Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

NDF-Cordillera People's Democratic Front (CPDF) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 1, 2019): Tactical offensives are the NPA’s answers to the worsening fascism of the Duterte regime

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SIMON 'KA FILIW' NAOGSAN

SPOKESPERSON

CORDILLERA PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT

APRIL 01, 2019

Just two days after the successful tactical offensive of the NPA in Mt. Gunggung-o, Bauko, Mountain Province, the AFP-PNP has launched a full-scale pursuit operation to recoup from their losses and save face. But once again Red fighters of Leonardo Pacsi Command had proven their readiness when they launched a harassment operation against the operating troops in Mt. Makilakilat of the adjascent northern barangays of the municipality of Tadian at 1:30pm this day.

Claims of the AFP/PNP that they launched the operation to simply flush out the NPA in Mountain Province is preposterous. The 54th IB has set up their detachment long ago near the Hedcor Tapping Station at Brgy. Otucan Norte, Bauko to protect the corporate interest of the company. Just recently, the said detachment of the 54th IB was transfered to a nearby hill. It is being fortified indicative that it will be there for good despite opposition of the residents thereat. The detachment definitely serves to augment another army detachment at the vicinity of the hydropower plant of HEDCOR in Sabangan. The Hedcor Company claimed to have acquired propriety rights over the upstream river and the adjoining tributaries thereby depriving the people of Bauko and Sabangan from freely tap water for their domestic and irrigation needs.

In its frantic scramble to claim that they are having the upper hand in their counter-revolutionary campaign, PNP/AFP mouthpieces and spin masters resort to crying in the media and blabbering gibberish in social media to cover up their losses. Worse of all, they falsely accuse innocent farmers in the countryside and victimizing them in its brutal witchhunting. The bloody killing of 14 farmers in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental last March 30 for no justifiable reason are added more in the long list of victims of the worst anti-people fascism being unleashed on the people. Farmers, women and youth who have not taken any part in the armed fighting between the NPA and AFP-PNP are being coerced and threatened to pose as ‘surrenderees,’ to conjure an environment of “peace” conducive for the entry of foreign imperialist projects, and bounty hunting.

The CPDF calls upon once again to the rank and file forces of the AFP-PNP to do an earnest soul searching. While you are thrown into the doom of the battlefield, your superior generals including your commander-in-chief go gallivanting hopping in their mistresses abode and shedding crocodile tears every time a lowly combatant falls in battle. You become cannon fodder while your higher officials are enriching themselves through corruption-laden modernization deals with foreign government. Leave the fascist service that you are in! Join and support instead the ranks of the toiling peoples where you came from.

Join the New People’s Army!

Advance the people’s war!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/tactical-offensives-are-the-npas-answers-to-the-worsening-fascism-of-the-duterte-regime/

NPA-Southern Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 1, 2019): Lariosa, Franklin patay

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG

NPA-SOUTHERN NEGROS

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 01, 2019

Marso 30,2019, 5:00 AM kapin mga 30 ka mga personahi sa mga kapilisan ang nitungha sa Sitio Omol, Brgy. Talalak, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental. Basi sa nakuhang datus sa RMPC, pag-abot sa mga kapulisan sa maong lugar, ipalibutan dayong ang pipila ka panimalay ug labi na ka Franklin Lariosa, human nakapalibot na ang kapulisan, nangutana sila ug kinsa si Franklin Lariosa, ug niangkon dayon ang biktima, ug gihatagan siya ug warrant, samtang iyang gidawat ug nilingkod sa iyang balkon, wala nakuntento ang pulis sa iyang paglingkod, gipabalhind siya lugod sa gawas nga bangko ug giingnan pa siya nga dili magpa gahi-gahi ug gibasa ni Franklin ang maong warrant nya nakabasa siya ug M16 sa warrant. Igo lang sa pag-ingon ang biktim nga “asa man ko aning armasa sir?” ug gipusil si Franklin sa tulo ka higayon ug giingnan pa siya nga “NPA ka”. Sa pagkatumba ni Franklin hakpon unta sa iyang inahan kay tabangon, pero giwakli lang sa pulis. Gikasubo nga huna-hunaon sa iyang ginikanan, asawa ug uban pang pamilya, tungod kay diha mismo sa ilang atubangan gipatay, ug gipalantan lang ug unsa ka brutal pagkamatay sa ilang pamilya. Ang patay nga lawas ni Franklin, gi-eniro lamang pagdala, gisagnoy lang sa yuta ug gibundak pa sa salakyan.

Si Franklin giplantiran sa mga kapulisan ug duha ka .38 kalibre ug upat ka bala. Gipangkuha sa mga kapulisan ang duha ka sundang sa bayaw ni Franklin ug usa ka cellphone. Sa maong panghitabo, walay nakasaksi nga mga barangay opisyal. Naabot ang mga opisyal, patay na ang biktima.

Ang gipalapang sa mga kapulisan ngadto sa publiko nga napatay nila si Franklin kay kuno nisukol. Dili tinuod ang ilang mga pamasangil sa biktima. Dakog kalapasan sa human rights violation ang AFP/PNP.

Gipangandoy sa pamilya ang hustisya, alang kang Franklin Alcano Lariosa.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/lariosa-franklin-patay/

NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 2, 2019): Biguin ang Oplan Kapayapaan! Labanan ang todo-gera ng rehimeng US-Duterte!

MAGNO UDYAW

NPA-MOUNTAIN PROVINCE (LEONARDO PACSI COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 02, 2019

Kaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino ang Leonardo Pacsi Command (New People’s Army – Mountain Province) sa pagkundina sa sunod-sunod na pasistang atake ng rehimeng US-Duterte laban sa mamamayan at sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapayapaan, walang-tigil ang pandarahas at pamamaslang ng mga ahente ng reaksyunaryong Estado sa masang magsasaka, manggagawa, at pambansang minorya.

Noong Marso 30, umabot sa 14 magsasaka sa 3 munisipyo sa Negros Oriental ang pinaslang sa magkakahiwalay na operasyon ng mga pwersa ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Philippine National Police (PNP). Tuloy-tuloy ang pananakot, panggigipit, at pambubomba sa mga komunidad ng Lumad sa Mindanao sa ilalim ng Martial Law.

Sa Mt. Province, patuloy ang okupasyon ng mga tropa ng AFP at PNP sa mga komunidad ng Bauko matapos ang dalawang matagumpay na aksyong-militar ng LPC noong Marso 29 at Marso 31, kung saan nagtamo ng pinsala (isang patay at di-bababa sa limang sugatan) ang mga tropa ng Estado.

Dagdag ang mga ito sa napakahaba nang listahan ng mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao ng rehimeng US-Duterte at ang armadong pwersa nito – mula sa pamamaslang sa libo-libong maralitang-lungsod sa ilalim ng gera kontra droga hanggang sa pambabraso at panunupil sa ligal na demokratikong kilusan at oposisyon.

Lalo lamang nakikita ng mamamayang Pilipino kung sino ang pinagsisilbihan ng AFP at PNP at para kanino ang “Kapayapaan” na ipinamamarali nito – ang mga panginoong maylupa, malalaking burgesta-kumprador, at imperyalista.

Pinalalakas ni Duterte ang AFP at PNP upang higit na makapaglingkod ang mga ito sa mga mapandambong na malalaking kumpanya sa enerhiya, logging, at mining.

Kung tutuusin, kaawa-awa ang mga katulad nina Patrolman Wilfredo Padawil at Police Corporal Eroeel Lapniten, na dahil sa kahirapan, kawalan ng disenteng trabaho, at sistemikong pang-aapi sa mga Igorot ay napipilitang isugo ang kanilang mga buhay para sa mga institusyong katulad ng AFP at PNP na korap, pasista, maka-dayuhan, at kontra-mamamayan.

Ang mga tulad din nina Padawil at Lapniten ay ang target ng IP-centric approach, kung saan malawakang nagrerekluta ang AFP at PNP sa hanay ng mga Igorot upang ipaing ang mga ito sa mga operasyon sa Cordillera, isang malawak na kabundukan na pinaglalawayan ng mga dayuhang korporasyon.

Higit pang lumilinaw ang katotohanan ng gera sibil sa pagitan ng iilang naghaharing-uri at ang armadong pwersa nito sa isang panig, at ng malawak na masang api at ang isinusulong nitong armadong pakikibaka sa kabila.

Sa kagyat, dapat magpunyagi ang mamamayang Pilipino na biguin ang pasista at kontra-mamamayang Oplan Kapayapaan. Sumandig tayo sa ating sama-samang pagkilos upang labanan ang todo-gera ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

Nananawagan ang LPC sa mamamayan ng Mt. Province, Cordillera, at buong bansa na ibaling sa rebolusyonaryong paglaban ang galit sa kawalan ng katarungan sa ilalim ng naghaharing sistema. Sumapi sa NPA – ang tunay na hukbo ng mamamayan – at ipagtagumpay ang Digmang Bayan na mag-aanak ng tunay na kalayaan at kapayapaan!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/biguin-ang-oplan-kapayapaan-labanan-ang-todo-gera-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte/

NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 2, 2019): Pagpupugay kina Kasamang Pilar at Kasamang JM!

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SAMUEL GUERRERO

NPA-SORSOGON (CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND)

APRIL 02, 2019

Si Ka Pilar

Iginagawad ng Celso Minguez Command-BHB Sorsogon (CMC- BHB Sorsogon) ang pinakamataas na pagpupugay sa dalawang Pulang mandirigma, sina Ka Pilar at Ka JM, na walang pag-iimbot na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa sambayanan.

Nitong Marso 24, nagbuwis ng buhay sa isang depensiba sa Brgy. Tinampo, Bulusan, Sorsogon si Joseph “Ka Pilar” Loyola. Ganap na ala-una ng hapon nang paputukan ang mga kasama ng mga tropa ng 91st Division Reconnaissance Company at 31st IBPA. Umabot ng 10 minuto ang putukan bago nakaatras ang mga kasama.

Sa proseso ng pagmaniobra, tinamaan si Ka Pilar at nang abutan siya ng mga berdugong elemento ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), hindi nito iginalang ang karapatan ng isang sugatan na wala nang kakayahang lumaban, walang awang pinagbabaril si Ka Pilar hanggang malagutan siya ng kaniyang hininga.

Si Ka Pilar ay pinanganak noong Marso 31, 1977 sa bayan ng Pilar, Sorsogon. Mahirap ang buhay na kanyang kinagisnan. Mula sa pamilya ng mala-manggagawa, binuhay silang magkakapatid sa pagtitinda ng isda sa palengke ng kanilang mga magulang. Ngunit hindi sapat ang kinikita ng kanyang mga magulang kung kaya’t grade 6 lamang ang kanyang natapos at agad siyang naghanap-buhay upang makatulong sa kanyang pamilya. Nagtrabaho siya bilang konduktor ng bus, taga-deliber ng isda, at nagkonstraksyon.

Bago sumampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) si Ka Pilar ay muntik na siyang marekluta ng RHB sa Pampanga. Nakatira siya noon sa kanyang tiyuhin at nakilala niya ang mga elemento ng RHB dito. Nang tanungin niya ang mga ito kung ano ang mapapala niya sa pagsali sa kanila ay sinagot siya ng mga ito na kikita siya sa pagsali sa RHB. Makukumbinsi na sana siya ngunit nang malaman ito ng kanyang tiyuhin ay pinauwi siya agad sa Bikol.

Dahil sa pagpropaganda ng kanyang kamag-anak na nasa komite ng magsasaka sa kanilang lugar ay napagpasiyahan niyang sumampa sa BHB noong 2001 at agad rin siyang sumumpa bilang kasapi ng partido. Gumampan siya bilang tim lider at iskwad lider pagkalipas ng ilang panahon. Taong 2007 ay nadestino siya sa ibang rehiyon ngunit hindi na natuloy dahil nagtanan sila ng kanyang asawa na kasabay niya sa byahe at kasama niyang ililipat. Bumalik uli siya noong 2010 at maluwag niyang tinanggap ang kaniyang aksyong disiplina dahil sa kanyang pag-AWOL.

Isang mahusay na kasama si Ka Pilar. Mabait at mahusay makisalamuha sa masa at kasama na kanyang nakakasama sa trabaho. Aakalain mong tahimik si Ka Pilar dahil sa una ninyong pagkikita ay hindi agad ito makikipagkwentuhan sa iyo. Ngunit paglao’y malalaman mong masaya pala siyang kausap. Lagi niyang ikinukwento ang naging buhay niya bilang isang mala-manggagawa. Lagi niyang binibiro sa mga kasama na sa pagiging hukbo nya ay binitawan nya lahat ng luho nya maliban sa pag-ahit ng kilay at bigote.

Wala siyang tungkuling inaatrasan, sa labanan man ito o sa gawaing edukasyon. Ilang beses siyang nanguna sa mga maliliit na operasyon at kalaunan ay naging lider ng platun ng ilang taon. Sa kabila ng kanyang pag-aagam-agam sa pagtanggap sa mga atas ay sinisikap niyang magampanan ito sa abot ng kanyang makakaya. Sa gitna ng matinding kaba ay ipinakita pa rin ni Ka Pilar na mahusay din siyang magbigay ng mga pag-aaral sa BKP.
Maalalahanin, maalaga at mabait na asawa’t ama si Ka Pilar. Pilit niyang idinudugtong ang distansya niya sa kanyang pamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag at pangungumusta dito, kung may pagkakataon nga ay pinadadalo niya ito sa mga anibersaryo ng Partido o Hukbo.

Nitong 2018, pagkalipas ng walong taon ay nasundan din ang kanyang panganay na babae ng anak na lalake. Tuwang-tuwa at ipinagmamalaki lagi ni Ka Pilar ang kaniyang bunsong anak kahit bago pa man ito isilang.

Ka JM

Noong ika-15 ng Pebrero, si Angel “Ka JM” Almerol ay namatay dulot ng malubhang karamdamdaman sa edad na 25 taon.
Ipinanganak si Ka JM sa Salvacion, Magallanes noong Abril 18, 1993. Dahil isa siyang manggagawang bukid, nakita at dinanas niya ang hirap ng buhay ng inaaping mamamayan. Dahil dito, nakita niya ang kahalagahan ng gawaing hukbo kung kaya’t sumampa siya sa BHB noong 2010.

Masigasig niyang pinag-aralan ang mga paraan ng pakikidigma. Naging bahagi siya ng Larangang Yunit Gerilya at gumampan bilang pangalawang lider sa iskwad at namuno din. Makailang beses siyang nakasama sa mga taktikal na opensiba kung saan ipinakita niya ang kanyang katatagan ng loob at tapang.

Masayahing kasama si Ka JM, walang panahong hindi ka tatawa kapag kasama mo siya. Magiliw at malambing din si Ka JM, palibhasa bunsong lalaki siya sa anim na magkakapatid.
Gaya ng ibang mga kasama, inabot din ng paghina ng loob si JM, ngunit lagi’t-lagi ay bumabalik siya sa kasama upang gampanan ang kanyang gawain sa Hukbo.

Matindi din siya kung umibig, ang babaeng pinangarap niyang mapangasawa ay masugid niyang niligawan hanggang sa kanya itong pinakasalan. Sa kanyang pagpanaw, iniwan niya ang kanyang butihing kabiyak na si Edna at dalawang anak na lalaki.

Ang walang pag-iimbot na pag-aalay ng buhay nina Ka Pilar at Ka Jm para sa sambayanan ay isang malaking inspirasyon sa lahat ng masa at kasama na kanilang nakasama sa pakikibaka para sa pagpapalaya ng ating sambayanan. Nawala man sila, ay daan-daang mandirigma ang susunod sa kanilang yapak upang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang iniwang laban at tungkulin sa rebolusyon.

Taas-kamaong pagpupugay kina Ka Pilar at Ka JM!

Tularan ang kanilang dakilang buhay-rebolusyonaryo!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/pagpupugay-kina-kasamang-pilar-at-kasamang-jm/

NDF-PKM Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 2, 2019): Pahayag sang PKM Negros sa pagpatay sa 14 ka mangunguma sa Negros Oriental

FELICIDAD MERCADO

SPOKESPERSON

PKM-NEGROS ISLAND

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID

APRIL 02, 2019

Lubos nga ginakondenar sang Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubikid (PKM)- Negros ang brutal nga pagpatay sa 14 nga mga mangunguma sa nagkalain-lain nga mga lugar sa Negros Oriental. Ginakasubo sang tanan ang wala kaluoy nga pagpatay sa mga biktima, pag tiro kag pagtanom sang mga armas kag granada sa ila nga puluy-an. Ang mga nagkalamatay nga mga mangunguma nagabaka-baka sang obra para may ipakaon sa ila nga mga pamilya, nagasakripisyo sa uma para matuga ang pagkaon sa katilingban. Mga mangunguma nga wala sang may ginapanag-iyahan nga kadutaan, ginahimuslan sang mga nagaharing sahi. Ang ila ginakapyotan amo ang garab kag guna para matikad ang duta nga ila ginakuhaan sang ila pang-ekonomiya. Naghandom sa matuod-tuod nga reporma sa duta apang ang ila naaguman amo ang bala nga kabangdanan sa ila kamatayon.

Kon nagahimakas para sa duta kag palangabuhian, tawagon kana nga terorista? Paano nangin kriminal ang mga masa nga ang ila permi gina-atubang amo ang uma nga ila ginakuha-an sang pangabuhi-an? Paglapak ini sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sa mga inosenteng sibilyan paagi sa patu-patu nga mga kaso sa mga napatay, iligal nga pagpangdakop kag pagpanglagas. Ang pasismo kag diktadurya sang rehimen Duterte ang nag-utas sa kabuhi sa masobra 69 na ka biktima sa extra-judicial killings (EJK) sa isla sang Negros. Imbes nga duta kag kagamitan sa pagpanguma ang ila ihatag sa mga mangunguma para makabulig pagpauswag sang ila pang ekomoniya, pusil, granada kag iban pa ang ila gintanom para kuno may ebidensya sa pagpatay kag pagdakop sa mga biktima.

Ang pag-utas sang ila kabuhi, ang pagpa-agas sang dugo nga naghalin sa lawas sa mga biktima dapat bayaran man sang kabuhi sang nagbuhat ini sa ila. Ang nagpadayon nga SEMPO ukon Oplan Sauron indi rason nga magpakahuyang. Ang pagpangasubo sang pamilya sang mga biktima dapat matransporma sa kaisog agud mapabaskug ang panindugan para maangkon ang hustisya! Ang pagkapintas sang rehimen Duterte amo ang nagatulod sa malapad nga pumuluyo nga maghimakas kag magpakaisog, makigbahin kag magsuporta sa NPA. Paagi lamang sa pagdaog sa demokratikong rebolusyon sang banwa malab-ot ang hustisya nga ginapangita.

Hustisya para sa 14 nga napatay, hustisya para sa tanang mga biktima sa SEMPO/Oplan Sauron!

Rebolusyon ang solusyon! Maghimakas, indi mahadlok!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/pahayag-sang-pkm-negros-sa-pagpatay-sa-14-ka-mangunguma-sa-negros-oriental/

NDF-International Information Office propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 1, 2019): Tapestry of 50 Years of Resistance and Victories

NDF International Information Office
Press Release

31 March 2019

In a celebration held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands today, more than 120 Filipinos and their international friends celebrated 50 years of struggle for social and national liberation in the Philippines.

Billed as a “Tapestry of Resistance” , the celebration featured a speech by Prof. Jose Maria Sison, the call for interanational solidarity by Luis Jalandoni. A film on the work of the people’s army and showcased militant cultural performances mounted by Filipino migrants in Europe. Exhibited were photos on the everday life of NPA warriors captured thru the lens of freelance photographer Boy Bagwis and paintings of Parts Bagani, and the art and poetry of Felix Salditos aka Maya Daniel. A photo gallery of heroes and martyrs of the struggle was shown.

NPA has continued to grow in strength – Joma

In a speech on the 50 years of the Filipino people’s armed revolutionary struggle, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison (Joma) emphasized that the NPA has already spread nationwide and is deeply rooted among the toiling masses and that it has frustrated all operational plans by the armed forces of the reactionary state.

Professor Sison traced the NPA’s history from its foundational years from 1969-1977 to the period of growth, conservatism and upsurge from 2002 – 2019.

Dutere loves war and hates peace

Commenting on the recent termination of the peace talks by Philippine President Duterte, Sison emphasized that the NDFP is always open to peace negotiations. But the recent termination of Duterte shows “Duterte loves war and hates peace”.

Powerful international solidarity needed

Chief International Representative Luis Jalandoni narrated the important role of international solidarity friends during the struggle against the Marcos regime, and how they helped in isolating the dictatorship both domestically and internationally.

“It is in view of the concrete and fast developing reality of the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation and the increasing danger of US imperialist intervention and even war of aggression, that we believe it is needed and opportune to launch and build the Friends of the NDFP! The Friends of the NDFP will be a systematic and organized way to develop a powerful solidarity for the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation,” Jalandoni concluded.

NPA, the people’s beloved army

One of the highlights of the celebration was the showing of three short films: on the NPA not only as fighting army but an army that works, lives with and embraces the aspirations of the people; on the agrarian revolution being waged to respond to the peasantry’s demand for land; and on how the masses exercise their rights and fight for their interests through the organs of political power of the People’s Democratic Government being built today in thousands of villages and towns in the country.

The speeches, messages, cultural performances, exhibits and films were all presented as a “tapestry” that has helped explain and visualize the Filipino people’s continuing struggle for national and social liberation.

A Dutch artist and supporter, said the celebration has made even clearer to her that in its 50 years, the whole Philippine revolutionary movement is growing and achieving important victories for the people.

[Video: New People's Army and the Organs of Political Power

https://youtu.be/ctdk7xL4ywA]

https://www.ndfp.org/tapestry-of-50-years-of-resistance-and-victories/

NDF-International Information Office propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 1, 2019): International friends pledge stronger support for the Philippine revolutionary resistance
NDF International Information Office
Press Release

31 March 2019

(Amsterdam, The Netherlands) – International friends of the NDFP have pledged their “individual and organizational capacities in helping the Filipino people in advancing their struggle against imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.”

They publicly extended this support in a manifesto they signed and presented during the celebration of 50 years of Struggle for National and Social Liberation held today at the Ru Pare Community Center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Powerful international solidarity needed – Luis Jalandoni

“The Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation has been enjoying a strong international solidarity since the time of the Marcos dictatorship,” stated Luis Jalandoni, chief international representative of the NDFP in his speech on the need for a powerful international support for the people’s struggle.

Jalandoni narrated the important role of international solidarity friends during the struggle against the Marcos regime, and how they helped in isolating the dictatorship both domestically and internationally. Jalandoni made special mention of the role of religious missionaries from Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and solidarity activists from Germany and Belgium.

“It is in view of the concrete and fast developing reality of the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation and the increasing danger of US imperialist intervention and even war of aggression, that we believe it is needed and opportune to launch and build the Friends of the NDFP! The Friends of the NDFP will be a systematic and organized way to develop a powerful solidarity for the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation,” Jalandoni concluded.

Friends of the NDFP

A long-time Dutch solidarity activist since the time of the Marcos fascist dictatorship, led in reading the manifesto of support.

Calling themselves the “Friends of the NDFP”, they declared: The working class and all anti-imperialist forces around the world have the duty to unite and support the Philippine revolution, as they did in supporting the Vietnamese people’s revolution and other struggles for national and social liberation around the world.

“We unite with and support the mass movements in the countryside and cities in building their organizations; in building new, democratic organs of political power; in promoting the social welfare of the oppressed classes through community programs for agrarian revolution, livelihood, literacy & education, nutrition, sanitation & health, and self-defense; and in defeating the counterrevolutionary attacks of the reactionary state,” they stressed.

Supporters, guests and messages came from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Basque, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Kurdistan, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Palestine, Russia, Senegal, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Several of the friends of the NDFP have visited the Philippines and entered revolutionary guerrilla areas run by the People’s Democratic Government and shared their experiences while integrating with the mass base of the NDFP and the people’s guerrillas.

Steven de Castro, an international award-winning filmmaker from the US, related his experiences while documenting “Revolution Selfie” a film on the everday life of the people and the people’s army in revolutionary areas. Through time spent and his interviews with the people’s army he gained insights into their hopes and lives. When asked about Comrade Chen, a subject of one of his films who died fighting for the people’s interest, de Castro cited a line from a movie: “I will not tell you how he died. I will tell you how he lived.”

Another filmmaker from Spain, Paloma Polo, related how she saw firsthand how the members of the people’s army through their work among the people and their sacrifices in transforming a country and its system into a better society, are also continuously transforming themselves into selfless and humane beings. Her experience with the NPA and the people in the countryside gave her hope and she wished she could send all of those present in the event to the Philippines.

In the face of all the violations by the Duterte regime, the people and the revolutionary forces are intensifying their resistance. Effective and urgent international solidarity is needed, now and in the future.

https://www.ndfp.org/international-friends-pledge-stronger-support-for-the-philippine-revolutionary-resistance/

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 2, 2019): The Duterte War on Drugs is Fake

By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

April 2, 2019

Duterte rode to power promising to finish off the drug problem in three to six months, despite the fact that as longtime mayor he had used Davao city as a production base and smuggling point for the illegal drug trade.

He used the drug issue to deceive many of those who voted for him in 2016 and to impress the public that he was a strong man and a decisive leader.

Since then, by his own admission, the problem of illegal drugs has grown worse, with drug addicts increasing to 7-8 million under his watch from 1.8 million during the time of Aquino, despite the mass murder of now more than 30,000 poor suspected drug addicts and peddlers.

Since the beginning, the so-called war on drugs launched by Duterte has flagrantly appeared as fake because he has in fact been openly protecting major druglords and smugglers, including his own son Paolo Duterte, Peter Lim, Michael Yang, Allan Lim and others.

The truth is now completely out:

1. The Duterte war on drugs has been carried out to suppress the drug syndicates that rival the Duterte drug syndicate and to realize the monopoly of the Duterte drug syndicate over the illegal drug trade.

2. Duterte has systematically used the mass murder of drug suspects to criminalize and corrupt the PNP and turn it into a private army and criminal accomplice of the Duterte drug syndicate.

3. From time to time, Duterte issues a fake narco-list to deflect attention from the real drug lords and discredit his political opponents.

4. He has maliciously used the mass murder of the poor drug suspects to cause the mass intimidation of the people in a scheme of state terrorism and paying the way for a fascist dictatorship through charter change to a bogus kind of federalism.

There is method in Duterte’s madness of engaging in mass murder of poor suspected drug addicts and peddlers at the street level. Duterte’s evil purpose is to amass wealth from the illegal drug trade and to justify his license to kill and intimidate the people. ###

https://www.ndfp.org/the-duterte-war-on-drugs-is-fake/

From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 3, 2019): US looking at terrorist financing through OFW remittances

THE United States is closely monitoring possible terrorist financing activities in the Philippines, a high-ranking Treasury official said yesterday.

US Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker said Washington is particularly keeping a close watch at possible terrorist-related financing through remittances of overseas Filipino workers.

In a teleconference with the Philippine media, Mandelker said her office has taken action against suspicious undertakings that could involve the financing of terrorist activities in the country.

She, however, refused to elaborate on her statement and simply said: “What I can say is that, of course, we continue to monitor terror financing related to Manila.”

The US Embassy in Manila said Mandelker is in the last leg of her tour of Malaysia, Singapore and Asia which started last March 25.

“Her trip to Asia is part of the US government’s ongoing engagement with partners to discuss shared efforts to counter terrorist financing, money laundering, and other illicit financial threats that could compromise the integrity of the global financial system,” the Embassy said.

It said Mandelker engaged with her counterparts from the ministries of foreign affairs and finance, central banks, and financial regulators, as well as from financial institutions and other private sector and industry stakeholders.

On Saturday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. in a speech at the United Nations headquarters in New York affirmed the country’s commitment to fight terrorism as he announced Manila’s co-sponsorship of UN Security Council Resolution 2462 on combating the financing of terrorism.

In his speech, Locsin stressed that “money is the lifeblood of terrorism” and highlighted the country’s initiatives to combat the illicit financing of terrorism.

He said that the Philippines has already defined terrorist financing as a separate crime and is working on amendments to the Human Security Act to address the exploitation of cyberspace for terrorism.

The Philippines has likewise adopted the 2018-2022 National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Strategy.

Locsin also noted that while remittance agencies have been used as a channel for terrorist financing, the challenge is to balance the requirements of counter-terrorism and the needs of OFWs, as remittances account for 9.8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

He also cited the need to monitor funds going to non-profit organizations and the relationship between terrorism and the illegal drug trade.

https://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/us-looking-terrorist-financing-through-ofw-remittances

From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 2, 2019): Lorenzana meets with US counterpart, reaffirms alliance

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his United States counterpart, Patrick Shanahan, have agreed to step up interoperability between the two armed forces during a meeting in Washington on Monday.

Pentagon spokesman Charles Summers Jr. said the two defense chiefs met “to reaffirm the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines and to discuss bilateral issues in the relationship.

“The two leaders discussed a broad range of defense issues and mutual steps to strengthen the alliance,” said Summers.

The US and the Philippines forged a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951.

“They agreed on the need to increase interoperability between our respective militaries, through exercises, training, and US support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization plans,” said Summers.

The US has been conducting exercises with Filipino forces over the past decades to improve interoperability in addressing external and internal security threats and humanitarian assistance disaster relief.

“Secretary Shanahan and Secretary Lorenzana affirmed their common commitment to fighting terrorism in Southeast Asia,” added Summers.

Summers said Shanahan thanked Lorenzana “for his continued support to the alliance, and for his role in advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

In a statement issued prior to his meeting with Shanahan, Lorenzana said the Philippine and US defense relations “will continue to develop” to meet security challenges that the two countries face.

“To keep the momentum, we need to continue assessing the arrangements we have to ensure that, to enable us to attain our mutual interest. My department will continue to work closely with your side in this regard,” said Lorenzana.

Lorenzana noted the conduct of this year’s Balikatan exercise which commenced on Monday, adding the two-week exercise is meant to bolster interoperability between Filipino and American forces.

“As such I encourage our planners to come up with ways to ensure that the Baliktan exercise addresses the training needs of both armed forces. Furthermore, allow me to reaffirm the agreement between both sides to ensure that all our activities are of high value and great impact as well as mutually beneficial,” he added.

Lorenzana urged officials from both sides to continue dialogue with each other, through the established mechanisms such as the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board.

Lorenzana also expressed gratitude to the US for its continued support in the campaign against terrorism. He said he hopes the counter-terrorism cooperation to be sustained “through real-time information sharing, intelligence exchange and training.”

https://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/lorenzana-meets-us-counterpart-reaffirms-alliance

From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 2, 2019): 2 members of jihadist group nabbed in Cagayan

TWO members of a Daesh-inspired group were arrested by operatives of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Baggao town in Cagayan last Thursday, PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde reported yesterday.

The two were identified as Altero Cariaga and Greg Cariaga, leader and member, respectively, of the so-called Syuful Khilafa Fi Luzon or the Northern Jihadist Group that was established a few years ago.
A report from the CIDG described the group as a “terrorist and radical Islamic propagation group established in Baggao, Cagayan in 2016 that is influenced in the concept of ISIS-inspired group in the country.”

The two were nabbed during a raid conducted by the CIDG, augmented by military intelligence personnel, in Barangay Dabbac Grande at around 5:15 a.m. on Thursday last week.

Seized from them were four pistols, two improvised bombs, assorted ammunition, two flags of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a back pack, a cell phone, a cable cord, a USB, and a compact disc.
The two were arrested by virtue of arrest warrants issued by a Cagayan court for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Albayalde said the group was established to gain support from ISIS. He said they discovered the existence of the group as part of police efforts to put a check on groups associated with ISIS.

“They just wanted to be known. Probably, they just want to introduce themselves, they want to gain support, probably by pledging support to the ISIS...Apparently, they are pledging support the ISIS,” said Albayalde.

Albayalde said the PNP is not concerned over the presence of the ISIS-inspired group in Cagayan, noting they have not recorded any single atrocity by the group in the entire region.

“We’ not (concerned). As we’ve said, this group merely wants to introduce itself. So far, they have not committed any hostility or atrocity in that area. This (operation) is one of the preventive measures that we do together with the PNP,” said Albayalde.

The two were among 168 persons who were arrested in CIDG-led operations last week in the PNP’s continuing campaign against organized crime and proliferation of firearms and explosives.

Albayalde said among those arrested were 23 local government officials, including Mayor Romeo Vargas of Tubajon, Dinagat Islands and Vice Mayor Antonio Adlao of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.

Overall, the operations resulted in the recovery of 137 firearms and 34 explosives.

https://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-members-jihadist-group-nabbed-cagayan

Posted to the often pro-CPP online publication Bicol Today (Mar 29, 2019): Brothers escape police detention, turn over seized firearms and ammunition to NPA in Western Samar

CALBIGA, Western Samar – Two prisoners of the Calbiga police station escaped from their detention cell and ran off with several firearms and ammunition and turned them to the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area.

Rebel group Efren Martires Command of the NPA-Eastern Visayas announced Wednesday in a statement over the internet that Rowel Mabahin and his brother, who is a minor, surrendered to the NPA immediately after escaping from detention at the police station in Calbiga, Western Samar last March 15.

According to the NPA communique, the Mabahin brothers voluntarily turned over to the NPA three M16 rifles, two .45 cal. pistols and one 9mm pistol, three ammunition pouches, 12 M16 magazines and 300 bullets, two cellphones and other items. The Mabahin brothers are now in the custody of the NPA.
NPA Efren Martires Command said, “The Mabahin brothers told the NPA they escaped from the custody of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines out of fear for their lives. This was because a certain police officer (name withheld) threatened to summarily execute them after showing them a video of the NPA ambush in Motiong, Western Samar that same day. The Mabahin brothers had reason to be afraid because the younger brother had already suffered torture. The Calbiga police forcibly poured water, mixed with hot pepper, down his throat while holding him down. The younger Mabahin thus incurred a deep hatred of the police because of his torture.”

The NPA added the brothers were driven to commit common crimes because of poverty, hunger and disenfranchisement.

The brothers are accused under the GRP’s reactionary justice system of stealing two motorcycles and injuring a peasant who accused one of them of theft.

The NPA said the brothers are ready to face the revolutionary justice system of the People’s Democratic Government because they will undergo due process, their rights will be fully respected, and if they indeed need to face trial, their youth and willingness to renew their lives will be duly considered.

http://bicoltoday.com/2019/03/29/brothers-escape-police-detention-turn-over-seized-firearms-and-ammunition-to-npa-in-western-samar/

From Rommel C. Banlaoi, PhD Slide Share (Mar 11, 2019): Briefing Slides: Updates on Threats of Violent Extremism in the Philippines

(Delivered at a Public Forum on Violent Extremism organized by the Department of International Studies and International Studies Society of Miriam College on 11 March 2019)

[Dr. Rommel C. Banlaoi is the Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR). He is a recipient of Albani Peace Prize Award (Peace Education) in 2011. He worked as professor of political science at the National Defense College of the Philippines (where he became Vice President), assistant professor in international studies at De La Salle University, instructor in political science at the University of the Philippines Los Banos. He is currently a Professorial Lecturer at the Department of International Studies, Miriam College, Philippines. Email: rbanlaoi@pipvtr.com and rbanlaoi@yahoo.com]

https://www.slideshare.net/RommelBanlaoi

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 3, 2019): Peace rally calls on NPA members to go mainstream

DAVAO DEL NORTE —Hundreds pitched support for national government’s thrust to end insurgency in a peace rally held on March 29 at the Rotary Park in Tagum City.

Raising calls for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to seek government support, participants to the rally were former rebels who returned to the fold of the law. Also joining the peace gathering were members of indigenous peoples (IP) communities, people’s organizations, socio-civic organizations while others were from local government units.

Army reservists, personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and people from the academe joined the peace rally “held in pursuit of peace in the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley Province.”

Civil Military Operations (CMO), Captain Alan B. Apara of the 1001st Infantry Brigade in an interview said that part of their calls hoisted in placards were “work as one government for peace”, “good governance is the key to counter insurgency”, and “encourage NPA to go back to mainstream”.

The core of their calls was “peace” and that they were urging for NPA members to leave their underground movement while assuring them that President Rodrigo Duterte would help them live a normal way of life.

The peace rally in Tagum City was held simultaneously with the same event in Davao City where a candle-lighting event was an add-on feature of the call for peace.

Provincial government of Davao Oriental organized a Public Service Day that coincided with the March for Peace that took off from the Baywalk in the City of Mati to the Provincial Capitol Covered.

Among those that joined the Peace march rally in Davao Oriental were peace volunteers, peace advocates, women and youth groups, local and national line agencies aside from personnel of the military and the police.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020485

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 3, 2019): MID reassures robust units, civil-military engagements vs insurgency

Newly-installed Army Mechanized Infantry Division Commander Major General Robert Dauz reassures robust infantry unit and civil-military engagements to combat terrorism and insurgency. (Cherie Joyce V. Flores/PIA 3)

CAMP O’DONNELL, Capas, Tarlac -- Army Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) reassured robust units and civil-military engagements in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

In his speech during the Change of Command Ceremony, newly-installed Commander Major General Robert Dauz highlighted the mark of excellence of MID and the importance of right mix of triad operations in serving the people and securing the land.

“As I assume the responsibility and leadership of MID, our perspective is to have an infantry that is well-meaning-serious army with robust infantry units to perform its core purpose,” he stressed.

“With this, combined with the contribution of every member of the organization or through inclusive approach, we will build and bring the MID to greater heights,” Dauz furthered.

Based on Executive Order No. 70 series of 2018, the whole-of-nation approach is institutionalized as a government policy for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace.

“We will employ strong foundations of approaches and these should be a combination of combat, civil-military and information operations,” Dauz said.

The Division also intends to maximize the professional expertise of the members of the Multi-sectoral Advisory Board to further attain the Army Transformation Roadmap.

“As we embark to write the next chapter of our history, let us not lose sight of our responsibilities as citizens of our country and as armors with a core purpose of serving the people and securing the land,” Dauz emphasized.

“Let us keep the spirit of winning burning in our hearts and minds. Let us fight to win the peace fight under the rule of law,” he furthered.

Dauz is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988.

He served as the Commander of various units such as Commandant of The Armor School, 5th Light Armor Battalion that was subsequently reclassified as the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Security and Escort Battalion, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Force “Talakudong” in Maguindanao.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020530

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 3, 2019): Casualties from Isulan bombing now at 18 (See photos inside)

Security officials said the casualties in Wednesday’s bombing outside a restaurant in downtown Isulan in the southern Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat have risen to 18 from six earlier reported by authorities.

“The casualties in the blast are now pegged as 18,” said Maj. Arvin Encinas, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division.

He said soldiers and policemen recovered from the blast site broken parts of a 9 volt battery and fragments of a cell phone, believed used to detonate the bomb, and concrete nails, including pieces of plastic container which were all part of the improvised explosive that went off outside the Carlito’s Chicken.

“We are still investigating who was behind this dastardly act. We also tightened security in the town to help local police force guard Isulan,” he told the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper.

Photos released by the 6th Infantry Division to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show police investigators searching for the remains of an improvised explosive device that went off April 3, 2019 outside the Carlito’s Chicken in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat province in southern Philippines.

Town Mayor Marites Pallasigue said the blast occurred in front of the restaurant along the highway. She said the attack came as a surprise and that they had no intelligence report of an imminent attack or terror threats in Isulan. “Wala kahit ano, walang threat, wala lahat, walang intell report kahit na ano sa amin,” she said, adding, her town is generally peaceful, although an ISIS bombing in August 28 last year killed two people and left at least three dozen others wounded.

“Generally, our place is peaceful. I don’t know what happened or why this is happening to our place now,” she said.

Former presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza, in his Facebook account, said 2 children were killed in the powerful explosion. “Two kids already confirmed dead! Gov. Pax Mangudadatu just informed me. He is now rushing from GenSan to the site,” he wrote.

But Encinas said there were no reports of Dureza’s claim. “No, we have no report about it,” he said.

A video posted on Facebook showed civilians running and screaming as black smoke billowed in front of the restaurant. The clip, recorded from a cell phone by another civilian, can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/jomayma.santiago.1/videos/340377610166510/?t=99.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the previous motorcycle bombing was claimed by ISIS, according to SITE Intelligence.

The blast coincided with the town’s 61st founding anniversary and occurred while the whole region is under martial rule. The motorcycle was parked along the highway near several shops in Kalawag village when it exploded around 8.30 p.m. and two other improvised explosives were recovered not far from the area.

At least 35 people wounded in the blast were rushed to hospitals. And an adult and child died from the bombing.

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters or BIFF whose leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, also claimed responsibility for last year’s attack in the town. The BIFF, whose members were mostly former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters, is one of several pro-ISIS militant groups fighting for the establishment of a caliphate on Mindanao.

Security forces have been fighting militant groups in the southern region the past years. The blast occurred following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to the armed forces to crush terrorism.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/casualties-from-isulan-bombing-now-at-18/

From MindaNews (Apr 3, 2019): 18 hurt in Isulan blast

The blast site outside Carlitos Chicken restaurant. Photo courtesy of 6th Infantry Division

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao – Eighteen persons were wounded when an improvised explosive device went off in front of Carlitos Chicken restaurant in Brgy Kalawag 2, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat around 3pm on Wednesday.

The victims were immediately brought to nearby hospitals.

A mechanized military team proceeded to the area to secure and cordon the explosion site.

An EOD team inspects the blast site. Photo courtesy of 6th Infantry Division

An Army explosive and ordnance disposal team conducted an investigation at the blast site and all military checkpoints were ordered to implement security measures.

“We expressed our sympathy to the victims of this barbaric act perpetuated by the peace spoilers who are sowing terror and fear to the community,” said Joint Task Force Central Commander, Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana.

“We will strengthen further the security measures in Isulan and other parts of the AOR. We will also exert our best efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and give justice to the victims,” Sobejana added.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/04/18-hurt-in-isulan-blast/

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 4, 2019): 52 clashes, 15 rebel deaths recorded from Jan-March

Since January this year, the army recorded a total of 52 clashes, resulting in the death of 15 rebels and the arrest of nine others.Capt. Regie Go, the spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, said that in the first three months, they also received 495 surrenderees from the regular NPA guerrillas and members of the Militia ng Bayan, Sangay sa Partido sa Lokalidad, and underground mass organizations.

They also recovered 111 firearms and 34 anti-personnel mines, and dismantled 41 NPA hideouts.

He said the members of the New People’s Army have nowhere to hide as more and more local government units have proclaimed them persona non grata.

The barangay and municipal councils, as well as the provincial boards of Surigao del Sur, in the municipality of Sibagat and Brgy San Pedro; San Luis in Agusan del Sur; Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao Del Norte; and nine barangays in the province of Bukidnon have passed resolutions in this regard.

A case was filed by the 403rd Infantry Brigade, headed by its commander, Col. Edgardo De Leon, against the NPA for violating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the first quarter of 2019.

“They violated the IHL and harmed civilians in Bukidnon province. They burned a banana harvesting machine, backhoes, and a boom spraying machine owned by the different private companies in the area. They also brutally killed two soldiers in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City on Valentine’s Day. They must pay for the crimes they have committed,” De Leon said.

On the other hand, Caraga and Northern Mindanao vowed to adopt and implement Executive Order 70, known as Peace and Development Zones. The Regional Peace and Order Council and the Regional Development Council have pledged to effectively address the root causes of insurgency, as part of the government’s “whole of nation approach.”

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, commander of the 4th ID, said, “I am very happy that the LGUs (local government units), LGAs (local government agencies) and other sectors in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions are standing up and are now ready to fight with us in our “peaceful war” efforts.

“I hope more barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces will join us so that we will be able to achieve the long-lasting peace we have longed for,” he said.

“I am expecting more surrenders to come as we continue with our localized peace efforts and I am seeing how the CPP-NPA terrorists continue to disintegrate in our area because of the concerted efforts of government forces, LGUs, LGAs and other stakeholders,” he added.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/04/04/52-clashes-15-rebel-deaths-recorded-from-jan-march/

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 3, 2019): Photo: Abraham Villanueva, secretary of the NPA South West Front, captured along with two companions

Abraham Villanueva (left), secretary of the NPA South West Front, also known as the Armando Sumayang Command, and his two companions, Jomar Villarojo and Rona Magbanua, who were captured Monday night in Brgy. Tampalon, Kabankalan City. (Army photo)

http://www.visayandailystar.com/

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 3, 2019): NPA leader, 2 others nabbed

Another ranking leader of the New People’s Army and his two companions were arrested Monday night by the military and police at Sitio Amian llawod in Brgy. Tampalon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

The capture of Abraham Villanueva, alias Tikboy and Gamay, who is the secretary of the NPA South West Front, also known as the Armando Sumayang Command, was followed by an encounter yesterday in the same place, that yielded war materials.
Villanueva has pending arrest warrants for arson and frustrated murder, Arevalo said.

Also captured were Rona Magbanua, alias CheChe, 18 of Brgy. Asia, Hinobaan, and Jomar Vilarojo, alias Tiny, 28, of Brgy. Camansi, Kabankalan City.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that Villanueva and his two companions, were wearing black NPA sweat shirts printed with PKP (Partido Komunistang Pilipinas) @50 and black jogging pants, when they were captured.

The arrest of Villanueva and his companions, that was made through information relayed to the 15IB, 604th Regional Mobile Force Company and the Kabankalan police by concerned residents, also yielded a.45 caliber pistol with a magazine containing five ammunition and three fragmentation grenades, Arevalo said.

Magbanua served as finance and logistic officer of South West Front platoon 1, where Villarojo also served as a red fighter, Lt. Col. Patricio Tomales,15IB commander, said.

The continued combat operations in the area by 15IB and 604th RMF Company also led to an encounterwith about 20 NPA rebels believed to be the companions of Villanueva, yesterday morning.

After an almost 20-minute gunbattle, the rebels scampered in various directions, leaving behind an M-16 rifle with a magazine containing 20 live ammunition, 175 rounds of a M-60 machine gun link, 21 ammunition for an AK-47 assault rifle, two cellular phones, a Smart phone, tablet with charger, netbook, storage device for a laptop, transistor radio, Pentax binoculars, a medical kit, blood pressure apparatus, and subversive documents.

The arrest of Villanueva came more than a week after Communist rebel leader Frank Fernandez, secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, and his wife and deputy, Cleofe Lagtapon, were arrested in Laguna.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/April/03/topstory2.htm

CPP/NDF-Cordillera People's Democratic Front (CPDF): Tactical offensives are the NPA’s answers to the worsening fascism of the Duterte regime

CPP/NPA-Southern Negros: Lariosa, Franklin patay

CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: Biguin ang Oplan Kapayapaan! Labanan ang todo-gera ng rehimeng US-Duterte!

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Pagpupugay kina Kasamang Pilar at Kasamang JM!

CPP/NDF-PKM: Pahayag sang PKM Negros sa pagpatay sa 14 ka mangunguma sa Negros Oriental

NDF/NDF-International Information Office: Tapestry of 50 Years of Resistance and Victories

NDF/NDF-International Information Office: International friends pledge stronger support for the Philippine revolutionary resistance

NDF/Sison: The Duterte War on Drugs is Fake

US looking at terrorist financing through OFW remittances

Lorenzana meets with US counterpart, reaffirms alliance

2 members of jihadist group nabbed in Cagayan

Brothers escape police detention, turn over seized firearms and ammunition to NPA in Western Samar

Rommel C. Banlaoi: Briefing Slides//Updates on Threats of Violent Extremism in the Philippines

Peace rally calls on NPA members to go mainstream

MID reassures robust units, civil-military engagements vs insurgency

Casualties from Isulan bombing now at 18 (See photos inside)

18 hurt in Isulan blast

52 clashes, 15 rebel deaths recorded from Jan-March

Photo: Abraham Villanueva, secretary of the NPA South West Front, captured along with two companions

NPA leader, 2 others nabbed