PH Army assures quick aid for kin of slain troops in 4ID shooting

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2023): PH Army assures quick aid for kin of slain troops in 4ID shooting (By Priam Nepomuceno)

QUICK ASSISTANCE. Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. condoles with a family member of a soldier who was among the victims of a shooting incident, during his visit to the 4th Infantry Division’s headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City on Feb. 13, 2023. The PA on Wednesday (Feb. 15, 2023) said the families of the victims would receive immediate financial, burial, and psycho-social assistance. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) said Wednesday it would immediately release assistance to the families of the soldiers killed in the recent shooting incident at the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City.

"The families of the victims will receive immediate financial, burial, and psycho-social assistance from the PA to help them overcome this trying time, " Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

Earlier, PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. assured that assistance would be provided to the families of the troops killed in the incident, during his visit to the 4ID headquarters on Monday.

“The PA condoles with the bereaved families of victims of this tragic incident. We ensure that their families will be properly taken care of. We will assist them in the processing of their legal claims and benefits,” he added.

Brawner also visited a wounded soldier who is now in stable condition and recuperating at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital.

"The Army leadership has launched its internal investigation to identify factors that triggered the incident. The probe is also geared at identifying possible gaps in the recruitment and training process with the end goal of preventing similar incidents in the future," Trinidad said.

On Feb. 11, a soldier opened fire on four of his fellow troops who were sleeping in their room at the 4ID Service Support Battalion.

The incident resulted in the death of five soldiers, including the perpetrator.

Caring for troops' mental health

Meanwhile, 157 enlisted personnel from different line units and separate batteries of the Army Artillery Regiment attended the Troops Information and Education (TI&E) on mental health awareness, held at its headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on Feb. 13.

"The said TI&E, organized by the regiment's Office of the Regiment Sergeant Major, aims to look after the mental health and physical well-being of the troops," Trinidad said.

The seminar also aimed to raise social awareness of mental health issues through psychosocial education to combat the stigma of mental health and prevent the development of mental health conditions, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195234

PBBM OKs promotion of 10 PH Coast Guard officials

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2023): PBBM OKs promotion of 10 PH Coast Guard officials (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has promoted at least 10 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials, Malacañang confirmed Wednesday.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) released the names of PCG officials who have been promoted to the ranks of Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral.

Based on the list, Rear Admirals Joseph Coyme, Robert Patrimonio and Ronnie Gil Gavan now hold the rank of Vice Admiral, the second highest among PCG commissioned officers.

Coyme currently serves as the commander of the PCG's Maritime Safety Services Command, while Patrimonio heads the Marine Environmental Protection Command, according to the organizational chart posted on the commission's official website.

Gavan, on the other hand, is the PCG's Deputy Commandant for Administration.

Commodores Gregorio Adel Jr., Eustacio Nimrod Enriquez Jr., Edgardo Hernando, Armando Balilo, Hostillo Arturo Cornelio, and Rudyard Somera have also been promoted as rear admirals, the roster of the newly-promoted PCG officials showed.

Adel, Enriquez and Hernando lead the PCG Inspector General and Internal Affairs Service, the Education Training and Doctrine Command and the Special Operations Force, respectively.

Balilo is the acting commander of the PCG Public Affairs Office, while Cornelio heads the Coast Guard District (CGD) National Capital Region-Central Luzon.

Torre serves as deputy commander of the PCG's Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command, while Somera holds the director post for the Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center.

According to its official website, the PCG is the oldest and only humanitarian armed services of the Philippines. Its beginnings could be traced back to the early 20th century when coastguarding was related to the protection of the customs services of the country and patrolling the coastlines and harbors.

To date, the PCG is recognized as the third uniformed service of the country that also include the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The PCG is mandated and responsible to perform maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime environmental protection and maritime security.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195244

Army officers in Davao bizwoman slay charged in military court

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2023): Army officers in Davao bizwoman slay charged in military court (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (Photo courtesy of Bea Bernardo, PTV)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday said copies of the charges have already been served to the two ranking officials implicated in the murder of businesswoman and model Yvonette Plaza in Davao City last Dec. 28.

"The pre-trial investigation is still ongoing and we (have) already (given) a copy of the charges to both (Brig.) Gen. (Jesus) Durante (III) (formerly of the 1001st Infantry Brigade) and Col. (Michael) Licyayo and they have given their counter-affidavits already," Brawner said in an interview with reporters.

"So our Provost Marshal and our Judge Advocate in the PA are (now) studying the affidavits of these two respondents," he added.

The two are charged in the military court for violating Articles of War 96 and 97. Article 96 is known as "Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman" while Article 97 refers to "Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline".

Conviction under Article of War 96 will result in the dismissal of the guilty party from military service. Those found guilty of violating Article of War 97 shall be tried by court martial and punished at the discretion of the court.

He also said it is possible that other charges could still be filed against the suspect officers and enlisted personnel involved.

Enlisted personnel implicated in the case were identified as Staff Sgt. Gilbert Plaza, Corporals Adrian Cachero, Rolly Cabal and Romart Longakit. Also tagged were a certain "Alias Jr." and "Alias Master Sergeant".

"Basically these are the Articles of War 96 and 97 but there might be other charges also not just against these two officers but also against the enlisted personnel, so we are still in the phase where (we) are conducting the initial investigation or pre-trial investigation," the PA chief added.

Boosting mental health programs

Meanwhile, Brawner said he wants an assessment of the mental health programs being conducted by the PA following the Feb. 11 shooting incident at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Cagayan De Oro City which resulted in the deaths of five soldiers, including the alleged perpetrator.

"That was a very sad incident but I ordered an honest-to-goodness assessment of our mental health programs, we already have mental health programs in the PA but my question is are these being implemented properly by our units," he added.

One thing the PA chief wants to check is the recruitment process to determine whether there are gaps.

"So one thing that we are looking into also is on the proper recruitment procedures for our new recruits, we have to make sure that all of them will pass the neuro-psychiatric examination but we all know that even if they pass, the soldiers pass the neuro-psychiatric exam sometimes, they experience trauma and they might go through a lot of stress," he added.

Brawner said the PA is now working on programs that would help soldiers "de-stress" themselves and cope with the emotional problems that they are encountering.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195281

Ex-rebels in Negros get livelihood aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2023): Ex-rebels in Negros get livelihood aid (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ASSISTANCE. Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson (right) of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental turns over financial aid amounting to PHP10,000 to a former New People's Army rebel granted under the DSWD Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation in rites held at the City Hall on Tuesday (Feb. 14, 2023). The activity was witnessed by troops of the Philippine Army led by Col. Orlando Edralin (left), commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – A total of 25 former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental each received PHP10,000 in livelihood aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a report on Wednesday, the Philippine Army said the assistance was distributed in rites led by Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson, chair of the city's Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict; Col. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade; and Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of the 94th Infantry Battalion, at the City Hall on Tuesday.

"I thank the Himamaylan local government unit for supporting the whole-of-nation approach to reduce and eradicate insurgency in central Negros. The Army strongly supports this initiative, and we welcome those who want to lay down their arms," Edralin said in a statement.

Tongson thanked the former rebels for giving the government a chance to regain their trust.

"We will work together to support the Himamaylanons who have decided to return to the fold of the law and be reunited with their families," the mayor said in a separate statement.

The city government facilitated the release of the aid under the DSWD Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation.

Using the PHP10,000 cash assistance, the former rebels can start a small business to sustain their daily needs while processing the release of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

They also received hygiene, sleeping, kitchen, and personal supplies from the DSWD.

Through the E-CLIP, former rebels or their qualified beneficiaries receive benefits, such as guaranteed safety and security, financial assistance, subsistence allowance, food expenses while in the custody of the receiving unit, travel and mobilization expenses, and corresponding compensation for surrendered firearms.

Some hinterland villages of Himamaylan, particularly Buenavista and Carabalan, have been the sites of armed encounters between Philippine Army troops and NPA rebels in the past year.

Last October, more than 5,000 families in Carabalan and three adjacent villages, including one in neighboring Binalbagan town, were affected by the series of clashes.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195256

2 MNLF groups in Sulu unite for peace

From the Manila Times (Feb 15, 2023): 2 MNLF groups in Sulu unite for peace (By Al Jacinto)

ZAMBOANGA CITY: For the sake of peace, the leaders of two opposing Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) groups in the southern Philippine province of Sulu have finally agreed to unite following a recent mediation facilitated by Vice Gov. Toto Tan.

The peace talks, held in the village of Pasil in Indanan town, was attended by senior MNLF leaders and hundreds of members and supporters.

MNLF vice chairman and BTA Parliament Deputy Speaker Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari joined the settlement efforts for peace and unity between the two disputing groups. Misuari, in a post on his Facebook page, said he emphasized repeatedly the need for the MNLF to "unite and work hand-in-hand towards the protection and preservation of our Hula, Bangsa, and Agama."

In pursuing peace and unity, Misuari cited the Quranic verse "There is no good in most of their secret talks save him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah's Cause), or Ma'roof (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, we shall give him a great reward." [an-Nisa' 4:114, The Holy Quran].

The move to settle the differences of the two groups was made possible through the intervention of other prominent MNLF leaders, including BARMM Deputy Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Albakil Jikiri.

Jikiri emphasized the importance of MNLF unity and reconciliation.

"We need to unite and reconcile if only to restore the glory and strength of our revolutionary past. As our revolutionary struggle is still halfway to the finish line," he said.

The vice governor also assured the MNLF that the provincial and municipal governments are all supportive of the settlement efforts and sees it as a way to maintain peace and security of the people in Sulu.

"Like a broom, when all are bound together, and not scattered all over we can be stronger and make a difference towards peace and development of our province," Tan said.

The two warring groups amicably settled their differences and misunderstandings in order to give full recognition and support to the current initiatives for MNLF unity and reconciliation.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/02/15/news/regions/2-mnlf-groups-in-sulu-unite-for-peace/1878706

NPA rebel involved in two encounters with gov’t troops surrenders in Quezon

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 14, 2023): NPA rebel involved in two encounters with gov’t troops surrenders in Quezon (By Danny Estacio)

QUEZON — An active member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was involved in a series of encounters in San Andres and San Francisco towns surrendered to the authorities on Monday noon, Feb. 13, in Lopez town.

The report identified the rebel as Cesario Santoria, 54, whose aliases are ‘Sario,’ ‘Julie,’ and ‘Roland.’ He is a native of Lopez town.

Santoria is a member of Squad Bekeng, Platun Reymark of the Sub-Regional Military Area4B, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (SRMA4B, STRPC).

He confessed that one of the purposes of the rebels’ venture in Bondoc Peninsula coming from Camarines Sur is to reconnect with the remaining rebels.

Alias Sario was among the rebels that were involved in the encounters between the military on Jan. 27 in San Andres and on Jan. 29 in San Francisco towns wherein three rebels were killed and one was wounded.

Santoria surrendered to the combined elements of the 2nd Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company, Lopez Police, 405th Maneuvers Company, and Regional Mobile Force Batallion4A in collaboration with the 85th Infantry Battalion and Parañaque City Police Station.

The surrender of Ka Sario was the result of the continuous efforts of government forces and local government to clear the Bondoc Peninsula of the presence and influence of the so-called Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

Santoria or Ka Sario is now under custodial debriefing.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/02/14/npa-rebel-involved-in-two-encounters-with-govt-troops-surrenders-in-quezon/

Philippines President: ‘We’re Very Much on the Front Line’

From the conservative National Review (Feb 14, 2023): Philippines President: ‘We’re Very Much on the Front Line’ (By JIMMY QUINN)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr review the honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, January 4, 2023.(cnsphoto via Reuters)

In the wake a flurry of diplomatic and military moves that further cemented the U.S.–Philippines defense relationship, Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during an interview with Japan’s Nikkei Asia that his country would almost certainly be pulled into a conflict between the U.S. and China over Taiwan.

During the Nikkei interview on Sunday, Marcos did not explicitly say that his country would aid a U.S. effort to defend Taiwan. But a series of recent moves speaks to his thinking on these matters.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration clinched a deal to gain U.S. access to four more military bases in the Philippines, adding to five facilities to which it already has some level of limited access. The additional bases are understood to be located in the country’s north, closer to Taiwan.

“When we look at the situation in the area, especially the tensions in the Taiwan Strait, we can see that just by our geographical location, should there in fact be a conflict in that area . . . it’s very hard to imagine a scenario where the Philippines will not somehow get involved,” he said, toward the end of a trip to Japan last week.

“I always remind everyone that Kaohsiung in Taiwan is a 40-minute flight away from my province,” he said, referring to the southern Taiwanese city and the northern Philippine province of Ilocos Norte.

Kaohsiung is a significant shipping hub, and the city’s port is a likely target for Chinese forces in the event of an invasion. Some American military personnel stationed on Taiwan — where the U.S. maintains a light, unacknowledged presence of sorts — have expressed an interest in visiting and studying the Port of Kaohsiung.

“So we feel that we’re very much on the front line,” he added.

Marcos told Nikkei that a possible visiting-forces deal in which Japan would station some of its forces in the Philippines is “certainly under study.” He also addressed the long-standing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

While there was some worry that the Philippines was inching toward closer ties with China during the administration of Marcos’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, the current president has reversed that trend.

https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/philippines-president-were-very-much-on-the-front-line/

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Na-stroke at nagpapagaling na Pulang mandirigma, dalawa pa, minasaker ng militar

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 14, 2023): Na-stroke at nagpapagaling na Pulang mandirigma, dalawa pa, minasaker ng militar (Stroke-stricken and recovering Red fighter, two others, massacred by the military)

 

February 12, 2023

Walang-awa at sadyang pinatay ng mga sundalo ng 94th IB ang isang Pulang mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-South Central Negros na nagpapagaling matapos ma-stroke kasama ang isang medik ng BHB na nag-aasikaso sa kanya at isang magsasaka noong Pebrero 5 sa Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City.

Ayon sa ulat, ilang araw nang nagpapagaling sa isang bahay sa Sityo Mugni sa naturang barangay ang Pulang mandirigmang si Arjen Mahinay (Ka Nonong) matapos ma-stroke. Kasama niya ang upisyal sa medikal na si Junjun Callet (Ka Roben) nang dakpin sila ng mga sundalo noong Pebrero 4 ng alas-4 ng hapon.

Liban sa kanila, dinakip din ng mga berdugo ang magsasakang si Jomarie Calumba sa parehong sityo. Inaasikaso niya ang kanyang kalabaw nang pag-initan siya ng mga sundalo at iligal na dinakip.

Sa sumunod na araw, pinalabas ng 94th IB na napatay ang tatlo sa isang engkwentro sa lugar bandang alas-5 ng hapon. Nagkaroon umano ng 20-minutong bakbakan na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng tatlo. Pinalilitaw pa ng militar na nakumpiska sa kanila ang isang ripleng M14, dalawang pistola at mga kagamitang militar.

“Lubos na kinukundena ng BHB-South Central Negros ang ginawang ito ng AFP! Kaisa ang buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa panawagang hustisya sa mga biktima,” pahayag ni Ka Dionesio Magbuelas, tagapagsalita ng yunit ng BHB.

Aniya, labag sa Internasyunal na Makataong Batas (IHL) ang ginawang pagdakip, pagtortyur at sadyang pagpatay sa dalawang hors de combat na mga Pulang mandirigma, at isang sibilyan.

Hindi na bago ang ganitong paglapastangan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa IHL. Simula 2016, mahigit 100 aktibo at retiradong kasapi ng PKP, BHB, mga konsultant at tauhan ng NDFP at kasama nilang mga sibilyan na nadakip, sugatan o wala sa katayuang lumaban, ang labag sa batas na pinatay ng mga armadong pwersa ng GRP.

Hinimok ng BHB-South Central Negros ang lokal na gubyerno, mga taong simbahan at iba pang mga grupo ng tagapagtanggol ng karapatang-tao na tulungan ang pamilya ng mga biktima na makamtan ang hustisya. Ani Magbuelas, dapat igiit ang isang imbestigasyon sa karumal-dumal na krimeng ito ng 94th IB at papanagutin ang mga sangkot.

Ang 94th IB ay pinamumunuan ni Ltc. Van Donald Almonte. Itinalaga si Almonte bilang kumander ng berdugong batalyon noong Marso 2022. Sila ang reponsable sa napakaraming paglabag sa karapatang-tao sa Binalbagan, Himamaylan City at Kabankalan City sa Negros Occidental at sa mga bayan ng Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon, Bindoy at Manjuyod sa Negros Oriental.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/na-stroke-at-nagpapagaling-na-pulang-mandirigma-dalawa-pa-minasaker-ng-militar/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Konsultant ng NDFP, sibilyan, dinukot ng militar noong Pebrero 6

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 14, 2023): Konsultant ng NDFP, sibilyan, dinukot ng militar noong Pebrero 6 (NDFP consultant, civilian, abducted by the military on February 6)

 

February 12, 2023

Dalawang kaso ng pagdukot o desaparesidos ang naitala noong Pebrero 6. Naiulat na dinukot ng mga pwersa ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang konsultant ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) na si Ariel Badiang sa Bukidnon at ang sibilyan na si G. Elyong sa Oriental Mindoro. Parehong hindi pa sila inililitaw hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Si Badiang, 64, ay dinukot ng mga pwersa ng estado sa Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Ang kanyang pamilya ay humingi ng tulong sa publiko sa pagtunton ng kinaroroonan ni Badiang at para makita nila siya at mapuntahan.

Ayon sa grupong Karapatan, “kung nasa kustodiya siya ng AFP, giit namin na kagyat na ilitaw si Badiang, at dapat nilang igalang ang kanyang konstitusyunal na karapatan gayunin ang mga karapatan niya sa ilalim ng internasyunal na makataong batas.”

Sa Oriental Mindoro, dinukot ng mga pwersa ng 203rd Brigade si G. Elyong, residente ng Sitio Sinariri, Brgy. Panaytayan, Mansalay. Papunta siya sa tindahan para bumili ng kape nang siya’y dakpin ng mga sundalo. Kinuha siya ng sampung sundalo sa harap ng mga residente nang walang ipinakikitang kasulatan o paliwanag sa dahilan ng pagdakip.

Sa tala ng Ang Bayan, hindi bababa sa 26 na ang biktima ng iligal na pagdukot ng mga pwersa ng estado sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos. Sa mga ito, 13 ang nananatiling nawawala, 9 ang paglao’y inilitaw at 4 ang pinatay.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/konsultant-ng-ndfp-sibilyan-dinukot-ng-militar-noong-pebrero-6/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 17 anyos, pinatay ng 9th ID sa “pekeng engkwentro”

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 14, 2023): 17 anyos, pinatay ng 9th ID sa “pekeng engkwentro” (17 years old, killed by 9th ID in "fake encounter")

February 14, 2023

Pinagbabaril at napatay ng mga tropa ng 9th ID ang 17 anyos na sibilyang si Argie Salvador sa Sityo Sapang Bato, Barangay Canapawan, Labo, Camarines Norte noong Pebrero 11, ala-1:40 ng hapon. Pinalalabas ni Major General Adonis Bajao ng 9th ID na napatay si Salvador sa isang engkwentro ng tropa nito at ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

“Mariing pinabubulaanan ng BHB sa Camarines Norte ang napaulat na labanan sa bayan ng Labo noong Sabado,” pahayag ni Carlito Cada, tagapasalita ng BHB sa prubinsya. Aniya, si Salvador ay hindi kasapi ng BHB at isang sibilyang katutubong Manide na taga-Tanauan, Capalonga. Paliwanag pa ni Cada batay sa kanilang imbestigasyon, si Salvador ay naghahanap ng pulot (honey) nang pagbabarilin ng mga sundalo. Sa katunayan, aniya, siya ay isang empleyado ng programang TUPAD ng Department of Labor and Employment.

“Kasinungalingan ang sinasabi nilang engkwentro sa pagitan ng kanilang tropa at diumano’y lima-kataong New People’s Army noong 1:40 ng hapon sa Sityo Sapang Bato ng Barangay Canapawan,” paggigiit ni Cada. Pinalalabas pa ng 9th ID na mayroong nakumpiskang baril sa umano’y “engkwentro.”

Hindi na bago ang ganitong taktika ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Sa tala ng Ang Bayan, hindi bababa sa 15 ang mga sibilyan at magsasakang pinaslang sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos na pinalabas ng AFP na mga armadong kombatant ng BHB na napaslang sa gawa-gawang mga engkwentro.

Liban dito, marumi at mapanlinlang na gawi na nilang lagyan ng mga armas, bala at iba pang gamit militar ang kanilang mga patay na katawan, kuhaan ng litrato at ipakalat sa social media para pagpyestahan ng mga troll ng militar.

“Nananawagan ang BHB-Camarines Norte kay Kapitan Espiras ng barangay Canapawan at kay Mayor Jojo Francisco ng bayan ng Labo na paimbestigahan ang naturang insidente,” pahayag pa ni Cada.

Samantala, suportado ng yunit ng BHB ang pamilya at mga kaanak ng biktima sa panawagang hustisya at pagpapanagot sa mga kriminal na 9th ID.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/17-anyos-pinatay-ng-9th-id-sa-pekeng-engkwentro/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Protesta kontra EDCA, base militar ng US sa Pilipinas, idinaos sa US

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 14, 2023): Protesta kontra EDCA, base militar ng US sa Pilipinas, idinaos sa US (Protest against EDCA, US military base in the Philippines, held in the US)

 

February 14, 2023

Nagprotesta ang mga migranteng Pilipino, kaisa ng mamamayang Amerikano sa Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City noong Pebrero 11 para kundenahin ang pagpapalawak militar ng US sa buong mundo at pagbabase ng mga tropang Amerikano sa Pilipinas sa tabing ng tagibang na Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Nagtipon ang mga grupo sa lugar kasabay ng isinasagawang rekrutment ng US Armed Forces doon.

Pinangunahan ang pagkilos ng Malaya Movement USA, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-USA at International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP). Ang protesta ay binansagan nilang “Pambansang Araw ng Pagkilos” para kundenahin ang pagpapalawak ng lakas militar at pang-uupat ng gera ng US sa Asia Pacific. Bitbit nila ang isang malaking balatenggang may panawagan na “US troops out of the Philippines!”

Una nang naglabas ng pahayag ang Malaya Movement USA para ipanawagan ang pagtatanggol sa pambansang soberanya ng Pilipinas at pagbabasura sa mga hindi pantay na tratadong militar nito sa gubyerno ng US.

Binatikos nito ang planong pagdadag ng apat na bagong base militar ng US sa Pilipinas sa bisa ng EDCA. “Magiging siyam na ang base militar sa Pilipinas na isinuko ng naghaharing uri sa kontrol ng US,” ayon pa dito.

“Sa nagdaang anim na buwan, kinausap ng Malacañang ang maraming upisyal ng US na niyakap ang umaalingasaw na reputasyon ng rehimeng Marcos Jr habang nangangako ng pagtataguyod ng karapatang-tao,” paliwanag nila.

Ayon pa dito, hindi na kagulat-gulat na binibigyan ni Marcos Jr ng dagdag na kontrol ang militar ng US. “Tulad ng kanyang ama, nakikipaglaro siya sa dalawang superpower. At ang lohika niya ay kung paanong makakaganansya mula sa tunggalian ng dalawa. Ngunit ito rin ang naghahatid sa Pilipinas sa isang delikadong pusisyon,” giit nila.

Sa harap nito, anang grupo, ang kinakailangan gawin ng mamamayang Pilipino ay igiit ang nagsasariling patakarang panlabas na mangangalaga sa interes ng sambayanan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/protesta-kontra-edca-base-militar-ng-us-sa-pilipinas-idinaos-sa-us/

CPP/NPA-Camarines Norte: Fake News ang sinasabing labanan sa Camarines Norte

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 13, 2023): Fake News ang sinasabing labanan sa Camarines Norte (The alleged battle in Camarines Norte is Fake News)

 


Carlito Cada

Spokesperson

NPA-Camarines Norte (Armando Catapia Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

February 13, 2023

Mariing pinabubulaanan ng NPA sa Camarines Norte ang napaulat na labanan sa bayan ng Labo noong Sabado, Pebrero 11.

Walang naganap o nagaganap na labanan sa naturang lugar katulad ng ipinamamalita ng hepe ng 9th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army na si Major General Adonis Bajao.

Kasinungalingan ang sinasabi nilang enkwentro sa pagitan ng kanilang tropa at lima kataong New People’s Army noong 1:40 ng hapon sa Sityo Sapang Bato ng Barangay Canapawan.

Dinagdagan pa nila ang walang katotohanang kuwento na may isang (1) napaslang na NPA at nakumpiskang baril.

Ang biktima ng pamamaslang ng 9IDPA ay si Argie Salvador, 17 taong gulang, isang katutubong Manide na taga-Tanauan, Capalonga. Kasalukuyan siyang naghahanap ng pulot (honeybee) nang pagbabarilin ng sundalo. Siya ay empleyado ng DOLE-Tupad.

Residenteng sibilyan ang sinasabing napaslang at ang gawa-gawang kuwento ng labanan ay paraan ng 9IDPA para pagtakpan ang anomalya sa kanilang ginawang pagpatay.

Nananawagan ang Armando Catapia Command-NPA kay Kapitan Espiras ng barangay Canapawan at kay Mayor Jojo Francisco ng bayan ng Labo na paimbestigahan ang naturang insidente.

Nananawagan ang Armando Catapia Command sa pamilya ng napaslang, maging sa mamamayan ng Labo na maggiit para sa masusing imbestigasyon sa pangyayari upang makamit ang katarungan at mapanagot ang kriminal at mamamatay-taong 9IDPA.

Tungkulin din ng mga mamamahayag na iberipika ang kanilang iniuulat na balita alang-alang sa pangangalaga sa responsableng pamamahayag.#

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/fake-news-ang-sinasabing-labanan-sa-camarines-norte/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Ipagtanggol ang isla ng Sibuyan, Romblon mula sa mapanirang pagmimina!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 13, 2023): Ipagtanggol ang isla ng Sibuyan, Romblon mula sa mapanirang pagmimina! (Defend the island of Sibuyan, Romblon from destructive mining! (Defend the island of Sibuyan, Romblon from destructive mining!)

 


Patnubay de Guia

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

February 13, 2023

Binabati ng NDFP-ST ang mamamayan ng Romblon na tumindig at nagbarikada laban sa pagmimina ng Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) sa isla ng Sibuyan. Dahil sa kanilang paglaban, naobliga ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) na ipahinto ang konstruksyon ng causeway project at iba pang aktibidad ng APMC doon.

Makatwiran ang pagpapatigil ng mga taga-Sibuyan sa operasyon ng APMC dahil banta ito sa kaligtasan at kabuhayan ng mamamayan, pati sa mayamang kalikasan ng isla. Ang Sibuyan ay isang maliit na isla na mayroong lawak na 46,600 ektarya. Mayroon itong higit 62,000 na populasyon kung saan karamihan ay magsasaka at mangingisda. Malaking bahagi ng kanilang kabuhayan ang nakaasa sa mga rekurso sa gubat at ilog. Matatagpuan dito ang mga kakaibang hayop at halaman kung saan tampok ang mga endemiko at nanganganib nang maubos na species kagaya ng Philippine hanging parrot, kulasisi at tube-nosed fruit bat. Makapal ang gubat na may 1,551 puno kada ektarya. May apat ding protected area sa isla: ang Mt. Guiting-Guiting National Park, isang marine protected area, isang bakawanan na swamp forest reserve, at ang lupang ninuno ng minoryang grupong Sibuyan Mangyan Tagabukid.

Mariing nilalabanan ng mga taga-Romblon ang lahat ng nagnanais na sumira sa napakayaman at napakaganda nilang isla. Sa katunayan, higit dalawang dekada nang nakikibaka ang mamamayan dito laban sa mga kumpanya ng mina. Tampok ang pagputok ng kanilang laban noong 2007 nang biglaang pahintulutan ng DENR ang pagputol ng mga puno para bigyang daan ang pagmimina ng Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation (SNPDC). Ang SNPDC ay consortium ng mga kumpanya sa mina kabilang ang APMC. Sa isang protesta sa San Fernando, Romblon noong Oktubre 2007, nagbuwis ng buhay ang konsehal ng bayan na si Armin Marin nang barilin siya ng security ng SNPDC. Sa kabila nito, pinagtaksilan ng rehimeng US-Gloria Arroyo ang mamamayan ng Romblon sa paggawad ng Mineral Production Sharing Agreement sa APMC noong 2009.

Dahil sa masigasig na pakikibaka ng mamamayan, nabigyan ng cease and desist order ang APMC noong 2011. Muli, nakipagkutsaba ang kumpanya sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa ilalim ni Rodrigo Duterte. Matapos patalsikin ang maka-kalikasang kalihim ng DENR na si Gina Lopez, tinanggal ang cease and desist order sa APMC. Ayon sa Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-MIMAROPA, ang pambansang opisina ng MGB ang nagbigay ng permit sa APMC noong Disyembre 29, 2022 na magmina ng 50,000 WMT ng nickle ore kaugnay ng aprubadong eksplorasyon ng kumpanya.

Ang mabilis na pagbawi ng APMC sa permit nito ay nagpapakita ng pagkampi rito ng gubyerno ni Marcos Jr. Nasa likod ng APMC ang pamilyang Gatchalian na sumuporta sa kandidatura ni Marcos Jr. Nasa senado si Sherwin Gatchalian habang bagong itinalagang DSWD secretary si Rex Gatchalian.

Sa harap ng malakas na paglaban ng mamamayan, walang nagawa ang DENR kundi sundin ang kanilang panawagan. Pati ang APMC ay nasandal sa pader at napilitang magpalabas na boluntaryo nitong pinahihinto ang operasyon.

Dapat panghawakan ng mamamayan ang kanilang tagumpay at ang kasaysayan ng kanilang anti-minang pakikibaka. Kailangang tuluy-tuloy na lumaban hanggang maibasura ang kontrata sa mina ng APMC at matiyak na hindi sasalantahin ng anumang operasyon ng mina ang mga isla ng Romblon. Samantala, dapat hanguan ng aral at inspirasyon ng iba pang mamamayan ng TK at buong bansa ang tagumpay ng mga taga-Sibuyan. Sa gitna ng matinding pagkawasak ng kalikasan na pangmatagalang epekto ng mapaminsalang mina sa bansa, dapat paigtingin ang pakikibaka laban dito.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/ipagtanggol-ang-isla-ng-sibuyan-romblon-mula-sa-mapanirang-pagmimina/

CPP/NPA-Masbate: Pagpupugay sa mga rebolusyonaryong martir ng Guiom at Eastern Capsay

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 13, 2023): Pagpupugay sa mga rebolusyonaryong martir ng Guiom at Eastern Capsay (Tribute to the revolutionary martyrs of Guiom and Eastern Capsay)

 


Luz del Mar

Spokesperson

NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

February 13, 2023

Pinakamataas na parangal ang iginagawad ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang Masbatenyo kina Rufino “Ka Caloy” Alva, Samuel “Ka Marjon” Nuynay, Reneboy “Ka Jun” Barzaga, Jerome “Ka Mike” Sabang at Atrocinio “Ka Rey” Aton na napaslang sa isang labanan sa Barangay Guiom, Cawayan, Masbate nito lamang ika-9 ng Pebrero. Sa pag-aalay ng buhay para sa mamamayang Masbatenyo at Pilipino, sila’y pinagpupugayan bilang mga huwarang bayani at tunay na anak ng Masbate at ng buong bayang Pilipinas. Ang kanilang pinakamataas na sakripisyo ay inspirasyon sa mga kapwa nila kasama at sa masang Masbatenyo upang magpunyagi sa buhay-at-kamatayang landas ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka.

Sila Ka Caloy at mga kasamahan ay pansamantalang huminto sa lugar upang dinggin ang mga hinaing at problema ng masa, laluna sa usapin ng lupa. Sa pagpatay sa kanila, pinatutunayan ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU ang kanilang katangian bilang Hukbo ng naghaharing-uring mapang-api at mapagsamantala.

Nais ding ipaabot ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang Masbatenyo ang pinakamataas na pagpupugay kay Eleazar “Ka Randy” Ontog, na namartir sa isang depensibang labanan sa Barangay Eastern Capsay, bayan ng Baleno noong Enero 8, 2023. Namatay siya sa edad na 49 anyos. Ipinagmamalaki siya laluna ng mga mamamayan ng islang Ticao, partikular sa bayan ng Monreal na kanyang tinubuan.

Ipinapaabot ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang taos-pusong pakikiramay sa mga pamilya at kaanak ng mga namartir na kasama. Kaisa niyo kami sa pagtangis. Mapalad ang mga magulang, asawa, kapatid at anak ng mga kasamang ito. Itinulak ng kanilang walng kapantay na pagmamahal sa inyo ang kapasyahang maglingkod sa sambayanan bilang mga pultaym na mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Dapat niyo silang ipagmalaki dahil namatay silang may kabuluhan at ambag sa pagbabago ng lipunan. Tinitiyak ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na hindi kailanman mawawala ang kanilang halaga sa inyong buhay.

Nananawagan din ang Jose Rapsing Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan Masbate sa lahat ng mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma laluna rito sa ating prubinsya na ibayong magpakatatag at tanawin ang galos na ito bilang reyalidad ng ating makatarungang digma. Hindi madali at masalimuot ang tiyak na landas sa tagumpay. Ituon natin ang ating pagdadalamhati at galit sa pagpapatibay ng ating kapasyahang lumaban at sumulong. Marami pang labang susuungin at pagtatagumpayan.

Kinukundena rin ng Jose Rapsing Command – BHB Masbate ang pagdakip ng 2nd Infantry Battalion sa mga sibilyang malamang ay nadatnan at dinampot. Tahasang linalapastangan ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU ang mga makataong batas ng digma. Peke at mukha ng desperasyon ang mga pinalalabas na balita ng kaaway tungkol sa bilang ng NPA na kanilang nakalaban at napatay.

Tiyak na gugulong ang hustisya. Panata ng Jose Rapsing Command – BHB Masbate na lalong magpunyagi sa rebolusyonaryong armadong pakikibaka. Ang pagkabuwal ng mga rebolusyonaryong martir ay dugong pupunla sa katiyakan ng isang Pulang kinabukasan para sa masang Masbatenyo at buong sambayanang Pilipino.#

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pagpupugay-sa-mga-rebolusyonaryong-martir-ng-guiom-at-eastern-capsay/

Kalinaw News: 88IB encounters CNTs in Bukidnon, seizes Hideout and war materials

From Kalinaw News (Feb 14. 2023): 88IB encounters CNTs in Bukidnon, seizes Hideout and war materials

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – 88th Infantry Maringal Battalion troops encountered the members of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) under Bernon Sinunta @ KALOY of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) PEDDLER, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in a 25- minute gun battle in the forested area of Sitio Supon, Barangay Nakabuklad, San Fernando Bukidnon in the early morning of February 05, 2023.

The said encounter resulted in the seizure of their hideout recovery of various war materiel to include but not limited to: Two (2) – link of Cartridge 5.56mm ammunitions; Two (2) rolls of electrical wires for Improvised Explosive Device (IED); Nine (9) gallons of rice; personal belongings and other subversive documents.

Relatedly, on February 02, 2023 this unit conducted Peace Dialogue with the populace of the barangay where the said encounter happened. The purpose of the said activity was to encourage everyone to continue their support to the peace and development program of the government and not to allow the CTG to infiltrate their already peaceful community.

COL CHRISTIAN JAMES P VINGNO, Commanding Officer of 88IB in his statement said He lauded the community on their full cooperation to government forces, the continuous support from the citizens through giving of essential information on the locations and activities of the CNTs is a big help in our pursuit against these CTGs, it is a clear manifestation that the said terrorist group is not anymore welcome in the said community.

“I am again calling the attention of the remaining members of NPA terrorists operating in our Area of Operation to come down and avail the program of the government. Start a new life and leave peacefully with your family,” Col. Vingno 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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/88ib-encounters-cnts-in-bukidnon-seizes-hideout-and-war-materials/