CPP/NDF-PKM-Negros: Duterte regime condemned, victims and comrades honored on MO32 anniversary

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 22, 2021): Duterte regime condemned, victims and comrades honored on MO32 anniversary

 

FELICIDAD MERCADO

SPOKESPERSON

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID-NEGROS ISLAND

NDF-NEGROS ISLAND

November 22, 2021

Today, November 22, 2021, the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM-Negros) continues to seek justice for all atrocities and injustices experienced mainly by peasants due to Memorandum Order No. 32 (MO32) imposed on Negros Island, Samar and Bicol.

“Three years after the implementation of MO32 effectively placing Negros Island under a State of Emergency, an undeclared martial rule by the fascist Duterte regime, PKM has recorded almost a hundred activists and peasants killed, while countless human rights violations were committed against Negrosanons,” Felicidad Mercado, PKM-Negros spokesperson, said.

Mercado further remarked that MO32 together with Executive Order 70 or the so called “whole-of-nation approach” continues to taint Negros Island with the blood of peasants, human rights activists and advocates.

It also noted that many of the violence were perpetrated by state forces and paramilitaries, alongside island-wide red-tagging, forced and fake surrenders, illegal arrest and detention based on trumped up charges, massive militarization and bombings of peasant communities, she said.

PKM-Negros expressed that these fascist schemes of the Duterte regime using the AFP/PNP as instruments targetted organized peasants to further perpetuate the control of haciendas, vast tracts of productive land, in the hands of a few big landlords and compradors, therefore, maintaining feudal and semi-feudal relations.

“Today, we are reminded of one of the most brutal and violent exercise of power by the bloodthirsty Duterte regime, but more importantly, we honor the farmers and our martyred comrades who sacrificed their lives to fight for our aspiration for genuine agrarian reform and liberation from such oppressive and exploitative conditions,” Mercado added.

“There is no greater honor we can give to the victims of MO32 than to continue waging the national democratic revolution in order to hold the Duterte regime accountable for the long-list of brutal crimes committed against Negrosanons and the entire Filipino people and finally achieve national liberation and just and lasting peace,” she concluded.###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/22/duterte-regime-condemned-victims-and-comrades-honored-on-mo32-anniversary/

CPP/NDF-Southern Mindanao: Duterte and the AFP are complicit in the crimes of the monster Apollo Quiboloy

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 22, 2021): Duterte and the AFP are complicit in the crimes of the monster Apollo Quiboloy

 

RUBI DEL MUNDO

NDF-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

November 22, 2021

Apollo Quiboloy enjoys an international criminal’s dream: a co-dependent relationship with the ruling national and local political dynasty, most especially with the clan patriarch, and the protection of the mercenary Armed Forces of the Philippines to safeguard his multi-million pseudo-religious business empire.

Rodrigo Duterte and the AFP have their hands bloodied by the crimes of the monster Quiboloy, who for decades have given the megalomaniacal landgrabber safe haven and free rein to enslave and exploit peasants and Lumad, expand his empire into several other industry lines such as food and agricultural export, education, and media, and conduct his human trafficking and other criminal activities.

In the rural 3rd District of Davao City, Quiboloy rules as a feudal warlord with his own private army, with help of Task Force Davao and the various infantry battalions that have been assigned in Davao City over the years. His estate, by his own claim, occupies more than 5,000 hectares of the supposed protected area of Mt. Apo in Brgy. Tamayong, Manuel Guianga, Sirib and Carmen. It is a sprawling mega-hacienda with hundreds of unpaid slave labor, controlling interests in several export banana, gherkins, and pine tree plantations, and absolute discretion in conversion of land use.

In order to amass control of thousands of hectares of land, especially the ancestral domain of the Bagobo Klata tribe in the adjacent barangays of Manuel Guianga, Tamayong, Carmen, and Sirib, Quiboloy schemed and conspired with Duterte’s factotums in the area. He wields influence in the reactionary National Commission on Indigenous People, especially the Eastern Mindanao Command-instigated Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development, which turns a blind eye to his ethnocidal campaign. In Sitio Kahusayan, Manuel Guianga in early 2006 for example, Quiboloy mobilized village officials and “offered” to buy the ancestral land of several families of the Bagobo Klata tribe for P10,000 or less. When the Lumad refused, Quiboloy resorted to harassment, intimidation and killings.

In April 2008, intending to clamp down on the swelling resistance against his landgrabbing schemes, Quiboloy’s private goons and agents of Task Force Davao murdered Datu Dominador Diarog and severely wounded his wife and two daughters. Several other incidents of harassments and murder followed in the wake of Quiboloy’s crusade to seize control of the Lumad’s ancestral domain, including the killing of farmer Herme Alegre in July 2016. Following the killing of Datu Diarog, AFP troops escorted Quiboloy’s backhoes to bulldoze the ancestral land of the Bagobo Klata, especially the area of the slain datu. Troops from the 84th IB and 73rd, and currently the 3rd IB, have served as lowly security guards of Quiboloy’s fenced compound.


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In August 2018, soldiers from the 3rd IB “mediated” a “settlement” between members of the Bagobo Klata tribe and Quiboloy’s representatives who were also village officials. Several Lumad in attendance later reported that the “mediation” was actually an anti-revolutionary movement forum, as the soldiers ridiculed the tribe’s historical struggle against Quiboloy’s aggressive landgrabbing and coerced them to agree to put an end to the land dispute without concretely addressing the issue.

Quiboloy holds considerable sway in the Duterte political dynasty, securing the former’s “blessing” in running for local and national posts, and “tagging along” in official trips during Duterte’s presidency. The political dynasty has consistently availed of Quiboloy’s influence and dirty money over the years, from receiving tens of millions of pesos to beef up its election war chest to using the pastor’s private jet and other resources.

Quiboloy is an indispensable colluder in the EMC’s whole-of-nation and IP-centric approach to counterinsurgency, a page straight out of the US Central Intelligence Agency counterinsurgency guide in organizing and infiltrating religious organizations. He is a rabid counterrevolutionary, who built his religious enterprise Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name by spewing anti-communist propaganda and religious obscurantism during Cory Aquino’s low-intensity conflict in several villages in Davao City, notably in Alsa-Masa areas such as “Nicaragdao.”

In the grand tradition of US right-wing millionaire televangelists, Quiboloy lives in his “prayer mountain” in Brgy. Tamayong in gaudy opulence, in a palatial mansion with large private cinemas, huge wellness spa, man-made parks and other extravagant amenities. It is being billed, ironically, as a tourist attraction, but which is no more than a shrine to the fruits of decades of swindle, coercion, modern-day slavery, and ethnocide. With considerable help from Duterte, he has branched out his business into other industries, and in recently years invested heavily in media and education to influence the cultural landscape in favor of fake news, religious fanaticism, right-wing rhetoric, fascism, counterinsurgency and anti-revolution.

For decades, only the revolutionary movement and the broad people’s protest movement have taken Quiboloy to task for his crimes against the masses. Units of the New People’s Army have carried out several tactical offensives against Quiboloy’s private goons and AFP troops assigned in the area. In early 2015, following several years of struggle and due to broad support from other sectors, families of the Bagobo Klata tribe were able to return to their ancestral domain and for a couple of years, cultivated the land for their livelihood, until AFP troops intervened on behalf of Quiboloy and drove away the masses again.



The recent sexual trafficking and the 2018 human trafficking cases lodged against Apolo Quiboloy is a mere tip of the iceberg. He must be forced to answer for his “original sin,” which formed the foundation of the recent cases: the crimes of landgrabbing and ethnocide against the peasant and Lumad masses of Davao City.

We enjoin human rights advocates and the broad democratic front to demand the impartial and Duterte-free investigation of Quiboloy’s crimes, abuses, business practices and estate. Most of all, we urge the Filipino masses, especially the revolutionary forces in Southern Mindanao, to ensure that Duterte, his political dynasty and the AFP will be served revolutionary justice for empowering and coddling a monster styling himself the appointed Son of God.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/22/duterte-and-the-afp-are-complicit-in-the-crimes-of-the-monster-apollo-quiboloy/

CPP/NDF-MAKIBAKA: Pagpupugay ng MAKIBAKA kay Ka Oris at Ka Pika

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 21, 2021): Pagpupugay ng MAKIBAKA kay Ka Oris at Ka Pika

 

MAKABAYANG KILUSAN NG BAGONG KABABAIHAN (MAKIBAKA)

November 21, 2021

Pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang iginagawad ng MAKIBAKA (Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan) at ng laksa-laksang mga rebolusyonaryong kababaihan sa buong bansa para kay Jorge ‘Ka Oris’ Madlos at Eighfel ‘Ka Pika’ Dela Peña.

Nagluluksa at nagpupuyos sa galit ang sambayanang Pilipino sa pananambang, walang habas, at patraydor na pagpaslang ng mga pasistang berdugo kay Ka Oris at Ka Pika habang ang dalawa ay lulan ng motorsiklo patungong ospital para sa kanyang ‘medical check up’ noong Oktubre 29, 2021.

Si Ka Oris, isa sa mga nangungunang kadre ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at maalamat na Pulang kumander mula sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa Mindanao at si Ka Pika, Pulang mandirigma, ay mga bayani ng masang api at ng rebolusyon.

Mali ang mga pasista sa pag-aakala nila na ang rebolusyon ay magagapi kung papaslangin ang mga pinuno nito. Kaya man nilang patayin ang isang rebolusyonaryo, hinding-hindi nila mapapatay ang rebolusyon. Bagkus, sisibol ang libu-libong mandirigma na magtutuloy ng sulóng sinilaban para sa rebolusyon!

Hindi masasayang ang dakilang sakripisyo na inialay ni Ka Oris at Ka Pika, sapagkat patuloy na magpupunyagi ang kababaihan at ang mamamayang Pilipino para sa paghahawan ng daan tungong tagumpay!

Mabuhay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon!

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/pagpupugay-ng-makibaka-kay-ka-oris-at-ka-pika/

Kalinaw News: Peace covenant signing held in Basilan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 22, 2021): Peace covenant signing held in Basilan



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – November 22, 2021

The 101st Infantry Brigade initiated the signing of Peace Covenant in Basilan on November 20, 2021. The event was held at Headquarters, 101Bde, Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela city, same province.

According to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of 101Bde/Joint Task Force Basilan, the activity aimed at achieving peace and order through rido settlement and signing of the peace covenant.

The momentous event was participated by Mayor Darussalam Lajid and Vice Mayor Mujib Jakilan of the municipality of Al-Barka. The two both pledged to sustain the peace and improve their relationship for the common good. They also promised to work for a clean, honest, and peaceful 2022 national and local election.

Also present during the activity were Ustadz Ajanti Awal and Ustadz Naser Barahama of the Ulama Supreme Council, Basilan; Mr. Manny Muarip, Provincial Administrator of Basilan; Lt. Col. Egverr Jonathan Abutin, Commander of 18th Infantry Battalion; Police Cpt. Eleasar Tani, Chief of Police, Al-Barka; Mr. Khaiser Hataman, Executive Assistant of the Governor; and other guests.

“The event exemplifies the importance of communication and good public service. I commend the officials of Al-Barka for setting aside their differences and putting their utmost interest to the safety and security of their constituents,” said Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command. “May they be an inspiration to all those who vie for government posts”.

[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 Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/peace-covenant-signing-held-in-basilan/

Kalinaw News: Fallen Heroes in Moises Padilla encounter laid to rest

 Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 22, 2021): Fallen Heroes in Moises Padilla encounter laid to rest

SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental — Two soldiers who died in Moises Padilla encounter were simultaneously laid to rest in separate venues and given full military honors on Saturday, November 20, 2021.

Army troops together with a group of family and friends, sent off late Corporal Biencent John L Trero to his last journey in a burial ceremony held at Angel’s Memorial Park in Kabankalan City while late Private Cesar Ian B Eleuterio was laid to rest at Brgy Jaena Norte public cemetery, Jamindan, Capiz.

Cpl Trero and Pvt Eleuterio, both members of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion paid the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter against members of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at the vicinity of Sitio Tiyos, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

A gun salute was also held at the burial and the Philippine flags, which had been draped over Cpl Trero and Pvt Elueterio’s caskets as their fellow soldier carried their remains to its final resting place, were handed over to their respective families at the end of the ceremony.

“We condole with the family of late Cpl Trero and Pvt Eleuterio. On behalf of 79IB and the whole Philippine Army, we proudly salute you for your patriotism and heroism. Rest assured that your sacrifices will never be put in vain as we vow to be more relentless in our effort to end the local armed conflict in Northern Negros. May your souls rest in peace”, said Lieutenant Colonel J-jay T Javines, Commanding Officer of 79IB.

[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 Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/fallen-heroes-in-moises-padilla-encounter-laid-to-rest/

Carlos honors 2 rookie cops killed in N. Samar encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 21, 2021): Carlos honors 2 rookie cops killed in N. Samar encounter (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

CASH AID. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos extends financial assistance to one of four wounded police personnel confined at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City on Sunday (Nov. 21, 2021). Two trainees of the PNP Special Action Force died after the communist terrorists detonated improvised explosive devices that also wounded four other police troopers. (Photo courtesy of PNP PIO)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos honored two rookie cops killed in an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA), an armed group of terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), at Barangay Lonoy, Gamay, Northern Samar on Saturday.

In a statement on Sunday, Carlos identified the two cops as Pat. Franklin Marquez and Pat. Jimmy Caraggayan who died after the communist terrorists detonated improvised explosive devices (EIDs) that also wounded four other policemen.

“We express our condolences to the families of Pat. Franklin Marquez and Pat. Jimmy Caraggayan. Our snappy salute to the bravery they have shown. They were killed in the line of duty defending our country against insurgency. We would want to recognize the valor of four other troop members who were injured during the firefight,” Carlos said.

Carlos said the police commandos and military forces are now conducting hot pursuit operations against the communist terrorists.

He condemned the CPP-NPA for the latest acts of violence against government forces even as he assured medical treatment of the wounded and benefits to the orphaned families of the deceased.

“Pursuit operations will continue without letup against these criminals while I ordered police forces in the area to establish more checkpoints and prevent the possible escape of the fleeing terrorists. We will make sure that justice will be served, and the deaths of our fellow law enforcers will not be in vain,” Carlos said.

Carlos said the six were among the police personnel undergoing Special Action Force Commando Course (SAFCC).

Carlos honors 2 rookie cops killed in N. Samar encounter

On Sunday afternoon, Carlos visited the four wounded police personnel at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, Tacloban City.

He awarded them the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting and extended financial assistance.

The wounded policemen were identified as Lt. Jay-ar Rimorin, Lt. Jayson Banganan, Staff Sgt. Cristobal Hen-Achan, and Pat. Ruben Ringor Jr.

Carlos also visited the remains of the two personnel killed in action.

He directed Regional Office-8 police director Brig. Gen. Rommel Cabagnot and PNP SAF 12th Special Action Battalion commander Col. Recaredo Marasigan to bring the fallen troopers back to Manila the soonest possible time, where their bereaved families are waiting.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160417

Navy keeps constant patrols in PH waters: Wescom chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): Navy keeps constant patrols in PH waters: Wescom chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo courtesy of PTV

The Philippine Navy (PN) continues to patrol and maintain its presence in the country's vast territorial waters, an official said on Sunday.

"Hindi lang kasi masyadong napa-publicize ano pero ang ating Navy ay tuloy tuloy na nagpapatrolya sa ating mga karagatan (It is not very much publicized but our Navy is constantly patrolling our seas). In fact as we speak, yung ating BRP Jose Rizal yung barko na binili natin sa, o pinagawa natin sa (South) Korea ay kasalukuyang nagpapatrolya sa bandang Pagasa (Island) ngayon, galing dyan rin sa Recto bank, at yung, ang kanyang sister ship na si BRP Antonio Luna ay nasa bandang Reed Bank din ngayon (In fact as we speak, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the ship which we had constructed by South Korea is now patrolling off Pagasa Island and her sister ship, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) is now patrolling in Reed Bank)," Western Command chief, Vice Adm. Ramil Roberto Enriquez said in a radio interview.

Meanwhile, he said repairs to the damaged supply boats are now nearing completion.

Once the repairs are proven to be satisfactory, the resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea will proceed immediately.

"As of kahapon (Saturday) ay malapit na nilang matapos ang kanilang repairs so ngayon kung matatapos nila ngayong hapon (Sunday) ite-testing kaagad namin at sa lalong madaling panahon, babalik at babalik kami dun (As of yesterday, their repairs were nearing completion and if these will completed by this afternoon, we will immediately test them immediately and proceed with the resupply mission)," Enriquez added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday said the resupply mission for Filipino troops will proceed this week and that China will not interfere with this mission.

Lorenzana said they have been talking with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian since the evening of Nov. 16 when the incident took place until Nov. 20.

Asked also to comment on claims that the Philippine boasts were water cannoned for trespassing, he said it is China that is violating the country's sovereign rights within its 200 nautical miles (NM) exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"They are the ones violating our sovereign rights within our EEZ. Our EEZ (200 NM from the Philippine mainland) was granted to the Philippines (by) the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) which, by the way, was ratified by China. Therefore, they have no right to impede, prevent or harass our ships within our EEZ whether we are fishing or bringing supplies to our detachment in the Sierra Madre in Ayungin shoal," Lorenzana said.

The Western Command earlier reported that three Chinese Coast Guard vessels “blocked and water cannoned” two Philippine supply boats or "bancas" on Nov. 16.

No one was hurt but the Philippine vessels, which were identified as Unaiza Mae 1 and 3, had to abort their mission after one of them had its outrigger damaged by the water cannon.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160451

PH resupply mission to Ayungin now underway: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): PH resupply mission to Ayungin now underway: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Delfin Lorenzana on Monday confirmed that the vessels conducting the resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea have already left Palawan.

"The resupply ships left this morning from Oyster Bay in Palawan and will reach (BRP) Sierra Madre tomorrow (Tuesday morning). The Chinese Ambassador (Huang Xilian) assured me they will not be impeded. Pero pakiusap nila, walang escort (they only requested that the boats will not be escorted)," he said in a message to reporters.

Asked if this condition will allow Chinese ships in the area to harass the incoming supply boats, Lorenzana replied: "We will see."

Asked whether the Philippine military is in constant communication with the crew to check on their conditions, the DND chief replied in the affirmative.

"Yes, they are. (A Philippine) Navy plane will be in the vicinity when the resupply ships are in Ayungin," he said.

He added that the boats harassed by the Chinese Coast Guard last week were also the ones that departed for the resupply mission.

"The same boats. The damaged one was (already) repaired," he added.

On Sunday, Lorenzana said China will not interfere anymore with the resupply mission, following talks with the Chinese envoy.

The Western Command earlier reported that three Chinese Coast Guard vessels “blocked and water cannoned” two Philippine supply boats or "bancas" on November 16.

No one was hurt but the Philippine vessels, which were identified as Unaiza Mae 1 and 3, had to abort their mission after one of them had its outrigger damaged by the water cannon.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160455

EU, Canada back PH over Ayungin Shoal incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): EU, Canada back PH over Ayungin Shoal incident (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

The European Union (EU) and Canada have joined other nations in expressing "strong opposition" over “provocative actions” in the South China Sea after Chinese coast guard vessels blocked and attacked two Philippine supply boats with water cannons headed for Ayungin Shoal last week.

In a statement on Monday, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Nabila Massrali reiterated the EU’s “strong opposition to unilateral actions that endanger peace, security, and stability” in the disputed waters.

“Furthermore, the European Union emphasizes the importance for all parties to respect freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,” Massrali said.

She urged both China and the Philippines to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“In this context, the EU recalls the Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS on 12 July 2016, which found that Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf,” Massrali said.

She also expressed support to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea currently being developed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), noting that the policies should be “effective, substantive and legally binding, and not prejudice the interests of third parties.”

Stands by UNCLOS, arbitral ruling

In a statement, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter MacArthur said his country “stands by UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration decision.”

“Recent provocative actions taken against the Philippines are inconsistent with obligations of all countries under international law and risk escalation of tensions, to detriment of peace, security, and prosperity,” MacArthur said.

Earlier, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed aboard BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal has resumed, noting that Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian assured that the supply boats would not be impeded.

On November 16, the Western Command reported that three Chinese coast guard vessels blocked and attacked Philippine supply boats, forcing them to abort the resupply mission after one had its outrigger damaged.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160488

More PH civilian law enforcement ships needed in WPS: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): More PH civilian law enforcement ships needed in WPS: Esperon (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (File photo)

There is an urgent need to acquire more civilian law enforcement vessels to secure the vast and rich waters of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said on Monday.

He made this comment when asked whether the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) could escort Filipino fishermen planning to make expeditions in the WPS.

"Gusto nating gawin yung, gusto nating gawin yun (pero) alam mo napakalawak ng, alam mo ba yung karagatan natin dyan ay mahigit na 300,000 square miles, maski na lagyan mo ng isang barko sa isang square miles ay wala tayo nun (We would want to that, but you know our waters there are so vast, exceeding 300,000 square miles, that we can't even deploy a ship per square mile even if we wanted to)," Esperon said in a radio interview.

Esperon, who is also chair of the National Task Force for the WPS, said this is the reason why they are pushing general maritime patrols and deployment of all government agencies tasked to secure these waters.

He also said there is a need for the country to beef up the PCG and BFAR fleets to allow them to perform more effectively.

"Kailangan magdagdag tayo ng pwersa natin dyan lalo na sa Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries (We need to add more forces there especially the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries)," Esperon said.

He also pledged to further enhance the country's investments in security and beef up its stations and outposts in the WPS.

"Tayo naman very specific, tibayan natin yung ating stations at dagdagan natin ang ating investment sa security, kung magagawa natin yan ay papakinabangan natin yung ating 'blue economy' dyan, napakalaki nyan, napakalaki ng ating blue economy, ang ating karagatan ay tatlong beses, pitong beses na kasinlaki ng ating lupain (We are very specific, we will further improve our stations and commit more investments in security. If we are able to do that, we will be able to harness our 'blue economy', our 'blue economy' is so vast, our waters are three to seven times bigger than our land area)," Esperon added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160497

Ayungin incident ‘does not speak well’ of PH-China ties: PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): Ayungin incident ‘does not speak well’ of PH-China ties: PRRD (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte is disgusted with the actuation of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels which blocked and fired water cannons on two Philippine boats transporting supplies to military personnel in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on November 16.

During his attendance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-China Special Summit via video conference on Monday, Duterte said the South China Sea issue is a strategic challenge that cannot be solved by force.

He urged stakeholders to exercise self-restraint, avoid the escalation of tensions and work towards the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

“We abhor the recent event in the Ayungin Shoal and view with grave concern other similar developments. This does not speak well of the relations between our nations and our partnership,” he said.

Duterte pointed out that the sea row should be resolved in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award provide legal clarity…pointing us to a just and fair solution to our disputes. We must fully utilize these legal tools to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, stability and prosperity,” he added.

He likewise told China to remain committed to the conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

“There is simply no other way out of this colossal problem but the rule of law,” he said.

Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

It is located about 105 nautical miles off Palawan, Philippines, well within the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier conveyed “in the strongest terms” to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing the Philippines’ “outrage, condemnation, and protest” of the Ayungin Shoal incident.

China as Asean’s strategic partner

Meanwhile, Duterte also underlined the depth and breadth of the 30-year partnership between Asean and China, adding that “China deserves its status as Asean's Comprehensive Strategic Partner”.

He noted China’s timely assistance to Asean’s Covid-19 pandemic response efforts, noting that China was the first dialogue partner Asean engaged when the pandemic broke out and the first to provide life-saving vaccines and medical supplies.

"Together we’re making headway in pandemic control allowing us to reopen our economies and go full speed with recovery efforts," he said.

Duterte said that enhanced multilateralism and connectivity will be the drivers of inclusive and comprehensive recovery.

He welcomed China’s ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, a mega trade deal between 10 Asean member states.

Ratifications from at least six Asean countries and three of the other five non-Asean countries are needed for the trade deal to take effect.

Once in effect, the RCEP will eliminate as much as 90 percent of the tariffs on goods traded between its signatories over the next 20 years.

Citing the recently concluded 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, Duterte reiterated the Philippines’ call for urgent climate action anchored on the principles of justice and fairness.

He pushed for the protection and preservation of biodiversity and the marine environment through sustained cooperation by supporting the work of the Asean Centre for Biodiversity hosted by the Philippines, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160494

AFP concludes 2021 joint exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): AFP concludes 2021 joint exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday formally concluded the fifth iteration of the AFP Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA (AJEX DAGIT-PA 05-2021).

AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Andres C. Centino, led the closing ceremony along with AJEX 05-2021 exercise director, Maj. Gen. Ariel Felicidario III, and AFP deputy chief-of-staff on education and training, Rear Admiral Antonio Palces, held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Today’s event could not be more opportune as the AFP advances on its journey towards modernization and of becoming at par with our foreign counterparts. I am thus proud to join all of you here today for the successful culmination of the AFP Joint Exercise Dagat, Langit, at Lupa,” he added.

This year’s AJEX DAGIT-PA was participated by 1,492 active personnel and 92 reservists from all the major services. They all took part in several joint interoperability events as well as command post exercises ably supervised by a crack team of exercise staff headed by Col. Michael G Logico, the exercise executive agent.

The exercise ran from November 8 to 18.

It has encompassed major events such as Cyber Defense Exercise in Camp Aguinaldo; Air Detection and Interception viewed from Pasay City; Live Fire Exercise and Urban Operations in Capiz; Maritime Operations in Panay; and Amphibious Operations with Special Operations in Antique.

This is also the first time that majority of the activities for AJEX-DAGIT PA were held outside Luzon.

This year’s exercise area is at the joint area of responsibility of the Visayas Command under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Robert Dauz and specifically in the training areas of the 3rd Infantry Division under Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo.

Different assets of the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), and the Philippine Navy (PN) to include the Philippine Marines, were deployed to test interoperability among the Major Services.

These assets include combat engineering equipment, armored vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft, artillery, K-9 teams, and explosive ordnance division teams from the PA.

Meanwhile, the PAF deployed four FA-50PH jet fighters, two A29B "Super Tucano" attack aircraft, two AW-109 attack helicopters, two S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters, one S-76A air ambulance, two Hermes 900 UAVs, one C-130, and one C-208B Grand Caravan.

While the PN utilized the frigate BRP Antonio Luna, patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio, landing dock BRP Tarlac along with several naval helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Also present were Philippine Marines amphibious assault vehicles, artillery, and M-35, and KM-450 trucks.

Centino emphasized that the AJEX-DAGIT PA is all part of the AFP’s continuous endeavor to achieve better unity of command and capitalize on the synergy of military operations.

“The regular conduct of Joint Training Exercises or the conduct itself of Joint Operations certainly allows the AFP to maximize its array of capabilities in any given threat situation.

With the success of this year’s AJEX DAGIT-PA, there is no doubt that the AFP has truly achieved higher levels of competency and capability enhancement complemented by our new modern and high-tech equipment," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160527

'Restore NTF-ELCAC budget for barangays', guvs to Senate

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): 'Restore NTF-ELCAC budget for barangays', guvs to Senate

As local leaders nationwide continue to express their outrage and dismay over the move by senators to cut the budget of the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), three more governors and a mayor have voiced their concerns over the looming threat of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) should these 2022 funds are denied.

At the weekly virtual NTF-ELCAC press briefing Monday, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone lashed out at senators pushing for the BDP budget cut, saying they are just making political posturing as the next election nears.

“Para hindi sila magmukhang bad boy ililipat sa (To avoid being pictured as bad boys, they will transfer to) Covid-19 pandemic,” Evardone said, referring to some senator’s claims that it is better to transfer the BDP fund to fight the dreaded virus pandemic while the more than 50-year terrorism of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) continue to wreak havoc.

“Itong pandemic ng insurgency ay mas matagal na (This pandemic of insurgency has been with us for a very long time already),” Evardone added.

He said that during a consultative meeting, most of the residents of their 10 municipalities have become hopeful that progress will be theirs. However, when they learned of some senators’ move, one of the mayors moved that a resolution be issued declaring the senators who are against the BDP receive “zero votes” in their province.

“Sana nga sa bicam [Bicameral Conference Committee] maihabol ito at mairestore (We’re hoping it will be restored during the bicam),” he said.

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, on the other hand, said they viewed the move to slash the budget of great concern, even if his province has yet to accept and receive the BDP fund next year.

“Sayang lang ang big investment ng national government for Bohol in tourism (It’s a pity if the national government's big investment for Bohol in tourism will come to naught),” Yap said, noting that BDP will help fix the road network of six critical barangays in his province.

Frustration and anger

Yap said while talking with various local leaders of Bohol, everyone expressed their frustrations and anger over the situation.

“Sabi nila kung ganyan pala ang ginagawa nila, yung mga Senators (As they said, if the senators will do that). They have the power right now to help us but they choose not to do so, then I think the people should know the governors, the mayors and our leaders must troop to the Senate and make our sentiments be heard. So, I’m ready to go if the other governors are going to the Senate. Please count me in,” he said.

Sustainability should not be hampered

For Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, the 81 to 82 percent nearing completion of BDP projects in his province would go to naught if sustainability is hampered by the budget slash as this unique program was only implemented in this administration.

“This is the first time in the history na nabigyan pansin ng national ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan na nasa laylayan, partikular sa mga nakatira sa malalayong lugar (that the national government gave attention to our countrymen in the far-flung areas),” Dayanghirang said.

He said if the BDP would be stopped, then the biggest casualty is the national government itself.

He described the BDP as the best long-term solution to the insurgency problem.

“Ito nga ang tinitingnan namin na pangmatagalan na solusyon na mabigyan sana ang mga pangangailangan ng taumbayan partikular doon sa conflict affected barangays po (We look at this as long-term solution to hopefully address the needs our countrymen particularly those in the conflict affected barangays,” he said.

He added: “Ako po ay nakikiusap sa ating mga Senador na huwag naman ninyong ipagdamot ang kapayapaan para sa bansang Pilipinas, huwag naman nating ipagdamot ang mga pangangailangan na matagal ng minimithi ng ating mga kababayan na maangkin nila (I am appealing to our senators not to spoil peace for the Philippines, let's not spoil the needs that our countrymen have long wanted them to have.”

‘Hear cries of people’

Meanwhile, Abra de Ilog Municipal Mayor Eric Constantino in Occidental Mindoro reported that his municipality is now facing the insurgency threat as the NPA headquarters, which was formerly based in Quezon and Laguna provinces, had been transferred in their area.

Constantino called on the senators “to have a second look” and “consider how effective” the NTF-ELCAC’s BDP is in providing far-flung communities of their basic needs.

He added that the NPA rebels are making “recovery efforts” to take back their province, composed mostly of Indigenous People (IP) communities.

“Hear the cries and clamor of the people (especially IPs). You will deny them the service which you have sworn into office,” Constantino warned senators who wanted to slash the BDP budget, adding that IPs are “the bulk of CPP-NPA-NDF recruitment.”

He said IP communities in his municipality have already felt the presence of the national government through the BDP including five of his “isolated” barangays of streetlights with solar-powered stations, ongoing potable water projects, classrooms, and upgrading of roads.

“Other barangays are hopeful that theirs will follow soon,” Constantino said, insisting that the move of some senators of slashing BDP budget “will devastate the fate of progress,” in his hometown.

BDP game-changer

Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson on Local Government Affairs and BDP, said while they are still hoping that majority of the senators will support the BDP, in the end the department is happy to see and hear that the local officials of the land are voicing their sentiment over the issue, as they too continue to appeal for the passage of BDP budget in its “entirety”.

“BDP serves as a game-changer in our fight against local terrorism and communism,” he said. “There is a strong momentum on the part of the government in fighting against terrorism and if we slashed that PHP28.1 billion, it sends a wrong signal to our partner local government units under the National Task Force ELCAC who have now taken a strong stand together with the DILG and the rest of the NTF-ELCAC against Communist Terrorist Groups.”

He added that this is primarily the first time that the government is providing this large amount of funding from the government to disadvantaged and isolated areas across the country.

On the issue of slow implementation, Malaya said many simple projects were already completed, such as the distribution of seed capital, rice harvesters and livelihood projects, while those infrastructures such as farm-to-market roads and electrification projects would take more time because of the government’s compliance of Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Procurement Act.

“It’s unfair to say na mababa ang accomplishment dahil sa mahaba-habang proseso (that accomplishment is slow because the process is a little big long) and timeline in accomplishing these projects. These are big ticket projects. At pangalawa po dumaan tayo sa pandemya. Hindi po nagpabaya ang NTF-ELCAC or ang mga (And secondly, we have gone through pandemic. The NTF-ELCAC or the local governments have not neglected) in implementing these projects the soonest possible time,” Malaya said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160557

Anti-insurgency budget should not be cut: Andanar

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): Anti-insurgency budget should not be cut: Andanar

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (File photo)

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday said legislators’ move to slash the proposed budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) will hamper development efforts in the countryside, especially in conflict-affected areas.

In an interview, Andanar expressed his support for the Duterte Administration's anti-insurgency efforts, stressing that the bulk of the proposed budget is allocated for the reintegration programs of former rebels, which is advantageous for the government as this would help entice more members of the leftist group to surrender the armed struggle.

“Ako’y sang-ayon kay Senador Bong Go at President Rodrigo Duterte sa NTF-ELCAC proposed budget na dapat hindi ito tapyasan sapagkat alam naman natin na ang NTF-ELCAC hindi naman ito puro military operations. Whole-of-nation approach nga ang tawag dito (I agree with Sen. Bong Go and President Rodrigo Duterte that the proposed budget for the NTF-ELCAC should not be slashed because as we all know this is not entirely for military operations. There is a reason why this is called the whole-of-nation approach),’ he said.

Andanar slammed rumors that the budget will be used for military operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Yung pondo na yun ay yun yung ginagamit para mabigyan ng trabaho yung mga walang trabaho na mga sumurender na rebelde. Nagbibigay din tayo ng edukasyon, pabahay para ma-reintegrate sila sa ating lipunan (The budget for that goes to providing jobs to former rebels. We also provide them with education and housing to ensure that their reintegration to the society would go well),” he said.

“Yung sinasabi na ito’y para sa military operations, fake news po yun (Those rumors saying it’s for military operations, it’s fake news),” he added.

With the help of the task group and its member agencies, over 18,000 rebels have already surrendered to the authorities since 2016. Communities through their respective local government units were also able to engage in the process of freeing their place from the clutches of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

For 2020 alone, the NTF-ELCAC’s banner program Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) assisted 822 barangays cleared of CTG influence, providing them with PHP20 million worth of development projects each. These constitute over 2,200 projects, including farm-to-market roads, water and sanitation projects, health stations, and school buildings.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160562

Official vows to hit hard NPAs in Zamboanga del Sur

 From Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 20, 2021): Official vows to hit hard NPAs in Zamboanga del Sur

ZAMBOANGA. Troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion clash on two separate occasions (November 18 and 19) against a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur. A photo handout shows the firearm with ammunition and other personal belongings to included medicines and hygiene kits the NPA rebels abandoned and recovered by the troops. (SunStar Zamboanga)

A TOP military field commander vowed to relentlessly pursue the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who intend to wreak havoc in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, issued the statement Saturday, November 20, 2021, after troops of the battalion clashed on two separate occasions against the NPA rebels in Zamboanga del Sur.

The first clash happened Thursday, November 18, in the boundaries of Sitio Ditalipon in Dilud village, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur and Sitio Kusingan in Tinago village, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.

The second clash occurred Friday, November 19, in Purok 2, Saad, Dumingag village.

The NPA rebels scampered in different directions as the troops outmaneuvered them.

“We will be firm in keeping the peace here in Dumingag. We will be relentless, and we will hit them hard, just to keep the people safe,” said Herrera.

The troops recovered one M16A1 rifle with magazine and ammunition, personal belongings, assorted medical paraphernalia, one portable burner, and hygiene kits the NPA abandoned as they fled in different directions.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1913688/Zamboanga/Local-News/Official-vows-to-hit-hard-NPAs-in-Zamboanga-del-Sur