CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Pagmasaker sang 94th IB sa Pamilya Fausto sa Himamaylan City, Ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 20, 2023): Pagmasaker sang 94th IB sa Pamilya Fausto sa Himamaylan City, Ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA (Massacre of the Fausto Family by the 94th IB in Himamaylan City, Condemned by the LPC-NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

June 20, 2023

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) ang makasiligni nga pagmasaker sang berdugo kag pasistang 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) sa pobre kag makaluluoy nga pamilya Fausto sa Sityo Kangkiling, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental sadtong Hunyo 14, alas 10:00 sang gab-i.

Wala kaluoy nga ginpaarakan sang armas luthang sang uhaw sa dugo nga tropa sang 94th IB ang nasambit nga puluy-an sang pamilya Fausto samtang mahamuok nga nagakatulog ang bug-os nga pamilya. Suno sa report, apat tanan nga myembro sang pamilya nga sanday Rolly, 52 anyos (amay) kag Emilda Fausto, 49 anyos (iloy) lakip na ang duha ka menor de edad nga mga kabataan sang mag-asawa nga sanday Ben kag Raben, 15 kag 11 anyos.

Ang pamilya Fausto lehitimo nga katapo sang BABICAFA (Baklayan, Bito, Cabagal Farmers Association). Isa ka lokal nga asosasyon nga nagahatag sang nagakaigo nga serbisyo sa mga mangunguma kag bug-os nga pumuluyo sa lugar. Ang BABICAFA ang rehistrado nga organisasyon sang mangunguma kag nangin biktima man sang red tagging sang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) kag National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac kag ginapasibangdan nga mga supporter sang NPA.

Wala sa listahan sang NPA sa isla nga intel asset sang militar ang amay nga si Rolly Fausto. Wala man sang kriminal nga record ang pamilya Fausto kag labaw sa tanan wala sang utang nga dugo sa pumuluyo ang nasambit nga pamilya.

Wala huya kag illogical ang mga palayag ni 94th IB Commander Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte kag 303rd Bde PA CO BGen. Orlando Edralin kakunsabo ang mga kapulisan sang Himamaylan City nga ginapahid sa NPA ang ini nga makasiligni nga kalakasan. Lunsay fabricated kag linubid nga mga kabutigan kag paghinabon lamang sang pasistang AFP partikular na ang 94th IB sa ila mga kapalpakan sa pagdugmok sang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa isla.

Wala sang iban nga nagahingabot kag nagapahug sa pamilya Fausto luwas lang sang pasista kag berdugo nga 94th IB kag 303rd Brigade.

Indi ini bag-o nga hitabo sa isla nga ang may kahimuan ang AFP. Isa na diri ang pagmasaker sang 11th IB sa pamilya Calago sa Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City sadtong tuig 2015. Ginpaarakan sang armas luthang sang mga naga-operasyon nga tropa sang 11th IBPA ang puluy-an sang nasambit nga pamilya kag wala kaluoy nga ginsunog ang puluy-an kag buhi nga lawas sang mag-asawa nga Calago. Patay si Brgy. Kagawad Enric Calago kag asawa sini nga si BHW Rosalie Calago nga lunsay mga opisyal sang barangay. Ang pamilya Calago mga aktibo nga katapo sang Kahugpongan para sa Ugma sa Gagmay’ng Mag-uuma sa Oriental Negros (KAUGMAON)-Guihulngan Chapter. Lehitimo kag rehistrado sa Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nga organisasyon sang mga mangunguma nga nagahatag sang serbisyo-sosyal sa mga mangunguma kag iban pa nga sektor sa nasambit nga syudad.

Ang LPC-NPA naga-upod gid sa kasubo sang pamilya Fausto upod sa mga biktima sang paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung kag nagahimakas nga pumuluyo sa pag-angkon sang matuod nga hustisya sosyal kag demokratikong interes.

Ginapanawagan man sa tanan nga mga katapo sang 94th IB, mga CAFGU kag bug-os nga tropa sang AFP nga indi na makatulon kag indi makabatas sa ginahimo nga mga kalakasan sang pasistang militar sa mga inosenteng sibilyan kag bug-os nga pumuluyo sa kaumahan. Sikreto nga magdangup sa mga yunit sang NPA malapit sa inyo lugar agud maghatag sang nagakaigo kag matuod nga impormasyon. Bukas ang NPA kag bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa pag-akomodar sa inyo matarung nga katuyuan.

Ginamando man sa tanan nga yunit sang NPA sa Central Negros nga maglunsar sang malapnagon nga taktikal nga opensiba sa paghatag sang nagakaigo nga hustisya sa mga biktima sang pasismo sang estado ilabi na ang pagpamintas sang AFP, PNP, NTF-Elcac kag iban pa nga may utang nga dugo sa rebolusyon.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pagmasaker-sang-94th-ib-sa-pamilya-fausto-sa-himamaylan-city-ginakondenar-sang-lpc-npa/

CPP/NDF-Executive Committee: Immortalize Comrade Anand: Revolutionary Leader and Teacher of the International Proletarian Struggle!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 20, 2023): Immortalize Comrade Anand: Revolutionary Leader and Teacher of the International Proletarian Struggle!

 


National Executive Committee

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

June 20, 2023

June 15, 2023 | The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) joins the international proletarian movement in paying the highest tribute to Katakam “Comrade Anand” Sudarshan. Comrade Anand was a leading cadre of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), member of the Politburo of CPI(Maoist) Central Committee and is considered one of the most important guiding figures of India’s struggle for national and social liberation.

Comrade Anand was a teacher before he joined the Naxal movement in the 1970s. His unwavering service to the Indian revolution spanned five decades. He was one of the pioneering leaders in expanding the armed revolution in the Dandakaranya area. Comrade Anand became known for his strong command of guerilla warfare which dealt heavy blows against Indian security forces.

As Secretary of the Central Regional Bureau for almost two decades, and as a leading figure of their revolutionary magazine People’s March, he helped the Indian revolutionary struggle gain global recognition and prominence.

Comrade Anand’s passing is weightier than Mount Tai. The NDFP and the entire Philippine revolutionary movement take inspiration from his victories and enduring lessons in the struggle against imperialism and all reaction. The continuous advance of India’s revolution is a testament to his legacy as a revolutionary leader, an ingenious guerilla commander, and a great teacher of the international proletarian struggle.

Long live Comrade Anand!
Long live the Communist Party of India (Maoist)!
Long live the International Proletarian Struggle!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/immortalize-comrade-anand-revolutionary-leader-and-teacher-of-the-international-proletarian-struggle/

WESTMINCOM: Military troops recover war materials in Maguindanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 20. 2023): Military troops recover war materials in Maguindanao del Sur

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 20, 2023

While conducting security patrol along the marshy area, operating troops of Joint Task Force Central recovered war materials used in fabricating rifles and other crew-served weapons at an abandoned nipa house in Barangay Elian, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Troops immediately secured the area and recovered all the war materials, which allegedly belong to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters – Karialan Faction.

 
Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera attributed this success to the informants whose timely information led to the recovery of the war materials.

 
Recovered war materials were deposited at the 92nd Infantry Battalion supply room for technical inspection and safekeeping.

 
Investigation is underway for the identification and appropriate filing of charges against the owner of the war materials.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commended the efforts of the troops of Joint Task Force Central to free the communities from tools of violence.

 
“Rest assured that Team WestMinCom will not stop until our area of operation is free from adversities,” Lt. Gen. Galido stated.

 
###
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeofNationApproach
1st Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army
6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army
Alakdan Division
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
JTF Zamboanga
603rd Infantry - Persuader Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade
54th Engineer "Sarangay" Brigade, PA
Red Shield
Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi
Jtf Basilan

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=281155434583838&set=pcb.281156074583774

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/

WESCOM: LOOK | WESCOM Chief Vice Admiral Alberto B Carlos welcomes Navy Captain Oliver Obongen, skipper of BRP Tarlac (LD601), and Marine Colonel Al Canson, commanding officer of MBLT 9, to Palawan

Posted to Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 19, 2023): LOOK | WESCOM Chief Vice Admiral Alberto B Carlos welcomes Navy Captain Oliver Obongen, skipper of BRP Tarlac (LD601), and Marine Colonel Al Canson, commanding officer of MBLT 9, to Palawan

LOOK | WESCOM Chief Vice Admiral Alberto B Carlos welcomes Navy Captain Oliver Obongen, skipper of BRP Tarlac (LD601), and Marine Colonel Al Canson, commanding officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, to Palawan. The sailors of LD601 and the marines of MBLT9 arrived in Puerto Princesa City on June 17, 2023 as additional defenders and patriots of the West Philippine Sea.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#missionfirstmenalways
#transformationroadmap

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=644930334335931&set=pcb.644930397669258

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

PNP declares Himamaylan massacre breakthrough

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 21, 2023): PNP declares Himamaylan massacre breakthrough (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The police yesterday declared a breakthrough in their investigations into the massacre of four family members in rebel infested Sitio Kangkiling, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on June 14.

PCapt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said they have an eyewitness of the gruesome murder incidents, and other witnesses have volunteered information to police investigators.

Catalogo said the witnesses have already been relocated to ensure their safety.

Initial investigations of the Himamaylan police disclosed that about 15 armed men were involved in the commission of the crime.

Catalogo, however said they have yet to confirm the reported involvement of the New People’s Army, although it is among the angles being pursued in their investigations.

On June 14, Rolly Fausto, his wife, Imelda, and their two minor sons, aged 11 and 15 years old, were summarily executed in Sitio Kangkiling, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, as on the same day, armed men believed to be NPA members also burned two heavy equipment in neighboring Sitio Bulod, Brgy, Carabalalan in the city.

According to the investigation of the Himamaylan City police, witnesses revealed that the armed suspects shouted “Mabuhay ang NPA, Mabuhay ang Hukbo. Tanan nga traidor patyon (Long live the NPA, Long Live the Army. All the traitors must be killed),” after the shooting incident.

Pinning the blame on the NPA is an old and tired tactic the AFP uses to escape accountability for its crimes against the people, Coni Ledesma, head of the National Democratic Front Special Office for the Protection of Children, said in a statement.

Catalogo said the testimonies of witnesses will determine the suspects involved in the heinous crimes. Hopefully, we will be able to convince more witnesses to give full accounts into the commission of the crime, to support testimonies of other witnesses, some of whom have appeared to be hesitant in disclosing more information, due to security concerns.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Negros Occidental has started collecting documents and statements on the brutal killing of the Fausto family, yesterday disclosed Vincent Para, head of the CHR sub regional office in Bacolod City.

Para said they have requested the Himamaylan City Police Station for copies of the investigation report, spot report and crime scene pictures.

https://visayandailystar.com/pnp-declares-himamaylan-massacre-breakthrough/

‘Non-monetary benefits’ for soldiers, families continue

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 20, 22023): ‘Non-monetary benefits’ for soldiers, families continue

MANILA – Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the non-monetary benefits that the government provides soldiers and their families would entice them to stay longer and wait for their mandatory retirement from the military service.

He noted that these non-monetary benefits such as healthcare service and skills upgrading initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would serve as prime consideration for enlisted personnel not to retire early.

“I mean, it’s a matter of getting an amount now, without the continuing non-monetary benefits that you will enjoy in your career path, in your career pattern. Kung magi-invest nga tayo sa skills upgrading, sa healthcare, hindi lamang ng ating kasundaluhan, kung hindi pamilya, and other non-monetary opportunities, palagay ko, maiiwan sila,” Teodoro said.

He made the statement following reports of possible exodus of enlisted personnel from the military organization because of the looming reforms in the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system.

“At lalo na kung makikita nila na ang sakripisyo nating lahat ay magiging (para) sa kabutihan ng lahat. Kasi, okay, huwag nating sulbahin ang problema, alright. Anong mangyayari? Magkakaroon tayo ng mas malaking deficit, magkakaroon ng inflation, bababa ang balor ng ating pera, tataas ang bilihin,” Gilberto pointed out.

“So, I think it’s a matter of explaining the necessity of introducing. Sa aking palagay, dahil galing din naman ako sa financial sector, hindi naman biglaang mangyayari ito, mababawasan lamang ang dapat na pagdurugo. ‘Ika nga ng ating gobyerno hanggang sa ma-self sustain na itong sistema na ito,” he added.

Last March, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the MUP pension reform aimed at fixing the pension system and addressing future fiscal uncertainty.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno Jr. said the pension being received by a military pensioner is nine times higher than the average pension of a pensioner under the Social Security System and three times higher than the average pension under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

“So we want to reform them. And right now, the situation is so bleak, for example, that if you compare the current operating expenditures with maintenance and operating expenditures or maintenance and operating expenditures of the whole AFP and the capital outlays so the money they buy for airplanes, etc., it is actually much less than the amount of pension that we are allocating for the retirees. So there will come a time when the current budget will only be about a third, one-third, or one-fourth of the money that we’re paying for the pensioners. So we have to really address that issue. It’s not sustainable,” he said.

Diokno said the proposals for the pension reform include application of the reform to all active personnel and new entrants, removal of automatic indexation of pension to the salary of active personnel of single ranks, and mandatory contributions to be required for active personnel and new entrants similar to the GSIS pensioners. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/06/non-monetary-benefits-for-soldiers.html

Indo-Pacific nations bolster defense ties, capabilities

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 20, 2023): Indo-Pacific nations bolster defense ties, capabilities

NATIONS in the Indo-Pacific want a continued strong U.S. presence and they are increasing their military capabilities and improving interoperability and training with U.S. and regional partners, said Ely Ratner, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.

Ratner discussed “Building a Networked Security Architecture in the Indo-Pacific” at the Center for a New American Security National Security Conference on “American Power and Purpose.” While continued support of Ukraine is vital to regional security, the Indo-Pacific remains the No. 1 priority, as China is the Defense Department's pacing challenge, he said.

Ratner outlined some of the Indo-Pacific partnerships.

Philippines

Remarkable progress has taken place over the last year or so, with the agreement for access to 14 Philippine bases which will host rotational U.S. forces, he said.

These bases will provide an ability for the U.S. to respond to a number of regional contingencies, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, he said.

The department is also working with the Philippines on a new security assistance roadmap to try to help them develop some of the asymmetric capabilities that will be most important for the types of challenges that they're facing, particularly around their maritime periphery, Ratner said.

“It's no secret that China's assertiveness and coercion has really underscored the importance of working together to strive toward that outcome in the context of the Philippines,” he said, the outcome referring to the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“We are conceiving of the Philippines as one of our most important alliances in the region. The Philippines-U.S. alliance is now rising to be on par with those other major alliances in the region. It's something we're very invested in,” he said.

Japan

Japan is putting unprecedented resources into boosting its military capability, according to Ratner.

The U.S. and Japan are increasing the number of exercises, he said, particularly in the vicinity of the first island chain which runs from northern Japan to the Philippines. More importantly, Japan is increasing cooperation with South Korea, Ratner said, mentioning the two nations sharing early warning data of North Korean missile launches as one example.

India

The U.S.-India relationship is seeing an increasing strategic alignment, Ratner said, adding the department supports New Delhi's military modernization and co-development and -production of the U.S. defense industrial base with India's.

The department also welcomes India's participation in multinational exercises in the region, he said. "A stronger India that can defend its own interests, and defend its own sovereignty is good for the United States," he said. (David Vergun)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/06/indo-pacific-nations-bolster-defense.html

Transfer of BARMM govt seat approved

From the Manila Times (Jun 21, 2023): Transfer of BARMM govt seat approved (By Aric John Sy Cua)

THE Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has approved Bill 43 in its third and final reading, which will see a change in government seats in the region.

A statement by the Bangsamoro Parliament said that the bill, known as the Seat of Government Act of 2023, will authorize the seat of government to be moved from Cotabato City to Parang in Maguindanao del Norte.

Members of Parliament on Monday voted in favor of the measure, with 47 affirmative votes, zero negative and six abstentions.

"The new government center will house the offices of the Wali (ceremonial head) and the Chief Minister, the Bangsamoro Parliament, as well as BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies," the statement explained.

Parliamentary floor leader Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba said she was confident that all constituencies within the Bangsamoro region will benefit upon the bill's enactment and even highlighted the "potential" for new opportunities to arise because of it.

The new choice of Parang was the top choice among several competing locations, with Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura as the other choices.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/21/regions/transfer-of-barmm-govt-seat-approved/1897018

AFP gets P3.31B from BCDA

From the Manila Times (Jun 21, 2023): AFP gets P3.31B from BCDA (By Jerry M. Hernandez and Frederick Silverio)

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has remitted P3.31 billion to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) this year as a contribution to the military's modernization efforts.

In a statement, BCDA acting president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang noted that the figure represents a major share of its disposition proceeds as proof of commitment to help strengthen the country's armed forces.

He said BCDA recognizes the AFP as the agency's major stakeholder and has always ensured that the military receives the biggest chunk from their gross disposition income every year.

"Our consistent contribution to the military is possible through great efforts to sustain our robust financial standing, bolstered by excellent collection efforts and sound management," Bingcang added.

Although considered a huge amount of support, this year's BCDA contributions declined by 54 percent compared to last year's level of P7.21 billion due to the delay in the clearing and turnover to the developer of a portion of the Bonifacio South Pointe property caused by the pandemic.

Nevertheless, the BCDA's cumulative contributions to the AFP amounted to P59.71 billion since its creation in 1992, accounting for 44.34 percent of the P134.66 billion disposition proceeds as of end-2022.

Pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act 7227, or the "Bases Conversion and Development Act," the BCDA generates income from the sale, lease, or joint venture arrangements with private sector partners in former military camps in Metro Manila.

These proceeds are remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury every year, which are then allocated and distributed by the Department of Budget and Management to the AFP and other beneficiary agencies.

Aside from the AFP, other beneficiary agencies also received P235.08 million in contributions from the BCDA, including the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., Home Insurance Guaranty Corp., Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Department of Science and Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment, among others.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/21/regions/afp-gets-p331b-from-bcda/1897017

Maintaining peace in Mindanao important to whole Asia-Pacific, says Australian official

From Rappler (Jun 20, 2023): Maintaining peace in Mindanao important to whole Asia-Pacific, says Australian official (By JAMES PATRICK CRUZ)

'A peaceful Mindanao is fundamentally important, not just to the Philippines but the entire region,' says Australian Embassy in Manila First Secretary Political Simon Hayter

MANILA, Philippines – An official of the Australian embassy in Manila stressed the significance of maintaining peace in Mindanao, saying the situation in the southern Philippines also affected the Asia-Pacific region.

“A peaceful Mindanao is fundamentally important, not just to the Philippines but the entire region,” said Simon Hayter, first secretary political at the Australian embassy in Manila on Tuesday, June 20, during the roundtable discussion of local governments from Bangsamoro on social cohesion and resilience.

Australia’s annual aid program to the Philippines is worth around P3 billion. A huge chunk of this goes to Mindanao’s peace process, health and education, and economic development, Hayter said.

“Australia seeks its security within the region. We support a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. As part of that, we seek to help the Philippines in establishing a peaceful and stable Mindanao,” Hayter said.

According to the International Crisis Group, powerful clans in the Bangsamoro pose a major stumbling block to achieving long-term peace in the Muslim-majority region.

Apart from providing social support to the Philippines, Australia has been forging a strong alliance with the country in terms of defense and security.

Last February, defense officials of the Philippines and Australia discussed the possibility of conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea.

The vast South China Sea, a waterway vital to global trade, has become a major flashpoint with different overlapping claims of territory.

During the 2023 Balikatan exercise of the US and the Philippines last April, at least 100 Australian Defense Forces participated.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/maintaining-peace-mindanao-important-whole-asia-pacific-says-australian-official/

Female NPA rebel killed in Bukidnon clash

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jun 20, 2023): Female NPA rebel killed in Bukidnon clash (By JO ANN SABLAD)

BUKIDNON. The 8th Infantry Battalion recovered several firearms following a clash between the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Battalion and the rebel group in Malaybalay, City, Bukidnon last Saturday, June 17, 2023. (Photo from 4th Infantry Division)

AN UNIDENTIFIED female member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed during a clash between the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Battalion and the rebel group in Malaybalay, City, Bukidnon on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

In a statement, the military said that they received reports from concerned citizens in the vicinity of Barangay Kalasungay stating that "fully armed men" believed to be NPA rebels are foraging and extorting money from the neighborhood in Sitio Malinao.

The female rebel was killed during a 10-minute firefight around 5:26 a.m. Saturday.

Troops recovered one AK47 Rifle, one M14 Rifle, one Improvised Explosive Device, one roll of detonating cord, two blasting caps, and other various war paraphernalia.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1964500/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/female-npa-rebel-killed-in-bukidnon-clash

Rights commission starts Himamaylan massacre probe

From Panay News (Jun 21, 2023): Rights commission starts Himamaylan massacre probe (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started its independent investigation of the Fausto family massacre in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

It will take more than 100 days or around six months to complete, according to CHR-Negros Occidental head Vincent Parra, after which the results will be submitted to CHR-Western Visayas for resolution.

Parra said they have a pending request to the Himamaylan City police for documents regarding their own probe into the crime.

Initial investigation revealed that the father, Rolly Fausto, was a military informant and involved in facilitating the surrender of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

The CHR said there were also claims that linked the killings to the Philippine Army.

“All possible angles will be pursued in the course of CHR’s independent investigation,” it said in a statement.

It added: “Any instance to arbitrarily deprive a person of their life, moreso if vulnerable sectors are involved, should be faced with the full force of the law. We hope witnesses also surface [and help in] the resolution of this case and in defense of human rights.”

On June 14, Rolly, his wife Emilda and their two sons, 11-year-old Ben and 15-year-old Raben, were gunned down by still unidentified assailants at their house in Sitio Kangkiling, Barangay Buenavista.

Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental is one of several NPA-influenced areas in central Negros where clashes that claimed the lives of several communist rebels and government troops have taken place in recent years. (With a report from inquirer.net)/

https://www.panaynews.net/rights-commission-starts-himamaylan-massacre-probe/

No imminent threat in Metro Manila after death of alleged BIFF members

From CNN Philippines (Jun 20, 2023): No imminent threat in Metro Manila after death of alleged BIFF members (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 20) — The police force has not monitored any imminent threat in Metro Manila following the recent deaths of a high-profile suspect and six other alleged members of the extremist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao Del Sur.

MGen. Edgar Okubo, chief of the National Capital Region Regional Police Office (NCRPO), said they are conducting intelligence monitoring and they do not see any threat spilling over to Metro Manila.

"Medyo mahihirapan sila mag-transgress dito especially we are preparing and gearing up with the SONA," said Okubo, referring to the BIFF. "Mas humihigpit pa yung security deployment natin until and after the celebration natin of the SONA. We are also checking intelligence reports, intelligence fusions at wala naman kaming nakitang spillover ng threat na papasok sa National Capital Region."

[Translation: They will have a hard time transgressing here, especially since we are preparing for the SONA, where security is tighter. We are not seeing any spillover of threat to NCR.]

The PNP on Tuesday said its personnel implemented a search warrant in the residence of Nasser Yossef M. Hussain alias Tutin Usop, who is said to be a known member of the BIFF-Karialan Faction, in Brgy. Damawato, Datu Paglas on June 18.

It said the operation led to an armed encounter that resulted in deaths of Hussain and other alleged BIFF members Norjihad M. Husain alias Datdat Yusop, Manex Rakim, Moris Madidis, Dela Singkalan, Cocoy P. Pagagungan; and an unidentified cohort.

Special Action Force tropper PCpl Artchen Echavia was also wounded in the encounter and is currently recuperating.

It added a significant number of firearms and ammunition were also seized during the operation.

CNN Philippines correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/20/BIFF-Maguindanao-Metro-Manila-security.html

Troops recover war materials fabricating machine

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jun 20, 2023): Troops recover war materials fabricating machine

OPERATING troops of Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central have recovered a machine used in fabricating rifles and other crew-served weapons in Maguindanao del Sur, a top military official said Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Major General Alex Rillera, JTF-Central commander, said the fabricating machine was recovered in an abandoned nipa house in Elian village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on Saturday, June 17.

Rillera said the fabricating machine allegedly belongs to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction.

He attributed the recovery of the fabricating machine to the informants whose timely information led to the recovery of the war-making materials.

The recovered fabricating machine was deposited at the 92nd Infantry Battalion supply room for technical inspection and safekeeping.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Roy Galido, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the efforts of the JTF-Central troops to free the communities from tools of violence.

"Rest assured that Team Westmincom will not stop until our area of operation is free from adversities," Galido said.

 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1964540/zamboanga/local-news/troops-recover-war-materials-fabricating-machine

WesMinCom insists 7 slain in Maguindanao encounter were BIFF fighters

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 20, 2023): WesMinCom insists 7 slain in Maguindanao encounter were BIFF fighters (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

The Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) stood by its report that the seven individuals slain in an alleged encounter in Maguindanao del Sur over the weekend were members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

(Courtesy of Western Mindanao Command)***

A report from the WesMinCom released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, June 20, showed that seven suspected members of the BIFF-Karialan Faction died when combined elements of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Central under the AFP WesMinCom and the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) served two search warrants against siblings Nasser Yussef Hussain alias Tutin Usop and Nurjihad Husain alias Datdat Usop for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The incident occurred at the house of the two alleged BIFF members in Barangay Damawato, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur around 2 a.m. last Sunday, June 18.

“When they were approaching the subject’s residence, an undetermined number of BIFF members fired upon the government forces, which resulted in the wounding of one police personnel,” said Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of JTF Central.

He added that the troops fired back “which resulted in the death of seven BIFF members, including the two subjects of the search warrants.”

The operation also resulted in the seizure of six firearms and assorted ammunition including one uzi, two M16 rifles, and three caliber .45 pistols.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of WesMinCom, commended the troops of JTF Central for the “accomplishment.”

“Our troops will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to quell terrorism and other criminalities. Our collaborative efforts ensure that terrorism and lawlessness have no place in our area of operation,” Galido stated.

The development came as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reportedly claimed that the fatalities were its own members, and not from their breakaway group BIFF.

According to reports, the MILF will file a complaint against the operating troops of the WesMinCom and PNP-CIDG before the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) for alleged violation of the ceasefire agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government.

The CCCH is a coordinating unit composed of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and MILF which seeks to ensure that the pact is being observed.

The MILF signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 2014 to pave the way for the creation of a new Muslim entity that will have an autonomous government.

This led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019. In return, the MILF disarmed its fighters as a step towards their reintegration to mainstream society.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/20/wes-min-com-insists-7-slain-in-maguindanao-encounter-were-biff-fighters