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Kalinaw News: Army conducts loudspeaker operations and leaflets distribution in Surigao Sur

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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 12, 2020): Army conducts loudspeaker operations and leaflets distribution in Surigao Sur (By 4th Infantry Division)



BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur-Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr., Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Stn) – The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion conducted mobile loudspeaker operation and leaflets distribution in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on April 09, 2020.

In line with the declaration of ceasefire, the government focused its efforts and resources in addressing the pandemic crisis caused by the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). The unit conducted loudspeaker operations to exploit the situation in favor of the government and advance the campaign against the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) within the unit Area of Responsibility (AOR). Likewise, the troops distributed fifty (50) pieces of leaflets on Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government and 50 pcs leaflets information on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Army’s loudspeaker operation is instrumental as it conveys factual information reminding the people and the community regarding the importance of taking precautionary measures such as social distancing, staying at home, eating healthy foods, and proper hygiene and sanitation to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

The loudspeaker operation was first employed during the Zamboanga siege and Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, and Marawi siege in 2017 aimed at providing correct information to the people, particularly during the time of crisis.

Further, the loudspeaker operations with the recorded voice message of the former rebel, expressed out that we should all unite and cooperate with the government to overcome the global health crisis that we are facing right now, and to condemn the brutal activities perpetrated by the CNT’s despite of the ceasefire.

Lieutenant Colonel Warren C Munda, Commanding Officer of 75IB, assured the security and safety of the populace in the AOR and strictly implement the mandate of the local Inter-Agency Task Force to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our AOR.

Informing the community of the correct information on how to avoid getting infected from COVID-19 will lessen their worries and fear. Thus, everyone can contribute in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by just staying at home with their families until such time the government will lift the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the country.




[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-conducts-loudspeaker-operations-and-leaflets-distribution-in-surigao-sur/

Kalinaw News: 10 NPAs surrender in Caraga on Holy Week

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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 12, 2020): 10 NPAs surrender in Caraga on Holy Week (By 4th Infantry Division)



Bancasi, Butuan City – Ten (10) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) belonging to the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) yielded to government troops under the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade in a series of surrender in Caraga Region during the Holy Week.

Said surrenders composed of five (5) regular CNTs and three (3) Milisya ng Bayan (MB) under Guerilla Front (GF) 4A, NCMRC and two (2) regular CNTs under GF30 and Sentro De Gravidad (SDG), Sub Regional Command (SRC) 2130 under NEMRC surrendered
to the elements of 23rd Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte and 36th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Sur under the operation control of the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

The CNTs yielded one (1) M16 Rifle, one (1) M1 Carbine Rifle, one (1) M653 Rifle attached with M203 Grenade Launcher, three (3) caliber .45 Pistols, three (3) caliber .38 Pistols, and one (1) Anti-Personnel Mine (APM).


Alias Jack, Squad Leader, Squad Baking of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) KINGDOM of GF4A, NCMRC, and alias Jelan, MB of SYP KINGDOM, GF4A, NCMRC surrendered last April 6, 2020. They revealed that as they approached the communities for food, they took the opportunity to desert and decided to return to the folds of the law because they didn’t see any reason anymore to continue fighting as corruption and abuse became rampant in their organization.

In an effort to help his comrades who also wanted out of the CNT organization, Alias Jack facilitated the negotiation and surrender of alias Brando, Team Leader of Team Abe, Squad Uno, SYP KINGDOM, GF4A, NCMRC on April 8, 2020 and alias Windel, Political Instructor (PI) of SYP SIKOP, GF 4A, NCMRC on April 9, 2020 to 23IB under Lt Col Francisco L Molina, Battalion Commander.

Meanwhile, on April 07, 2020, four (4) female CNTs surrendered again to 23IB namely: alias Russel, 31 years old, former platoon medic, SDG CAOCAO, GF4A, NCMRC; alias Minchie, 31 years old, former squad medic, SYP SIKOP, GF4A, NCMRC; alias Darlyn, and alias Langlang, 24 years old, both members of Milisya ng Bayan (MB).

In Surigao del Sur, two (2) CNT leaders surrendered to the 36IB troopers led by Lt Col Jeezrel Diagmel, Battalion Commander. They were identified as alias EJ, Team Leader, TM 2, Squad 2, Platoon 2, GF 30, NEMRC, 25 y/o and alias Rex, PG, Sqd 1, SDG, SRC 2130, NEMRC, 23 y/o. They disclosed that their stay in the CNT organization became more miserable when the COVID19 struck the province since their supporters were quarantined.

Since January 2020, there are already a total of forty-eight (48) CNTs who surrendered to the government bringing along with their 21 assorted firearms.
In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade said, “We are elated that these former CNTs have realized the futility of their armed struggle as we continuously confront the COVID19 pandemic. The continuous surrender of the ranking CNTs and its members proved that the rotten ideology that the CNT is desperately insisting to the Caraganons are irrelevant and unwelcome. These developments manifest the steady weakening and downfall of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) organization”.

Said surrenderers will be validated and enrolled under the government’s reintegration program, the E-CLIP, to give them the opportunity to go back to their normal lives.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/10-npas-surrender-in-caraga-on-holy-week/

CPP/NDF-ST: Tulad ni Ponzio Pilato, hugas-kamay si Duterte sa kriminal na kapabayaan at pananagutan sa pagkalat ng Covid-19 sa Pilipinas–NDF-ST

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NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 11 , 2020): Tulad ni Ponzio Pilato, hugas-kamay si Duterte sa kriminal na kapabayaan at pananagutan sa pagkalat ng Covid-19 sa Pilipinas–NDF-ST

PATNUBAY DE GUIA
NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 11, 2020

Sa harap ng malakas na suporta sa kampanya sa social media para patalsikin si Duterte, nagkukumahog ang mga Dutertards na sistematiko at orkestradong pabanguhin si Duterte sa publiko at iiwas siya sa anumang mabigat na pananagutan at pagkakasala sa kriminal niyang kapabayaan sa naging mabilis na pagkalat ng sakit ng Covid-19 sa bansa. Umaabot na sa 4,428 ang nagkasakit ng Covid-19 sa Pilipinas at 247 dito ang namatay kabilang ang 21 doktor na nasa frontline ng paglaban sa epidemya.

Sa halip na epektibong makontrol ng militaristang lockdown at sapilitang community quarantine ang pagkalat ng Covid-19 ay ibayo lamang bumilis ang paglawak ng impeksyon dahil sa kawalan ng matinong solusyong medikal at nakalatag na episyenteng sistema para lutasin ang krisis sa pampublikong kalusugan at sawatain ang paglawak ng impeksyon ng pandemya.

Kaliwa’t kanang abala ang mga propagandista at alipures ng Malacañang sa paglalabas at paglalathala ng mga pahayag para ipagtanggol at purihin ang usad-kuhol, inutil at pabaya nilang among si Duterte. Kabi-kabila ang mga pahayag nila sa publiko na nagtatakip at pinabubulaanan ang mga kapalpakan ng rehimeng Duterte sa pagharap sa nakamamatay na Covid-19. Sukdulan ang paglulubid nila ng kasinungalingan para baluktutin at manipulahin ang mga tunay na datos upang ibangon ang bagsak at lugsong imahen ni Duterte sa taumbayan.

Dapat na mariing kondenahin ng taumbayan ang pinakamasahol na pagtatangka ng mga kaalyado at alipures ni Duterte na gumawa ng mga maniobra upang mailayo ang sisi at maiiwas sa anumang pananagutan si Duterte sa ibayong paglubha ng krisis sa pampublikong kalusugan at pinsala sa kabuhayan ng pandemyang Covid-19 sa sambayanang Pilipino. Isa-isahin natin ang mga kasinungalingang inilalako ni Duterte at ng kanyang mga tagapagtanggol:

Sapat ang pondo ng gubyerno para tustusan ang kampanya laban sa Covid-19. Ito ang ipinagyayabang ni Duterte sa harap ng publiko. “Huwag kayong matakot, maraming kwarta ako,” pagyayabang niya. Pagkaraang mabilisang ipasa ng sunod-sunurang Senado at mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso ang Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (BaHO-A) para bigyan ng emergency power si Duterte na galawin ang badyet ng gubyerno para sa taong 2019 at 2020 at makalikom ng Php 275-bilyon, nananatiling mabagal pa sa usad ng kuhol ang paghahatid ng serbisyo at subsidyo sa 18 milyong pamilyang Pilipino na nagugutom at nawalan ng hanapbuhay dahil sa militarista at anti-mamamayang lockdown at enhanced community quarantine na sapilitang ipinataw sa Metro Manila at buong Luzon.

Subalit hindi na mapagtakpan pa ng anumang pagsisinungaling at papuri kay Duterte ang hirap na dinaranas ng taumbayan dahil sa pinatutupad na kamay-na-bakal na lockdown. Kulang na kulang ang pondong inilalaan ng gubyerno bilang ayuda sa mga apektado ng lockdown sa buong Luzon.

Ayon sa Ibon Foundation, sangkatlo lamang sa 18 milyong benepisyaryo ang nahatiran ng halagang Php 26.3 bilyong tulong ng pambansang gubyerno mula sa Php 250 bilyong pondong nakalaan para sa kanila. Ang DSWD ay nakapagbigay lamang ng 190,217 food packs at cash transfer sa 3.7 milyon benipisyaryo ng 4P’s at 1.2 milyong benipisyaryo sa ilalim ng conditional cash transfer.

Samantala, ayon din sa Ibon Foundation, nasa 0.8% ng 10.7 milyong manggagawa mula sa pormal na sektor ang nabigyan pa lamang ng tulong ng DOLE sa pamamagitan ng Covid-19 Adjustment Measures (CAMP) habang nasa 1% naman ng 5.2 milyong non agricultural informal earners ang natulungan ng DOLE sa pamamagitan ng work for pay scheme. Nahiling pa ang DOLE ng karagdagang Php 5 bilyong pondo para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga manggagawang naapektuhan ng lockdown sa Luzon.

Kaya naman, makaraan ng ilang araw lamang, nagbago na agad ng tono si Duterte. Aniya, “Walang pera ang gubyerno at ang Php 275 bilyon pondo para sa paglaban sa Covid-19 ay hahanapin at kokolektahin pa. Naghambog pa na isusubasta nya ang mga ari-arian ng estado at mga pampublikong yutilidad para makalikom ng sapat na pondo ang kanyang gubyerno para tulungan ang mga mahihirap.

Ang Pilipinas ang kauna-unahang bansa na nagpatupad sa buong mundo ng lockdown at travel ban sa China. Ito ang malaking kasinungalingan, lantarang panlilinlang at malinaw na pagbubuhat ng sariling bangko ni Duterte sa kanyang pahayag sa publiko noong madaling araw ng Abril 9, 2020. Aniya, “dahil sa maagap na pagpapatupad ng lockdown kaya mas maliit ang mga nahawahan at nagkasakit ng Covid-19 sa Pilipinas.”

Ang katotohanan, ayon sa pahayagang Deutshe Welle, nagpatupad ang Italy ng lockdown noong March 9 at sinundan ito ng Spain ng tinatawag nilang “general confinement order” noong March 14. Ang France naman ay nagpahayag ng “strict nationwide lockdown” noong March 17. Ang Belgium ay March 18. Pinatupad naman sa Pilipinas ang lockdown, una sa NCR noong Marso 15 at sa buong Luzon noong Marso 17. Samantala, ang probinsya ng Hubei sa China ay isinailalim sa total lockdown noong January 23, 2020.

Sukdulan ang kapal ng mukha ni Secretary Salvador Panelo na tahasang baluktutin ang tunay na pangyayari para lamang gawing bida sa mata ng publiko si Duterte bilang kauna-unahang lider sa mundo na maagap na nagpatupad ng total ban sa pagpasok ng mga dayuhang Chinese mula sa syudad ng Wuhan, probinsya ng Hubei sa China. Sa katunayan, habang ang ibang mga bansa ay nagpatupad na ng pagsasara ng kanilang hangganan at travel ban sa China, pinahintulutan ng rehimen ang pagpasok ng 500,000 turista mula mainland China kung saan ang 14,000 ay nagmula sa Wuhan.

Sinabi pa ni Panelo na kung hindi naging maagap na nagpatupad ng travel ban si Duterte ay marami pa sanang nakapasok sa bansa na Chinese na may dalang coronavirus. Agad naman itong sinang-ayunan ni Heneral Carlito Galvez ang chief implementor ng National Action Plan on Covid-19.

Pero ayon sa lathala ng mga pahayagan, ang Republic of Marshall Islands ang unang nagpatupad ng total travel ban mula China noong Enero 24, 2020. Sumunod ang North Korea noong Enero 25, ang Hongkong noong Enero 27 at Singapore noong Enero 29. Ang Afghanistan, Bahamas, Trinidad at Tobago ay nagpatupad ng travel ban noong Enero 30 habang ang Vietnam ay noong February 1. Noon ding Enero 31, isinara ng Russia ang lahat ng pasukan at labasan sa hangganan nito sa China.

Samantala, noong Enero 31 lamang, inanunsyo ni Panelo na magpapatupad ang bansa ng travel ban sa mga manggagaling sa probinsya ng Hubei, China pero noong Pebrero 2 lamang pinalawak ang travel ban sa buong mainland China kasama ang Hongkong at Macau. Isinama pa ang Taiwan pero binawi din agad dahil sa protesta at banta ng gubyernong Taiwanese na gagantihan ang Pilipinas.

Ang Pilipinas ang may pinakamababang rate of infection kumpara sa mga mayayamang bansa. Ito ang malaking kasinungalingan at panloloko ni Secretary Duque ng DOH.

Ayon kay Duque, dalawang (2) infection lang sa kada 1 milyong populasyon ng bansa ang nangyayari dahil daw ito sa maagang pagpapatupad ni Duterte ng absulutong travel ban at ng enhanced community quarantine or lockdown.

Isang tahasang pagsisinungaling at pagbabaluktot sa katotohanan ito. Batay sa pinakahuling ginagawang pagmonitor ng worldometers.info sa Covid-19 infection sa buong mundo, 40 sa kada 1 milyong populasyon ang rate of infection ng Covid-19 sa Pilipinas batay sa 24,500 na naisagawang pag-eeksamen o katumbas ng 224 sa kada 1 milyon ng populasyon. Tiyak na mas mataas pa dito ang tunay na datos dahil simula’t sapul ay wala namang ginawang Covid-19 mass testing sa bansa ang DOH bunga ng kakapusan ng mga testing kit at kawalan ng matinong paghahanda ang DOH at gobyernong Duterte.

Pinagtatakpan at binabaluktot ni Duque at ng rehimeng Duterte ang katotohanan na kaya mataas ang rate of Covid-19 infection sa mga kapitalistang bansa ay dahil maagap na nagpatupad ang mga bansang ito ng Covid-19 mass testing sa kanyang populasyon kung kaya maagang natutukoy ang lawak na inabot ng pagkalat ng impeksyon ng pandemya.

Ang US na may rate of infection na 1,520 sa bawat isang milyon ng populasyon ay nakapagsagawa ng-2,538,888 na Covid-19 test o 7,670 sa kada isang milyon. Ang Spain na may 3,385 na kaso kada milyon ay nakapagsagawa ng 355,000 na testing o 7,593 kada milyon. Ang Italy na may 2,441 na impeksyon sa kada milyon ay nakapagsagawa ng 906,864 test o 14,999 bawat milyon. Ang France na may 1,913 impeksyon bawat milyon ay nakapagtala ng 333,807 test o 5,114 kada milyon.

Samantala, ang Germany na may 1,458 na impeksyon sa kada milyon ay may 1,317,887 naisagawang test o 15,730 bawat milyon; at ang UK na may 1,086 na impeksyon sa bawat isang milyon ay nakapagtala ng 316,836 test o 4,667 sa bawat 1 milyon ng populasyon.

Natural na mababa ang tantos ng impeksyon na nadidiskubre sa bansa dahil sa limitadong kapasidad ng gubyerno na sabayan at maramihang mag-eksamen ng mga pasyenteng pinagsususpetsahang nahawahan ng Covid-19. Kulang na kulang ang mga testing kits at maging ospital na pagdadalhan para masuri ang mga kinuhaan ng swabs na mga pasyente. Kung tutuusin, wala pang nagaganap na mass testing sa bansa. Ang tinututukan pa sa kasalukuyan ng gubyerno ay ang pag-eeksamen sa malulubhang kaso ng coronavirus infection at pagpaparami ng bilang ng ospital na magsasagawa ng pag-eeksamen.

Sa pag-aaral na isinagawa ng UP, ang tayang rurok na aabutin ng impeksyon ng Covid-19 sa NCR sa Hunyo 2020 ay nasa 140,000 hanggang 550,000.

Ayon sa pagsisiyasat ng Rappler, nahuhuli ang Pilipinas pagdating sa kapasidad sa pag-eeksamin. Nitong Abril 4, 2020 nasa 48 persons under investigation (PUI’s) kada milyong tao ang naisasagawa sa bansa. Noong March 20 ay 12 PUI’s kada milyon. Ang South Korea, madali nilang napababa ang infection sa Covid-19 dahil sa nagawa nilang mag-eksamen ng 6,148 kada milyong tao. Sa pinakamatinding tinamaan ng pademyang Covid-19 sa Europa, ang Germany ang may pinakamababang naitalang namamatay sa Covid-19 na 33 sa bawat isang milyong populasyon bunga ng malawakang ginagawang pag-eeksamen sa hanay ng populasyon.

Noong April 4 inanunsyo ng retiradong Heneral na si Carlito Galvez na 6,000 indibidwal na ang nasuri pero ang sabi naman ng Department of Health (DOH) noong April 2 ay nasa 5,000 pa lamang.

Mapanlinlang din ang datos na 24,500 na ang naisagawang pag-eeksamen ng DOH. Hindi ito katumbas ng 24,500 katao na naeksamen dahil bawat taong nagpositibo sa Covid-19 ay kailangang dumaan sa tatlong ulit na pag-eeksamen bago maideklarang magaling na. Sang-ayon sa DOH, sa Abril 14 pa sila nakatakdang magsagawa ng “massive testing” at ito ay para lamang sa mga PUI’s at PUM’s na may sintomas, high risk patients tulad ng manggagawang pangkalusugan, mga buntis, may diabetis at cancer.

Sa kabila na limitado lamang ang bilang ang naeeksamen sa bansa na nalantad sa impeksyon ng Covid-19, sumusunod sa Malaysia ang Pilipinas sa may pinakamaraming nahawahan at nagkasakit ng Covid-19 sa south-east Asia at pumapangalawa sa Indonesia sa maraming namamatay. Ito ang tunay na mga datos na inililingid sa kaalaman ng publiko ng rehimeng Duterte.

Sadyang gagawin lahat ng mga gabinete ni Duterte ang pambabaluktot sa mga datos at impormasyon para lamang mawala ang atensyon ng publiko sa tunay na isyu ng kawalang kakayahan at kainutilan ng pamahalaang Duterte sa paglaban at pagsugpo sa Covid-19. Pipilitin nilang pabanguhin si Duterte at palabasin siyang tagapaligtas ng bayan.

Nais pa nilang gawing bayani at palabasing mahusay na lider si Duterte sa kabila ng mga grabeng kapabayaan ng rehimen na matugunan ang kakulangan sa medical supplies ng mga pribado at pampublikong ospital, kakupusan sa mga personal protective equipments (PPE’s) ng mga nasa frontline, malaking kakulangan sa testing kits, at quarantine and sanitation facilities. Ganundin sa mga naantalang pamamahagi nito ng mga food packs, perang subsidyo at marami pang ibang tulong na dapat agarang ipinagkakaloob ng gubyerno lalo na sa mga mahihirap at bulnerableng sektor ng lipunan.

At upang mapagtakpan ang mga kapalpakan at kakulangan ni Duterte, isinisi ngayon ng mga alipures at propagandista ng Malacañang sa mga Local Goverment Units (LGU’s) ang problema kung bakit mabagal at kulang pa sa kalahati ng mga nakalistang benepisaryo ang nabibigyan ng tulong ng pambansang gubyerno.

Paano nga naman aasahang magiging episyente ang paghahatid ng tulong at serbisyo sa nagugutom na mamamayan kung pinamamahalaan ito ng mga hinirang ni Duterte na mga retiradong heneral ng AFP at PNP na mas sinanay sa sining ng pagpatay at karahasan at hindi sa pagsagip at pagligtas ng buhay?

Huwag tayong palilinlang. Huwag tayong padadala sa paghuhugas kamay ni Duterte at sa pinatutupad na sistematiko at orkestradong paghahasik ng mga kasinungalingan ng kanyang mga gabinete, propagandista, alipures at mga trolls. Si Rodrigo Roa Duterte at wala ng iba ang pangunahing may responsibilidad at pananagutan sa nangyayaring labis na kagutuman at kapighatian ng sambayanang Pilipino. Marapat lamang na patuloy tayong magpursige at walang lubay na isagawa ang iba’t ibang anyo at paraan ng paglaban para patalsikin sa pwesto ang korap, kriminal inutil, pabaya at pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/tulad-ni-ponzio-pilato-hugas-kamay-si-duterte-sa-kriminal-na-kapabayaan-at-pananagutan-sa-pagkalat-ng-covid-19-sa-pilipinas-ndf-st/

CPP/NDF-ST: AFP is spreading false information

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NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 11 , 2020): AFP is spreading false information

MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 12, 2020


There is absolutely no truth to the false information irresponsibly being circulated by the AFP that members of the NPA took away distributed relief goods in some villages in Balangiga, Samar. Even the local barangay captain and police officers interviewed by the media deny that there were such incidents in their areas. This false information is being circulated by government broadcast media and websites.

It is despicable and condemnable how the AFP has resorted to outright lies and perverse propaganda at a time that the Filipino people are confronted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The AFP desperately wants to discredit the NPA’s public health campaign to raise people’s awareness and enable them to adapt the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19. The NPA’s information drive, mass clinics, and other activities are well received by the masses, especially in the rural areas. There are also efforts to raise food production to prepare for an imminent shortage.

We anticipate the AFP to come up with more lies against the NPA in the days to come. The objective is to justify its counterinsurgency drive relentlessly carried out despite Duterte’s ceasefire.

https://cpp.ph/statement/afp-is-spreading-false-information/

CPP/Ang Bayan: COIN Operations during Covid-19 pandemic

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 10, 2020): COIN Operations during Covid-19 pandemic



Download: Data sheet of COIN operations (as of April 10)

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/10/coin-operations-during-covid-19-pandemic/

CPP/Ang Bayan: The Covid-19 pandemic has become more than just a health concern

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): The Covid-19 pandemic has become more than just a health concern

From being a health crisis, the situation brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic has rapidly developed into an economic, social and political crisis. More and more get infected and die in the Philippines and across the globe. Simultaneously, more and more Filipinos suffer from hunger, disease and other hardships brought about by Duterte’s lockdown imposed without comprehensive, sufficient and immediate health and economic measures in place.

The Duterte government is too slow to implement much needed mass testing as an immediate measure to contain the spread of the disease. Three weeks since the lockdown, only more or less 19,000 individuals have been tested while this has to be extensively conducted in communities. Despite the powers given Duterte to realign public funds, only a small amount was allocated to support health workers and aid public hospitals to keep up with the pandemic. The government is acting too slow amid supply shortages and is relying on initiatives by the private sector. Corruption is exposed with its procurement of overpriced equipment.

The longer the lockdown, millions more are made to suffer from hunger by the government. The budget allocated is way too insufficient to compensate all those who lost their jobs and income. The distribution of aid came very late and many are yet to be compensated. Officials of various agencies are passing the buck. It has become stark that the Duterte government is incompetent and incapable of leading amid the crisis. Many are dependent on the quicker and more extensive aid provided by volunteers, mass organizations, private associations and other groups.

Duterte is using an iron fist in facing the public health crisis. He has deployed police personnel and soldiers at the frontline and in command of the government’s machinery to address the health crisis. He further suppressed the people’s right to speech and assembly. Duterte openly threatened anyone who will not abide by his rules and “incite chaos” with a shoot to kill order. Duterte imposes terror while the masses are distressed and left hungry by the lockdown and negli­gent government.

The longer the lockdown, Duterte’s incompetence and incapability to rule and comprehensively address the people’s plight is further exposed. Millions of toiling masses and the middle class are becoming more desperate because of hunger, scarcity and depletion of their savings and loss of livelihood.

In the countryside, the peasant masses are driven to deeper poverty by roadblocks preventing the free flow of farm produce, and restrictions on transportation and food purchase. Despite Duterte’s ceasefire declaration, AFP and PNP counterinsurgency operations continue unabated and have intensified. At least 146 barangays are currently occupied by the military. In some areas, soldiers conduct house-to-house inspections without wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the disease. Under the guise of fighting the spread of Covid-19, soldiers mounted checkpoints to restrict travel and prevent people from tending their farmlands and buying food.

To beat and contain the pandemic, the Filipino people need to stand up, act collectively and work together to prevent the spread of the disease and demand the go­vern­ment to provide aid in this time of crisis. At the same time, they must defend their rights and welfare that are being trampled upon by the regime’s militarist solution.

They must continue to demand an end to the lockdown and for implementation of measures such as mass screening and testing in communities in order to immediately contain and prevent the spread of the virus. Thousands of health workers and volunteers must be mobilized, trained, and provided with sufficient funds and equipment. Now is the time to clamor for the strengthening of public hospitals instead of undermining these under the policy of spending cuts on health services.

While Duterte’s lockdown is in place, the people must demand the quick distribution of sufficient aid for all. They must hold the Duterte regime accountable for its slow, insufficient and non-transparent distribution of aid.

Amid the lockdown, the collective aspirations of the people are primarily gathered in urban and rural poor communities. The people’s hardships are concentrated in these areas. Communities must creatively act to collectively express the entire nation’s plight and demands. They must act in their numbers to fight and surmount Duterte’s threat to suppress all mass actions.

To face the Covid-19 pandemic and in response to the United Nation’s call for a “global ceasefire,’ the Party declared a ceasefire on March 26 that will remain in effect until April 15. We directed NPA units to focus on providing health services in barrios despite being continuously disrupted by AFP operations and raids which have resulted in at least seven armed encounters. Amid relentless AFP offensives, the Party reminded all NPA units to uphold their discipline in maintaining sec­re­cy to deny the enemy an opportunity to attack and to ensure wide latitude for the NPA to continuously provide services to the masses. Organizations and forces in the countryside must be mobilized to assert economic demands and plan for increasing food production in preparation for the imminent shortage due to the lockdown and production stoppage.

While Duterte insists on his fascist dictatorial methods, he continues to isolate himself from the people. Duterte stinks even more because of the Covid-19 crisis brought about by his regime’s failures. His regime is shaken by crumbling support. Every time his dirty mouth opens and with his every misstep, he further enrages the people and fires up their courage. He has at times gave in to people’s demands to ease the situation. It remains to be seen whether he can stop the people’s anger from boiling over or if he will be totally engulfed by the people’s burning anger.

The heavy impact of the Covid-19 in the Philippines exposes the rottenness and fundamental contradiction of the ruling semicolonial and semifeudal system. It revealed the incapacity of the ruling state to address the plight of the people. The need for revolutionary change to establish a new people’s democratic system that will uphold the interests of the Filipino people has become ever clearer.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/the-covid-19-pandemic-has-become-more-than-just-a-health-concern/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Lockdown rouses anger, esprit de corps

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): Lockdown rouses anger, esprit de corps

The lockdown has failed to prevent the breakout of the people’s outrage over the regime’s blunders in facing the Covid-19 crisis.

On April 1, residents of Sitio San Roque, Ba­ra­ngay Ba­gong Pag-a­sa, Quezon City protested to demand quick distribution of food aid. More than 6,000 re­si­den­ts live in the said community, majority of whom are odd jobbers who survive on daily incomes. The local government in the area has long sought to evict residents to pave way for the construction of malls and other commercial establishments.

Instead of addressing their plight, police personnel dispersed the peaceful rally and arrested 21 protesters. They were detained and threatened to be kept in jail until the lifting of the lockdown. In a video broadcast that evening, Duterte ordered the PNP to shoot anyone who will “resist.” His marching order has further stoked the people’s raging anger.

The call #OustDu­ter­teNow immediately trended on social media after his speech. Many artists and known personalities expressed their support for the call and delivered aid for the poor. Many contributed to raise money to bail out those arrested (P15,000 each or P315,000). The police was compelled to release the 21 on April 6. However, the community was again attacked by the PNP on the same day. They violently demolished the residents’ community kitchen.

On the same day, the police demolished a barricade in Ba­rangay Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya which residents put up to prevent OceanaGold from sneaking in its fuel tanker. On top of lockdown restriction, OceanaGold operates illegally as the local government has already suspended its operations.

Spontaneous protests were also launched by the people to demand immediate aid. In Iloilo, residents protested in front of the DSWD Region VI headquarters on April 3. Tricycle drivers also trooped to the office of Gov. Edgar­do Tal­la­do in Ca­ma­ri­nes Nor­te.

Meanwhile, residents of Ba­ra­ngay Muzon, Tay­tay, Rizal trooped to their barangay hall twice (March 24 and April 2) to demand that they be given aid.

Online protest

Many sectors, especially the youth and professionals, expressed their raging anger against Duterte through the internet as going out and assembly are restricted. They continuously criticized the government’s failure to provide health workers with sufficient face masks, ther­mal scan­ners and other per­so­nal pro­tective equip­ment (PPE).

In social media, they criticized the regime for giving special priority to senators and congressmen in testings amid the shortage in test kits. The calls #No­toVIPTesting and #MassTes­tingNowPH trended as people demanded to prioritize doctors and nurses, and suspected Covid-19 positive individuals. The conduct of mass testing is among the basic recommendations of the World Health Orga­niza­ti­on. The regime announced it will start conducting mass testing on April 14 but only for those who have symptoms and for health workers.

The call #Na­sa­an­Ang­A­yu­­da (Where is the aid?) also trended, demanding the regime’s accountability over the slow distribution of aid and the extremely limited budget allocation.

Netizens also criticized the harassment by Duterte’s henchmen against Vice Pre­si­dent Le­ni Rob­re­do and Pasig City Ma­yor Vico Sot­to who, contrary to the national government, were lauded for their initiatives to help health workers and those adversely affected by the lockdown. Atty. Chel Diok­no, who volunteered to provide legal assistance for people being harassed by the NBI, also received wide support after being harassed and insulted by Duterte.

On April 5, the call #Defend­Press­Freedom also trended in defense of Jos­hua Mo­lo, editor-in-chief of Dawn, the student publication of the Uni­versity of the East, who was threatened to be arrested and coerced to publicly apologize for posting anti-Duterte statements in Facebook.

Esprit de corps in beating Covid-19

In the absence of adequate government assistance, aid poured out from various groups and individuals to help health workers and the poor. This is while local government units are struggling to make do with limited resources to help their constituents survive.

Through the #Ba­ra­ngayDa­ma­yan campaign initiated by Ka­da­may, the group conducted relief drives in various urban poor communities. The Ki­lu­sang Mag­bu­bu­kid ng Pi­li­pi­nas launched the campaign Sa­gip Ka­na­yu­nan (Save the countryside) to aid farmers from Ba­ta­ngas at Bu­lacan. It also conducted the campaign Bag­sak-Ahon Gu­lay Sa­le to help farmers from Bulacan to sell their produce online. Kilusang Mayo Uno also launched a relief drive for workers in Ca­lo­ocan and Que­zon City under the campaign #Tu­long­Obrero (aid workers).

Actress Angel Locsin also spearheaded a donation drive and provided various hospitals in Luzon with isolation tents to help these establishments to accommodate more patients with Covid-19 symptoms. Many other artists and workers also volunteered to raise aid.

Many Filipinos donated to help procure more face masks and other medical needs in hospitals. Many restaurants, food stalls and ordinary citizens donated food, while others volunteered to give free transportation and delivery services, among others.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/lockdown-rouses-anger-esprit-de-corps/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Where is the people’s money?

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): Where is the people’s money?

The P200-billion financial aid allocated by Duterte regime is not only insufficient but its coverage is also limited. This was exposed during the regime’s first batch of distribution of the P5,000-P8,000 aid to appease the hunger and poverty caused by the militarist lockdown. To make do with the budget, the regime imposed a quota system on local government units.

In Valenzuela, the aid coverage is limited to only 95,000 families or 61% of the total 155,000 families residing in the city. The city mayor griped against how the DSWD identify beneficiaries and asked how the other 60,000 families will survive without aid.

In other cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), less than half of the total number of families will be given aid. In Manila, for instance, only 185,000 (43%) out of 435,237 will receive aid; and 77,764 (49%) out of 160,000 in Parañaque.

The situation is even worse in provinces outside NCR. Local officials are now struggling to bridge the large gap.

They are asserting that all families and not just the poor are affected by the month-long lockdown and need aid and compensation. Many workers and employees, whether regular or contractual, lost their sources of income and jobs. They have no other means to source funds but from the subsidy being distributed by government.

Data by the reactionary government indicate that only P100 billion was distributed by DSWD as of April 3. Around P100 million was allocated to DOLE to aid workers who lost their jobs; and another P100 million to DOH to aid patients with various illnesses. DOST was given P52 million for the production of test kits. Meanwhile, almost the same amount (P52.3 million) was allocated to the PNP under vague terms. If summed up, these allocations are already more than half of the P275 billion promised by Duterte.

The people have been waiting for proper aid and compensation for more than two weeks now. Many are already going hungry. They are enraged at the slow distribution of aid especially since Duterte used this as a pretext to demand that he be granted emergency powers. Duterte is putting the blame on local officials and are accusing them of corruption and being slow. However, the people clearly see that it is Duterte and his military-led Inter-agency Task Force that who are inutile and incapable of handling the current public health crisis.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/where-is-the-peoples-money/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Looming food shortage

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): Looming food shortage

Widespread food shortage is becoming imminent in the National Capital Region (NCR) and across the country. Many farmers and businessmen incurred high income losses because of Duterte’s militarist and restrictive lockdown. Many were forced to stop production. The situation is bound to get worse with Duterte’s plan to extend the lockdown until April 30.

Agricultural supply became increasingly scarce due to the lockdown. Contrary to the regime’s order to allow the transportation of food products and cargo, trucks that carry food and meat products are hampered at checkpoints.

These past few weeks, tons of vegetables were left to rot, dumped or fed to animals as farmers were unable to sell their produce. Many farmers were compelled to sell their products at extremely low rates. Pechay farmers for instance, sold their produce at P3/kilo, way below the P60/kilo suggested retail price (SRP).

Farmers from Benguet and Mountain Province, provinces which primarily supply Metro Manila with vegetables, incurred highest losses. They have long been suffering from low farmgate price. Now, majority of traders stopped buying their produce as they could not transport these into markets. Despite efforts of some local governments to buy their produce, a large portion of their harvests were not sold.

Poultry farmers in Central Luzon and Calabarzon, regions that supply almost half of the total supply of chicken meat and eggs across the country, are also unable to sell their produce due to the lockdown. This has sparked a poultry glut in the region which further pulled down farmgate prices.

According poultry farmers, the farmgate price of chicken dropped to P30-P50/kilo which is lower than their P70/kilo cost of production. Ironically, the market price of chicken in Metro Manila increased due to limited supply. Recent reports indicate that the average price of chicken in Metro Manila has reached P160/kilo, higher by P30 than the P130/kilo SRP. They are also unable to sell chicken eggs which are also just left to rot.

On top of these, more than 800 container vans containing perishable goods such as vegetables, fruits, meat and medical supplies are stuck at ports in Manila.

Meanwhile, multinational companies in export-processing zones threatened to move their operations to other countries if they will not still be allowed to re-open and operate. They challenged the regime to allow limited operation of their factories. However, they have not offered any comprehensive compensation program or safety measures for their workers. Their operations, which are primarily concentrated in enclaves, were put to a stop due to the lockdown.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/looming-food-shortage/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Release 609 political prisoners!

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): Release 609 political prisoners!

KARAPATAN CALLED FOR the immediate release of 609 political prisoners in the country, especially the elderly and sick. This is to take them away from the congested and vulnerable conditions in prisons during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The call was renewed when United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on governments to release prisoners to decongest jails. Iran, Brazil and other countries responded to this call.

The group also launched the #SetThemFree and #FreePoliticalPrisonersPH campaigns in social media. Earlier, churches including the National Council of Churces of Philippines and the Archdiocese of San Carlos also called for the release of political detainees.

Majority (209) of political prisoners arrested under Duterte are farmers who were accused of being members of the New People’s Army.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/release-609-political-prisoners/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA celebrates 51st anniversary

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): NPA celebrates 51st anniversary

The New People’s Army (NPA) celebrated its 51st anniversary amid the Covid-19 health crisis. Red fighters and people gathered at temporary encampments in various areas.

More than 2,000 farmers attended celebrations held by the NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Pacsi Command). The NPA staged cultural presentations that paid tribute to the noble contributions of the people’s army in the island. They also paid tribute to victims of Oplan Sauron and relentless extrajudicial killings in the island. The people’s army also held a mass clinic on the same day.

Red fighters from NPA-Negros (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command) wore face masks during the celebration to symbolize its solidarity with the Filipino people’s fight against Covid-19. The celebrations centered on informing the masses about the pandemic and on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet to improve the body’s resistance against diseases. The NPA-Negros also launched Ispading, the literary folio of the revolutionary movement in the island.

More than a hundred Red fighters and residents from nearby barrios gathered in a guerrilla front in Bicol. The highlights of the program include dances, songs and solidarity messages of revolutionary organizations. They celebrated the anniversary with the theme, “Frustrate the US-Duterte regime’s war of suppression! Further strengthen the New People’s Army and comprehensively advance the people’s war!” Speeches by Red fighters centered on responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and preparations for the imminent crisis it may cause in the countryside.

In a state­ment, the NPA-Bukidnon called on the people’s army and the masses to intensify their resistance amid relentless focused military operations in the province. Last year, it documented a total of 72 tactical offensives which resulted in 152 soldiers killed and 94 wounded. According to Ka Dereka Magtanggol, provincial spokesperson of the NPA, the AFP has dropped at least 84 bombs and fired 395 artiller rounds in the mountains of the province since 2018.

NPA units from the regions of Southern Tagalog, Panay and Bicol, and from the provinces of Kalinga, Abra and Mindoro also issued their respective statements.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/npa-celebrates-51st-anniversary/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA Covid-19 response: Mass clinics, food aid and production

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): NPA Covid-19 response: Mass clinics, food aid and production

In response to the call of the Communist Party of the Philippines to launch health campaigns to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, the NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command) extended medical services to at least 1,000 farmers during the last week of March. NPA medics paid close attention to the elderly and pregnant women. They conducted check-ups and distributed herbal medicines for fever, cough and colds. They also distributed vitamins to improve the masses’ resistance against diseases. At the same time, they educated the masses about the pandemic.

Members of the barrio health committee, Makibaka and Kabataang Makabayan helped in conducting the mass clinic.

In Bicol, around 260 individuals from three barangays received rice from the NPA during the last week of March. The said barrios were affected by the food crisis brought about by the regime’s lockdown. The NPA unit and mass organizations supervised the the distribution of emergency aid. The funds used by NPA in the relief operations were revolutionary tax collections.

NPA units in Panay, Quezon and other areas also launched information drives.

These efforts are in line with the CPP’s call to immediately help those in need. At the same time, the Party advised all its forces to carry out emergency food production and intensify economic work in revolutionary territories. The CPP issued the call amid Duterte’s restrictive lockdown in Luzon and other parts of the country which is causing severe problems on the people.

In reality, the lockdown is not just in Luzon. Many local governments have imposed enforced quarantines and closed their borders. Businesses, transportation, schools, churches and other socio-economic activities have been shut down. Because of this, majority of the people have lost their income and are having a hard time buying food, medicines and other basic needs. In some provinces, only churches give out aid. Aid from local government units, if there is any, is distributed at snail pace. The people are yet to receive any subsidy from the national government.

The Party called on all NPA units to plan out emergency food production to cultivate palay, camote and other root crops, bananas, maize, pechay and other vegetables and crops that can be harvested in the short-term.

It also advised its forces to launch economic conferences to assess their needs and supplies, and their production potentials, and come up with specific plans to cover the rest of the year.

The Party also called on landlords to allow the use of their land for emergency food production without rent. It urged landlords to extend financial assistance, use of facilities and other resources. The Party also urged all local and international agencies and organizations to extend all forms of assistance to help the masses in emergency food production efforts.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/npa-covid-19-response-mass-clinics-food-aid-and-production/

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP bombing spree in Bukidnon, Davao amid Covid-19 ceasefire

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): AFP bombing spree in Bukidnon, Davao amid Covid-19 ceasefire

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is on a bombing spree and continues to carry out focused military offensives in the Bukidnon-Davao border area amid the Covid-19 ceasefire. Based on field reports by the NPA-Bukidnon Subregional Command, Philippine Air Force (PAF) units under the 4th ID used an FA-50 fighter jet to indiscriminately drop five 500-pound bombs near two Lumad communities in Barangay Mandahikan, Cabanglasan on March 27.

Three bombs were dropped at around 9 a.m. and two more at 2 p.m, traumatizing Lumad children and residents. The airstrike severely damaged the environment which serves as the primary source of food and livelihood of the Lumads in the area.

After two days, using attack helicopters, the military dropped at least 10 rockets in the same barangay at noontime. Rounds were also fired from artillery cannons installed at an adjacent barangay in Loreto, Davao del Norte. A Cessna surveillance aircraft flew overhead the whole day after the airstrike. The military also deployed an additional column of soldiers at Sitio Miyaray to conduct combat operations.

Meanwhile, two columns and three armored fighting vehicles were deployed at Sitio Tapayanon, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. On March 24, elements of the 60th and 56th IB attacked an NPA unit at the said area. The military made it appear that the attack was staged by the NPA although it was clear that they were carrying out offensive combat operations as evidenced by the fact that they have prepositioned artillery units to back up their ground troops.

The military also raided an NPA encampment in Little Baguio, San Fernando, Bukidnon on March 29 at 2 a.m.

Residents reported that military troops continue to operate in Barangays Kibongcog and Poblacion, San Fernando; Barangay Concepcion, Valencia; Santa Filomena, Quezon; Barangays Bulonay and Kalabugao, Impasug-ong; Barangays Busdi, Caburacanan, Manalog, Saint Peter and Zamboanguita, Malaybalay City; and Barangay Poblacion, Cabanglasan.

Soldiers also installed two artillery cannons in Sitio Nursery, Barangay Concepcion and another in Sitio Salaysay in Barangay Santa Filomena.

The said areas have been subjected to continuous aerial surveillance since the last week of March.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/afp-bombing-spree-in-bukidnon-davao-amid-covid-19-ceasefire/

CPP/Ang Bayan: State agents kill peasant leader in Surigao

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Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 7, 2020): State agents kill peasant leader in Surigao

Amid the Covid-19 crisis, state elements gunned down peasant leader Nora Apique, 66, while on her way home in Barangay Patong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on March 31. She was a leader of the Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Surigao del Sur, a local chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.

Apique served as the chairperson of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Committee (ARC) and was a member of the Provincial ARC. She participated in caravans of KMP-Caraga to Metro Manila to demand free irrigation. Apique was the 249th peasant killed under the Duterte regime.

Meanwhile, police and 3rd Special Forces Battalion elements arrested Manobo leader Gloria Tomalon in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga on March 16. She is known for actively participating in campaigns against the operation of five multinational companies at the Andap Valley Complex that plunder their ancestral lands. Tomalon is a sister of Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat.

Police and 6th IB elements also arrested civilian Leon Tacduro at Sitio Kipopo, Barangay Keytodak, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on March 16.

Tomalon at Tacduro were both accused of being members of the New People’s Army and were slapped with trumped up criminal charges.

In Davao de Oro, 11 peasant Lumads were illegally arrested by 71st IB troopers at Sitio Manggapaluway, Pantukan on March 30. The victims were on their way home from hunting wild boars when they were arrested.

In Negros Occidental, elements of the 94th IB ransacked houses in Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City and illegally arrested peasant Teodoro Bolhano, a resident of Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City on April 3. Military operations also continue unabated in Sitios Kambairan and Sampungan in Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City.

Meanwhile, 44th IB troopers ransacked the house of a Lumad peasant identified as Boy Tupaw in Barangay Cianan, Godod, Zamboanga del Norte during the last week of March. Soldiers stole his cash savings and shot his chickens.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/04/07/state-agents-kill-peasant-leader-in-surigao/

Abu Sayyaf bandit surrenders in Sulu

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From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Apr 11, 2020): Abu Sayyaf bandit surrenders in Sulu

AN ABU Sayyaf bandit, pressured by continuous military offensive, has recently surrendered to government authorities in the province of Sulu, officials said Saturday, April 11.

Lieutenant Colonel Alaric Avelina Delos Santos, Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion commander,
identified the Abu Sayyaf surrenderer as Hadji Mali Sulayman, a resident of Bato-Bato village, Maimbung, Sulu.


Delos Santos said Sulayman has surrendered to his command Monday and has turned over a Garand rifle.


Delos Santos presented Sulayman to Colonel Ignatius Patrimonio, Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade commander, at the command’s headquarters Camp Bud Datu in the village of Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

Sulayman revealed that he decided to surrender due to the hardship brought by military’s relentless operations.

Sulayman also disclosed that the government’s humanitarian efforts weakened their support from the civilians that restrained their movements as well as constricted their ability of gathering foodstuffs, information and other logistical supplies.

Meanwhile, Patrimonio welcomed Sulayman back to the mainstream society and calls for other Abu Sayyaf bandits “to submit themselves under the care of the government.”

“I encouraged other members of the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) to abandon your terroristic acts and return to the folds of law for you to enjoy and live a peaceful life with your families,” Patrimonio said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1852137/Zamboanga/Local-News/Abu-Sayyaf-bandit-surrenders-in-Sulu

Reservists' bayanihan spirit shines through amid health crisis

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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2020): Reservists' bayanihan spirit shines through amid health crisis (By Christine Cudis)



HELPING OUT. Reservists in Bukidnon volunteer to distribute relief goods to front-liners as soldiers are occupied manning the quality control points in the province. The province has one barangay on lockdown after a case was confirmed on April 9. (Contributed photo)

While front-liners risk their lives as the country continues to battle the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, Army reservists have shown their compassion and volunteered to help our heroes.

Maj. Renato Doroteo, 1003rd Community Defense Center director, on Monday lauded the contribution of the Army reservists in the province of Bukidnon during their security and transport operations.

“We are truly blessed for having the reservists share their and effort to support our front-liners, 'Yung bayanihan concept is nandyan (the concept of bayanihan is alive),” he said in an interview, adding that the volunteers, though professionals and high-profiles, “are waiving their rights to receive entitlements and others to prove that the spirit of voluntarism is in their hearts”.

Starting April 8, around 20 army reservists visited the various service lines to distribute improvised face shields and food items to front-liners.

The front-liners, including the military, barangay officials, medical staff, and other volunteers who were manning the quarantine control points and attending to the sick, have received a total of 294 face shields.

They also received food baskets containing fresh fruits like bananas, apples, oranges and grapes along with canned pineapple juice, instant coffee, noodles, biscuits and some 800 meal packs.

The food packs were also donations from other reservists of the 1003rd Ready Reserve Battalion and Army Reserve Command in partnership with the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade.

Some of them were from the Bukidnon National High School Batch 2013 while the fruit baskets were assistance from two of the biggest food producers in the province, Lapanday Foods Corporation and Unifrutti Philippines.

Chowking-Valencia City also took part in sponsoring the food packs.

Bebianita Memper, one of the barangay health workers manning the quality control point in Maramag town, shared her gratitude for the reservists and donors.

"Salamat kaayo sa atoang mga reservists ug sa mga donors. Malipayon kami sa pagtrabaho nga daghan ang naka appreciate sa among efforts (Thank you so much to our reservists and to the donors. We feel fulfilled knowing that people appreciate our efforts)," Memper added.

Expressing gratitude

Army Reserve Lt. Col. Lelanie Combate, a district supervisor of the Department of Education by profession, shared that this is their own way of contributing to the community.

"Giving support and expressing gratitude to these front-liners are a pat on their backs saying how we admire and appreciate them for their dedication. Thank you for keeping our province safe," Combate, who also led the relief distribution, shared.

Army Reserve Maj. Neil Konrad Binayao III also felt touched with the outpour of donations from private groups.

"This is 'bayanihan' in action. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the kind-hearted donors who shared their resources with our front-liners. As reservists, we are here to support our government and we are ready anytime to serve our country,” he said.

Col. Ferdinand Barandon, Army's 403rd Brigade commander, said these acts of voluntarism from the private groups and reservists uplift their morales and encourage them to continue their work.

"Our front-liners would work for more than 12 hours. What we have to do is to keep their morale high and make them feel that everyone rallies behind them. I commend our reservists who have been coming in every time we ask for additional manpower. In these trying times, we only need to remember that God is with us and we can come out of this crisis strong and alive,” he said.

Covid-19 case in Bukidnon

On April 9, Barangay Lumbayao in Valencia City was put on lockdown after the city reported its first case of Covid-19.

Mayor Azucena Huervas issued an executive order placing the barangay under strict enhanced community quarantine to help prevent the further spread of the disease.

The patient, who is also an official in Barangay Lumbayao, had contact with other people living in the area after returning from a derby in Matina, Davao City where he contracted the virus.

Under the lockdown, residents are required to stay at home while all stores and establishments have been ordered closed.

“The government shall ensure the systematic delivery of food, other basic necessities and medicines to the residents of the Barangay,” the order stated.

Land transportation has been suspended except for emergency vehicles, delivery trucks carrying basic necessities, prime commodities, and agricultural products, vehicles of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, and authorized government vehicles.

Government personnel, front-liners, and people authorized to go outside their houses are required to wear face masks and practice extreme social distancing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099604

Surrenders waning NPA movement, grip in Caraga: Army

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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2020): Surrenders waning NPA movement, grip in Caraga: Army (By Alexander Lopez)



Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade. (PNA file photo)

The series of surrenders of members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Caraga Region only manifest the fact that the group is continuously weakening including its grip on communities, especially in far-flung areas.

This was the assessment raised by Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, the commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) of the Army, in a statement issued on Monday (April 13).

Licudine said that
10 NPA combatants operating under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRS) and the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) operating in different provinces in Caraga Region have surrendered to authorities during the observance of Lenten Season last week.

He added that
the 10 rebels who surrendered during the period consisted of five regular members and three Milisya ng Bayan (MB) members of Guerrilla Front 4-A (GF4-A) in NCMRC and two regular members of Guerrilla Front 30 (GF30) of NEMRC.

Licudine said the 10 NPA combatants also surrendered to authorities one M16 rifle, one M1 Carbine rifle, one M653 rifle attached with M203 grenade launcher, three .45-caliber pistols, three .38-caliber pistols, and one Anti-Personnel Mine (APM).


Among those who surrendered include Alias “Jack”, the squad leader of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) of Squad Baking, SYP Kingdom of GF4-A, NCMRC.

Licudine said that Jack surrendered last April 6 when they had the chance to desert their group while in a community asking for food from the residents.

“Jack revealed during the interview that he decided to leave the NPA because he could no longer see any reason to continue to fight. He also uncovered the rampant corruption and abuse of their leaders,” he added.

On April 8, Jack facilitated the surrender of Alias “Brando”, the leader of Team Abe, Squad Uno, SYP Kingdom, GF4-A, NCMRC, and on April 9 the surrender of Alias “Wendel”, the political instructor of SYP Sikop, GF4-A, NCMRC to the forces of 23rd Infantry Battalion of the Army under the command of Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr.

Meanwhile, on April 7, four female members of the NPA voluntarily surrendered to 23rd IB in Agusan del Norte.

The female NPAs were identified as Alias “Russel”, 31, the former platoon medic, SDG Caocao, GF4-A, NCMRC, Alias “Minchie”, 31, former squad medic, SYP Sikop, GF4-A, NCMRC, Alias “Darlyn”, and Alias “Langlang”, 24 years old, both members of MB in GF4-A.

Last week, two NPA members also voluntarily surrendered in Tago, Surigao del Sur to the troopers of 36th Infantry Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel.

“We are elated that these former CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) have realized the futility of their armed struggle as we continuously confront the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19),” Licudine said.

He added that the continuing surrender of ranking NPA combatants and members proved the rotten ideology of the communist movement.

Licudine also emphasized that the series of surrenders manifested the steady weakening and the eventual downfall of the communist movement in Caraga Region.

He said that as of January 2020, a total of 48 NPA members already surrendered to authorities in the area and the recovery of 21 assorted firearms.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099664

More than 100 reservists volunteer for quarantine duties in Cebu

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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2020): More than 100 reservists volunteer for quarantine duties in Cebu (By John Rey Saavedra)



QUARANTINE DUTIES. Reservists from the 701st Ready Reserve Battalion check the quarantine pass of a motorist in a checkpoint in Barangay Buaya, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Palm Sunday (April 5, 2020). More than a hundred Army reservists from Cebu volunteered their time as quarantine control points augmentation force, personal protective equipment (PPE) production, and decontamination operation crew during the enhanced community quarantine in Cebu. (Photo courtesy of 1Lt Ronald Cabilles)

Instead of spending time with their families during the Holy Week, more than a hundred Army reservists rendered their services with the enhanced community quarantine in the province of Cebu.

Col. Ricky Bunayog, chief of the 7th Regional Community Defense Group (7RCDG), said 74 reservists from the 701st Ready Reserve Battalion, mostly under the first category (18 to 35 years old), volunteered for a 14-day tour of duty to man several quarantine control points.

At least 12 officers and enlisted reservists from the 1901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade also volunteered to serve as decontamination ready unit (DRU) crew of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas, he said.

The DRU is a stand-by unit composed of regular and reservists from Army and Navy, 53rd Engineer Brigade, 14th Civil Military Operations Battalion, Philippine Coast Guard, personnel from the Lapu-Lapu city government, Bureau of Quarantine, DOH-7 and OCD-7 that will be called to conduct decontamination operations in areas identified by quarantine and health authorities to be coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threatened areas.

The DRU crew underwent a three-day decontamination procedure training conducted by the OCD-7 at the social hall of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) here before listed in the on-call unit for decontamination needs in the region.

Also, 42 reservists from the 1901st were tapped to produce PPE gears to be used by health authorities in different hospitals and medical centers in Metro Cebu.

Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, director of the Community Defense Center, said the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Toledo, as well as the municipalities of Minglanilla, San Fernando and Alegria, tapped reservists to man border quarantine control points, along with the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and regular members of the military.

“They (reservists) are doing good and very much willing to render their services. They were trained and briefed by the local government units that asked for their service and the PNP on the deployment procedure on Covid-19 checkpoints,” Gavilanes said.

The LGUs provided the reservists with PPE to protect themselves while manning checkpoints, Gavilanes added.

Dr. Antonio Esmero, a university professor and battalion commander of the Ready Reserve Battalion in Cebu, said the five LGUs sent their requests for reservists to the Central Command.

“Even during the Holy Week, our reservists spend their time for the service of the country. They volunteered as augmentation force for our existing regular military and PNP personnel,” Lt. Col. Esmero told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099616

6 civilians hurt as MILF infighting breaks in Maguindanao

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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2020): 6 civilians hurt as MILF infighting breaks in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



Google map of Pagalungan, Maguindanao province.

Six civilians were hurt when a rifle grenade projectile landed on a house in Pagalungan, Maguindanao province on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

Pagalungan Mayor Salik Mamasabulod said
the explosion was an offshoot of a “rido” (family feud) involving Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members in Pagalungan and neighboring Pikit town in North Cotabato.

Mamasabulod said the victims, all residents of Barangay Bagoinged, Pagalungan, were identified as Edris, 48, his wife Zahra, 47, and two children aged 11 and five, all surnamed Lumambas, and their relatives, Michael Kadil, and Nasrudin Biya, 36.

In a radio interview, Mamasabulod also identified the parties in the “rido” triggered by a land dispute as MILF commanders Benjamin Mantul of Barangay Talitay, Pikit town, and Bhuto Sanday in Bagoinged, Pagalungan.

“I have already sought the help of the military and the government-MILF ceasefire panel to settle the problem,” the mayor said.

On Monday morning, the Pagalungan town government has extended aid to the victims now undergoing treatment at a clinic in Pikit, North Cotabato.

The MILF leadership in North Cotabato has already sent emissaries to prevent the MILF “infighting” from escalating.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099603

Army, police camps in Maguindanao adopt quarantine measures

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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2020): Army, police camps in Maguindanao adopt quarantine measures (By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan)



CAMP ENTRANCE CHECK. Police health personnel check on all police officers and civilians entering Camp Salipada K. Pendatun, the regional office of the police for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as part of preventive measures against the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19). No policeman has so far been reported inflicted by Covid-19 due to strict preventive measures implemented in all police offices across the region. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

Measures to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have been put in place in Army and police camps in Maguindanao.

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has imposed stringent quarantine measures in its main headquarters in Camp Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao.

“The PRO-BARMM Health Service Office is (HSO) overseeing the Covid-19 containment efforts in Camp SK Pendatun,” Brig. Gen. Manuel Manalo Abu said over a local radio station Monday.

He has directed the camp’s HSO “to ensure that no one should contract the virus or bring Covid-19 inside the camp.”

Upon Abu’s directive, the police unit has also been monitoring closely the health condition of personnel involved in quarantine enforcement operations.

To date, no police officer serving in the PRO-BARMM and the front line tested positive for the disease.

PRO-BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi; the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, Lamitan; and the 63 villages six towns of North Cotabato.

Meanwhile, the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) based in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and covers the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, part of North Cotabato and part of Lanao del Sur, has similar quarantine measures to ensure the camp is safe from the disease.

“We are aware of what damage the disease could bring to our troopers inside our camp,” Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6ID commander, said in a statement.

Recently, the camp opened a mini-market, with fresh fish, meat, and other farm products coming from local farmers in Maguindanao and its nearby provinces to prevent soldiers from getting out of camp for their marketing chores.

The undertaking also aims to sustain the food provision of soldiers manning quarantine control checkpoints across Central Mindanao, Carreon added.

The mini-market, manned by Army personnel, is open to both soldiers and civilians from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099591
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