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Indignation rally vs NPA staged in Bacolod City

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From Panay News (Dec 27): Indignation rally vs NPA staged in Bacolod City



Around 2,000 individuals gathered at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Gymnasium for a condemnation rally against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Yesterday’s event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the rebel movement.

It was attended by families of those who were executed by the CPP-NPA.

Supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte’s program for peace and order were also present.

They marched from the Capitol Lagoon on Lacson Street to the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Gymnasium where the program was held.

“Gusto namon nga mangin malinong kag matawhay ang aton pungsod,” said one of the participants who refused to be identified.

The participants came from all over the province – Moises Padilla, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Valladolid, and Kabankalan and Escalante cities.

Valladolid mayor Enrique Miravalles, who was present at the rally, appealed to rebel group members to return to the folds of the government.

He added that Filipinos should be united to help the poor by supporting the government and not through perpetuating violence.
https://www.panaynews.net/indignation-rally-vs-npa-staged-in-bacolod-city/

Davao Today/Bulatlat: Generations of fighters | Bicol as hotbed of revolution

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Bulatlat article posted to the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Dec 26):Generations of fighters | Bicol as hotbed of revolution

Bulatlat is the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front/New People's Army online propaganda publication.

BICOL REGION – Somewhere in the mountainous part of the region, there were makeshift huts made of freshly cut pieces of wood, leaves and plastic waterproof sheets. A few hammocks made of taffeta hung in between trees. These served as temporary sleeping quarters for the mobile army composed mainly of peasants, some workers, and intellectuals.

There was a kitchen, a meeting place, and a stage. Slits of bamboo were used as poles for the flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Electricity came from a generator. Water was sourced from the nearby brook.

The temporary camp was only a two-hour walk (for the urban-raised but less than an hour for those who know the terrain by heart) from the cemented road.

In this same region, military operations continue. A few weeks ago, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the deployment of more troops to crush the “insurgency.” But the men and women, both old and young, of this armed revolution, just laughed at their enemy’s dream.

Why such confidence? What sustains the NPA? Who supports them?

Four NPA guerrillas from different generations shared their stories.

Taking roots

The NPA prides itself as the people’s army.



Ka Samuel talks with a younger New People’s Army guerrilla just after lunch.


Samuel Guerrero, the 69-year-old spokesperson of the NPA-Celso Minguez Command, has devoted 27 years living among the poorest. Like many NPA units, 70 percent of his time is devoted to organizing and the other 30 percent to military work.

“In some villages, the poor eat lima-lima (a Bicolano term for pig’s food) because they could not afford to buy rice. If you are immersed among the poor, your resolve to fight is strengthened all the more. Even the fatigue disappears when you are with the masses,” Guerrero said in Filipino.

He himself came from a poor peasant family. At the age of 12, Guerrero’s small hands became familiar with soil. His family cleared portions of public land and planted abaca, corn, sweet potatoes, banana, and coconut. Sometime in 1975, the soldiers came and destroyed their crops. The men in uniform also accused his father of being an NPA. Out of fear, the family left and went back only in 1986.

When his father was confined in a hospital due to a disease affecting his spine, the family became deeply indebted. They were able to pay it many years after.

“The poorest just wait for death to come,” Guerrero said. “The system only works for the rich.”

And so, it was easy for Guerrero to embrace the alternative society espoused by the revolutionary movement. On May 10, 1991, Guerrero sought out the NPA to join them.

Guerrero explained that the NPA does not only fight their enemy but also help the masses in agricultural production, wage agrarian revolution, provide health services, build organs of political power, among others.

His hair, beard and mustache already white, Guerrero does not have any plan of retiring yet. He guides the younger ones, often talking to them and helping them in even the menial tasks of preparing food and fetching water.

“The leader should be the role model in strict discipline. He should have a good relationship with his troops,” he said.

His wife and their three children are also active in the revolutionary movement in the village.

Peasant and worker



Ka Cedric tells his story over coffee.

A few years younger than Guerrero, Ka Cedric, 53, also came from a poor peasant family. He grew up in a village considered as NPA mass base and decided to join the guerrillas when he reached 18, the minimum age set by the CPP to join its army.

Asked if his parents agreed with his decision, Ka Cedric paused, his face distorted, his shoulders stiffened and he broke into tears. After a minute or so, he related that the 52nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army took his father when he was eight years old. “They tortured him for one week. When he came home, bruises were all over his body,” he told Bulatlat in Filipino.

After the incident, Ka Cedric’s father joined the NPA. When his father died, he was not able to pay his last respects because he was assigned to another province.

In 1983 Ka Cedric was wounded. A grenade exploded as they took soldiers’ firearms after a successful ambush. The left side of his body and his left leg were hit by shrapnel; it took him eight months to recover.

He soon rejoined the NPA, performing organizing tasks and technical work. In 1990, problems arose within the NPA and Ka Cedric decided to leave.

Ka Cedric’s family decided to go to Manila where he worked as a construction worker for more than ten years. He became active in their union and held a strike to demand wage hike, remittance of their social benefits, among others.

When all of his children already finished high school, the family went back to the province.

In 2017, he rejoined the NPA. “I have always believed there is no other solution,” Ka Cedric told Bulatlat.

Women guerillas

For Ka Arianne, 43, becoming a guerrilla was a fulfilled dream.

Born in a middle-class family, Ka Arianne grew up in the city. As a young girl, she remembered her mother, a lay leader who was active in the movement against the Marcos dictatorship, welcoming NPA guerrillas in their home.

In 1998, after earning a degree and passing the licensure examinations, Ka Arianne was dead set to join the NPA. Finishing her studies was sort of a concession, she said. Her parents eventually respected her decision.

Even when she got married and gave birth to her two sons, Ka Arianne never thought of leaving the NPA. Her husband, an NPA fighter of peasant origin, is assigned in another unit. Once a year, they are able to spend quality time with their sons, now aged 13 and 8.

“I never imagined life outside the movement. Raising a revolutionary family is part of our plan,” the guerrilla with a fair complexion and her long, black wavy hair tied in a ponytail, said.

Last summer, her eldest was able to attend an educational discussion about the Philippine Society and Revolution. “He was shocked to know that Cory [Aquino] was far from being saintly,” Ka Arianne said smiling.

“We do not want to impose [upon our children] but we make it a point to expose them to the kind of life we have here, a communist way of living, that is, from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs,” she said. “At the very least, we want them to learn how to care for others and not to think only of personal satisfaction.”

Asked what sustains her, she replied, “The best part is being able to help resolve the problems of the masses.”

Ka Arianne said they form revolutionary committees, the concrete manifestation of red political power, in villages, municipalities, and provinces, depending on the level of consolidation of the mass base. These committees perform the functions of revolutionary government, including the dispensation of justice, setting up people’s militia and provision of social services.

Asked what she thought of Duterte’s pledge to crush the revolutionary movement, Ka Arianne let out gentle laughter and said, “Hindi niya kaya.” (He is not capable.)

She said government troops are afraid of the NPA. “They dare not go to the mountains. They often stay in urban areas, terrorizing the people,” she said.



Ka Kim joins her comrades in a military drill in preparation for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

One of the youngest NPA in the camp also dismissed Duterte’s threats. Ka Kim, 20, said the masses love the NPA so much. “They would invite us to their homes, offer us coffee and whatever food they have,” she said, her eyes glowing.

Like Ka Arianne, Ka Kim grew up seeing NPA guerrillas in their home. “They would give us rice whenever we did not have anything to eat.”

At the age of 11, Ka Kim, the fifth of six siblings, helped in planting banana, vegetables, and root crops. “Whenever NPA fighters pass by, they would also help us in our work,” she said.

Her parents and siblings are active members of organizations in the village. When she reached 18, she joined the NPA.

In the first few months, Ka Kim admitted getting homesick. Whenever melancholy strikes, she performs her tasks or talk to her comrades. “They are all inspiring, especially the old ones,” Ka Kim said.

Ka Kim looks forward to the NPA growing bigger and stronger in the following years.

With the CPP turning 50 this year, Guerrero said they adhere to the resolutions last 2016 to overcome conservatism and achieve more gains for the Filipino people.

“This is a protracted people’s war. When I’m gone, my children and my grandchildren would be there to continue breaking the yoke of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism,” Guerrero said.

Imperialism refers to foreign domination and control over the country’s economic, political and military affairs. Feudalism refers to the feudal bondage of farmers and agricultural workers while bureaucrat capitalism is the use of public office to plunder the nation’s wealth.

For less than a week, the temporary camp was undisturbed. Several farmers came to visit, bringing vegetables and other supplies. Members of cultural group Armas performed revolutionary songs and skits.

Despite the cold December breeze, their hearts were on fire. (Reposted by davaotoday.com)

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/generations-of-fighters-bicol-as-hotbed-of-revolution/

AFP troops seize 2 NPA hideouts in Agusan del Sur

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From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 25): AFP troops seize 2 NPA hideouts in Agusan del Sur

Two days before the 50th anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA), the military seized two rebel hideouts deep in the mountains of Agusan del Sur last Monday.

This was disclosed by Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr., commanding officer of the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battallion (23rd IB), on Tuesday as he also reported that his units seized in the abandoned hideouts several war materials, including radio communication facilities, rifle grenades and assorted live ammunitions.

“Our operating troops also seized foodstuffs including sacks of rice inside the two makeshift hideouts of the CPP-NPA terrorists in far-flung forested mountains in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province,” he said.

“An undetermined number of Communist insurgents immediately abandoned the two CPP-NPA hideouts after sensing that our patrolling troops were closing in on their position,” Molina bared.

He said his troops were still scouring the seized camps for other war materials left by the terrorists.

He said the enemy (CPP-NPA) hideouts were located after concerned villagers reported their location to the patrolling troops of the 23rd IB.

The fall of the two rebel camps came as a huge blow for the NPA, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary December 26.

“We are still tracking down the enemy route as of this time (Dec. 25) and we will not stop our operation even during the Christmas day and New Year’s day, per directive of our 4th Division commander Maj. Gen. Ronald C. Villanueva,” the 23rd IB commander added.

Chief Supt. Gilberto DC Cruz, regional director of the Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) late Monday afternoon ordered regional and provincial mobile force commanders to assist the pursuing troops of the 23rd IB by way of extending blocking positions along the possible escape route of the fleeing CPP-NPAs.

Meanwhile, combat maneuvering battallions of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade are still pursuing “without let up” the hostage-takers of the two Army soldiers and 14 militiamen somewhere in the Diwata ranges in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

However, the command group of the 401st Brigade based in Camp Datu Lipus Makapandong in Agusan del Sur province could not disclose the exact location of the troops as tactical movement was still going on.

Air and ground assets of the AFP are already “on standby position” here for possible air cover and ground support to the pursuing combat maneuvering troops of the 401st Brigade in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/25/afp-troops-seize-2-npa-hideouts-in-agusan-del-sur/

President’s order deploying troops to four areas only for ‘6 months’ — Lorenzana

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From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 26): President’s order deploying troops to four areas only for ‘6 months’ — Lorenzana

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that Malacanang’s issuance of Memorandum Order No. 32 deploying military and police forces to suppress violence and acts of terror in the provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Bicol region and prevent such violence spreading and escalating elsewhere in the country will only be good for six months.



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Office of the Secretary of National Defense / MANILA BULLETIN)

In an interview over ANC, Lorenzana said they might send Special Forces and Rangers to help supress violence there.

“We will not be permanently moving infantry battalions there but we might bring in Special Forces and Rangers and also the PNP-SAF (Philippine National Police-Special Action Force) for temporary operations only, maybe six months,” Lorenzana said.

“The president just wants to reinforce the troops to pacify the area so that we can pursue our infrastructure building program,” he added.

Lorenzana said its important to send in additional troops to prevent Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) from further conducting attacks in Negros, Bicol and Samar.

“Samar, Bicol and Negros are still problematic, as far as we are concerned they are strong. But in other parts of the country like Northern Luzon, Central Luzon and other areas, (its) minimized already. They can no longer recruit people from these places so they’re targeting IPs (Indigeneous Peoples),” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana said this is evident follpwing the arrest of five regular members of the NPA from Davao Oriental.

“They don’t speak Ilocano but Visayan. We see the dwindling appeal of the NPA in Northern Luzon,” he added.

In Memorandum Order No. 32, President Rodrigo Duterte has also authorized intensified intelligence operations against persons or groups behind the acts of lawless violence as well as their prompt investigation and prosecution.

The memorandum reinforcing the guidelines for the AFP and PNP in the implementation of measures to suppress and prevent lawless violence was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea upon the orders of the President last November 22. It was released to the public Friday.

“There is a need to reinforce the directive of the President to prevent further loss of innocent lives and destruction of property and bring the country back to a state of complete normalcy as quick as possible,” the order read.

“The Department of National Defense and Department of Interior and Local Government shall coordinate he additional deployment of additional forces of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) to suppress violence and acts of terror in the provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Bicol region and prevent such violence spreading and escalating elsewhere in the country,” it added.

The memorandum order cited that there has been a recent occurrence of a “number of sporadic acts of violence” committed by lawless groups in the concerned areas.

Under MO 32, the military, police and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have been directed “to intensify local and transnational intelligence operations against individuals or groups suspected of, or responsible for, conspiring to commit acts of lawless violence in the Philippines.”

The concerned authorities must also step up “the prompt investigation and prosecution of all individuals or groups apprehended for committing or conspiring to commit acts of lawless violence.”

Local government units were enjoined give their “full support and utmost cooperation” to ensure the effective implementation of the order.

The military and police have also been reminded to respect and give due regard to the constitutional rights of persons in implementation of MO 32.

“No civil or political rights are suspended during the existence of a national state of emergency on account of lawless violence,” the order read.

“In particular, the AFP and PNP are enjoined to observe existing rules and jurisprudence in instances that may justify the implementation of warrantless arrests, searches and seizures as well as ensure compliance of guidelines for police/military checkpoints and stop-and-frisk situations,” it added.

The Palace warned that any policeman or soldier violating such rights would face administrative, civil or criminal liability.

MO 32 cited that the President issued Proclamation No. 55 in 2016 declaring a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao and called out the AFP and PNP to suppress such activity and prevent its spread elsewhere in the country.

It also mentioned MO 3 issued in 2016 that provided guidelines for the AFP and PNP for the implementation of the President’s Proclamation 55.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/26/presidents-order-deploying-troops-to-four-areas-only-for-6-months-lorenzana/

Communist group tagged in mass murder of members

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27): Communist group tagged in mass murder of members



Former Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee-executive committee member Ben Tepaet

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has committed mass murder among its members in the 1980s, former members of the rebel group said.

In a documentary produced by Sambayanan, former Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee-executive committee member Ben Tepaet said it was CPP founder Jose Maria Sison’s successor, Benito Tiamzon, who initiated the investigation of all CPP-NPA members and summary killing based on mere suspicion.

“Yung pumalit kay Sison, Tiamzon, yan ang gumawa ng polisiya na lahat ng tao pinaimbestigahan sa bawat level ng unit, talagang patayin ka nila (The one who replaced Sison was Benito Tiamzon. He was the one who made that policy that all of the people were investigated in every level in the unit. They will really kill you),” Tepaet said.



Former NPA-Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda member Chito Herbolingo

In the same documentary, former NPA-Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda member Chito Herbolingo said "kangaroo courts" were established, which resulted in about 1,000 deaths in Davao.

“Pag punta ka doon, parang tapos na yung desisyon, formality nalang yung pagpunta mo doon. In Davao alone, tinataya na mayroong more or less one thousand ang pinapatay ng sarili nilang kasamahan (Even if you go there, the decision’s already done, it was just some sort of formality. In Davao alone, there were more or less a thousand that were killed by their fellow comrades),” Herbolingo said.

Sison is in exile in The Netherlands since 1987, after peace talks with then-President Corazon Aquino’s government failed.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), meanwhile, asked the Philippine courts to arrest Tiamzon and other CPP-NPA consultants for multiple murder cases.

Tiamzon went into hiding when their bail for temporary liberty was cancelled.

The DOJ also filed a pending motion in court to declare the CPP-NPA-NDF as a terrorist organization under the Human Security Act.

The US State Department and the European Union have both tagged the CPP-NPA as terrorist bodies.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057538

CPP-NPA extorted from bizmen, politicians in Mindanao

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27): CPP-NPA extorted from bizmen, politicians in Mindanao


Gomer Matanog

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) extorted money in Mindanao by threatening local businessmen and politicians of harm if they do not give in to the rebels’ demands.

Gomer Matanog, resident of San Miguel, Agusan del Sur, made this claim in a documentary produced by Sambayanan.

He said the CPP-NPA kills those unable to give money.

“The moment you can’t give you will be warned or fined. If not, you will be killed,” Matanog said in the vernacular.

Showing reports from People’s Television (PTV), the NPA reportedly provides “permit to campaign” to local politicians in exchange for a certain amount depending on the position the candidate is running for.

Another PTV report showed the NPA burning several heavy equipment worth PHP40 million.

In an earlier report by the Philippine News Agency, former CPP-NPA and Bayan Muna officer Magdalena Gano admitted that the CPP-NPA charges revolutionary taxes as she herself collected them from establishments in their area in Surigao del Sur, with threat of arson for those unwilling to pay.

The US State Department and the European Union have both tagged the CPP-NPA as terrorist bodies.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057529

CPP-NPA violated IP rights in Mindanao: ex-members

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27): CPP-NPA violated IP rights in Mindanao: ex-members



The Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) destroyed what was once a peaceful region in Mindanao, former Lumad NPA members said.

In a documentary produced by Sambayanan, former Lumad NPA members revealed that killings became rampant since the time the CPP-NPA entered their area.

Datu Manlig-Onan Rolando Lanapan, former Lumad NPA leader in Agusan del Norte, admitted that they were easily lured by the doctrines of the CPP-NPA.

“It became bad, because it has become so chaotic and killing was rampant (within the tribes). There was no respect between siblings, to relatives, even parents, and no more others where everyone is killing due to the doctrine introduced by the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Lanapan said in the vernacular.

Ranny Undayon, a former Lumad NPA leader in Northern Mindanao, said prior to joining the NPA, his heart was patriotic for the people, but later on realized that the NPA’s activities were not really for the people’s good.

“Yung sinapihan kong NPA hindi naman akma yung trabaho naming mga ground commander dun sa mga plano para sa katauhan (The NPA that I joined failed to put our work on the ground as ground commanders on the plans for the good of the people),” Undayon said.

Another former Lumad NPA leader in Agusan del Norte, Datu Revise Mandahinog, said he experienced deceptions by the CPP-NPA when they took advantage of his grandfather’s death.

“I remember then on 1973 that my great grandfather Datu Mangkalasi Sr. was killed by then capitalist NALCO (Nasipit Lumber Company), the entire tribe here in Agusan del Norte declared a Magahat (tribal war declaration), then after that the rebel group CPP-NPA took advantage of the opportunity,” Mandahinog said in their local language.

Datu Bawang Eddie Ampiyawan supported Mandahinog’s claim as he narrated how the CPP-NPA promised to help them fight the NALCO.

“Ginagamit nila ang NALCO na maging kadahilanan para ang tribo sumali sa kilusang CPP-NPA-NDF. (Their true motive was to use NALCO as a reason for the tribe to join the CPP-NPA-NDF),” Ampiyawan said.

The US State Department and the European Union have tagged the CPP-NPA as terrorist groups.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057506

Army lauds IP leaders for speaking up vs. NPAs

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27): Army lauds IP leaders for speaking up vs. NPAs



PROTEST. Members of the Indigenous Peoples communities in Sultan Kudarat hold at a lightning rally Wednesday (Dec.26) in Koronadal City denouncing the communist New People’s Army for duping the IPs on their futile cause. (Photo courtesy of the Manobo Dulangan IPs)

PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Sultan Kudarat -- The military here lauded the lightning protests conducted by members of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday in Koronadal City, describing it as a form of democratic expression of grievances.

Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, said the tribal leaders have spoken and they no longer support the communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

About 30 members of Manobo Dulangan tribespeople formed a line in front of the SOCCSKSARGEN regional center in Barangay Carpenter, Koronadal City between 9 to 10 a.m. chanting: “NPA mangingilad (NPA deceitful),” “NPA terorista (terrorist).”

The protesters were led by Bai Nenita Billones, an IP tribal leader and a certain “Ka Jason,” a Manobo and former NPA who recently surrendered to the government.

The IPs, their faces covered and holding placards, demanded the rebels to stop terrorizing IP communities in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat. Some of the protesters were former NPAs.

They also demanded the NPA to cease recruiting their relatives in the mountains, especially the minors.

The tribal leaders also condemn militant groups for using and manipulating the IPs in political rallies advancing the interest of communist rebels. “Many of us are used to rally against mining, against logging, against the government and we get nothing for doing so, we were just used,” the group’s speaker said during the rally using a megaphone.

They also denied claims by militant groups that a massacre took place in December 2017 between the group of Commander Datu Victor and elements of the Army’s 27th and 33rd Infantry Battalion.

The Commission on Human Rights in Region 12 found Cabunoc and Lt. Colonel Benjamin Leander, former 27th IB commander, liable for alleged human rights violations in South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat borders. “There was no massacre, it was a legitimate encounter and soldiers also helped the injured followers of Datu Victor after the fighting by bringing the injured rebels to the hospital,” the IPs said.

The group peacefully dismissed a few minutes later. An amateur video about the lighting protest was also posted on Facebook. “Clearly, the IPs speak, and they do not want the NPAs to continue recruiting their followers by providing false promises,” Cabunoc said.

“This is an indication that the IPs, who used to support them, now realize the rebels are indeed terrorists and will not help them out of poverty but use them to fight the government,” he added.

The Army official said a partnership between the Army and the local government units (LGUs) of President Quirino, Senator Ninoy Aquino, and Bagumbayan has helped the IPs realize that there is a government that cares for them.

“The Army, in coordination with the LGUs, has continuously been reaching out to far-flung villages where the Manobo Dulangan resides and extend them help and provide basic government services,” Cabunoc said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057516

AFP chief wants guerrilla bases as 'peace zones'

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27): AFP chief wants guerrilla bases as 'peace zones'

The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is seeking to turn areas formerly used by the communist guerrillas as bases into peace zones where development can thrive and people's lives are improved.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said the plan needs an integral approach, and that the whole nation must participate as he conceded that peace and development initiatives cannot be achieved solely by the military.

"We should have the same dedication, sense of urgency, the same passion, parehong momentum para sabay sabay (the same momentum so that we all move together)," Madrigal said in an interview here Wednesday.

Madrigal said development efforts should not be confined on the areas affected by the communist insurgency, but also around neighboring areas to encourage New People's Army (NPA) community supporters to actively engage with the government's programs.

The AFP chief also underscored the role of the private sector in bringing development to areas whose economic development has been stunted by insurgency.

"Paano mo i-encourage ang mga tao sa conflict areas kung gobiyerno lang? (How are you going to encourage people in conflict areas if you solely rely on the government)," he said.

For instance, Madrigal cited the dire situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) whose ancestral lands the NPA has turned into guerilla bases. This, he said, has made the tribes more vulnerable not only to NPA atrocities but to its recruitment as well.

To respond to these challenges, Madrigal said the AFP will launch a national task force that will give flesh to the "whole-of-nation" approach by starting community-based development programs.

Meanwhile, the AFP chief lauded the military units in Mindanao for the series of mass surrender of NPA combatants and their community supporters.

In Davao Region alone, the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said it has scored 524 regular NPA surrenderers; 700 Militia ng Bayan--the NPA frontline militia organization; 256 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) or community-based supporters; and 6,242 underground mass organization members.

Madrigal assured the former NPA combatants and supporters "can lead a good life after abandoning the communist struggle."

However, the military official conceded that "we can only achieve complete victory if we can address all concerns in the conflict-affected areas."

"With President Rodrigo Duterte in the lead supported by the regional executive councils, the local government units, we can address the roots of insurgency," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057507

11 soldiers hurt in clash with NPA in ComVal town

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27): 11 soldiers hurt in clash with NPA in ComVal town

Eleven personnel of the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) were hurt when they encountered an undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Mt. Diwata, Monkayo town, Compostela Valley province on Wednesday.

A report released by the 10ID on Thursday said troopers belonging to the division's Recon Company and 25th Infantry Brigade conducted  "focused military operation" after receiving information indicating NPA presence in the area.

A firefight that lasted several minutes erupted, with the NPA believed to have suffered an undetermined number of casualties based on the traces of bloodstain in the encounter site.

The 10ID said the 11 wounded soldiers are now in stable condition.

According to several locals, the NPA combatants were harassing community members to participate in the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-- the NPA's mother organization.

The rebels, belonging to the Guerilla Front 20, were also extorting money from community members, the residents alleged.

When they couldn't get enough locals to participate in the CPP's December 26 anniversary event, the NPA allegedly started planting landmines on the road, prompting residents to report them to the military.

GF 20, which operates in the northern part of Compostela Valley province, was recently declared by the military as being on the verge of disbanding following the series of surrenders by its members and underground mass supporters.

The Compostela Valley encounter is the second incident involving the NPA in Region 11 during the week.

On Christmas Day, troops from Army's 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) clashed with NPA rebels in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur while conducting security operation.

10ID said it has launched pursuit operations to prevent the rebels from launching more attacks.

Brig. General Jose Faustino, 10ID commander, condemned the NPA use of landmines.

"The 10ID condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) by the NPAs. It is a clear violation of the provisions stipulated in IHL (International Humanitarian Law)," Faustino said in a statement.

Faustino said landmines may also inflict harm on civilians.

"We assure the public that 10ID is steadfast in performing our mandate of protecting the people and ensuring that communities are secured. With our joint effort, both military and civilian communities, terrorist-communist atrocities will not prosper," Faustino said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057540

2 soldiers critical after Cotabato shooting

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): 2 soldiers critical after Cotabato shooting



SEALED OFF. Police close down with police yellow tape the area in Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City, where a riding-in-tandem attacked and shot two Army on Friday (Dec. 28). (Photo courtsey of City Transport Traffic Office)

Authorities said they are hunting down motorcycle-riding gunmen who shot and critically-wounded two Army personnel along Sinsuat Ave. here Friday morning.

Senior Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director, identified the wounded soldiers as Private First-Class Michael Haudar, 27, and Nerwin Delfin, 26, whose rank was not immediately known.

Haudar and Delfin remain in critical condition at a hospital here, Octavio said.

The victims, both members of the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion based in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, were riding a motorbike along Sinsuat Ave. when tailed by riding-in-tandem suspects who shot them at close range shortly before 9 a.m.

“The attackers sped off following the incident, leaving the victims sprawled on the pavement,” Octavio told reporters here.

Both victims sustained gunshot wounds in various parts of their bodies.

Octavio said probers are working on the identities of the gunmen, who used a blue Bajaj motorcycle with a plate number they declined to reveal, pending police follow-up operations.

"Witnesses saw the plate number of the motorbike the assailants used during the attack," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057586

Group formed to check projects in rebel-infested areas

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): Group formed to check projects in rebel-infested areas



CONSTRUCTION STOPPED. A portion of the road in Las Navas, Northern Samar where concreting was terminated due to NPA threats. (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)

TACLOBAN CITY -- A technical working group (TWG) has been formed to find out concerns and recommend solutions on the delayed construction of government infrastructure projects in conflict-affected areas of Samar Island.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Bonifacio Uy, in a mobile phone interview on Friday, said the Regional Development Council (RDC) has already approved the resolution creating the TWG. The group will have its first meeting early next year.

Uy, the RDC vice chair, said the group is composed of officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, and concerned local government units.

“There is a need to create a group that will look into prevailing issues in the implementation of projects in conflict-affected areas, such as the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), and identify recommended actions that have to be undertaken to avoid similar issues in the future,” Uy told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

PAMANA is the national government’s convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind.

Early this month, the RDC has identified three terminated PAMANA infrastructure projects in Samar provinces funded under the 2016 budget of OPAPP.

These are the PHP71-million bridge construction in Motiong, Samar; PHP114.7-million box culvert construction in Las Navas, Northern Samar; and PHP192-million road construction also in Las Navas town.

Initially, the region’s highest policy-making body identified some major setbacks of project implementation such as threats from the New People’s Army, absence of access roads, subcontracting issues, unworkable ground conditions, and lack of manpower and equipment.

Top officials in Eastern Visayas have elevated to Cabinet secretaries the discussion on delayed and terminated infrastructure projects meant for impoverished and conflict-stricken areas on Samar Island.

The RDC’s discussions on delayed PAMANA projects have started in the second quarter of this year. Earlier, the body already passed two resolutions to help expedite the project and conduct problem solving sessions.

The council also passed a resolution endorsing the transfer of implementation of delayed PAMANA projects to the engineering brigade of the Philippine Army. The document also requested concerned agencies to expedite the execution of an agreement to facilitate the project construction turnover.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057576

Sayyaf bandit nabbed in Zamboanga City

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): Sayyaf bandit nabbed in Zamboanga City



A TEAM of police and military operatives on Thursday arrested Ben Mungakay alias Boy Negro, 57, an alleged member of the Urban Terrorist Group (UTG) of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-9 public information office)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--A police and military team arrested on Thursday an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit in a law-enforcement operation in this city, an official said Friday.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office (PRO-9) director,
identified the arrested individual as Ben Mungakay, 57, a member of the ASG’s Urban Terrorist Group (UTG).


Licup said Mungakay was arrested through a warrant of arrest for serious illegal detention around 4 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Curuan.

Mungakay is one of the followers of ASG sub-leader Marzan Ajijul. Police said he was involved in the kidnapping of Doroteo Gonzales, a carpenter, on April 25, 2009 in Barangay Buenavista here.

The ASG bandits beheaded Gonzales after his family failed to pay the PHP25 million ransom in exchange for his release.

Gonzales severed head was found on May 17, 2009 in the town of Al-Barka, Basilan province.

Licup said Mungakay was placed under the custody of the Police Station 2 of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057588

FVR attends unveiling of SAF 44 Monument

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): FVR attends unveiling of SAF 44 Monument



(Photo courtesy of Mel Bergado)

Former President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest of honor and speaker at the inauguration of the Special Action Force Museum, SAF 44 Memorial and Black Beret Monument held in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig Metro Manila last Dec. 17.

Ramos founded the SAF when he was still the chief of the Philippine Constabulary (PC), now the Philippine National Police (PNP). He paid tribute to the 44 SAF troopers killed in a gun battle with Islamic terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015.

He cited the bravery of the SAF troopers, who were outnumbered and pinned down during the fierce firefight that lasted for hours that also killed 18 of the terrorists, including Zulkifli Abdhir, a Malaysian terrorist bomb maker.

However, five innocent civilians were also killed in the crossfire.

As the founder of SAF, Ramos was shocked and saddened, when news broke out about the killing of 44 young SAF troopers.

Ramos, former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and later Defense Secretary before he was elected as the 12th President of the Philippines, organized the SAF as an elite force of the PC, trained to fight in the jungle and in urban areas.

Despite his age at 90, Ramos still has the stamina to play golf, visit friends, and attend social functions. His memory remains sharp as ever.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057597

Lorenzana orders review of 67-year-old US-PH military pact

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): Lorenzana orders review of 67-year-old US-PH military pact



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Friday he has directed a review of the 67-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States, to see if it is still relevant to the Philippines'"national interest.”

“I have just directed our lawyers to start looking into it,” Lorenza said in a Palace press briefing.

“That’s 1951. It’s a 67-year-old treaty. Is it still relevant to our national interest? That’s what we should look at. Let us look at it dispassionately, without considering about past ties, about future ties—dispassionately,” he said.

Lorenzana said the end goal of the review is either
“to maintain it, strengthen it, or scrap it”.


He said the provisions of the 1951 MDT should be reviewed whether it is “still valid or still relevant today”.

“It’s been a long time, 1951 against 2018 is a long time already,” Lorenzana noted.

When asked if the disputed West Philippine Sea will be part of the review, Lorenza replied: “Everything, everything, everything. The dynamics going on all over the world.”

Lorenzana said even the National Defense Act of 1935 should be reviewed if it is still relevant to the country’s history.

“The National Defense Act of 1935 is still the law that is being followed by our military. It was 1935, for a long time, much has happened,” Lorenzana said.

“So, that is part of the law that I am trying to review also so that if we can, maybe, we could convince Congress to amend it, to align it with what is happening now in our life as a nation,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057639

Palace to address travel advisory issued by US

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): Palace to address travel advisory issued by US



Malacañang on Friday assured it would look into the travel advisory issued by the United States to the Philippines for lack of security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“We are looking into the United States Department of Homeland Security's travel advisory, including their recommendations on how the government may tighten its current security measures, particularly as regards the safety of our airports,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.


“Ensuring the safety of the traveling public is one of the critical interests of our government in view of the looming threat of terrorism,” he added.

Panelo said the government intends to use the inputs of the Philippines’ global partners, including international assessment bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), whose latest security audit findings were found to be "generally satisfactory" with ICAO standards of safety and security.

He assured that the Philippine government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), are prioritizing the implementation of strict security measures at the country’s premier airport.

Panelo said procurement of more X-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors, and alarm systems is among the recommendations.

“We are aware, however, that all these take time and, as airport authorities explained, they expect such equipment to be installed and utilized only in the second quarter of 2019,” he said.

“We thus laud the existing efforts of our various officials in the transport industry who have tirelessly made sure that our passengers reach their destinations from our transit stations safely and efficiently. 'Tanim bala,' for one, is a thing of the past,” he added.

Panelo, also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, said the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte remains “fully committed in our continuing efforts to enhance and secure our airports and eventually protect and ensure the safety of travelers."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057591

More than 11K NPA rebels, supporters yield in 2018

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From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): More than 11K NPA rebels, supporters yield in 2018

A total of 11,605 New People's Army members and supporters have surrendered to the government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said on Thursday the figure is from Jan. 1 to Dec. 26 this year.

Of this number, 1,222 are regular NPAs; 1,398 are "Militia ng Bayan" operatives; 408 "Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad"; 1,133 "Underground Mass Organization" members and 7,444 others are considered as supporters of the communist terrorists.

During military operations, 120 were killed and 196 were arrested.


The number of seized high-powered firearms was placed at 787 while low-powered ones totalled to at 1,074. Some 546 improvised explosive devices and 310 camps were also seized during military operations.

AFP chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, earlier said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) celebrated its 50th anniversary Wednesday without any real achievement with its members fighting for a lost cause.

"Again, as far as we are concerned, the CPP-NPA have no reason to celebrate and no achievements to be proud of. We are reminding them that their options remain the same: we are ready to accept them, and they can avail of the benefits of 'Balik-Loob' or they might just die for a lost cause," he said.

The NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines' armed wing, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057581

NUJP denounces 'CPP legal front' tag

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From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Dec 27): NUJP denounces 'CPP legal front' tag

THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) denounced the accusation that it is “legal front” of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).



A certain Mario Ludades, who claims to be a former ranking officer and founder of the CPP, accusing the NUJP of being one of the supposed “legal fronts” of the revolutionary movement.

In a statement, the national director stressed it was not the first time the NUJP has been the target of such lies.

The organization was also one of those identified as “enemies of the state” in the PowerPoint presentation “Knowing the Enemy” created in 2005 by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and which the military showed in schools and other venues, the statement said.


In the case of Ludades, who identifies himself as spokesman of the “No to Communist Terrorist Group Coalition” and an indigenous people’s leader in the Cordillera region, it does not take rocket science to guess who is behind him and the lies he spouts, it added.

“The charge of being a ‘legal front’ of the communists is so absurd it is tempting to dismiss it outright. Nevertheless, we are treating it seriously because it puts the organization, its officers and members in potential risk,” the statement said.

Also, websites of alternative media outfits Bulatlat and Kodao – which both house NUJP chapters – were taken down almost simultaneously before noon.




That these assaults on freedom of the press and expression took place on the 50th founding anniversary of the CPP is clearly no coincidence, it said.

The takedowns of Bulatlat and Kodao, which state security forces have also time and again accused of links to the revolutionary underground, bear similar signs as the attack that led to the shutting down of the NUJP in 2016.

The attack on the alternative media outfits happened soon after they posted stories about the CPP.

They also come after an incident last week when armed men in civilian clothes believed to be military or police operatives were seen in the vicinity of the office building that houses Kodao and a number of activist organizations that the government openly tags as “front organizations” of the communist revolutionary movement.

“We stress that the ‘alternative media’ are a legitimate part of the Philippine media community whose take on current events and issues broaden the national discourse and provide an invaluable contribution to the growth of democracy,” NUJP said.

Only those who seek to suppress freedom of thought and of expression would seek to silence them and, for that matter, independent media as a whole, it added.

“If Ludades and his handlers, and those behind the taking down of the Bulatlat and Kodao sites, couldn’t be more wrong if they think they can intimidate us with stupid stunts like these,” NUJP said.

“The NUJP and all independent Filipino journalists have not and will never be cowed into giving up the continued struggle for genuine freedom of the press and of expression in the country. This is not a boast. It is a fact,” it added.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1780262

NPA weakening as 22 more yield – AFP

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From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 28): NPA weakening as 22 more yield – AFP

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. said on Thursday that as more members of the Communist New People’s Army surrender, it will continue to weaken their organization.


CHRISTMAS DAY SURRENDER – Army officers welcome the 19 of 22 communist rebels who surrendered in Barangay Ilang0Ilang, Loreto town, Agusan del Sur, on Christmas Day. (Armed Forces of the Philippines photo)

Madrigal made the remark after 22 high-ranking NPA members from Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Bukidnon provinces surrendered to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) a day before the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) celebrated its 50th founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

“They once again lost members who finally understood that they are not fighting for the Filipino people, but for their selfish leaders who use them to extort money and demonize the government. Happy anniversary indeed to the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Madrigal said in a statement.

Three NPA terrorists with three firearms from Bukidnon also surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion last Dec. 23 while an NPA terrorist from Agusan del Norte surrendered to the 23rd Infantry Battalion on Dec. 24.


A whole unit of the CCP-NPA operating at the boundary of Agusan Sur and Compostela Valley surrendered on Christmas Day. The 19 rebels surrendered with their leader who is known as “Boss Mark” and other commanding officers, secretary, squad leaders, medics, and members, to the 75th and 26th Infantry Battalions.
They brought along their firearms –an M16 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, three M16 Bushmaster rifles, two M16 Elisco rifles, a baby M16, four pistols, thousands of ammunitions, several war materiel and subversive documents.

Madrigal said the rebels who surrendered are undergoing debriefing at the 401st Brigade of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

“We are hoping that more leaders and members snap back to reality and realize that they can never have the upper hand on their so-called war,” Madrigal said.

The AFP chief said the communist terrorists had conducted atrocious attacks in the past weeks. He said they had lost more than 11,500 cadres in 2018.

“The CPP-NPA have no reason to celebrate and no achievements to be proud of. We are reminding them that their options remain the same: we are ready to accept them and they can avail of the benefits of ‘balik-loob’ or they might just die for a lost cause,” Madrigal said.

Army 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) commander Majo. Gen. Ronald C. Villanueva said the NPA members surrendered due to corruption within the CPP-NPA leadership.

It was reported that the rebels cited lies, deceit, corruption and crimes within their organization as the reasons that pushed them to give up.

“We welcome their surrender, it’s the best decision they have made for themselves and their families. They will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” Villanueva said.

“I’m calling on all NPA members to return to the fold of the law while you still have your chance. Your families are waiting for you. The senseless ideology of the CPP-NPA will not solve your problem, let us work together to end insurgency and live a peaceful and meaningful life before 2019 comes,” he said.

Dreaming

Meanwhile, Army 303rd Brigade Commander Colonel Benedict Arevalo, on the occasion of the celebration of the CPP’s anniversary by NPAs in Negros, said that CPP-NPA-NDF is either dreaming or hallucinating as they claim victory for the 50 years of their struggle.

He said if the NPAs could have won or taken over the country it should have been a long time ago.

“Yes, anybody is free to dream for as long as that dream will make better persons or organizations; but if it will make monsters out of them just like the three-headed monster as the CPP-NPA-NDF, then that dream should stop! So, the CPP-NPA-NDF should stop dreaming or hallucinating! Their sinister aspirations will never be a reality! The people will never support the reign of terror, hatred and deception of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Villanuva said.

“Fifty years of lies is just too much for the people to take. The CPP-NPA-NDF should stop believing in their own propaganda before they suffer living in their make believe wonderland detached from reality,” Villanueva said.


https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/27/npa-weakening-as-22-more-yield-afp/

50th CPP anniversary: Looking through five decades of violence and peace talks (Pt. 1)

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From the Manila Times (Dec 28): 50th CPP anniversary: Looking through five decades of violence and peace talks (By Jumel Gabilan Estrañero)

First of three parts
BEFORE 2018 ends, another year has been celebrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for its 50th founding anniversary last December 26. According to a CPP spokesman, “This enabled us to still commemorate our 50 years as well as share to our comrades our achievements and milestones throughout the campaign, further strengthening the morale in our ranks.” (Sandara Sidlakan, spokesperson for Guerrilla Fronts 21 and 30 of the New People’s Army or NPA in northern Mindanao.)

On the other hand, the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division commander, Maj. General Rhoderick Parayno, said that 164 rebels had surrendered in Calabarzon. “The (CPP) has lost its relevance [and] is just living on propaganda,” Parayno said. “Those who understand their plight, their cause, are surrendering. They’ve not only lost 50 years. They have wasted 50 years.”

According to the military, more than 1,120 regular NPA fighters and 9,577 members of the “militia ng bayan” nationwide had surrendered to government forces from January 1 to November 28 this year.

Serving as a background of this long-hailed communist insurgents and terrorists, the CPP was established along Maoist lines on Dec. 26, 1968, by then university professor Jose Maria Sison and a handful of followers who broke away from the old Soviet-oriented party. Three months later, on March 29, 1969, the core group formed the NPA with guerrillas to replace the old Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan.

Various guerrilla platoons held their own celebrations on their respective fronts. The rebel terrorists had received calls from individuals, politicians and different groups supposedly wanting to attend the celebration. The CPP has been good in boosting the morale of their comrades even in the midst of alleged military offensive by the AFP. “Even before Christmas Day, the Army offensive in the different areas in Surigao del Sur has been relentless and has intensified but it has not broken our will and we have still managed to commemorate and celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Sidlakan said.

Currently, the military stepped up its counterinsurgency operations after President Rodrigo Duterte canceled peace talks to end the 50-year communist insurgency in November 2017. Duterte has also moved to proscribe as terrorists the CPP, NPA and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the Marxist umbrella representing the rebels in the negotiations.

In a separate statement, the regional committee of the CPP on Panay Island said NPA offensives in the area increased 13 percent over last year and recruitment grew 12 percent, the biggest since 1993. It said the members of village-based rebel militia units also rose 35 percent.

Lies, deception, violence

 The CPP is also good at lying about its continued deception of the masses. Sidlakan said military offensives were continuing on December 26, with guerrillas reporting clashes in San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur province, and Sibagat town, Agusan del Sur province. Those who died, it said, were unarmed and noncombatant members of the party’s regional education and propaganda staff.

With the youth sector as the party’s backbone, students of the University of the Philippines (UP) or Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) are easily recruited to become members of the CPP, or worse, join the heavily armed terrorist group NPA. I remember the Anakbayan saying before, “The arrest is alarming since the reactionary military forces have a track record of violent and inhumane treatment of their captives, especially women.” Of course, this is mere Anakbayan propaganda.

If there is any organization responsible for recruiting women to fight our soldiers, it is the Anakbayan group. For many years, we have been saying that Anakbayan was one of the above-ground allied fronts of the CPP and the NPA. Also, Anakbayan charges the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their violent behavior, but in truth if there was no armed insurgency by the NPA or Anakbayan, then there wouldn’t be any need for soldiers to patrol the hinterlands of Negros island. The fact that the AFP does not reveal the identities of any of its captives is a proof of the AFP’s adherence to international and humanitarian law. But the NPA which accuses the military of violations of human rights, they are far worse in the sense that they are recruiting innocent and underage students to fight their lost cause.

Further, the heavy equipment of a private construction firm in South Cotabato were recently burned by the NPA. Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, spokesperson for the regional police, said 10 members of the NPA set ablaze a backhoe of Gemma Construction at the village of Lamfugon, Lake Sebu town, in South Cotabato.

In addition, on October 4, NPA rebels also burned a truck, 20 sacks of fertilizers and 18 hectares of lemon at a plantation in Agusan del Sur. The plantation at the village of Balit in San Luis town iss owned by a Charity Ampong, who has been accused by the rebels of being “despotic” towards her workers.

Let us remember that since 2015, more than a dozen heavy equipment of private firms engaged in road construction and concreting in the upland towns of South Cotabato, have been burned by the rebels. The NPA’s stand on this kind of crime is like acting a la Robin Hood. Blaming the government or company owner while giving pitiful concern for the people in the locality. Words like the workers can only have their time to rest during lunch break but they are required to rest in sheds or else their wages will be deducted.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time they have acted like this. In a statement last year, the NPA owned up to the burning of quarry equipment in Koronadal City. These equipment are valuable not just for local construction but also for agricultural uses. Clearly this is the work of the NPA, which has been mulcting the construction companies. Destruction of property is a big crime of humanity, an economic sabotage endangering the lives of many Filipinos.

Recruitment of minors

 The statement of former Bayan Muna party-list representative Satur Ocampo that communist rebels are not recruiting minors as fighters, is a blatant lie. The statement/claims made by Ocampo and the group of teachers and minors from the Salugpungan Learning Center last month are conflicting. The group of teachers and minors said that the police and military were involved in dispersing them from their school and boarding house so they sought the help of Ocampo’s group. Ocampo claimed in a television interview that as a rule, the CPP-NPA-NDF is against the recruitment of minors so definitely that could not be part of the program of the NPA.

Why do they have to take the law into their own hands, by allowing themselves to rescue the teachers and minors as they keep on saying? Were there no honest military men and police men anymore in the area? They could have asked the help of the mayor or the governor in the first place as a matter of protocol. Ocampo must know that as a former party-list representative, one must at least pay a courtesy call. Or maybe he just wanted to bypass the law?

They said that “We have consent from parents of the children when they were evacuated.” Also, they said they didn’t have time to call the police because their dispersing was already happening. And yet you can get the consent of every parent of those children in that very situation and that fast? But you don’t have time to call the police?

Everyone knows that the NPA recruits children. So, what’s new? It’s just that they were caught red-handed.

(To be continued)

[Jumel Gabilan Estrañero, a defense analyst/researcher for the government while teaching political science and international affairs. He specializes in defense security, strategy and policy, South China Sea, terrorism, global and regional politics, and special intelligence.]

https://www.manilatimes.net/50th-cpp-anniversary-looking-through-five-decades-of-violence-and-peace-talks/488785/
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