U.S. increases surveillance support to PH military

From Rappler (Sep 11): U.S. increases surveillance support to PH military

'The United States deployed the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to Mindanao,' the US embassy says in a statement



The United States has increased surveillance support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as clashes rage on in Marawi City.

"The United States deployed the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to Mindanao for additional surveillance in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterterrorism efforts," the US embassy said in a statement on Monday, September 11.
The Gray Eagle UAS a drone that has a longer flight duration, meaning it can patrol a larger area.

The US embassy said it has provided the Philippine military with assistance totalling at least P15 billion in the past 3 years alone "to establish better command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the AFP."

These include a Raven tactical UAS and two Cessna-208B surveillance aircraft, among other munitions and weapons.

"The strong, long-standing military relationship with the Philippines enables the US to respond quickly to the AFP’s needs and to support the AFP’s modernization goals," the US embassy said.

The Philippines and the US are treaty allies. The US has been assisting the Philippine military in its counter-terrorism efforts. They also conduct regular war games.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/181757-us-increased-surveillance-support-philippine-military

DWDD: SOVEREIGNTY PATROL | 3rd Naval Patrol Cruise by NFNL

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 9): SOVEREIGNTY PATROL  |  3rd Naval Patrol Cruise by NFNL



LA UNION to BABUYAN ISLAND (DWDD) – The Naval Forces Northern Luzon conducted the third series of Naval Patrol Cruise covering sea waters off La Union to Babuyan Island Group from August 31 to September 3, 2017.

Said cruise was a sovereignty and maritime patrol aimed in preventing intrusions and illegal maritime activities in the sea waters of Northern Luzon.

The mission was undertaken by BRP Miguel Malvar (PS19) skippered by Cmdr. Welmer C. Base PN under the operational control of Naval Task Force 11 led by Cmdr. Archibald Dino C. Delfin PN (GSC).

Part of the patrol cruise is the civil military activities from the sea composed of medical, dental, feeding, gift giving, information drive, and other similar activities for the benefit of the local populace of Camiguin Island in Calayan.

Previous patrol cruise missions were undertaken by BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16) and BRP Sulatan Kudarat (PS22) last March and April, respectively. NPAO / MCAG













http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/09/sovereignty-patrol-3rd-naval-patrol-cruise-by-nfnl/

DWDD: COURTESY CALL | Australian Navy Chief visit the Philippine Navy

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 9): COURTESY CALL  |  Australian Navy Chief visit the Philippine Navy

 

NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Roxas Blvd, Manila (DWDD) – Vice Adm. Timothy Barret, the Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy rendered courtesy call to the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph S. Mercado on September 7, 2017, at the Headquarters Philippine Navy (HPN), Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Prior to Vice Adm. Barret visit to HPN, he has also visited earlier the Armed Forces of the Philipines (AFP) General Headquarters and also rendered courtesy call to the AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Eduardo Año. NPAO / MCAG







http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/09/courtesy-call-australian-navy-chief-visit-the-philippine-navy/

DWDD: JOIN THE NAVY | PN Recruitment to conduct AFPSAT

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 9): JOIN THE NAVY  |  PN Recruitment to conduct AFPSAT



MANILA (DWDD) – To all naval officer wanna be, it is high time to find your destiny to be one of the trainees in this year’s convening of Naval Officer Candidate Course.

The PN Recruitment will conduct AFPSAT examination to all applicants at Recruitment Testing and Holding Office, Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 12pm.

Just bring your Birth Certificate, TOR, Diploma, 2 2×2 picture, and one valid ID.

The Philippine Navy is in need of 30 officers for both White Caps/ Naval Officers, and 30 Marine Corps Officers. Hurry up!

JOIN the NAVY!

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/09/join-the-navy-pn-recruitment-to-conduct-afpsat/

DWDD: SITE RECON / COORDINATION | 542nd Engineering Construction Battallion supports PAMANA Project

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 9): SITE RECON / COORDINATION  | 542nd Engineering Construction Battallion supports PAMANA Project

NEGROS ORIENTAL (DWDD) – Site recon and sticking of the core shelter of the Department of Interior and Local Government – Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project for the RR of RPA-ABP-TPG together with the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental and Ms April Casalem of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).







Coordination to the OPAPP for the incoming project of the DILG-PAMANA for the RR.







542ECB/ MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/09/site-recon-coordination-542nd-engineering-construction-battallion-supports-pamana-project/

DWDD: NO INTERVENTION | AFP capable of dealing with Daesh-inspired terrorists in the PHL

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 11): NO INTERVENTION  |  AFP capable of dealing with Daesh-inspired terrorists in the PHL



CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Philippines does not need the direct intervention of any “foreign armed forces” in dealing with Daesh-inspired terrorists in the country.

According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have enough force to deal with any terrorist threat.

The secretary made the statement after his meeting with Australian Defense Minister Mariss Payne last Friday, September 8, at the Department of National Defense in Camp Gen Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.



In connection with this, the secretary is thankful to the support given by Australia in the aspect of equipment and technical assistance which would be a big boost to the anti-terrorism campaign of the government.

Meanwhile, according to Australian Defense Minister Payne, they have troops in the Middle East helping fight Daesh (ISIS) and they see no problem in sending troops in the Philippines if requested.

Lorenzana added that the country would welcome the sending of Australian troops in the country, but not fight against Maute and other terror groups, but to train the AFP on information gathering and information analysis.

Defense Minister Payne assured the Philippines that they are ready and willing to expand the military cooperation between the two countries. AES / ALS

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/11/no-intervention-afp-capable-of-dealing-with-daesh-inspired-terrorists-in-the-phl/

DWDD: DEPLOYED | US Sends Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft Systems

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 11): DEPLOYED  |  US Sends Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft Systems



US EMBASSY, Manila (DWDD) – The United States deployed the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to Mindanao for additional surveillance in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterterrorism efforts.

Compared to current surveillance platforms used in the region, the Gray Eagle has a longer flight duration which will enable a larger area of reconnaissance and surveillance.

Over the past three years the U.S. has provided the Philippines with assistance valued at over Php15 billion, to establish better command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the AFP.

Recent deliveries include a Raven tactical UAS and two Cessna-208B surveillance aircraft, as well as various munitions and weapons to support urgent defense and counterterrorism needs.

The strong, long-standing military relationship with the Philippines enables the U.S. to respond quickly to the AFP’s needs and to support the AFP’s modernization goals.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/09/11/deployed-us-sends-gray-eagle-unmanned-aircraft-systems/

MILF: Editorial - Consensus on drug menace

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 9): Editorial - Consensus on drug menace

The number of deaths attributed to the drug war is piling up – and no end is seemingly in sight. The latest of which, in a span of weeks, included three teenagers 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos, 19-year-old Carl Arnaiz, and 14-year-old Reynaldo De Guzman, who was found lifeless in a Nueva Ecija creek with 30 stab wounds in his body.
Two truths are clearly emerging and undisputable: The drug problem is serious and it must be arrested, lest the future of this country is compromised, and the ongoing war on drugs is getting bloodier and some if not many (or most?) of the deaths were unjustified.

Also, the number of alleged drug users in this country already reaches 5 million, while the number of victims related to the war on drugs rises to 7 thousand deaths, according to the latest estimates.

Both estimates give enough reasons for government and all of us to act immediately. They are threatening! Can we imagine what happens if drug addicts or narco-politicians run this country? They can do everything, including weird ones and buy even the souls of people or destroy those who disagree or reject, respectively.

The challenge, indeed, is how to stop or at least minimize the drug menace and do it justly and correctly.

Is there such a flawless approach?

The problem in this view is that success is more measured by the least number of victims and the high volume of drugs confiscated or destroyed. Ideally, this is a good barometer but on practical consideration, it is more in the realm of imagination. The larger volume of confiscation the more people, nay drug traffickers, are involved – and the bigger number of people falling or victimized.

This grim scenario is rendered more terrifying if among the law enforcers there are drug pushers or protectors. Expect a hellish situation in order to cover the traces of their criminal or evil participation.

Despite the seriousness and assertiveness of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his anti-drug campaign, he is getting all the criticisms, left and right. We are not saying he is doing it wrongly or rightly. We disdain passing judgment! The policy is internal to government.

But what we can only say that no plan or program is perfect. The room for improvement is always wide and open. Consensus-making is always preferable.

However, in this country, consensus-making, except among party mates, is very difficult to achieve. In the name of democracy, people are already split right at the start. It is a system that thrives on so-called freedom and stresses the pursuit of right first, rather than obligation first.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/992/consensus-on-drug-menace

MILF: BIAF steps up campaign against violent extremism in Maguindanao

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 9): BIAF steps up campaign against violent extremism in Maguindanao



The violent actions of a local ISIS-inspired group in Maguindanao brought havoc to villages prompting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to defend its communities against violent extremism, a senior leader said.

Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, on Friday, stressed that violent extremism is not accepted in Islam.

He emphasized that it is necessary for the MILF to protect its identified areas and communities from groups or individuals that pose any threats.

This responsibility, Iqbal recalled, echoes the religious ruling of the Dar-ul Iftah (House of Opinion)by Sheikh Abu Huraira Udasan against violent extremism.

"The stand of the MILF was further affirmed by the issuance of the religious edict from the Dar-ul Iftah, under the guidance of Islam and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, that every Muslim has the responsibility to defend and protect his people once an individual or group intrudes his village to cause damage and pain," Iqbal said in the vernacular.

Iqbal, however, clarified that an armed approach is not the only solution to combat violent extremism.

“It must to find all other peaceful solutions to problems of what the Bangsamoro facing nowadays,” Iqbal said.

Meanwhile, on the issue of joint combat operations, Iqbal said that there are no joint operations between the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and the government troops in Marawi and Maguindanao.

“Officially and formally, there is no such thing as joint operation to be conducted by the MILF forces and government forces in Maguindanao”, Iqbal commented.

On August 2, Abu Toraife’s Jamaatul Mujahiren Wal-Ansar declined and opened fire at the emissary sent by the MILF for a peace negotiation in Barangay Pusaw, Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Maguindanao.

The Jamaatul Muhajiren Wal-Ansar is a breakaway group of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

“There is a continuing risk of youths being enticed by violent and extremist ideologies and join local ISIS-inspired groups as a result of existing global and domestic injustices,” the MILF leader said.

“The passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the implementation of the signed peace agreements are examples of concrete steps that can provide long-term solutions against violent extremism,” Iqbal concluded.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/994/biaf_steps_up_campaign_against_violent_extremism_in_maguindanao

MILF: Lanao Del Sur Ulama, Local Executives and Multi-sectors gather in a bid to foster unity

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 9): Lanao Del Sur Ulama, Local Executives and Multi-sectors gather in a bid to foster unity



The Ulama League of the Philippines (ULP) held the Ulama-LGU Executives Multi Sectoral Groups Conference on the Marawi Crisis on September 4-6, 2017 at N Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. "Towards Establishing a Unified Strength in Combating Violent Extremism" was the theme.

Judge Aboali J. Cali, the National President of the ULP, officially opened the program in the 1st day.

The participants were mainly from the Ulama/religious sectors and local executives in Lanao del Sur. Almost all the all Mayors of the thirty-nine Municipalities participated and stayed for two nights. Multi sectors, such as academe, professionals, business, and traditional leaders also honored the invitation.

The organizers also invited the MILF Peace Corridor/Joint Coordination, Monitoring and Assistance Center (JCMAC) volunteers to attend the conference. Rody Pacasum of CCCH Ranaw Region; Ustaz Japar of the LMT-MILF; and Marjanie Mimbantas of the MILF PIP.

One of the highlights of the conference was the lecture on "Islam Between Peace and Violent Extremism: An Overview" delivered by Dr. Hamid A. Barra, professor at King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic and Asian Studies, Mindanao State University, Marawi City.

Dr. Barra discussed thoroughly that Islam is for Peace. He said that the word "Islam" originates from the word "Salama" or "Istaslama" which can be meant as "Peace and Security" or "Order and Harmony," in addition to the original meaning of "Obedience, Surrender and Submission to the Will of Allah.

Workshop was also part of the program. The participants are divided into five groups, and each is given a set of questions to answer after brainstorming with other members of the group. The six questions are:

1. If Islam is a religion of peace and harmony, what do you think are the manifestations of this in the social life of the Muslims?

2. What can you sacrifice in attaining peaceful society?

3. If you have a relative or friend who espouses the violent extremist interpretation of Islam, what will you do?

4. What can you suggest to unify the Muslims against extremism?

5. What do you think can the government do to help in strengthening the Madrasah system of education and in developing a curriculum for peace building and combatting violent extremism?

6. What can we help in enhancing the reconstruction and rehabilitation in Marawi City?

Based on the workshop, the participants gave official statement, declaration and recommendations to the government. Among them are:

1. To declare their commitment to Islam as complete way of life that enjoins peace and abhors extremism, violence and terrorism;

2. To urge all sectors of society who are committed to peace, justice and development to join their call for total eradication of violent extremism in their society;

3. To request the National Government to extend full support and assistance to Madrasah as an educational institution that can serve as a strong and viable vehicle in the eradication of the violent extremism in their society;

4. To implore the President of the Philippines to ensure the continuos well-being of the internally displaced persons in evacuation centers and the private homes;

5. To urge the National Government through the Congress of the Philippines for the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law so that the agreements between the Government and the Moro Liberation Fronts can see light of implementation; and

6. To beseech the National Government to facilitate the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other affected municipalities of Lanao del Sur as soon as the terrorists are purged out of the city.

The participants also expressed their gratitude to the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur for supporting the conference, and to the City Government of Cagayan de Oro City for welcoming them and for taking care of the IDPs in the City.

The official statement was read by Aleem Alibasher I. Abdulatif, the National Speaker of the ULP.

Among the Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who graced the conference were Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary of the Department of National Defense; Cesar B. Yano, the Executive Director of Bangon Marawi Rehabilitation; and Lt. General Carlito Galvez Jr., the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mayor Majul Gandamra of Marawi City and

Vice Governor Bombit Adiong, Jr. of Lanao del Sur were also present.



http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/993/lanao_del_sur_ulama__local_executives_and_multi_sectors_gather_in_a_bid_to_foster_unity

NDF/NDF-Bicol: Hinggil sa magkakasunod na panggigipit at pantutugis sa sibilyan ng kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa Sorsogon

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Sep 8): Hinggil sa magkakasunod na panggigipit at pantutugis sa sibilyan ng kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa Sorsogon

National Democratic Front-Bicol
Setyembre 8, 2017



Mariing kinukundena ng NDF-Bikol ang kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa pagpapakalat ng panibago na namang serye ng malisyosong disimpormasyon laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at pang-aatake ng kanilang hanay sa mga sibilyan sa prubinsya ng Sorsogon.

Kasinungalingan ang pahayag ng 31st IBPA at 5th PPSB na naroon sila sa Brgy. Antonio, Barcelona kahapon upang maghapag ng warrant of arrest kay Michael Bagasala na diumano’y kasapi ng NPA. Wala ring katotohanan ang ipinagyayabang nilang engkwentrong naganap sa pagitan nila at limang hinihinalang NPA sa kurso ng pag-aresto kay Bagasala. Ang totoo, pawang mga elemento ng kasundaluhan at kapulisan ang walang habas na nagpaputok at iligal na nanghalughog sa mga kabahayan. Walang anumang yunit ng NPA sa lugar sa panahong iyon. Gayundin, sibilyan at hindi aktibong kasapi ng NPA sina Bagasala at Rosalina Equisa na pangunahing target ng kanilang pamamaril.

Hinugot din sa hangin ang mga pangalang sinampahan ng kaso ng kapulisan matapos ang taktikal na opensiba ng NPA-Sorsogon sa Gubat nitong nakaraang buwan. Sa kainutilan nilang pahinain ang NPA sa prubinsya at upang maisalba ang kanilang reputasyon, nagkasya na lamang sila sa pagsasampa ng kaso sa mga sibilyan at sa mga personaheng hinihinala nilang may kaugnayan sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Kahiya-hiya si PCI Jimi Jeremias at ang buong Inter-agency Legal Assistance Group ng kasundaluhan sa pagpaparada ng mga pangalan ng mga sibilyan bilang utak ng naturang opensiba nang walang ibang batayan kundi kamag-anak ang mga ito ng isang pumanaw nang kasapi ng NPA.

Bilang isang belligerent state ay may karapatan ang CPP-NPA-NDF na magpatupad ng mga aksyong pamamarusa at magsagawa ng mga opensiba laban sa anumang entidad na banta sa kanyang nasasakupan. Walang ligal na merito ang pagturing ng kapulisan sa mga lehitimong opensiba ng NPA bilang kasong kriminal. Taktika lamang ito ng mga ahente ng pasismo ng estado upang siraan ang prestihiyo ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ginagamit din nitong batayan ang mga gawa-gawang kasong tulad ng murder, arson at illegal possession of firearms para bulukin sa kulungan ang mga nasusukol na kasapi ng CPP-NPA-NDF at maging ang mga pinaghihinalaang tagasuporta nito.

Liban sa panggigipit at pantutugis sa mga sibilyan, sunud-sunod din ang ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang ng berdugong militar at kapulisan sa prubinsya. Umaabot na sa 10 sibilyan ang pinatay at tatlo ang pinagtangkaang paslangin ng kanilang pwersa sa loob lamang ng kalahating taon. Lantaran nilang ibinabaling ang nag-uulol na karahasan laban sa mamamayan sukdulang labagin na ang lahat ng mga batas ng digma. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, nananatiling matatag ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan at rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon. Pudpod na ang dila ng mga tagapagsalita ng kaaway sa pagpapaulit-ulit ng mga retokadong pakulo at pekeng balita ngunit hindi pa rin nila maideklarang conflict manageable ang prubinsya ng Sorsogon. Kahit ang mga prubinsyang dati na umano nilang nakontrol ay patuloy ding nagpapamalas ng malalakas na bigwas laban sa kanilang hanay.

Habang humahaba ang listahan ng krimen laban sa masa ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU, lalo ring iigting ang paniningil ng mamamayang Bikolnon. Nagkakamali sila kung iniisip nilang kakayanin nilang padapain ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang pinaglipasan nang saywar at nagdudumilat na karahasan. Dahil nananatiling superyor ang pampulitikang paninindigan ng CPP-NPA-NDF, patuloy nitong tatamasain ang malawak na suporta ng masang api’t pinagsasamantalahan. Patuloy na babagtasin ang kabukiran ng libu-libong pulang mandirigmang handang paglingkuran ang makatwirang digma ng mamamayan para sa tunay na katarungan at kapayapaan.

https://www.ndfp.org/hinggil-sa-magkakasunod-na-panggigipit-pantutugis-sa-sibilyan-ng-kasundaluhan-kapulisan-sa-sorsogon/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 25 years of The Ha­gue Decla­ra­ti­on

Propaganda article from the English edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 7): 25 years of The Ha­gue Decla­ra­ti­on

PROGRESSIVE GROUPS, together with key personalities of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the GRP peace negotiations marked the 25th year anniversary of The Hague Joint Declaration which was signed on September 1, 1992.

Around 500 gathered at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City last September 2 to celebrate the agreement which has served as the framework of the ardous efforts to achieve a just and historical peace in the country.

The declaration remains as the framework for the negotiations up to now, Jose Ma. Sison, Chief Political Consultant to NDFP negotiating panel, said. This is despite efforts of consecutive reactionary regimes to junk the agreement. Among these was the the denouncement of the then US-Aquino regime of the agreement as a “document of perpetual division” in an attempt to weaken the basis of the talks and hasten the capitulation of the revolutionary movement.

Personalities previously involved in the talks, such as Sen. Loren Legarda, bishops and other church leaders attended the event.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170907-25-years-of-the-haxadgue-declaxadraxadtixadon/

CPP/Ang Bayan: CA rejects Mariano’s confirmation

Propaganda article from the English edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 7): CA rejects Mariano’s confirmation

THE COMMISSION on Appointments ultimately rejected the appointment of Rafael Mariano (Ka Paeng) as secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform this September 6.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) criticized the decision, saying this once again proved Duterte’s fealty to the country’s landlords and oligarchs. The order to reject Ka Paeng directly came from Duterte. Among those who blocked his appointment were Duterte’s daughter Sara Duterte and her husband Manases Carpio who lawyers for Lapanday Foods Corporation. Paid pseudo-farmers sent by the Aquino-Cojuangco family also blocked his appointment.

Before this, the CA also rejected the appointment of Judy Taguiwalo as secretary of the Department of Social Work and Welfare.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170907-ca-rejects-mariano8217s-confirmation/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Repression and killings of Lumads

Propaganda article from the English edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 7): Repression and killings of Lumads

THE REGIME’S killings and repression of Mindanao Lumads continue unabated. While the Sandugo conference was being held in Quezon City, a 19-year old student of the Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center was being shot by a military agent in Sitio Dulyan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on September 5. Obillo Bay-ao died in the hospital after a CAFGU element named Ben Salangani shot him.

Prior to this, the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 filed trumped up charges against volunteer teachers of the Center for Lumad Advocacy, Networking and Services, Inc (CLANS) Community School and members of its Parent-Teacher Community Association (PTCA). A warrant of arrest was issued against six volunteer teachers and seven PTCA members for murder and attempted murder, CLANS said.

Even the Manilakbayan delegates encamped in Quezon City are not spared. They are continually under surveillance from police and other intelligence operatives. Lumad children from the “bakwit schools” are being investigated to force them to return to their militarized communities.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170907-repression-and-killings-of-lumads/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Manilakbayan 2017 arrives in Metro Manila

Propaganda article from the English edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 7): Manilakbayan 2017 arrives in Metro Manila

ON SEPTEMBER 1, Manilakbayan 2017 delegations from Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Visayas and Mindanao arrived in Metro Manila. They were met in a “Salubungan” by members of national democratic organizations at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila City where they held a program against martial law and the US-Duterte’s fascist attacks against the people.

Afterwhich, they marched to Mendiola in front of Malacanang with various democratic sectors, where they met with Caraga peasants and fisher folk who have been encamped in the place since August 23. That night, they proceeded to the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman where more than a hundred students from the Save Our Schools Network have been staying since July.

On Septembr 4-6, they held the second assembly of Sandugo, the broadest alliance of Moros and other national minorities in the Philippines. More than 2,500 Moros, Lumads and other indigenous peoples have travelled to the national capital to share their stories of struggle. They will remain in Metro Manila up to September 21 to launch activities to further their struggles. These includes pickets against mining companies and government agencies.

Before arriving in Metro Manila, the Mindanao delegation stopped by UP-Los Banos where they were warmly welcomed by the university administration and students.

Meanwhile, the Kahugpungan sa Lumadnong Organisasyon (KASALO-Caraga) held its second regional conference in Butuan City on August 31, and celebrated the Eydow Tu Pakigsantuya Tu Tumindok Kane’t Caraga or Day of Protests of the Caraga Lumads. The conference was held in concurrence with the organization’s growing membership. From 2009, membership has doubled and now includes five tribes.

It was also an occasion to pay tribute to the Lumad leader-heroes whom the state have persecuted and killed because they fought for their ancetral lands. At the end of the day, the delegates marched to Emerito Samarca’s grave in the city. ALCADEV director Samarca was killed by military forces on September 1, 2015.

On August 28, progressive groups, together with various personalities, launched the Movement Against Tyranny, an alliance against the US-Duterte regime’s rising fascism. Prior to this, progressive organizations joined in the funeral march for Kian de Los Santos, the 17-year old victim of extrajudicial killings of the regimes “war against drugs.”

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170907-manilakbayan-2017-arrives-in-metro-manila/