‘NPA weakened via NTF-ELCAC’

From the Manila Standard (Dec 19, 2021): ‘NPA weakened via NTF-ELCAC’ (By Joel E. Zurbano)

The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has successfully dismantled guerilla fronts and weakened the forces of the New People’s Army (NPA), through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, also vice chairman of the NTF-ELCAC, said this as he stressed Filipinos in areas which used to be NPA-infested areas has begun to enjoy development and peace and order.

As the NTF-ELCAC celebrates its third year, Esperon reported what he said as “the significant weakening of the Communist Party of the Philippines and NPA (CPP-NPA).

For this year alone, Esperon said the NTF-ELCAC, with the help of the Regional Task Force-ELCAC and law enforcement agencies, was able to dismantle 10 guerilla fronts and weakened 14 other fronts nationwide. “As the NTF-ELCAC celebrates its 3rd year anniversary, I am proud to declare that we have accomplished substantial and considerable gains in defeating the Communist Terrorist Group. I wish to underscore this as I, the Vice Chair of the NTF-ELCAC, as I have witnessed firsthand the improvement in the lives of our people, notably in conflicted communities,” Esperon said.

“This we have achieved through the twin strategies of peace and order initiatives couples with socio-economic and development intervention programs,” he added.

On December 4, 2018 President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 70 or Institutionalizing the while-of-nation approach in attaining the sustainable peace, creating the NTF-ELCAC.

Part of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 is to attain inclusive and sustainable peace through intensified development and other peace-building initiatives in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.

The NTF-ELCAC has launched Serbisyo Caravans and Barangay Development Program (BDP) which main purpose is to help barangays, formerly under the influence of NPA, to live normal and have development.

Under the BDP, chosen barangays or 822 nationwide, is receiving each P20 million worth of projects including farm-to-market roads, school building, barangay halls, water sanitation, livelihood and even financial assistance to the indigents.

Esperon said these communities, formerly affected by the Communist Terrorist Group, are now made beneficiaries to development initiatives of the government and experiencing a life of peace and better life.

Also Esperon said that through the initiatives of the NTF-ELCAC, about 3,488 NPA members have returned to the folds of the law since 2019 together with 19,000 militias and underground members.

“The progress of these communities are anchored upon a Whole of Nation Approach for their return to normalcy and upliftment. Without a doubt, the aspirations for a peace and productive life have been realized in many parts of the country,” he said.

He is confident that the hold of the CPP NPA NDF over its unwitting victims is now coming to an end.

“The coming collapse of the CPP-NPA-NDF can be attributed to a number of factors, but most importantly, our people now see through the group’s deceit and self-serving ideology. We at the NTF-ELCAC take pride in the chance to participate in this opportunity for nation-building.”

“We take it to heart that millions of Filipinos have benefitted from this national program, and we look forward to its fulfillment through the Whole of Nation Approach we have undertaken throughout its three years of implementation,” he added.

https://manilastandard.net/news/314022832/npa-weakened-via-ntf-elcac.html

15 acquitted in Inopacan ‘traveling skeletons’ case

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 19, 2021): 15 acquitted in Inopacan ‘traveling skeletons’ case (By: Dexter Cabalza)

A Manila court has junked multiple murder charges against several consultants to the aborted peace talks who were tagged as high-ranking officers of the Communist Party of the Philippines and accused of mass killings in Inopacan, Leyte province, in 2006, in what has been called the case of “traveling skeletons.”

In its 97-page order dated Dec. 16 and made public on Saturday, the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 32 granted the demurrers to evidence separately filed by eight of the more than 30 accused, after finding that the prosecution failed to prove that they were involved in the killings.

Among those cleared of 15 counts of murder were former lawmaker Satur Ocampo; National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultants Rafael Baylosis, Adelberto Silva and Vicente Ladlad; former Mayor Exuperio Lloren of Jagna town, Bohol; and farmers Norberto Murillo, Dario Tomada and Oscar Belleza.

Also acquitted were peace consultants Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, Felomino Salazar, Presillano Beringel, Luzviminda Orillo, Muco Lubong and Felix Dumali.

The court ordered the release of all the accused currently in detention, unless they had arrest warrants for other charges.

The court earlier dropped from the list of accused NDFP consultants Bernabe Ocasla (who died while in detention in November 2016 at 66 years old); Randall Echanis, (who was killed in August last year at 72), and Jaime Soledad (who was set free in 2011 to continue the then-ongoing peace talks).

‘Contrarities, infirmities’

The cases were formerly heard by the RTC Branch 18 in Hilongos, Leyte. But the Supreme Court ordered them transferred to Manila in 2008 where they were raffled off to Manila RTC Branch 32.

In granting the demurrer, Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina found “overwhelming contrarieties and infirmities in the testimonies of the prosecution’s witnesses.”

The prosecution presented 32 witnesses, including National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., then chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, relatives of the 15 victims and individuals who claimed to be former members of the New People’s Army.

According to them, the 15 victims were among the hundreds summarily executed by the communist rebels as part of their efforts “to cleanse” their ranks of military infiltrators in “Operation Venereal Disease” in the 1980s.

Mass grave

A mass grave of the supposed victims was uncovered on Aug. 26 to Aug. 29, 2006, at Mt. Sapang Dako in Barangay Kaulisihan, Inopacan town.

According to the court, Dr. Mamerto Bernabe, the forensic pathologist from the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory, admitted that he examined the skeletal remains found in the mass grave but “did not conclusively identify any of these bones as belonging to a particular person.”

It also noted that the prosecution was unable to prove through DNA tests that the skeletal remains belonged to any of the 15 victims.

The court also gave weight to the assertion of the defense lawyers that some of the skeletal remains in Inopacan were inexplicably found on June 27 to June 28, 2000, in mass graves at Barangay Monterico, Baybay town, also in Leyte province, about 10 kilometers away.
‘Impossible’

Among the supposed victims in the Baybay case were Concepcion Aragon, Juanita Aviola and Gregorio Eras, who were also said to be among the 15 victims buried in Inopacan.

The Baybay multiple murder case was dismissed by RTC Branch 18 in 2005.

“Of course, logic dictates that these eventualities cannot or are impossible to happen unless these skeletal remains, as conjured by the defense, were exhumed in one place and thereafter, transferred and/or buried in another,” the court said.

The prosecution did not present forensic evidence or other evidence, such as a death certificate or declaration of presumptive death, the court said.
‘Palpably unreliable’

It found that the testimonies of the witnesses were “palpably unreliable” due to “overwhelmingly numerous” contradictions.

The Public Interest Law Center (PILC), which represented some of the accused, welcomed the decision, saying the acquittals were an early Christmas gift.

“We are delighted that the court has well-taken our consistent position that these cases are trumped-up, arguably part of an elaborate ploy to vilify our clients,” the PILC said in a statement. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1529361/15-acquitted-in-inopacantraveling-skeletons-case

Surrender of 12 combatants signals downfall of BIFF –Army

Posted to GMA News Online (Dec 18, 2021): Surrender of 12 combatants signals downfall of BIFF –Army

The military claimed Saturday that the surrender of 12 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) combatants is another major setback to the renegade group.

In a press release, the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army said that the 12 BIFF members had surrendered to local government leaders of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao and Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central) forces and were presented at the Headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on the morning of December 17, 2021.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central and the 6th ID, disclosed that the surrender of the 12 combatants was realized through the joint efforts of the community and Local Government Unit of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao; military forces coming from the 1st Mechanized Battalion and 6th Infantry Battalion; and police forces coming from PPO-Maguindanao and PRO-BARMM.

“The 12 former BIFF combatants belong to Bungos-Faction who likewise turned over 10 high-powered firearms which includes one (1) Cal .50 Machine Gun, one (1) 5.56mm M16 Ultimax Rifle, our (4) 7.62mm M14 Rifles, one (1) Mauser Sniper Rifle, and three (3) 7.62mm Sniper Rifles,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, Commander of 1st Mechized Brigade .

The former BIFF combatants are set to receive livelihood assistance and packages based on their based their respective needs as part of the AGILA-HAVEN Program of Maguindanao Province.

For this year alone, the program has catered to almost 300 former BIFF and Daulah Islamiya members who have decided to return to the folds of the law in Maguindanao Province.

“Our efforts along with the community and the LGU prove to be effective, as influx of surrenders has been recorded in Maguindanao. The AGILA-HAVEN Program and the relentless focused military operation of the JTF Central forces gave these former BIFF and DI members the realization that peace is a better option together with their families,” stressed by Maj. Gen. Uy while continuing the call to the remaining BIFF and DI members who are still in hiding to surrender and lay down their arms.

The 12 former BIFF combatants are under the custody of JTF Central for de-briefing and processing of their JAPIC prior to being enrolled under the AGILA-HAVEN Program. —LBG, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/815061/surrender-of-12-combatants-signals-downfall-of-biff-army/story/

MILF: LGU Gensan conducts awarding ceremony for Musabaqah Ammah 2021 winners

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 16, 2021): LGU Gensan conducts awarding ceremony for Musabaqah Ammah 2021 winners (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)



The Local Government Unit of General Santos City conducted the awarding ceremony for the winners of Musabaqah Ammah 2021: Academic and Classroom Competitions last Tuesday (December 7, 2021) at Maahad Shar-ie Al Islamie in Camasi Barangay Ligaya.

The academic competition included Nasheed, Khitabah, Azan and Reading Qur-an. It was conducted virtually and in limited face-to-face set-up.

In the classroom competition 45 Madaris joined and showcased their improved classroom facilities with the respective learning materials inside.

Musabaqah is an annual event of Madaris in General Santos City whose main objective is to entice the learners to study hard and excel both in the academic and athletic fields.

Introduced in 2020 due to the restriction brought by health protocol, the classroom competition aims to encourage the Asatidz, parents and stakeholders to develop their classrooms.

“It is one way of motivating our Madaris stakeholders to participate in improving the Madrasah facilities,” said Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, Division head of City Mayor’s Office-Integrated Cultural Communities Affairs Division (CMO-ICCAD).

CMO-ICCAD is the unit of LGU-Gensan that implements various programs and projects of the Indigenous Peoples and Muslim constituents of the city.

Winners received cash prizes and certificates of recognition. Outstanding presenters of classroom competition were also recognized.

The teachers of Arabic Literacy and Islamic Values Education were also tapped to coach in the production of learning materials and in improving classroom arrangement.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2414/lgu-gensan-conducts-awarding-ceremony-for-musabaqah-ammah-2021-winners

MILF: WIM-RAMP undergoes training on mediation approaches

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 16, 2021): WIM-RAMP undergoes training on mediation approaches (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)


Photo courtesy of UNDP

The Women Insider Mediators – Rapid Action and Mobilization Platform (WIM-RAMP) underwent Training on Mediation Approaches last November 4-8, 2021 at Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City as part of the efforts to capacitate the Bangsamoro and IP women on their role in peace-building.
The Mediators Network for Sustainable Peace (MedNet), a non-governmental organization with expertise in facilitating conflict settlement through mediation and providing training on mediation, facilitated the activity.

 
The participants, comprised of Moro and IP women leaders from the Bangsamoro and IP communities learned about negotiation, framing and reframing issues, co-mediation and caucus.

They also learned harmony, narrative and transformative mediation and the qualities and ethical dilemmas of mediators.

WIM-RAMP is an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme and Bangsamoro Women’s Commission.

The group has committed to work towards strengthening the role of women in building peaceful and resilience communities in the Bangsamoro through changing attitudes and behaviors that promote conflict and violence,

creating spaces for dialogue and mediation for peaceful resolution of conflicts, facilitating rapid response for the prevention of violence, and enhancing participation and leadership of women in local peace processes.

More than twenty IP and Moro women leaders joined the activity. They look forward on applying the learnings they gained from the training to help strengthen community peace.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2416/wim-ramp-undergoes-training-on-mediation-approaches-

MILF: MTIT shares programs, services in promoting trade, investments, and tourism in the Bangsamoro

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 15, 2021): MTIT shares programs, services in promoting trade, investments, and tourism in the Bangsamoro (By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)



The Director General of Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT), Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo shared the ministry’s program and services in promoting trade, industry, and tourism in the new Bangsamoro region during the 29th episode of the Kaularan sa Bangsamoro hosted by Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN) Inc. last Wednesday, December 08, 2021.

Alonto-Sinarimbo said the MTIT is one of the unique ministries in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“If you could remember, before the establishment of Bangsamoro government, we have separate departments, these were the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism, and Board of Investments, but in today’s Bangsamoro government, the three major offices and agencies joined forces to form a ministry and that’s the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism,” she narrated.

The director-general mentioned about the Eco Zone Development and Freeport of Polloc in which it is under the ministry’s supervision. “It [MTIT] is quite wide in scope and one of the ‘super ministries’ of the Bangsamoro,” she pronounced.

Alonto-Sinarimbo said that the mandate of MTIT is based on the R.A. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law where the ministry is given twenty six (26) enumerated powers derived from the national and was assigned in the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism.

“The mandate is said to be “About the Trade, Investments, and Tourism, and the Ecozone Development,” she underscored.

Citing the ministry’s major programs she said, “The function of the DTI passed to the MTIT, firstly, the registration of the business name or renewing of business names. We are also monitoring the process of primary products and commodities, because the unprocessed and fresh products are being handled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR).”

“Aside from that we have Negosyo Centers spread in the Region, right now it has reached seventeen (17) Negosyo Centers. These centers with the partnership with the Local Government Units and few of the services of MTIT will be seen inside of these centers,” she said.

The director-general said there is no need to go to the MTIT’s regional or provincial office since Negosyo Centers are present in the partner municipalities. “That’s what we intend to do and to build more— Negosyo Centers to be replicated in the ground—in the municipal level or even in the barangay level,” she added.

Alonto-Sinarimbo said under the Industry Cluster Development Program where our winning products-- industries are being promoted in the region like the rubber in Basilan, Abaka in Lanao Del Sur, sea weeds for Tawi-Tawi, Coffee in Sulu in which it is very famous, and palm oil and coconut for Maguindanao.

“Accreditation of tourism establishments and for investments we are assisting the major investments in where they’ll deposit their capital in the Bangsamoro and we will pass it to Bangsamoro Board of Investments, because they’re our incentive giving body that approves the incentives of these huge entrepreneurs in our region,” DG Rosslaini narrated.

She further conveyed that they have Polloc port as Freeport which is still being improved. It is the only one in the entire region where we have an Economic zone at the same time Freeport and that’s the one, shall we say, which welcomes our investors; they could deposit a capital and transport their goods in our ports.”

“Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority, they’re the ones who declare— assist our investors if they want to locate in the Bangsamoro,” Alonto-Sinarimbo added.

She said, “Tawi-Tawi is leading in the seaweeds production, in fact the region is leading with the combined Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Maguindanao, and Sulu production, we’re number one producer of seaweeds in the entire country but how do we convert the seaweeds in a sum of money? We need the right process with standard.”

The director-general mentioned the ministries they work together with other ministries in conducting some of their services like the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) for production, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) for research and technology and preservation of food, Ministry of Health (MOH) for the issuance of License to Operate.

For tourism, she said the MTIT partnered with the PNP Security Sector, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) for linkages in terms of variety of vehicles that tourists could use, and Ministry of Public Works (MPW) for the construction of roads in order to accommodate tourist spots in the region.

She also shared the Networking Investment for Local Executives citing, “It’s a duty and an obligation of a LGU not only to protect its people, but to promote investments because through investments, through establishment of businesses small, or large, medium, this helps in creating jobs for our citizens and LGUs want their businesses to flourish, because this is not just promotion of their places, but an income to an LGU.”

According to Alonto-Sinarimbo, the ministry also held a photo contests harnessing the beauty of the region in promotion of tourism. The output of the participants were uploaded in their social media account and gained a lot of attention. The ministry also conducted a few training sessions for the Local Government Units on how to manage these tourist spots.

She also shared the TOP-COP Program which started from the province of Tawi-tawi. This program is training for what they call Tourism Police. This program is to ensure the Peace and Security of the province, “We’re preparing Tawi-Tawi for the influx of tourists,” as the Tawi-Tawi provided establishments and resorts and is now gaining the attention of the tourists.

The director-general further shared their program for producers like coffee farmers by training them on the right selection of beans and actual product processing to improve product quality that will help increase their income.

The MTIT executive discouraged reliance to block grant or IRA. “We could only get the other incomes if our businesses flourish, be it tourism, small scale and medium enterprises of food processing, services, trading, and manufacturing. These are the potential that we observe in the Bangsamoro in order to attain income generating through revenues. If there will be businesses it will translate into a job for our people,” she explained.

She looks forward on strengthening and promoting the region as Halal hub and barter trading which is also a promising industry.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2413/mtit-shares-programs--services-in-promoting-trade--investments--and-tourism-in-the-bangsamoro

MILF: Equal Access International – Philippines congratulates Moros with special, distinctive awards

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 15, 2021): Equal Access International – Philippines congratulates Moros with special, distinctive awards (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)


Photos courtesy of EAI-Philippines

Equal Access International (EAI) – Philippines and the OURmindaNOW family congratulated four (4) Moro individuals who recently received distinctive awards for their contributions to peace-building in Mindanao.

The four awardees are Nishreen Hashim, Raydan Tangwayan, Bangsamoro Youth Commission Nasserudin Dunding.

Hashim is a Grand Champion of the Bangsamoro Peace Champion 2021 awarded by BARMM’s Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS). He is one of the EAI-Philippines’ Peace Promotion Fellowship alumna from its pioneering batch in 2019 and has actively campaign on preventing and countering violent extremism.

Tangwayan is one of the UNESCO Club’s 2021 Outstanding Young Professional in the Philippines. He is EAI’s Tech Camp alumnus from the UP2Youth Project in 2019 and the composer and voice behind the OURmindaNOW jingle.

Commissioner Dunding is also one of UNESCO Club’s 2021 Outstanding Young Professional in the Philippines and a member of OURmindaNOW’s Kutawato Regional Messaging Hub through the Bangsamoro Youth Commission. The young commissioner is one of EAI’s prime partners in youth empowerment in the Bangsamoro region.

EEAI-Philippines cited the awardees for being models in their communities and the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

The organization is an international non-profit organization supporting vulnerable countries and communities to drive social change by providing critically needed information and education through combining interactive media programming. (Source: EAI-Philippines)

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2415/equal-access-international-----philippines-congratulates-moros-with-special--distinctive-awards

CPP/NDF-PKM: Magsasaka-gardinero, magkaisa! Labanan ang kahirapan, kagutuman, at kapabayaan ng gobyerno!

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 18, 2021): Magsasaka-gardinero, magkaisa! Labanan ang kahirapan, kagutuman, at kapabayaan ng gobyerno!

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID-IFUGAO

December 18, 2021


Malaking pagkalugi na naman ang kinalaharap ng mga magsasaka ng highland vegetables sa Cordillera sa kasalukuyan dahil sa sobrang baba ng presyo ng gulay sa mga malalaking trading post tulad ng La Trinidad Trading Post at Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Trading Center. Umaabot ng tatlo hanggang limang piso kada kilo ng gulay ang bili ng malalaking middleman sa mga gardinero, ngunit nananatiling mataas ang presyo ng gulay sa mga palengke, at nananatili ring mataas ang presyo ng mga agricultural input na kinakailangan sa pagtatanim ng gulay. Ang sabi ng Department Agriculture, ang mababang presyo ng mga gulay ay dahil sa pagpasok ng mga gulay mula sa ibang bansa tulad ng China, at wala raw kontrol ang gobyerno dito. Liban pa sa pagkalugi dahil sa pagmamanipula ng malalaking kartel ng gulay sa presyo ng mga produkto, kinakaharap din natin ang malakihang pagkasira ng ating mga pananim dahil sa mga magkakasunod na bagyo, at wala man lang tayong nakuhang ayuda mula sa gobyerno.

Ang ganitong lugmok na kalagayan nating mga magsasaka ay dagdag sa pahirap na nararamdaman ng taumbayan. Ngayong naka-lockdown ang maraming lugar bansa, tiyak na gutom ang kakaharapin ng mamamayan. Ang ating mga pinagpagurang pananim na gulay ay nasisira at nasasayang lang dahil wala naman tayong kakayahang ibenta ang mga ito sa sobrang mababang presyo. Isang malaking kabalintunaan na tayong mga magsasaka ang nagtatanim upang pakainin ang buong bansa, ngunit tayo ang nakakaranas ng matinding gutom at kahirapan. Lalo pang nakakagalit na bilyun-bilyong pondo mula sa kaban ng bayan ang kinukurakot ni Duterte at ng kanyang mga kroni ngayong panahon ng pandemya at matinding krisis pang-ekonomya.

Mga kababayan, huwag nating hayaang manatili ang lugmok nating kalagayan. Magkaisa tayong labanan ang lahat ng porma at pagsasamantala sa ating mga magsasaka. Suportahan at lumahok sa armadong pakikibaka na inilulunsad ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Wala tayong ibang paraan upang baguhin ang ating kalagayan kundi ang makibaka para sa demokrasya at kalayaan.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/18/magsasaka-gardinero-magkaisa-labanan-ang-kahirapan-kagutuman-at-kapabayaan-ng-gobyerno/

CPP: Mobilize the people in the wake of typhoon Odette’s destruction

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 18, 2021): Mobilize the people in the wake of typhoon Odette’s destruction

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

December 18, 2021

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) extends its sympathies to the millions of people who suffered the devastation wrought by supertyphoon Odette in Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao regions and in Palawan island. Thousands upon thousands of homes, agricultural fields, fishing boats, and other sources of livelihood were destroyed or severely damaged.

The toiling masses are the most grievously affected, especially the fisherfolk, the small peasants and farm workers. The destruction brought about by the typhoon has worsened their grave socioeconomic conditions and will surely bring worse poverty and hunger.

The Party calls on all revolutionary and patriotic forces to organize and mobilize the people to carry out relief and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of widespread destruction wrought by supertyphoon Odette. The Party urges people not affected by the typhoon’s destruction, as well as overseas Filipinos, and progressive and revolutionary organizations abroad, to extend all possible resources and assistance to the millions who lost their homes and livelihood.

The Party instructs units of the New People’s Army (NPA) to organize and mobilize the masses in the areas of devastation to collectively rise up from the disaster at the soonest possible time. The NPA must immediately form teams to help in the reconstruction of homes and in repairing dikes and farm plots, as well as to attend to the people’s health.

In addition to performing these social duties, the NPA must also help the peasant masses amplify their demand for reducing or suspending land rent and cancellation of debts, and for urgent state subsidies to help them recover from their losses.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/18/mobilize-the-people-in-the-wake-of-typhoon-odettes-destruction/

CPP/NPA-Negros: The truth on Ka Kelly’s murder

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 16, 2021): The truth on Ka Kelly’s murder

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-NEGROS

December 16, 2021

The New People’s Army-Negros Island Apolinario Gatmaitan Command condemns to the highest terms the brutal murder of Florida “Ka Kelly” Ceballos and her companion, Wilfredo Fuentes, by bloodthirsty troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion under the 303rd Brigade, Philippine Army.

We would like to make clear:

Ka Kelly went missing while she was conducting social investigation on the current situation of farmers and farm workers in the haciendas of Himamaylan City and Kabankalan City, particularly the land holdings of Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. last December 8, 2021. While travelling on a motorcycle with civilian, Wilfredo Fuentes, on her way to Kabankalan City, around 4:00 in the afternoon, she was captured by criminal soldiers of the 94IB. Since then, she and her companion went missing, tortured and salvaged by state forces, until the 94IB declared her dead yesterday, December 15, 2021.

It was a cover up, not an encounter the 303rd Brigade and 94IB touted that happened on the afternoon of December 14 in Sitio Belo (at the foot of Mt. Cansermon), Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, where they deceitfully claimed of finding the bodies of Ka Kelly and Wilfredo Fuentes.

Only fascist brutes in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can blatantly rejoice while their hands are crimsoned with the blood of revolutionaries they mercilessly murdered.

Ka Kelly is the tenth revolutionary in Negros within 2021 whose rights as hors de combat was violated along with Ka Jekjek and Ka JK in Guihulngan City last March 24, Ka Michael and Ka Kenken in Hinobaan last April 17, Ka Ella in Silay City last August 20, and Ka Monet, Ka Brod, Ka Huawei and Ka Simo in Manapla last September 30.

Based on the principles and standards of international humanitarian law, upon capture, not in anyway with the capacity to fight, she should have been entitled to respect for her life, dignity, human rights, political convictions and moral and physical integrity. She should have been treated humanely.

Though revolutionaries are ready to face sacrifices and difficulties, and even offer their lives, to serve the people and wage a just war to achieve national liberation and genuine peace, senseless killings of revolutionaries and blatant violations of the protocols of war is unacceptable.

The revolutionary movement in Negros will not rest until justice is achieved for Ka Kelly and all the victims of atrocities and human rights abuses of the AFP and the Duterte regime.

We call on international and local human rights bodies to investigate this incident. If left unchecked, state forces will continue to kill with impunity. Bodies are piling up on the doorstep of the AFP.

Finally, we call on the local government unit of Himamaylan City to release the bodies of Ka Kelly and Wilfredo Fuentes to their families so they can be laid to rest.

JUSTICE FOR FLORIDA “KA KELLY” CEBALLOS AND WILFREDO FUENTES!

MAKE THE AFP/PNP ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL VICTIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND STATE FASCISM!

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/16/the-truth-on-ka-kellys-murder/

CPP/NPA-Kalinga: 50IB fake news maker! Numero unong sinungaling!

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 15, 2021): 50IB fake news maker! Numero unong sinungaling!

TIPON GIL-AYAB

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-KALINGA

ILOCOS-CORDILLERA REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (CHADLI MOLINTAS COMMAND)

December 15, 2021

Mariing pinabubulaanan ng Lejo Cawilan Command – NPA Kalinga ang ipinagmamalaki ng 5th Infantry Division na labanan sa pagitan ng tropa ng 50IB at isang yunit ng NPA sa bahagi ng Brgy. Mabaca, Balbalan, Kalinga. Ayon mismo sa tagapagsalita ng 5ID, narekober sila ng dalawang (2) M16 rifle, isang (1) M653, hand grenade, tatlong (3) explosives devices sa labanang tumagal di umano ng limang minuto. Walang katotohanan ito bagkus ay panakip-butas lamang sa kapalpakan ng mga nag-ooperasyong tropa nito. Ang totoo, misenkawnter sa pagitan ng tropa ng 50IB ang nangyari kung saan nagresulta ito sa pagkamatay ng isa nilang elemento. Para pagtakpan ang pagpaslang nila sa mismo nilang katropa, patagong iniatras ang bangkay ng kaswalti. Halos parehong modus ang ginamit nila noong labanan sa Brgy. Bagtayan, Pasil kung saan dalawang sundalo ang namatay pero sa mismong opisyal na ulat ng 50IB ay idineklara nilang wala silang kaswalti. Ang masaklap pa rito ay kinokonsinte mismo ng mga opisyal ng 5ID at 50IB ang pagpapakalat ng mga kasinungalingan at maling impormasyon upang pagtakapan ang kanilang mga kapalpakan, makapagpasikat at makakuha ng promosyon at pabuya.

Malayong-malayo ang ganitong gawain sa disiplina at dangal ng mga kasamang NPA. Opensiba o depensiba man na labanan ang maisagawa, mayroon mang kahinaan ay buong-buong inaako ng mga yunit ng NPA ito at pinaghahalawan ng mga aral, nagpupuna kung kinakailangan. Buong dangal ding pinagpupugayan at pinaparangalan ang lahat ng mga nagmartir na mandirigma nitong magiting na nag-alay ng buhay para sa digmang bayan.

Pinapayuhan ang lahat na maging kritikal at mapanuri sa mga pahayag at balita na nagmumula sa numero unong fake news maker na AFP at amo nitong si Duterte.###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/15/50ib-fakew-news-maker-numero-unong-sinungaling/

AFP mobilizes units for relief missions in 'Odette'-hit areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2021): AFP mobilizes units for relief missions in 'Odette'-hit areas (By Priam Nepomuceno)

TO THE RESCUE. Troops from the disaster response and rescue team of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao assist in the conduct of preemptive evacuation of residents in low-lying areas in Surigao City on Thursday (Dec. 16, 2021). Military units are now conducting disaster response operations in areas battered by Typhoon Odette. (Photo courtesy of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said its units are now conducting disaster response operations in areas badly hit by Typhoon Odette.

This is being done in close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), AFP spokesperson, Army Col. Ramon Zagala, said.

"In close coordination with the NDRRMC, our disaster response operations are ongoing in areas that were and will be affected by Typhoon Odette. These include emergency preemptive evacuations, search and rescue, clearing, and transport assistance for the delivery of relief goods," Zagala said in a statement.

With the AFP being the lead agency in the search, rescue, and retrieval cluster of the NDRRMC, Zagala said the military has already mobilized units from our regional commands to the battalion level to ensure the widest coverage possible.

"Air and naval assets are also on call and ready for deployment to support the national and local disaster risk reduction and management councils and other response clusters. Other units that are not in the typhoon's path are also on standby to provide support when necessary," he added.

Even with help on the way, Zagala also urged those who can extend assistance to their part for those affected by "Odette".

"In this trying time, we enjoin those who can help to extend assistance in any way they can to those who are badly affected by this typhoon. Help is on the way and the AFP along with other government agencies are working 24/7 to reach those who are in need," he added.

In a briefing on Friday noon, NDRRMC operations center chief, Joe-mar Perez, said initial reports indicated that Western Visayas has some 5,864 affected families or around 17,238 persons.

He added that they have yet to receive reports of casualty, if any, for the region even as Western Visayas recorded power interruptions in Negros Occidental, Guimaras, portions of Antique, and parts of Capiz, Aklan, and Iloilo.

Meanwhile, an assessment on affected families is still ongoing in Central Visayas.

Power interruptions were also reported in Bohol, Cebu, and Negros Oriental.

Communication/signal interruption were also reported in Cebu while Mactan Airport remains non-operational.

In Eastern Visayas, affected families were placed at 5,275 which is equivalent to 20,103 individuals. Power interruptions were also reported in Southern Leyte and in portions of Leyte and Biliran.

Aside from this, communication/signals interruptions were also recorded in Southern Leyte. In Caraga, affected families were placed at 104 which is equivalent to 235 persons.

Power interruptions were also experienced in the Dinagat Islands, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte and portions of Surigao Del Sur. Communication/signal interruption was also experienced in the Dinagat Islands.

Perez also said they are validating reports of one death and two injured in San Fernando, Bukidnon as of this time.

He also reported that 48 emergency alert and warning messages were issued to the public along with 425 NDRRMC advisories published via monitoring dashboard and mobile application.

Meanwhile, the number of families preemptively evacuated was placed at 83,026 which is equivalent to 332,855 persons residing in Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Caraga.

Meanwhile, Office of Civil Defense deputy administrator for operations, Assistant Secretary Casiano Monilla said unofficial reports of damage due to "Odette" seemed not that massive.

"As to the damages naman unofficially ang report naman sa region(s) is hindi sya ganun ka-massive ano, even casualties, sabi ko nga wala kaming nare-receive na unofficially na maraming casualties for this Typhoon Odette, yung pananalasa ni Typhoon Odette. Yun lang siguro masasabi ko sa ngayon (As to the damages, unofficially, the reports from the regions seemed to indicate that it is not that massive, even in casualties, we are still to receive official reports stating that a large number of casualties was caused by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, that's what I can say for now)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163048

PNP readies raps vs. Reds in Samar, Surigao Sur attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2021): PNP readies raps vs. Reds in Samar, Surigao Sur attacks (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Criminal charges will be filed against the communist terrorists behind two attacks on government disaster response missions ahead of the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in Samar and Surigao del Sur on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

“It appears these two incidents could be part of deliberate and simultaneous attacks coordinated at a higher level of the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) leadership,” said PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos, in a statement.

Initial investigation by the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Caraga identified the ranking communist official responsible for the Surigao del Sur attack as a certain “Ka Megan”, alleged leader of the NPA's Guerilla Front 30 operating in the Caraga region.

This developed as the PRO-Caraga clarified that no casualties were reported in the incident when communist terrorists ambushed a convoy of Philippine Army soldiers and civilians engaged in preemptive evacuation operations in Barangay Cancavan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Reports said the two civilians on board the motorcycle were wounded in the attack while the Army soldiers on board a pick-up truck initiated counter-ambush maneuvers and were able to extricate, the PNP chief said.

In Samar, two PNP Special Action Force troopers and a civilian were wounded in another attack in Barangay del Rosario in Matuguinao town while police and local government authorities were prepositioning relief supplies to high-risk communities lying at the path of the typhoon.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163054

Hunt on vs. Reds behind attacks on 'Odette' response ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2021): Hunt on vs. Reds behind attacks on 'Odette' response ops (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) condemned the latest atrocities by communist terrorists on humanitarian and disaster response missions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In a statement on Thursday night, PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos echoed the condemnation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government officials of the twin attacks by New People's Army (NPA) members in Samar and Surigao del Sur provinces on government personnel and civilians engaged in preemptive evacuations ahead of the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

“These are totally deplorable actions by the local communist terrorists that deserve the strongest condemnation of civil society,” he said.

Carlos vowed to mobilize the full might of the PNP to “arrest the authors and actors of these crimes against humanity”.

In Barangay Esperanza, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, communist rebels ambushed a convoy of soldiers, health workers, and evacuees moving to safer grounds on Wednesday as local authorities ordered a preemptive evacuation of residents in low-lying areas.

Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel said two civilians were wounded in the incident.

Also on Wednesday, two PNP Special Action Force troops and a civilian were wounded in another NPA attack in Barangay del Rosario, Matuguinao, Samar while police and local government authorities were prepositioning relief supplies to high-risk communities along the projected path of 'Odette'.

Wounded in the attack were Cpl. Abner Balante, Cpl. Manuel Carlos, and civilian Jomar Diaz.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163026

5 BIFF bomb-makers, 7 others surrender in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2021): 5 BIFF bomb-makers, 7 others surrender in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

PEACEFUL LIVES AHEAD. A dozen members of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters pledge their oath of allegiance to the government after their surrender in Maguindanao on Saturday (Dec. 18, 2021). The surrenderers also turned over 10 high-powered firearms. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A dozen members of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), five of them bomb-makers, surrendered to the military in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Saturday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander and concurrent chief of Joint Task Force Central (JFTC), said the surrenderers handed over 10 assorted firearms, including a .50-caliber machine gun, to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MBde) with the help of local officials.

“The military’s campaign to win the hearts of Moro extremists and make them live normal lives is continuously gaining headway after a dozen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters peacefully surrendered to military authorities,” Uy said via text message.

The 12 pledged their allegiance to the Philippine flag with local officials as witnesses in ceremonies inside the 1MBde headquarters in Barangay Kamasi.

Uy said five of the BIFF men admitted they were trained bomb-makers.

“I call on other BIFF out there to consider the reconciliation program of the government,” Uy said.

The surrenderers will get a livelihood package from the provincial government.

Records of the 6ID showed more than 300 BIFF members have yielded to military and police authorities under the Army-led JFTC here during the past 15 months.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163143