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Police warns public vs. NPA recruitment

April 24, 2020, 11:04 am
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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2020): Police warns public vs. NPA recruitment (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)



RECRUITMENT. Antique Police Provincial Office deputy director, Lt. Col. Norby Escobar has warned parents to be vigilant of recruitment of minors by the communists. Escobar said the Philippine Army 61st IB has captured five minors from Sibalom town during an encounter in Miagao, Iloilo on April 18. (PNA file photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay) 

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) is warning the public against the recruitment of the Communist Part of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists or CNTs in the hinterland of the province.
APPO deputy director for operations, Lt. Col. Norby Escobar said Friday they received a report on CNT recruitment of minors in the municipality of Sibalom.

On April 18, five minors who were captured by the Philippine Army (PA) during their encounter with the CNT in Miag-ao, Iloilo were from Sibalom.

“Parents have to safeguard their children because minors could easily be persuaded by the CNTs,” he said in an interview.

Escobar said that minors purportedly asked permission from their parents a week ago to go to Barangay Bulalakaw, a mountainous part at the border of Antique and Iloilo provinces, to collect honey that they would sell.

However, Escobar said that based on the report of the PA 61st Infantry Battalion led by its commanding officer Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, the minors were captured during their 35-minute encounter with the CNTs.

In press statement on April 18, the PA said soldiers encountered around 40 CNTs believed to be members of the Suyak Platoon in Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao that morning.

The troops launched an operation in response to a report about the CNT training of their new recruits.

Meanwhile, Sibalom Mayor Gian Carlo Occeña, in a statement, said that the municipality condemns the rebels’ act of terrorism that threatens not only the townspeople but also other municipalities.

“For years, we try to preserve the peace and feeling of security enjoyed by our people and we will not allow that this be destroyed,” Occeña said.

“Let us be vigilant, take care of our young and shield them from their (CNT) influence,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1100858
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Ph Army ferries stranded MSU students

April 24, 2020, 11:11 am
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From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 24, 2020): Ph Army ferries stranded MSU students (By Lou Ellen L. Antonio)

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MARAWI CITY, Apr. 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army provided assistance in transporting some 251 Mindanao State University (MSU) students who were stranded in their dormitories with the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Lanao del Sur due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.

The 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) together with 55th IB, 49th IB, and 12th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, all under 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade, deployed military trucks to ferry the stranded students back to their homes in 25 municipalities of the province.

Part of the ECQ that was implemented on March 17 to April 14, 2020, and was extended until April 30, is the suspension of public transportation to restrict the movement of people and to curb the spread of the disease.


The stranded students of Mindanao State University pose with officials from MSU System and Philippine Army. (82nd Infantry Battalion)

Through the collaborative efforts of the Haribon Brigade, MSU, Lanao del Sur Inter-Agency Task Force (LDS - IATF) for the Management of COVID-19, and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, the students are transported back to their communities.

Lt. Charles Leiand Regala, Civil-Military Operations Officer of 82nd IB, said that there are still 654 remaining stranded students in MSU who will be transported outside Lanao del Sur in the coming days.

“The authorities already made coordination with the adjacent provinces to finalize the arrangements and requirements for the next transportation assistance,” said Regala.

MSU also deployed its university buses to assist the transport of the students. The university recently sent off some of its stranded students to Maguindanao and Zamboanga del Norte.

Meanwhile, the army continues to provide manpower and security assistance during the relief distribution of the provincial government. (LELA/PIA ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1039981
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Mobile force,youth reach out to vulnerable sector

April 24, 2020, 11:14 am
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From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 24, 2020): Mobile force,youth reach out to vulnerable sector (By Peter A. Balocnit)

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga, Apr. 24 (PIA) – Assistance continue to reach vulnerable sectors in the province during this period of enhanced community quarantine thru the 1st Kalinga Mobile Force Company’s (1stKPMFC) best practice project “KaBADANG” and the Youth for Peace Philippines - Cordillera Youth Brigade (YPP-CYB).

PLt. Ruff Manganip of the 1stKPMFC said half of the 30 vulnerable families in four selected barangays of Lucog, Bagumbayan, Bulo and Bulanao received relief assistance Thursday. Distribution of 10 kilos rice, assorted groceries, vegetable seeds and T-shirts to the remaining half continues today. The money spent to buy the food stuff and grocery goods came from contributions of personnel.



This KaBADANG” gift-giving activity was started in 2016 by the Kalinga Provincial Police Safety Company as a way of reaching out to vulnerable sectors including children..

Kagawad Charlene Colangan Malaga of Lucog expressed her gratitude to the Police force saying the relief assistance is of great help to their neighbors who can hardly provide the needs of their families this time of crisis.

In a related development, the 1st PKMFC and the 503rd Infantry Brigade are supporting the Youth for Peace Philippines - Cordillera Youth Brigade distribute relief goods including milk to differently-abled persons and elders this ECQ period.

Manganip said the CYB’s “Piso Mo, Pangtawid Gutom Ko” has reached out to 40 of their more than 100 target recipients in barangays Gobgob, Sitio Basao, Bayabat at Dilag, Dupag, Hilltop and Bulanao, also all of this city. Relief goods provided to the beneficiaries were sourced out from a dozen of local sponsors and from Overseas Filipino Workers.

Miss Kalinga 2019 Lyka Bucalen Dalanao , who is at present an Ambassadress for Peace, thanked in behalf of YPP-CYB their donors assuring them also of their commitment to continue serve the needy sector.

“Kung tayo ay magkaisa, kaya nating lagpasan ang COVID-19. Sama-sama nating itaguyod and isa’t isa, walang magugutom na Pilipino, walang magugutom na iCordillera at walang magugutom na iKalinga”. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR) 


ICM Peter Balocnit, s member of the 1st Kalinga Mobile Force Company Advisoty Council, assists in distributing relief goods to vulnerable recipients in Tabuk City under the unit's best practice KaBADANG.


The KaBADANG” gift-giving activity also gives special concern to children

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1039874
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Tagalog News: 10 Sundalong nagbantay sa Kalayaan Island Group sa Palawan, pinarangalan

April 24, 2020, 11:17 am
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From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 23, 2020): Tagalog News: 10 Sundalong nagbantay sa Kalayaan Island Group sa Palawan, pinarangalan (By Orlan C. Jabagat)



Pinangunahan ni Commodore Renato P. David, Commander ng Naval Forces West (NFW) ang pagbibigay ng parangal sa sampung sundalo na nagsilbi bilang bantay sa Kota at Panata Islands sa Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) sa West Philippine Sea (WPS). Ang parangal ay isinagawa sa pamamagitan ng isang simpleng seremonya sa Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon sa Bgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa kahapon. (Larawan mula sa NFW)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Abril 23, (PIA) -- Pinarangalan ng Naval Forces West (NFW) kahapon ang sampung sundalong nagsilbi bilang mga bantay sa mga isla sa Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) na pag-aari ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Ang pagbibigay parangal ay pinangunahan ni Commodore Renato P. David ang Commander ng NAVFORWEST sa pamamagitan ng isang simpleng seremonya na ginanap sa Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon sa Bgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa bilang pag-obserba na rin sa mga alituntunin ng Enhance Community Quarantine.

Ang sampung sundalong pinarangalan ay mula sa hanay ng Philippine Navy at Philippine Marines na nagbantay sa isla ng Kota at Panata sa KIG sa loob ng apat na buwan.

Ang mga ito ay tumanggap ng Military Merit Medal bilang pagkilala sa kanilang hindi makasariling paglilingkod at kabayanihan sa pagtatanggol sa mga teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa pinag-aagawang mga isla sa WPS.

Ang isla ng Kota at Panata ay dalawa lamang sa siyam na mga islang pag-aari ng Pilipinas sa WPS at ang mga ito ay sakop ng Bayan ng Kalayaan sa Palawan. (OCJ/PIA-MIMAROPA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1039857
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NPA rebels unfazed by Duterte’s threat, kill soldier in Zamboanga

April 24, 2020, 12:12 pm
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Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 24, 2020): NPA rebels unfazed by Duterte’s threat, kill soldier in Zamboanga

Communist insurgents killed a government soldier in a firefight Friday in Zamboanga del Sur’s Bayog town in southern Philippines, army officials said.

The attack occurred even after President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday threatened to declare martial law if the NPA does not stop attacking security forces amid the coronavirus pandemic. Duterte said he will also run after all communist legal fronts in the country.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, commander of the 97th Infantry Battalion, said patrolling troops clashed with New People’s Army gunmen in the village of Balukbahan. “One trooper paid the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter with the communist NPA terrorist group,” he said.

Boransing said soldiers were still pursuing the rebels in the town. “Pursuit operation is conducted to neutralize the fleeing rebels,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, also ordered troops to sustain the offensive and destroy the rebel group as he condoled with the family of the slain soldier. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and friends of our soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our people against the terrorist group. Their sacrifices were borne out of their dedication to protect the constituents of Zamboanga del Sur in pursuit of peace and development” he said.

The fighting was the second this week after soldiers also clashed with the same group in the village where troops recovered an automatic rifle and improvised explosive left behind by fleeing rebels.

On Wednesday, NPA rebels ambushed a military truck and wounded 2 soldiers in Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, in eastern Mindanao.


The attack, which occurred in Malabog village in Paquibato district, targeted members of the 16th Infantry Battalion. The ambush sparked a brief firefight and it was unknown whether any of the communist rebels were wounded or killed in the clash.

The NPA has been waging a violent campaign for many decades now for the establishment of a communist state in the country. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/04/npa-rebels-unfazed-by-dutertes-threat.html
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Army says Paquibato residents need not worry amid NPA clash

April 24, 2020, 12:30 pm
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From the Mindanao Times (Apr 24, 2020): Army says Paquibato residents need not worry amid NPA clash (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Soldiers of the 16th Infantry battalion clashed with an undetermined number of the New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Kapehan, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District at 3:20 p.m. on Wednesday.

1Lt. Jeffrey Paulo Alba, the civil-military operations officer of the 16th IB, said two soldiers were slightly wounded and now recovering in a hospital in Davao City after they encountered members of Guerrilla Front 55.

Accordingly, soldiers received information from a concerned citizen regarding the presence of an armed group in the area.

After a moment, as the blocking troops were occupying their position, an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated to dissuade the government troops from pursuing the terrorists. The device exploded prematurely and only inflicted minor injuries.

Alba assures residents that they have nothing to fear because the soldiers are in pursuit of the rebels. “Our focused military operations continue,” he said, adding that there was no reported evacuation of families in the area.

He said the encounter site was quite a distance away from the barangay proper.

“These organized crime groups are trying to visit their former contacts in Paquibato as a prelude to recover Paquibato District, which was their former stronghold, ” Alba said.

He said the attempt to recover their mass bases in Paquibato was disrupted by the presence of the soldiers.

Lt. Col. Joel Salaguinto, the 16th IB commander, declared that “Paquibato District of Davao City is still a peaceful and conflict-resilient community.”

“This incident with the communist terrorist group is a clear manifestation that they are attempting to recover their mass bases for the reason that they are running out of space and can no longer acquire assistance from their mass supporters in the communities,” Salaguinto said.


“Needless to say, they cannot hide much longer. Thus, we need your continued full support to end the CTGs from disrupting peace and development in the whole city,” he added.

Sara statement

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara Duterte said in a statement that the NPA has once again exposed itself
“as the devil incarnate” when it attacked soldiers.

“The terroristic attack came days after it announced, along with the Communist Party of the Philippines, that it was extending its self-declared ceasefire to April 30 — that we can only say now as a total sham,” the statement read.

She said the attack only proved that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the NPA are truly the enemies of the people and the government.

“We condemn this attack as this happened at a time when we are supposed to be working together against COVID-19,” she said. “We can clearly expect nothing from the NPA terrorists — not even the slightest compassion for the people. It cannot even feign concern.”

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/04/24/army-says-paquibato-residents-need-not-worry-amid-npa-clash/
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Man slain by rebels

April 24, 2020, 12:35 pm
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From the Mindanao Times (Apr 24, 2020): Man slain by rebels (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The father of a former rebel was killed by alleged communist guerrillas inside his home in Special Barangay Dalimdim in Laak, Davao de Oro on Tuesday.

1Lt. Amadeuz VJ Celestial, the civil-military operations officer of the 60th IB, identified the victim as Roldan Geroche, who was shot to death by at least three gunmen, alleged to be members of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 33.

Geroche was celebrating the birthday of a family member prior to the attack. Among the witnesses was Geroche’s daughter, Ronalyn, who identified one of the perpetrators to be Christian Pastor, known by his alias Khan, one of the leaders of WGF 33.

Ronalyn was a former member of the Asdang Kultura, which the military described as a pseudo-cultural theater group composed of children and teenage youths used by the CPP-NPA in protest rallies and public demonstrations.
Members of the said group, like Ronalyn, would eventually be integrated to the regular armed group and become full-time members of the NPA.

Ronalyn surrendered to the 60th IB in 2018 after she was raped by her former comrade and NPA recruiter Elmar Etol (alias ‘Wendel’). She and her family have been targeted by the guerrilla front since.

Recovered from the crime scene were five .45 caliber pistol cartridges.

Meanwhile, the 60IB and the 25th Infantry Battalion are currently conducting community support programs in several barangays in Laak (to include Special Barangay Dalimdim), and the municipalities of San Isidro and Asuncion in Davao del Norte.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Ronaldo Sarmiento, the 60th IB commander, said the attack is a clear sign of desperation.

“They are evidently being hurt by our government’s current thrust in curbing the insurgency that would eventually flush them all out of our communities. This is the reaction we get from a communist-terrorist group who is now being pushed to the corner and has nowhere to run or hide,” Sarmiento said.
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Air Force completes simulation exercise to airlift COVID-19 patients

April 24, 2020, 12:41 pm
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From the Mindanao Times (Apr 24, 2020): Air Force completes simulation exercise to airlift COVID-19 patients BY RHODA GRACE SARON ON APRIL 23, 2020

The Tactical Operations Wing-Eastern Mindanao of the Philippine Air Force led the inter-agency collaborative simulation exercise aimed at establishing a common protocol in the air evacuation of COVID-19 patients, especially in remote areas.

Dubbed as “SIMEX COVID19 Davao,” the activity simulated the air evacuation of a wounded COVID19-positive patient from a remote location to the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

The patient was airlifted using the Super Huey II Air Ambulance of the 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force. The chopper has a capacity of 11 passengers, including the pilots and crew, but can accommodate three litter patients.

The Huey also has a cruising speed of 90 knots, which means a travel time of 15 minutes between Tagum City and Davao City.

The simulation was conducted at the helicopter ramp of the Tactical Operations Wing at the old Davao airport in Barangay Sasa.

Col. Dennis Estrella, the TOW-EM commander, told TIMES that the activity is crucial since it fosters close collaboration among various stakeholders to maximize resources to implement the plan.

Estrella said the Philippine Air Force is committed to using its core competence to serve the public despite the great disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The activity is in line also with one of the command thrusts of the commanding general of the PAF, Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, who advocates taking the lead in delivering the desired outcome for joint, combined and inter-agency operations.

The activity was participated by various local government agencies and organizations, which have their own respective roles and contributions to save the patients and protect medical first responders.

The agencies include Central 911, Davao DART, Department of Health XI, Office of Civil Defense XI, Public Safety and Security Command Center, Task Force Davao, Camp Panacan Station Hospital, Southern Philippines Medical Center, and Civil Aviation Authority.

After the simulation exercise, Lt. Col. Alfred Antonio, the director of operations of TOW EastMin, gathered the inputs of all the participants and observers during the open forum. Meanwhile, Lt Col. Florante Baterina, commander of the Tactical Operation Group (TOG), assisted in ensuring the safe conduct of the ground and flying phases of the activity.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/04/23/air-force-completes-simulation-exercise-to-airlift-covid-19-patients/
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Two soldiers injured in battle

April 24, 2020, 7:58 pm
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From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 25, 2020): Two soldiers injured in battle

Two more Army soldiers were injured yesterday in renewed armed clashes between government soldiers and suspected New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Sicaba, Brgy. Gawahon, Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Col. InocencioPasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that the two Army soldiers were injured while they and troopers of the Special Action Force Battalion 8 of the PNP were in pursuit of NPA rebels they had encountered at about 8:30 a.m. yesterday.

The latest armed skirmishes ensued five days after the Army soldiers and NPA rebels also clashed in Brgy. Carabalan, HimamaylanCity, that left three government troopers killed four others injured.

Prior to the encounter, Pasaporte said that combined 79IB and SAF troopers had been assisting in the distribution of Social Amelioration Program grants of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to residents of barangays 5, 19, Canetown and Villa in Victorias City since April 19, and conducting a COVID-19 information dissemination campaign.

The two injured soldiers, Cpl. Ramy Chiefe and Cpl. Louie Maghanoy, were airlifted from the encounter site by an Air Force UH-IH helicopter and are now in stable condition, Pasaporte said.

Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran,79IB commander, said that the NPA rebels were about to explode two IEDs, as proven by their s recovery, which is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

Pasaporte said that NPA rebels, who fled after 30 minutes of gunbattle, also suffered four casualties as indicated by the bloodstains seen along their withdrawal route.

Two improvised landmines with blasting caps, two bandoleers of AK 47 and M-16 rifles, two Baofeng handheld radios with charger, five hammocks, eight blankets and five hammocks, assorted medicines, binoculars, two cellular phones, a compass, subversive documents and assorted personal belongings were left behind and recovered at the encounter site.

Pasaporte lambasted the CPP- NPA rebels for their “deliberate efforts to sabotage government’s campaign in disseminating health information to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the communities.”

“There will be no let up in our operations against the NPA rebels and at the same time we will continue supporting the different LGUs in addressing health concerns brought about by COVID-19,” Pasaporte said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/April/25/topstory2.htm
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Kalinaw News: Intensified operations against abus in Sulu continue

April 24, 2020, 8:13 pm
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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 23, 2020): Intensified operations against abus in Sulu continue (By Western Mindanao Command)



All-out offensives launched by the Joint Task Force Sulu continue to contain the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu.

While conducting combat operation, troops of the 45th Infantry Battalion encountered undetermined number of ASG in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu at 6pm, April 22, 2020.

Firefight ensued which lasted for 34 minutes after which enemy withdrew to different directions.

While pursuing the fleeing enemies, troops recovered 3 enemy cadavers and discovered bloodstains in the encounter site.

Killed abus were identified as Guro Khalid, Udal Muhamadar Said, and a.k.a. Budah.

“Based on reports, three more enemies were killed and many others were wounded,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, JTF Sulu commander.

The armed confrontation further resulted in the wounding of eight soldiers who were immediately extricated from the encounter site and evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital and onward to Camp Navarro General Hospital for medical attention.

“We are sustaining our focused military operations in Sulu to finish the Abu sayyaf Group and bring about peace in the said province,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Please continue pray for the safety of our soldiers while rendering unselfish service to win the peace as we equally worship for our protection against COVID-19,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.






[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/intensified-operations-against-abus-in-sulu-continue/
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Kalinaw News: NPA’s IED, HPFA seized by military following clash in Zamboanga del Sur

April 24, 2020, 8:16 pm
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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 23, 2020): NPA’s IED, HPFA seized by military following clash in Zamboanga del Sur (By 97th Infantry Battalion)



While conducting combat operation, troops of the 97th Infantry Battalion engaged in an armed confrontation with 40 members of the Communist Terrorist Group.

The military troops encountered the combined elements of Mindanao Regional Guerilla Unit and HQ-KALAW, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in Sitio Butongan, Barangay Balukbahan, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur on April 21, 2020.

The 40-minute firefight led to the seizure of one M16 rifle and one improvised explosive device (IED).

“We will continue to conduct focused military operations and maximize intelligence monitoring to clear the region from the presence of communist terrorists,” said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Pursuit operation is being conducted for the possible neutralization of the fleeing enemies.

“We will not allow the NPA and other terror groups to continue with their treacherous acts that create fear and havoc in the communities under the area of operation of Western Mindanao Command,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander.

“We also recognize the support of the local government and the community. Truly, milestones and breakthroughs can be achieved through unified efforts,” the commander added.

[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]

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Kalinaw News: NPA insists use of APMs amid COVID-19 in Surigao del Norte

April 24, 2020, 8:24 pm
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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 23, 2020): NPA insists use of APMs amid COVID-19 in Surigao del Norte (By 30th Infantry Battalion)



Placer, Surigao del Norte – The Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) blatantly use Anti-personnel Mines (APM) to threaten unarmed innocent civilians amid Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Barangay Camam-onan of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte Sunday, 19 April 2020.

After the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) received reports from concerned citizens that CNTs were conducting extortion and recruitment activities in their community, the 30IB launched a Focused Military Operation (FMO) that led to an encounter and recovery of 2 anti-personnel mines (APMs), 50 meters electrical wire, magazines and ammunitions for M16 and AK47 rifles, 12 backpacks with personal belongings, and subversive documents which were left by the CNTs in their hideout that was overrun by 30IB Python Troopers in Barangay Camamonan, Gigaquit, SDN.

As we recall, 30IB have recovered a total of 18 anti-personnel mines on 2019. Last January 17, 2020 the CNTs denonated APMs near a build-up area in Barangay Ladgaron, Claver, SDN. In this raid on the CNTs, 30IB recovered two (2) anti-personnel mines in the hastily abandoned CNT hideout. Lt. Col. Jeffrey A Villarosa, Commanding Officer of 30IB said,”The strong resistance of the populace against the CNTs is very vital in clearing their communities from the troublesome CNTs.

I commend the boldness of concerned citizens for timely sending us information that led to this encounter. It is just sad to note that in the midst of our efforts in making our communities Covid19-free, the CNTs continue to pursue their selfish agenda. They insists on gathering civilians and forcing them to listen to their propaganda.” “We strongly condemn the cowardly and the dastardly act of the CNTs.

They continue, yet again, to use APMs, a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law. Despite this, your 30IB Python Troopers will continue to press the fight. We will continue to hunt the CNTs wherever they are.

We will continue to protect each and every peace-loving civilian in all of Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands. We will also continue to send our appeal to the CNTs, both active and lielow, to the CNTs militia and the members of the CNTs’ underground mass organizations, to surrender while it is not yet too late. Our government will embrace you back.

You will be enrolled to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to help you transition to your normal lives,” Villarosa ended. The use of APMs is a violation of Republic Act 9851, An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, Organizing Jurisdiction, Designating Special Courts, and for Related Purposes.



[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/npa-insists-use-of-apms-amid-covid-19-in-surigao-del-norte/
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Kalinaw News: Army conducts IAC thru Loudspeaker Operations in Surigao del Norte

April 24, 2020, 8:30 pm
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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 23, 2020): Army conducts IAC thru Loudspeaker Operations in Surigao del Norte (By 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion, Philippine Army)



Placer, Surigao del Norte- In order to intensify Public Awareness about the threat of Coronavirus Disease (CoViD-19) and E-CLIP of the government, the 30th Infantry Python Battalion (30IB) conducted Information Awareness Campaign thru Loudspeaker Operations in different sitio of Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, today, 22 April 2020.

The 30IB used Megaphone installed in a skylab motorcycle (habal-habal) as an equipment that roamed around in the said area with a pre-recorded messages reminding residents to stay at home.

The said activity also aims to raise awareness regarding the necessary steps to avoid and prevent the spread of CoViD-19 and participate in the implementation of the Executive Orders and Memoranda implemented by the Local Government. The 30IB also emphasized issues exploited by the CNTs and explained to the people the terroristic activities perpetrated by the CNTs despite the ceasefire was implemented from March 19 to April 15, 2020 within the 30IB area of operations.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Jeffrey A Villarosa, Commanding Officer of 30IB said, “We believe that through these loudspeaker operations, we are able to explain to our people the essence of that presidential directive thereby igniting every citizen’s sense of patriotism and civic duty to do their share and cooperate during the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). We ensure that even the interior barangays of the province will understand and help prevent the spread of the virus”.

“The 30IB also calls on all the exploited masses, Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) members, Militia ng Bayan (MBs) and active CNTs to surrender and return to the folds of the law. You may contact us through our hotline numbers: 09173058172 and 09306255146. Avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government”, Villarosa added.



[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-iac-thru-loudspeaker-operations-in-surigao-del-norte/
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Kalinaw News: ARMY, PNP clash with NPA in Victorias City, Negros Occidental

April 24, 2020, 8:34 pm
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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 23, 2020): ARMY, PNP clash with NPA in Victorias City, Negros Occidental (By 3rd Infantry Division)



CAMP GERONA, Murcia, Negros Occidental –Joint AFP-PNP elements of 79th Infantry Battalion and 6th Special Action Force Battalion encountered undetermined number of NPA terrorists in Sitio Sicaba, Brgy Gawahon, Victorias City, Negros Occidental at 8:30 A.M. today, April 24, 2020 (Friday).

The troops were conducting community security patrol and information dissemination in connection with COVID-19 pandemic disease in the area.

The troops fought the NPA terrorists in a 30 minute running gun battle, after which the NPAs scampered and withdrew towards a forested portion of the encounter site of said barangay.

The troops recovered in the encounter site the following war materials and other items; two (2) Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with blasting caps, one (1) bandolier with five (5) magazines for AK47, one (1) bandolier with two (2) M16 magazines with ammunitions, two (2) handheld radios with accessories, two (2) cellular phones, one (1) binocular, one (1) compass, four (4) jungle packs and personal belongings, assorted medicines, 8 pcs blankets, three (3) rain boots and subversive documents.

During the conduct of pursuit operation against the withdrawing NPAs, two (2) soldiers were wounded while the NPAs were seen dragging four (4) casualties. Bloodstains were also seen along their route of withdrawal.

With this incident, Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade, Commander once again lambasted the CPP NPA Terrorists for their deliberate efforts to sabotage activities especially in disseminating health information to prevent the spread of COVID19 in the communities.

Colonel Pasaporte once again assured the people of Negros that the Army together with the PNP and other law enforcement agencies will continue to serve its mandate of protecting the people especially against the threats from the NPAs. “We are on top of the situation, there will be no let up on our operation against the NPAs and at the same time we will continue supporting the different LGUs in addresing health concerns brought about by Covid-19.

[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]

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Kalinaw News: Army provides security; assists in the cash distribution under SAP in SurSur, AgSur

April 24, 2020, 8:40 pm
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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2020): Army provides security; assists in the cash distribution under SAP in SurSur, AgSur (By 4th Infantry Division)



BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur-Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr., Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Stn) – The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion provided security and assistance to the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development (C/MSWD) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the cash distribution under Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in all municipalities within the 75IB Area of Responsibility (AOR).

With the passage of the Republic Act (RA) No. 11469, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act 2020,” an intensified government response that renders full assistance to LGUs and other government agencies. Likewise, it mobilizes the necessary resources to undertake urgent and appropriate measures to reduce the effects of the recent declaration on the economic, physical, and psychosocial well-being of the most affected residents all over the country.

The 75IB led by Lieutenant Colonel Warren C Munda, Commanding Officer, deployed troops in the areas within the unit’s AOR to provide security in order to ensure the safety of the personnel responsible for the cash distribution to all targeted beneficiaries.

In connection with the SAP pronouncement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Commander-In-Chief, through the guidelines and coordination with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the lead agency in social protection was mandated to distribute the cash to the community in order to sustain the quality of life of the Filipino people. In this mandate, the Army provides security assistance in order to ensure the safety and smooth distribution of SAP fund to the people.

As of this writing, the troops of Alpha “Adeptus,” Bravo “Bluefox,” and Charlie ‘Cyborg” Companies led by Second Lieutenant Lawrence Candia, First Lieutenant Gawdale Chocen Gemeniano, and First Lieutenant Begie P De Jesus, Company Commanders provided security to C/MSWD/LGUs who cater more than eight thousand (8,000) beneficiaries of SAP in all the municipalities within the AOR.

Moreover, the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors of the society have given the priority, especially during the declaration of the State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines under the Presidential Proclamation No. 922, series of 2020.

Thus, the C/MSWD ensure its provision of safety nets, implementation of SAP and other services which serve as basis of support for the provision of necessities and tool for the recovery and rehabilitation of the most affected families and individuals.

The C/MSWD/LGUs expressed their gratitude for the assistance provided by the 75IB during the cash distribution and the effort in keeping them safe throughout the activity.

Lt. Col. Munda and the 75IB troopers are continuously serving at the frontline to ensure the community will receive assistance and services from the government intended for them.

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) significantly affects millions of people worldwide. With this, the government executed a way to aid people and the community to overcome this health crisis. Likewise, through the Bayanihan manifested by the fellow Filipinos, together, we will surmount this pandemic in due time.

[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-provides-security-assists-in-the-cash-distribution-under-sap-in-sursur-agsur/
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Kalinaw News: 6 ASG killed, 8 soldiers wounded during Military’s Pursuit Operations in Sulu

April 24, 2020, 8:48 pm
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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2020): 6 ASG killed, 8 soldiers wounded during Military’s Pursuit Operations in Sulu (By 11 Infantry Division)



The operating troops of 45th Infantry Battalion of 1st Brigade Combat Team under Joint Task Force Sulu clashed with the elements of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) at Brgy. Latih, Patikul, Sulu, around 6 o’clock in the evening on April 22, 2020.

The troops encountered undetermined numbers of ASG in a firefight that lasted for thirty four (34) minutes.

Lieutenant Colonel Ruben B. Guinolbay, Commanding Officer of 45th Infantry Battalion stated that prior to the clash, troops were able to track the ASG despite the rainy condition from Brgy Maligay going to Brgy Latih, both of Patikul, Sulu. Troops were able to sneak closer to the ASGs position and fired upon a surprise that forced the said outlaws to run towards different directions.

Engaged troops were also supported by 6th Mechanized and 9th Field Artillery Battalions during the furious firefight.

The encounter resulted to the death of three ASG members identified as Guro Khalid, Udal Muhamadar and a certain Budah. Guro Khalid is the highlighted ASG member known to teach false ideology that moulded the recruited youths in Sulu to become radicals and pushed to conduct terroristic missions.

Further report stated that three more ASGs were killed and suffered numerous casualties. Troops likewise recovered cellphones, bandoliers, ammunition magazines, bag packs and voluminous subversive war materiels in the area.

Also, eight soldiers suffered from minor injuries during the said clash. Said troops were evacuated around 11 o’clock in the evening and were immediately brought at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital. Five among the wounded troops were later transported to Zamboanga City via helicopter for further treatment.

The encountered ASG was confirmed to be the group clashed by 21st Infantry Battalion on April 17, 2020. Colonel Benjamin G. Batara Jr., Commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team said, “The group encountered by our troops were confirmed under ASG leader Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan. These were the bandits that shredded the hopes of our fallen soldiers to attain lasting peace. We will persistently run after these terrorists who continuously spoil the peace in the Province of Sulu.”

Major General Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., AFP, Commander of 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Sulu assured that the momentum to eradicate ASG in Sulu will pursue, “These outlaws are threat to the security of the local government units and stakeholders in delivering basic services towards the community during the Enhanced Community Quarantine concerning the confronted serious pandemic. Likewise, they continuously threaten the attainment of lasting peace and further development of Sulu. Our soldiers will pursue the destruction of ASG, and I look forward regarding this matter,” he said.




[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/6-asg-killed-8-soldiers-wounded-during-militarys-pursuit-operations-in-sulu/
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Kalinaw News: Wounded troops awarded for Gallantry

April 24, 2020, 8:56 pm
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Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2020): Wounded troops awarded for Gallantry (By 11th Infantry Division)



Major General Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., AFP, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu paid visit and donned gallantry medals to troops of 45th Infantry Battalion at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, around 10 o’clock in the morning, April 23, 2020.

Major General Vinluan appreciated the bravery of the troops under 45th Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Ruben B. Guinolbay of the 1st Brigade Combat Team under Joint Task Force Sulu that clashed with the Abu Sayyaf Group at Brgy. Latih, Patikul, Sulu on April 22, 2020.

Other officers who witnessed the said event were Colonel Benjamin G. Batara Jr. Commander, 1st Brigade Combat Team; Colonel Giovanni T. Franza, Chief-of-Staff, 11th Infantry Division; Colonel Amadeo U. Cruz, Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operation, G7; Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo C. Mateo, Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 and Major Sayid C. Cedicol, Commanding Officer of Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital.




[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/wounded-troops-awarded-for-gallantry/
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CPP/Sison: Duterte using COVID-19 to advance his scheme of fascist dictatorship

April 24, 2020, 9:08 pm
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Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 25, 2020): Duterte using COVID-19 to advance his scheme of fascist dictatorship

JOSE MARIA SISON
CHIEF POLITICAL CONSULTANT
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 25, 2020







It is a matter of fact that Duterte has already used the Covid-19 to grab emergency powers and to rob the people of public funds by getting the authority to dispose of more than 350 billion pesos and realign the trillions of pesos in the 2020 budget of the reactionary government.

He has imposed a series of lock downs on the people and has deprived them of incomes, means of livelihood and food as well as public transport to any medical facility. He has not fulfilled his promise of providing food assistance to 18 million families, social compensation for wages lost, mass testing and treatment of patients for Covid-19 and other illnesses and adequate compensation and protective gear for the health workers.

He has continuously engaged in military offensives against the NPA and the communities suspected of supporting the NPA. Now, he and his military minions have invented a few incidents and magnify these to misrepresent and slander the New People’s Army as fouling up the supposed government distribution of food and money to the people. Thus, he covers up the scandalous plunder of public funds which have been misappropriated through contracts for overpriced goods and services under the pretext of fighting Covid-19.

Worst of all, he has threatened to declare martial law formally and to suppress legal progressive organizations, the critics and opponents of his regime and the broad masses of the people in both urban and rural areas. He has been in fact engaged in imposing military and police rule over the people and is exposing his ultimate goal of formally declaring martial law, imposing his Marcos-type fascist dictatorship on the people and perpetuating himself in power beyond 2022.

Duterte has no real intention to fight Covid-19 but to use it to advance his scheme of fascist dictatorship. The malice and evil character of Duterte and his regime are well-exposed by his refusal to reciprocate the ceasefire declaration of the CPP, to release the prisoners in congested ordinary and political prisons and to heed the call of the NDFP and the PEPP for the resumption of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations.

Duterte has long been crazed by power and greed. He wants to perpetuate himself in power but is oblivious of his advanced age and bad health condition. And he seems to be ignorant that within his own armed forces and police there are anti-Duterte groups like the Magdalo and so many more officers and enlisted personnel who oppose their use as the private army of Duterte for the purpose of keeping himself in power, letting him plunder the country and selling out sovereign rights to US and Chinese imperialism.

Given the rapidly worsening crisis of the world capitalist system and the domestic semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system, the broad masses of the people are not at all frightened by the threats of Duterte to declare martial law formally. Instead, they are deeply pained and enraged by the intolerable suffering that they are being made to suffer. They are therefore desirous of revolutionary change in accordance with their own national and democratic rights and interests. In so many forms of public manifestation, they are in fact urging their own revolutionary forces to intensify all forms of resistance. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/duterte-using-covid-19-to-advance-his-scheme-of-fascist-dictatorship/
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CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Divertionary sa matuod nga isyu ang palayag ni President Rodrigo Duterte nga magdeklarar siya sang Martial law sa pungsod

April 24, 2020, 9:14 pm
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NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 25, 2020): Divertionary sa matuod nga isyu ang palayag ni President Rodrigo Duterte nga magdeklarar siya sang Martial law sa pungsod

JB REGALADO
NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS
LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 25, 2020




Divertionary sa matuod nga isyu ang palayag ni President Rodrigo Duterte nga magdeklarar siya sang Martial law sa pungsod bangud sang mga pagpang-atake sang New People’s Army sa tropa sang Armed Forces of the Philippines suno kay Ka JB Regalado, tagpamaba sang Leonardo Panaligan Command Central Negros.

Gin-athag man ni Regalado nga “aktibo nga pagdepensa” lamang ang ginhimo sang NPA sa panahon nga nagapang-atake ang pasistang AFP sa mga teritoryo sang NPA samtang nga nagapatigayon ini sang mga medikal nga aktibidad kag produksyon kabahin na sa pangkabilugan nga pagpakig-away sa Coronavirus pandemic kag lapnagon nga gutom.

Suno ni Regalado, ang isyu subong paano sabton, atipanon kag sustentuhon sang gobyerno ni Duterte ang pumuluyo nga malawig na nga naga-antus sa kapigaduhon kag ginkwarantina pa sa tagsa sini ka mga puluy-an diin wala sang may makaon kag biktima pa sang nagkalain-lain nga porma sang human rights violations samtang nagapakig-away sa COVID-19.

Dugang pa ni Regalado imbes nga magkonsentrar ang gobyerno sa pagapanguna ni Duterte sa pag-away sa COVID-19 padayon pa ini nga nagapatigayon sang red-tagging kag pagpapriso sa mga aktibista bangud sang himu-himo naman nga mga kaso. Padayon nga extra judicial killings sa mga inosenteng sibilyan sa iya gyera kontra-druga kag padayon nga pagpamatay sa mga aktibista. Subong man ang pagpasingki pa sang kontra-insurhensiya nga kampanya batok sa CPP/NPA/NDF paagi sa paglunsar sang wala untat nga operasyon militar sa kaumahan.

Siling ni Regalado, ang kamatuoran inutil ang rehimen sa pagsolbar sa padako kag padako pa nga kaso sa pungsod nga apektado sang COVID-19 pandemic sa kada adlaw nga naglab-ot na sa malapit sa 7,000 ka indibidwal sa bilog nga pungsod. Dugang pa nga solbaron ni Duterte ang minilyon-milyon nga dismayado kag diskontento nga pumuluyong Pilipino nga padayon pa nagahangla sa ginasugid sini nga ayuda.

Nagakahulugan nga ginhingalitan ni Duterte upod sa utok-pulbura nga mga opisyal sang AFP kag PNP ang isyu sa COVID sa pagdeklarar sang martial law hambal ni Regalado. Mas nagdalum kag nagalala pa ang korapsyon sa militar, mga ahensya kag iban pa nga burukrasya sang gobyerno bangud sang panghingalit sa kampanya kontra-COVID.

Desperado si Duterte upod sa AFP, PNP kag iban pa nga state security forces sa pagdugmok sa rebolusyonaryong kahublagan. Kag kapaslawan lang ang madangatan sang sini nga rehimen tubtob matapos ang iya termino nga papason ang NPA sa masobra 5 na ka dekada nga armadong paghimakas sa pungsod suno pa ni Regalado.

Tamparos sa guya ni Duterte ang iya deklarasyon sa pagpatuman sa Martial law sa pungsod taliwas sa iya daan nga mga palayag sang bag-o pa siya sa poder.

Nagapakita lang nga wala man sang sinseridad ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa pag-ugat sang gyera sibil kag armadong konplikto sa pungsod dira sa pagpatigayon sang Peacetalks suno ni Regalado.

Lubos ginapanawagan ni Regalado sa tanan nga yunit sang NPA, milisya sang banwa, iban pa nga yunit gerilya, rebolusyonaryong organisasyon masa upod sa malapad nga masa sang pumuluyo nga ipadayon ang pag-alagad sa pumuluyo sa pagpakig-away sa Coronavirus. Kag handaan pulitiko-militar agud paslawon ang Martial law sang pasista kag tiranikong US-Duterte.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/divertionary-sa-matuod-nga-isyu-ang-palayag-ni-president-rodrigo-duterte-nga-magdeklarar-siya-sang-martial-law-sa-pungsod/
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CPP/NDF- Panay: NDFP at 47: Ever Glowing Victories Year Upon Year

April 24, 2020, 9:20 pm
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NDF- Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 25, 2020): NDFP at 47: Ever Glowing Victories Year Upon Year



More significant, bigger and ever glowing victories year upon year. This describes the advancement of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines on its 47th anniversary today. NDFP-Panay is proud to be an integral part of this staunchest and most revolutionary united front organization in the country and has marched in step along with other NDFP organizations in other regions.

For the past year membership of NDFP sectoral allied organizations in both cities and countryside in Panay have increased to some hundreds with a few hundred of them volunteering to be sworn into the Party. From these mass organizations and other individual recruits, young Red fighters the equivalent of a platoon has filled the ranks of the NPA.

The agrarian struggle remains to be the main content and prime mover of the people’s struggle especially of the poor peasants. In the countryside, the reactionary government’s scheme is to drive them away from the land in the guise of prohibiting them to slash-and-burn, duping them to plant coffee, bamboo or abaca on hundreds of hectares for big business or building of infrastructures for eco-tourism projects.

With the Party to guide them and the NPA to rely on, the peasant masses have bonded together to justly demand their right to till the land forcing the reactionary government to give concessions. In other areas, the masses have maintained their struggle against usury, and in a much wider scope have sustained the ‘kontra-gutom’ campaign due to the adverse effects of ‘El Nino’, typhoon Ursula and the present COVID-19 epidemic, all disastrously handled by the bureaucratic and corrupt dispensation. The partial gains the masses have attained were products of their organized and militant struggles and never because of the reactionary government’s benevolence.

What is also praise-worthy is that in spite of red-tagging, stalking and serious death threats from the tyrant Duterte himself, thousands more have joined the legal democratic organizations in the region which have maintained their militancy in voicing out their sectoral demands, exposing the US-Duterte regime’s fascist impositions and demand his ouster.

Always heeding and considering the people’s sentiments and needs, in a period of four months, the NDFP has recommended the declaration of unilateral ceasefire last December for Christmas and the New Year and another on March 26-April 15 extending it to April 30 due to the COVID-19 crisis, notwithstanding Duterte’s own hypocritical and traitorous unilateral ceasefire teeming with violations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown, without need of much rhetoric, that the world capitalist system is inadequate to handle such global phenomenon. Ironically the hardest hit areas are the ‘advanced’ countries in the world such as the USA, Spain, Italy, France and Germany with their advance medicine, technology, research and their supposedly efficient, universally accessible and well-equipped health systems. But facts have pointed to the contrary.

We only have to look at the Philippines, a puppet semi-colony in the clutches of the capitalist orbit. Worsened by a muddle-brained fascist president who desperately apes his US and China masters the result has been a virus deadlier than the COVID-19. The Duterte Virus has pervaded the lives of millions of Filipinos whereas the COVID-19 has inflicted only some thousands.

Since the very beginning Duterte was never serious in putting the lives of the Filipino people at the top and foremost when the COVID alarm was rang from China early January, but instead allowed half a million mainland

Chinese tourists into the country for billions of profits for China and his local cronies. Like his idol Trump who dilly-dallied, Duterte acted two months late and his actions were inutile, incompetent and incongruous.

Militarism was Duterte’s immediate answer to curb the virus drooling over turning the country into a police state. From March 17 to 29, a total of 17,039 individuals have been arrested nationwide for supposed violations of curfews and other impositions while only around 3,000 were tested for COVID-19. The regime’s solution was never based on a comprehensive scientific, medical and health framework with the people’s health and economic well-being at the forefront. It was the people who barraged Duterte for immediate and mass testing. It was the people who demanded immediate relief and subsidy.

The P270 billion national funding to fight COVID-19 is too little, has come too late and yet in trickles accompanied by the endemic red-tape and corruption of an incompetent, inefficient and bungling bureaucratic machinery especially from the topmost. Not a few LGUs and local chief executives have decried the national government’s poor and snail-paced performance while leaving to them the dirty work and depleting their coffers.

In spite of the nationwide lockdown and curfews which the tyrant and his military cohorts boast of as most effective measures against the virus, the Philippines is now no.1 in Southeast Asia in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Millions of Filipinos are out of work, have no income, no pocket money, and are hungry and angry. They rightfully blame and condemn the Duterte government for mishandling the crisis. The #Oust Duterte call has gone viral and the general sentiment has been disgust, contempt, discontent and frustration against militarist impositions, regulations, penalties, imprisonment and direct threat of martial law.

It is worthy to note that countries that claim to be socialist and are being vilified and oppressed by imperialist US such as Cuba, North Korea and Venezuela have been outstanding in handling the COVID-19 problem. They have registered minimal cases and negligible deaths. These are the countries whose health care as well as education is free and universal, basic and strategic industries are nationalized, agriculture is a priority and subsidized, and a self-reliant economy is encouraged and practiced. Most of all their people are united, organized and trained to voluntarily act whenever they are faced by a national emergency or crisis.

Some capitalist economists have already predicted that the COVID-19 aftermath would be a world depression graver than the Great Depression of the 1930’s. In fact the world capitalist system has been in protracted depression since the 2008 financial crisis and would surely plunge deeper than ever. Such crisis will only bring about higher and more intense waves of mass protests in the thousands and millions against imperialism and fascism by the peoples of the world. Bigger and broader peoples’ resistance would contribute to US imperialism’s decline and that of its puppet states.

NDFP-Panay exhorts all member organizations and the people to amplify their calls for their legitimate economic, political and social demands and never again to allow Martial Law.
Let us unite and fight the Duterte Virus! Oust Duterte now!!!

https://cpp.ph/statement/ndfp-at-47-ever-glowing-victories-year-upon-year/
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