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 29, 2021): Aerial bombing sa Cagayan at Northern Samar, kinundena ng mga residente

ANG BAYAN | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Mariing kinundena ng Taripnong Cagayan Valley, asosasyon na nagtataguyod sa kagalingan ng mga taga-Cagayan Valley, ang paghuhulog ng Philippie Airforce ng mga bomba sa Barangay Dungeg, Sta. Teresita, Cagayan noong Setyembre 21. Ayon sa grupo, perwisyo at pagwawaldas ng pera ang pambobomba.

Pinangangambahan din ng mga residente rito ang maaaaring idudulot na pinsala ng mga bomba sa kanilang mga sakahan at kabuhayan. Ayon sa mga residente, madaling araw nang magising sila sa malakas na ugong ng mga eroplanong pandigma at mga pagsabog.

Ang paghuhulog ng bomba ay isinagawa ng mga elemento ng 501st IB na noo’y nanghahalihaw sa lugar. Bahagi umano ito sa “clearing operations” matapos nilang maka-engkwentro ang isang yunit ng BHB.

Samantala, binulabog din ng aerial bombing at istraping ang mga residente ng San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar noong Setyembre 16. Nirindi rin sila ng mga pagsabog ng kanyon. Dahil sa takot na tamaan, pansamantalang nagbakwit ang mga residente sa kalapit na baryo.

Sa ulat ng lokal na yunit ng BHB, anim na bomba ang inihulog ng FA-50 fighter jet kasabay ng istraping mula alas-3 ng madaling araw hanggang alas-10 ng umaga.Hindi bababa sa walong helicopter ang naghatid sa mag-ooperasyong mga tropa sa lugar. Inaalam pa ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang halaga ng nasira ng mga bomba na mga sakahan sa lugar. Walang napinsalaang yunit ng BHB.

Nagkaroon din ng kasabay na operasyong kombat sa Jipapad, Eastern Samar. Isang linggo bago ang operasyon, gabi-gabing nagpapalipad ang AFP ng mga surveillance drone sa erya at sa kasunod na mga barangay.

Sa pahayag ng National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas, sinabi nitong walang kakayahan ang makabagong kagamitan at mga “smart” bomb ng AFP sa pagtukoy kung sino ang sa armado at hindi armado. Anito, Ang mga operasyong ito ay desperadong tangka ng PTF-ELCAC na maitulak ang kanilang proyekto sa Barangay San Francisco. Noong Setyembre 1, nagbanta ang mga elemento ng PTF-ELCAC na “gagawin nilang Marawi ang Las Navas”.

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https://cpp.ph/angbayan/aerial-bombing-sa-cagayan-at-northern-samar-kinundena-ng-mga-residente/