Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2021): 10th Infantry Division stops extortion in Bukidnon, Recovers three firearms

MAWAB, Davao de Oro – Troops of the 3rd Infantry Battalion engaged in a 15-minute firefight against more or less eight individuals believed to be members of Platun Bagsik, Guerilla Front Malayag, North Central Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NCEMRC) under Dante Cuyos at around 4:15PM in Sitio Liptong, Brgy. Lumintao, Quezon in Bukidnon on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

The firefight ensued after the troops of 3rd Infantry Battalion validated a report of a concerned citizen regarding the presence of rebels in their area conducting extortion activities which resulted to the recovery of the following; one (1) caliber 223 bushmaster, one (1) M16 rifle, and one (1) sniper rifle, all firearms are with serial numbers, one (1) improvised hand grenade, medical paraphernalia, bandolier, seven (7) M203 ammunition, and subversive documents.

Meanwhile, there were no reported casualties on the side of the government, and with undetermined fatalities on the enemy’s side wherein the group were reported withdrawing towards a nearby Barangay also in Quezon, Bukidnon.

Moreover, all patrol bases in Bukidnon under 10th Infantry Division are on high alert on possible sightings while the engaged troops are currently on a pursuit operation against withdrawing enemies.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Juvenal Mark T Tayamen, Commanding Officer, 3rd Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, the timely and accurate information of the populace who were tired of exploitation and extortion from the New People’s Army terrorists in the area helped the troops to dislodge and prevent them from conducting terroristic activities in the community.

Brigadier General Nolasco A Mempin, Brigade Commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army on the other hand expressed his sincere appreciation to the ROW Troopers for successfully preventing the NPA terrorists from conducting hostilities and terroristic activities in the community.

10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Ernesto C Torres Jr likewise commends the troops in performing their duties with utmost bravery and dedication in protecting vulnerable communities in their area of operation.

“I urged the people to continue to exercise the culture of security in reporting to authorities suspicious individuals lurking in their communities as our Agila Troopers remain committed to protect the peace and order that the 10th Infantry Division has helped establish for the past years. And I, together with the whole command commend the troops of 3rd Infantry Battalion for a job well done.” Major General Torres 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/10th-infantry-division-stops-extortion-in-bukidnon-recovers-three-firearms/

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2021): Barangay Sagundangon declares “Independence Day” against CPP-NPA-NDF

MAGPET, COTABATO – Barangay Sagundangon is known as one of the NPA’s affected Barangays in the Municipality of Kitaotao, Bukidnon. After years of suffering behind the shadow of the false beliefs, promises, and wrongdoings of the NPA, Barangay Sagundangon finally freed themselves, declared their “Independence Day”, withdrew and denounced their support as their barangay facilitated and conducted a Peace Dialogue together with their Barangay Officials, Former Rebels, Municipal Police Station (MPS) Kitaotao and Army’s 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion and Subsequently Reading of Barangay Resolution declaring “Persona Non-Grata” to CPP-NPA-NDF, on May 01, 2021.

Today marks a new beginning to the residents of Brgy Sagundangon as they finally dared to live in peace rather than in fear, to live peacefully with their families rather than with their comrades, and to embrace the programs and projects of the Government intended for them rather than supporting and sympathizing the violence of NPA. It was steered thru series of dialogues about the wrongdoings of the CPP-NPA-NDF, NPA’s recruitment, the role of the Army and PNP as peacebuilders of our nation and the sincerity of the Government in the implementation of Executive Order no.70 and in ending the insurgency in our country.

The activity was graced by the presence of Hon. Geofrey C Gawilan, Barangay Captain; Police Lieutenant Nilo C Maderse, Deputy COP, Kitaotao; Lieutenant Colonel Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer 72IB; NTF-ELCAC Focal Person; Brgy Officials; and Officers and Troops of 72IB and PNP.

“As we declare Persona Non-Grata to CPP-NPA-NDF today, we also declare Independence Day here in our barangay. Slowly, we will start our lives with new hope that we will begin living a life far away from the shadow of the Communist Terrorist Groups. Let us start the peace we want here in our barangay. The peace that we are longing for so long.” Hon. Geofrey C Gawilan said in his message.

Lieutenant Colonel Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer 72IB called on the remaining members of the NPA to embrace the programs of the Government intended for them. He called on the families of the remaining members to convince their loved ones to surrender and return to the folds of the real Government. He assured that the unit will continue reaching out to different barangays in Kitaotao to announce and disseminate the Government’s projects and programs for the people of Bukidnon.

[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/barangay-sagundangon-declares-independence-day-against-cpp-npa-ndf/

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 1, 2021): Former Rebel availed Full- Financial Assistance from the Local Government for the hospital bills of his wife and newborn baby

MARAMAG, Bukidnon- On April 13, 2021, a 16-year-old former rebel’s wife, Ms. Daylena Kabantao is rushed and admitted to Maramag Provincial Hospital, as she was to deliver her child. A thorough examination was conducted, which was later found out that she has severe Eclampsia (a condition in which one or more convulsions occur in pregnant women suffering from high blood pressure). The attending physician advised the patient that she needs to deliver the baby in cesarean section, in another hospital because they don’t have the facility and equipment for said operation. Moreover, 88IB made coordination to Valencia Polymedic General Hospital Inc. however, the private hospital requires an initial cash deposit as part of hospital protocol, furthermore, 88IB made coordination to the good mayor Hon. Azucena Huervas, of Valencia City, guaranteed the initial cash deposit without hesitation.

Ms. Kabantao was admitted and the baby is safely delivered, however, the baby has Neonatal sepsis (a blood infection that occurs in an infant younger than 90 days old) that’s the mother and child needs to stay longer in the hospital, the increasing hospital bill needs to be addressed. But with the helping hands of different government units and the true spirit of a “whole-of-government” approach, the mother’s hospital bill was settled thru the office of Congressman 3rd District, Hon. Manuel F Zubiri and the patient was discharged from the hospital last April 23, 2021. The good Mayor of Maramag, Hon. Jose P. Doromal also gives financial assistance for the family’s other expenses including Baby’s hospital bill is settled thru the office of the good Provincial Governor Hon. Jose Maria R. Zubiri Jr. The whole family finally got home on April 28, 2021.

Cain Anda is one (1) of the five (5) minors rescued by the Philippine Army in the province of Abra, Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon way back in 2018, he was only 17 years old at that time and an IP of tigwahanon tribes in San Fernando Bukidnon and he was exploited by the NPA, by giving false promises that they will help them to have a decent job in Luzon but later they became regular NPA members in Abra, Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon.

Finally, Lieutenant Colonel. Christian James P Vingno, Commanding Officer of 88th Infantry Battalion, expressed his gratitude to all the partner government units who extend their helping hands to the former rebel and his family. This is the whole-of-nation approach, we are your true government and willing to give hope even you are former combatants, we are encouraging those rebels who are still in the mountains to come and return to the folds of the law, we knew that you are only being deceived by wrong ideology we are here to help you.

[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/former-rebel-availed-full-financial-assistance-from-the-lgus-for-the-hospital-bills-of-his-wife-and-newborn-baby/

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 2, 2021): Military celebrates Labor Day in the southernmost part of the Philippines

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr. together with other military officials commemorated Labor Day in Tawi-Tawi, May 2, 2021

Following their arrival in Tawi-Tawi on April 30 (Friday), Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. joined the troops of the 2nd Marine Brigade during the distribution of food packs at the Central Mosque in Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

“In partnership with the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi, we distributed a total of 750 food packs prepared by the local government of Tawi-Tawi and marine troops of 2nd Marine Brigade for our Muslim brothers and sisters who are fulfilling their obligation to fast during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Lt. Gen, Vinluan, Jr.

The West Mindanao Commamnd Commander also took time to pay a courtesy call on the governor of Tawi-Tawi, Hon. Yshmael Sali still at the Central Mosque.

During their conversation, Governor Sali commended the sterling leadership of JTF Tawi-Tawi/2nd Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas and the resolve of the marine troopers to sustain the peace in Tawi-Tawi.

Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. express his gratitude to the provincial and local government officials of Tawi-Tawi for their unwavering support to the military’s thrusts.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. graced the inauguration of the newly established Jade’s Bajau Learning Center, Inc. (JBLCI) in Panguan Island, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi on May 1.

The said learning center is initiated by a non-profit organization, in partnership with the 2nd Marine Brigade, which aims to deliver quality equitable culture-based basic education that is rightfully available for all to lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and service for the common good. It was established on the island barangay in April 2021.

According to Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi/2nd Marine Brigade Commander Brigadier General Arturo Rojas, with the help of the 2nd Marine Brigade troopers, the first JBLCI was established in Barangay Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi in 2015.

“Through the strengthened collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, we were able to facilitate the expansion of the learning center to this island municipality,” said Brigadier General Rojas.

During his message, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. said, “I am personally happy because the children here will now have a more conducive area for education. Rest assured that we will always keep the area safe and secured.”

“To the parents, encourage your children to study for them to have a brighter future,” the commander added.

The ribbon-cutting was spearheaded by Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. together with the founders of JBLCI Administrators Mr. Eleazar Erana and Mrs. Ma. Leonor Blanco-Erana.

Mr. Erana, in her statement, said that “the men and women in uniform have been their partners in the humanitarian services since 2010”.

“When we were conducting humanitarian activities in the province, we saw that the province also needs educational aid so together with the marines and our other partners and donors we established the first school building in Lamion. To the people of Sitangkai, this school is for you. We want to help the youth here to at least finish high school. Do utilize this for the common good,” Mr. Erana added.

After the inauguration, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. met with the local government officials of Sitangkai led by Mayor Hji. Tiblan Ahaja. They discussed the best practices that led to the sustainability of peace in the island municipality.

Sitangkai is known as the “Venice of the Philippines” due to the use of boats as primary transportation.

The West Mindanao Command Commander also paid a courtesy call on Sibutu Mayor Alshefa Pajiji.

The islands of the municipalities of Sitangkai and Sibutu had been at the crossroads of the sea trade route and were a traditional enclave of the Bajau and Sama people.

During his visit to Tawi-Tawi, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. was accompanied by Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major General Ariel Caculitan, JTF Tawi-Tawi Commander Brigadier General Arturo Rojas, West Mindanao Command Deputy Commander for Admin Brigadier General Antonio Nafarrete, and the West Mindanao Command Staff.

[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/military-celebrates-labor-day-in-the-southernmost-part-of-the-philippines/

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 1, 2021): Strengthen the workers’ movement and lead the struggles for democracy and freedom

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
MAY 01, 2021

Read in: Pilipino | Bisaya

The Communist Party of the Philippines, the party of the Filipino proletarian class, firmly salutes the working class across the world and Filipino workers this May One. We mark today the International Workers’ Day amid intense monopoly capitalist crisis around the world and intensifying oppression and exploitation of workers and the toiling masses. Let us strengthen our determination to advance the struggle to overthrow imperialism and carry forward socialist revolution to forge a new society.

Let us draw inspiration from the great victories of the Paris Commune 150 years ago, world history’s first victory of the working class in overthrowing the reactionary state of the bourgeoisie, establishing working class political power and democratic self-rule. The lessons of the Commune in waging socialist revolution and establishing a new society remain a beacon for the Philippine working class.

The current situation demands that the Filipino working class vigorously advance the people’s struggle for democracy and national freedom. Because of the intense socioeconomic difficulties and political crisis of the ruling system, the rotten core of the semicolonial and semifeudal system is further exposed, and underscores the necessity of waging revolutionary change to put an end to the hardships and oppression of the people.

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage as more and more Filipinos are becoming infected and denied of appropriate medical attention because of the failed response of the Duterte regime to the public health crisis. It has neglected the people’s welfare and scrimped funds for free mass testing and treatment, for effective contact tracing, strengthening public hospitals and laboratories, research and other essential measures for fighting the pandemic. Workers are among the most vulnerable to the pandemic, both in the factories and places of work that are not sufficiently safe, as well as in their congested communities.

While the pandemic causes grave damage and people are made to do with nothing, Duterte satiates his own family and minions with public funds. He has raised the budget for the military and police to buy the loyalty of generals and top officers, and use the AFP and PNP in his relentless campaign of suppression and crackdown against people who are raising their voices amid the widespread crisis and impoverishment.

The economic crisis the besets the people is unprecedented. Almost 11 million are without work and lost jobs. Workers’ wages are extremely low. State aid is slow and insufficient, especially in the face of rising prices of commodities. The Duterte regime is causing people to beg, go hungry and line up in long queues for food aid. The economic crisis was caused by the US-Duterte regime which has refused to increase wages, relies on borrowing, promotes corruption and squanders funds on the police and military. Amid the pandemic, it has railroaded the CREATE law that favors tax-cuts on big corporations, further liberalized importation of pork that further imperils local agriculture, and issued EO 130 that will pave the way for relentless plunder of the country’s mineral resources by Chinese and other foreign companies.

The crisis is dealing heavier blows against workers. Oppression and exploitation is intensified in the form of lower wages, contractualization and lack of protection in workplaces amid the pandemic. Attacks against organized labor are also worsening including attempts to disunite workers, surveillance on union organizing in enclaves, killing of their leaders and threats against their members.

These are part of the state armed forces’ relentless attacks against democratic people’s organizations under the guise of “counterinsurgency.” As the end of Duterte’s official term draws near, cases of killings, illegal arrests and red-tagging pile up. Wielding the Anti-Terror Law, the regime aims to silence anyone opposing his fascist reign, and pave the way to impose a fascist dictatorship or manipulate the 2022 elections to perpetuate in power his political dynasty.

Duterte mortally fears the people’s retribution for his national treachery, the rapid erosion of Philippine sovereignty due to his servility to China and for permitting to plunder of wide seas covered by the Philippine exclusive economic zone. Duterte crumpled and set aside the decision of the International Arbitral Tribunal which recognized the rights of the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS). In exchange for China’s promised loans and benefiting from his ties with Chinese drug syndicates, Duterte allowed China to loot Philippine marine resources at the expense of Filipino fishermen and the people.

The Filipino working class must stand at the forefront of the people’s democratic struggles, and serve as the most solid core of the mass movement to end the tyrannical reign of the US-Duterte fascist regime.

It must continue to build, expand and strengthen workers’ unions and associations and advance the militant workers’ movement. Workers must strengthen their unions to resolutely fight the onslaught of the fascist police and military against their ranks, and to effectively advance the workers’ outstanding demands for wage increase and job security. There is urgency in the demand for ₱100 emergency wage increase in the face of the rapid decrease of the value of peso and increasing prices of commodities. Let the flames of workers’ struggles engulf factories and entire enclaves across the country.

At the same time, Filipino workers must continuously strengthen their unity with democratic sectors in both the cities and countryside. They must support the democratic demands and struggles of the Filipino masses. They must continuously support the clamor of health workers for salary increases, hazard pay and greater subsidy for health services. They must also strengthen their support for peasants’ demand for land, lower rent, abolishing usury and other forms of exploitation in the countryside. At the same time, the demand of children and youth to safely reopen schools, increase teachers’ salary and additional state subsidy on education. The workers’ movement must also strongly oppose the government’s unending foreign-borrowing, and oppose the huge budget allocation for satiating the military and police.

Workers’ determination must be steeled by raising their class and political consciousness to fight for the Filipino people’s national and democratic aspirations. A widespread cultural and educational movement must be carried out to invigorate patriotism. Study Philippine history and the continuing struggle of the Filipino people for national liberation from the clutches of imperialism and its lackeys in the puppet state. Conduct widespread education on the situation of Philippine society and the need for a national democratic revolution.

Further deepen the roots of the Communist Party of the Philippines among workers. Continue the mass recruitment of workers for them to serve as proletarian cadres at the forefront and backbone of the class struggle of workers. Activists and cadres among workers must be resolutely recruited to the New People’s Army to serve as its Red fighters and commanders.

The democratic and anti-imperialist struggles being carried forward by Filipino workers are part of the rising global anti-imperialist and democratic movement. These indicate the decaying global capitalist system and its resulting sharp economic crisis, fascism, racism and other forms of oppression and attacks against workers and oppressed masses. It is the task of the revolutionary proletariat to rise up, arouse, lead and bring the broad movements towards the revolutionary path of class struggle.

Across the world, conditions are ripe to strengthen communist parties and lead the widespread struggles and bring the global socialist revolution unto the eve of a new resurgence.

Long live the working class and oppressed masses of the world!

Long live the Filipino working class!

Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!

Advance the national democratic revolution!

https://cpp.ph/statements/strengthen-the-workers-movement-and-lead-the-struggles-for-democracy-and-freedom/

Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Facebook Page (May 2, 2021): Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle/ Friends of the NDFP declare their solidarity for the victory of the Philippine revolutionary struggle

Amidst the vicious counterrevolutionary attacks of the fascist US-Duterte regime against the armed revolutionary movement of the Filipino people and the progressive legal democratic movement, foreign friends of the Filipino people dauntlessly held the red banner of international solidarity, declaring support to the Filipino people’s movement for national and social liberation and their comprehensive struggle against imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.

The Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle/Friends of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (FFPS/FNDFP) held their first General Assembly last April 24. The day marked the 48th founding anniversary of the NDFP, the revolutionary alliance of 18 underground sectoral organizations which include the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA). The FFPS/Friends of the NDFP was founded three years ago during the 45th anniversary celebration of the NDFP in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The FFPS/FNDFP declared during their founding assembly to “organize ourselves into a solidarity movement to defend the Filipino people and their right to pursue their strategic aspirations for national liberation”. They vowed to join the Filipino people in advancing and achieving the realization of the NDFP’s 12-point Program, and the victory of the Philippine revolutionary struggle.

“We are united in the belief that the Filipino people as a sovereign people have the right to struggle against US domination and struggle for genuine social change and against oppressive rule”, they proclaimed.

“As Friends, we commit to support the mass movement of all the oppressed peoples of the Philippines in their aspiration to: build a true people’s democratic government; promote and uphold the social welfare of the oppressed classes through programs for genuine agrarian reform, livelihood development, literacy & education, nutrition, sanitation & health; and to defend their movement and aspirations on all fronts from any attacks,” they further affirmed.

During their founding assembly, the FFPS/Friends of the NDFP finalized and approved their “Manifesto of Unity”, their General Program of Action (GPOA), formed the Coordinating Committee and elected its Chairperson. Their membership includes organizations which come from the US, Canada, Oceania, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Robert Reid, a trade union leader from New Zealand and longtime supporter of the Filipino people and the NDFP was elected Chairperson of the FFPS/Friends of the NDFP.

“We will amplify the goals of the NDFP in our home countries and expand its international base of support. As Friends of the Filipino People in Strugglewe are committed to continuing the long history of international solidarity with the Filipino people and their struggle for national and social liberation. Together towards a free Philippines and a free world!” triumphantly declared Robert Reid.

In a message for the 48th anniversary celebration of the NDFP which followed the FFPS/FNDFP establishment, NDFP chief political consultant Prof. Jose Ma. Sison said: “The NDFP’s most important role in the democratic revolution is to arouse, organize and mobilize the broad masses of Filipino people in their tens of millions and to seek international solidarity, support and cooperation. For the purpose, it encompasses 18 allied organizations representing all patriotic and progressive classes and sectors of Philippine society belonging to various political tendencies, ethno-linguistic communities and religious beliefs.

The allied organizations include the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions, Katipunan ng mga Samahang Manggagawa, Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid, Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan, Kabataang Makabayan, Katipunan ng Gurong Makabayan, Makabayang Samahang Pangkalusugan, Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan, Lupon ng Manananggol para sa Bayan, Artista at Manunulat para sa Sambayanan, Makabayang Kawaning Pilipino, Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipinos and their Families, Christians for National Liberation, Cordillera People’s Democratic Front, Moro Resistance and Liberation Organization, and Revolutionary Organization of Lumad.

The NDFP has been successful at promoting and building the revolutionary organs of political power at the grassroots and higher levels, expanding and consolidating all its allied organizations, broadening the national united front against every unjust regime, carrying out diplomatic and solidarity relations and raising resources for the advance of the people’s democratic revolution,” Professor Sison stressed.

The following are among the major campaigns the FFPS/FNDFP will undertake: reach out to and gather other solidarity organizations and individuals to support the aspirations of the Filipino people; campaign for the prosecution and conviction of Rodrigo Duterte and his cohorts in the International Criminal Court, other tribunals and in the US Congress, European Parliament and other national parliaments and fora; and, campaign to delist the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) in the USA, EU and others and to delist Prof. Jose Ma. Sison from the terrorist listings in the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

The founding and general assembly of the FFPS/FNDFP follow the long history of warm support and solidarity that the NDFP has been winning through its revolutionary struggle in the Philippines and solidarity work overseas since its founding and the struggle against the Marcos fascist dictatorship.

It should be recalled that in 1980 in Antwerp, Belgium, the prestigious Permanent People’s Tribunal (started by prominent Nobel Peace Prize winners) in a session on the Philippines, convicted the Marcos fascist regime of crimes against humanity, bestowed on the NDFP a “status of belligerency” recognizing it as the genuine representative of the Filipino people.

This was followed by a second and third sessions of the PPT which also convicted the criminal Arroyo and (George) Bush regimes, and the genocidal Duterte regime, respectively, for crimes against the Filipino people.

The international solidarity work of the NDFP expanded worldwide and achieved many political victories for the revolutionary struggle in the Philippines, namely, in developing and advancing the socio-economic work of the CPP and NPA and the people’s democratic government in many guerrilla fronts. It has also drawn many prominent international personalities to the struggle of the Filipino people on human rights, the environment, democratic rights, social and economic equality and genuine peace.

Solidarity activists who have worked among the poorest and oppressed in the Philippines and with the resistance movement, upon their return to their respective countries, organized countless solidarity groups and formations for the Philippine struggle.

When the NDFP international representatives led by its Chief International Representative Luis Jalandoni, took root in Europe, the NDFP earned and continues to gather endless support, big and small, political and material, from freedom and democracy-loving citizens all over.

Just how far has the international solidarity movement has amplified the just struggle of the NDFP and the Filipino people can be manifested in the support that the thorny path of the peace negotiations between the NDFP and the Government of the Philippines (GRP) has gathered, as it resonated the basic aspirations of the Filipino people for national freedom, democracy, genuine socio-economic development, social justice and long-lasting peace. (NDFPIIO Media Group)

https://ndfp.org/friends-of-the-filipino-people-in-struggle-friends-of-the-ndfp-declare-their-solidarity-for-the-victory-of-the-philippine-revolutionary-struggle/

Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Facebook Page (May 2, 2021): Filipinos overseas: part of the progressive and revolutionary forces fighting for liberation and democracy

Compatriots Message to the NDFP 48th anniversary

Compatriots, the revolutionary organization of overseas Filipinos, sends our warmest and most militant greetings to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on the occasion of its 48th anniversary.

As one of the newest members of the NDFP, we are proud to be part of the biggest and most consolidated united front of the exploited and oppressed Filipino people fighting to overthrow the semicolonial and semifeudal system and build a society that is truly free, genuinely democratic, progressive, peaceful and just.

Through the years, the people have seen the growth of the NDFP.

Revolutionary organizations of various sectors have sprung up since the dark years of martial law and all throughout the successive regimes, proving the deep and wide sentiment of the Filipino people for revolutionary changes.

We give the highest tribute and salute to recent fallen comrades who were members of the NDFP peace negotiating panel, especially comrade Fidel Agcaoili whose contributions to the development of the revolutionary movement of overseas Filipinos were felt and experienced by many of us in the Compatriots.

The revolutionary tradition of overseas Filipinos is long. From the anti-colonial struggle up to the present, Filipinos overseas have been part of the progressive and revolutionary forces fighting for liberation and democracy.

The aspirations of overseas Filipinos resonate in the national democratic revolution with a socialist perspective that the people are waging.

Even before the NDFP was established in 1973, work among overseas Filipinos was already initiated by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) alongside the performance of its international work.

Though it took a few decades before the Compatriots was established, underground work among overseas Filipinos was already thriving in many countries.

Revolutionary Filipinos overseas have continuously given political and material contributions towards the advancement of our people’s struggle especially for the armed struggle waged in the countryside.

The establishment of Compatriots was most significant as it signaled the united will of revolutionary Filipinos outside the country to participate in bringing the national democratic revolution with a socialist perspective to victory.

Presently, Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad are facing one of the most brutal, traitorous and anti-people regimes in our history.

But our fighting will continues to grow and strengthen as each attack fortifies our determination to see an end to the current system that kills, exploits and oppresses the majority.

In this glorious struggle, the Compatriots will always be with the NDFP and the Filipino people.

Dare to struggle, dare to win! Long live the NDFP!

Ka Victoria Del Mundo

Spokesperson, Compatriots-NDFP

April 24, 2021

https://ndfp.org/filipinos-overseas-part-of-the-progressive-and-revolutionary-forces-fighting-for-liberation-and-democracy/

Posted to The Diplomat (Apr 26, 2021): The Normalization Process in the Bangsamoro Faces Rising Uncertainty (By Georgi Engelbrecht)

Delays in the decommissioning of Moro rebels and other measures threaten the fragile peace in the newly created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The flag of the newly created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Bmlaw990

Two years into the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the peace process that put an end to decades of war in the Southern Philippines may be running into a rough patch.

Leading the interim government, the former rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are making headway in building up the new entity’s institutions and passing key legislation ahead of the new region’s first elections, due in 2022, but delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic now threaten to push that important deadline. Another key element of the 2014 peace deal between the rebels and the Philippines government is also languishing: the so-called “normalization process,” an ambitious combination of measures that aim to demobilize Moro Muslim fighters, transform their camps into peaceful and productive communities, establish a transitional justice process, and carry out a series of confidence-building initiatives. This process was off to a relatively good start, but here again COVID-19 has considerably slowed the process down over the past year, raising the risks of frustration among ex-combatants and civilians alike.

In a historic moment, a third of the MILF’s estimated 40,000 combatants, who had been operating in the jungles of Mindanao for over four decades, laid down their arms in early 2020. But due to the pandemic, the next round of decommissioning has not moved beyond the planning stages. While discussions about how to fast-track the process are ongoing, a recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is likely to complicate things further.

The ex-rebels are also growing impatient over the government’s failure to deliver promised socioeconomic packages to decommissioned combatants. These are supposed to include financial aid, agricultural support, housing, and other assistance for their transition to civilian life. While the government pledged a package amounting to one million Philippine Pesos per combatant, so far each ex-guerrilla has only received a lump sum of 100,000 pesos ($2,066). Failure to make headway on this issue could lead the MILF leadership to think twice about continuing with the disarmament roadmap.

Another challenge concerns the “camp transformation” agenda contemplated by the peace deal: a development roadmap intended to deliver peace gains for the Moro communities amongst which MILF combatants live. Some international donors have launched development projects in the six major MILF camps identified in the 2014 peace agreement as priority areas, but real peace dividends have yet to fully trickle down, as projects implemented to date have been rather small scale. Developed at the end of last year by the regional government, a more comprehensive camp transformation plan is now in place. But details still need to be ironed out between Manila and the MILF, and implementation promises to remain a challenge. Given pandemic-related spending, the Philippine government may not have sufficient resources to undertake this ambitious socioeconomic transformation in the coming months. Support from international donors will, in this respect, be crucial.

Other elements of normalization also lag. Crucial security measures foreseen by the peace deal, particularly the dissolution of private armies controlled by powerful clans and other power brokers across the Bangsamoro, remain a major challenge. The deployment in sensitive areas of joint peacekeeping teams made up of soldiers and ex-MILF combatants has also hit a series of hurdles at the local level. While the disbandment of private armed groups is largely a question of political will in Manila, the government and MILF need to determine a clear mandate for the peacekeeping teams if they are to be efficient, particularly regarding their capacity to use force.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unwelcome distraction for the Bangsamoro peace process, putting pressure on both Manila and the regional government to focus on immediate governance and public health issues, rather than confronting the challenges of the transition and normalization. There is now talk of extending the Bangsamoro transition period beyond 2022, when the first parliamentary elections were meant to elect the region’s autonomous government.

Though the normalization timetable is not technically tied to the elections, such a delay could lead officials to slow down the pace of these reforms as well – especially since, according to law, an extension would need to be for three years. While it seems unlikely the MILF leadership would call for a return to war, frustration at the pace of normalization could lead some of the group’s members to express their grievances through violence. Other militant groups active in the Bangsamoro could also endanger the nascent BARMM by blaming the MILF and Manila for slow implementation, recruiting disappointed Moro youth in the process. Just last month, fighting in Maguindanao province led to the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians, illustrating how volatile the situation on the ground remains.

President Duterte’s recent declaration of an amnesty for various Philippine rebel groups, including the MILF, was a welcome step toward reviving the normalization process and strengthening trust with the MILF amid the pandemic’s grip. But much remains to be done for the process to regain momentum at this crucial juncture. The national government should start by speeding up delivery of promised socioeconomic assistance to decommissioned combatants to reassure disgruntled ex-guerrillas that they will enjoy a peace dividend, and to signal to the MILF that it remains committed to the peace process. Moving ahead quickly with the plan to disband private armies is also crucial if to avoid the MILF decommissioning resulting in a security vacuum, which could lead to more conflict across the Bangsamoro.

For its part, the MILF should stick to the decommissioning roadmap as it was originally laid out, whether the transition is extended or not. Through their role in the regional administration, the ex-rebels should also work to strengthen local conflict resolution mechanisms to address often violent clan feuds that affect various parts of the region and could further jeopardize peace.

The international community, which has supported the peace process in the Bangsamoro ever since the peace agreement, has a crucial role to play at this moment of uncertainty. Donors can help things move in the right direction by contributing to the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund, the dedicated funding mechanism created by the government and the MILF to finance relevant development projects. While initiatives focused on the six priority MILF camps are crucial, support should also flow to other conflict-affected areas. Uneven distribution of aid may well create tensions that could, in turn, stir further resentment and conflict.

The 2014 landmark peace agreement envisioned a comprehensive roadmap to peace that sought to tackle the complex causes of the Bangsamoro conflict in order to close the book on this war once and for all. To fulfil the Bangsamoro population’s expectations they raised as a result, Manila and the former rebels must not let the pandemic knock them off course after making such good progress towards a peaceful transition. Despite the hiccups, both urgently need to return to the spirit of cooperation that made this historic peace deal possible.

[Georgi Engelbrecht is Philippines Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group.]

https://thediplomat.com/2021/04/the-normalization-process-in-the-bangsamoro-faces-rising-uncertainty/

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2021): PRRD’s order firm to defend PH possession sans war: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Screengrab from Delfin Lorenzana Facebook page)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismissed claims that his recent statements on the Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are not aligned with those of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

In a statement to reporters Sunday, he said the Chief Executive's orders to the defense department regarding the WPS have been very "firm and straightforward" and that is to defend the country's possessions without going to war.

"President Duterte’s orders to us have been very firm and straightforward: defend what is rightfully ours without going to war and maintain the peace in the seas. Yung nagsasabi na hindi kami align ng Presidente (those saying that our statements are not aligned with the President). let me clarify that my pronouncements echo the stand of our President and Commander-in-Chief," Lorenzana added.

And as part of the Philippines' long-standing and multi-faceted relationship with China, he said both nations maintain cooperation in various areas that are mutually beneficial to the Filipino and Chinese people.

"We can be cordial and cooperative with other nations but not at the expense of our sovereignty and sovereign rights," he added.

While mindful of China's far more superior military capabilities, Lorenzana said this knowledge does not deter them from defending national interest, and dignity as a people, with all available resources or assets.

"Thus, the conduct of maritime patrol in the WPS and Kalayaan Island Group by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will continue. The government will not waiver in its position. Walang alisan (There is no leaving)," he added

Also, the latest developments have made it clear that there is a need for all stakeholders to cooperate.

"They can now take this as an opportunity to advance the values and principles we collectively affirm and profess to respect - including the peaceful settlement of disputes - as partners and as signatories to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea) and all relevant international instruments," he said.

Earlier, Lorenzana said China has no legal basis to prevent the Philippines from conducting maritime exercises in the WPS.

"They have no authority or legal basis to prevent us from conducting these exercises within the WPS. Atin yan (That is ours)," he said.

This came following China's calls to stop the ongoing maritime exercises of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, noting that such actions are "complicating the situation and escalating the disputes".

He added that Beijing's "historical" claims on the West Philippine Sea have no basis.

"Their claims according to their so-called historical rights have no basis while we have two international documents saying the area is ours: the UNCLOS of which China is a signatory and the Arbitral Award of 2016," he added.

UNCLOS, he said, gave the Philippines sovereign rights to explore the natural resources of an area that is 200 nautical miles away from the mainland.

"The Arbitral Award has categorically stated that the Chinese claim bounded by their so-called nine-dash line according to their 'historical right' has no basis in fact. Therefore, it is they who are encroaching and should desist and leave," he added.

He opposed China's claims that Philippine maritime exercises are "complicating the situation and escalating disputes", saying it is the other way around.

"Walang basis 'yung nine-dash line nila, according to an international tribunal, sila ang nagko-complicate ng situation by insisting to stay within our WPS (Their nine-dash line has no basis according to an international tribunal, they are the ones complicating the situation by insisting to stay within our WPS)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138823

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2, 2021): CentCom condemns NPAs for ambush of peace volunteers in Bohol (By Rey Anthony H. Chiu)

SAMBAYANAN MEMBERS DO IT BETTER. Sambayanan members, mostly rebel returnees, possess the convincing power of coming to the discussion than the language of firearms. Here, a rebel returnee talks about how the NPAs manipulate situations to leverage for emotional support from poor communities who can feed them. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 2 (PIA) -- The Central Command (CentCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Boholano peace-loving communities condemned the atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines New Peoples’ Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists who mercilessly attacked and killed unarmed civilian volunteers in Bohol on April 26, 2021.

In a videotaped statement, CentCom Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Roberto T. Angcan said “the NPA's killing of Sambayanan volunteers Rolando Fornes and Jaime Cagatin and wounding of Michael Hinampas and Antonio Muring only revealed the true nature of the terrorists and bandits masquarading in their schemes.”

“They were there to talk to the people, because we have realized it is not through arms but through peaceful discussion that we can bring peace and development,” said Bernard Banal, Sambayanan member and team leader of the slain former cadres.

Banal, who spent eight years in the armed movement, realized the lies he himself used to agitate the people have also exposed the evils of the NPAs.

He has long rejoined the mainstream and offered his life to amend his past by exposing the schemes of the NPA in gaining the confidence of poor communities they can milk.

A squad of the communist terrorist NPAs waited the whole afternoon for four former rebels who are now government volunteer members of the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Bayan (Sambayanan) who were in a meeting with Purok 5 residents in Brgy. Aloja in Batuan.

Sambayanan, also generally identified as anti-communists group here, is a multi-sectoral alliance formed by former rebels and cadres of the CPP-NPA-NDF after they returned to the fold of the law.

As Sambayanan pushes for genuine peace and development in support of Executive Order No. 70 signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, the former rebels were exposing the evil ways of the NPAs to convince the masses to withdraw their support and resist the terrorists as a means to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

From the meeting, when the volunteers were to go home on board two motorcycles to the next town Carmen, they were waylaid at a lonely stretch of the road not far from their meeting venue a little past 5:00 p.m.

The first motorcycle driver, Rolando Fornes, was hit but managed to escape from being pinned by the motorcycle.

His back rider, Michael Hinampas, dove off to the roadside bushes and managed to stay away from the line of fire into safety.

SAMBAYANAN TEAM LEADER. Then an active rebel, Bernard Banal is now one of the most vocal campaigners against the rebel's lies and their terroristic acts. He said what they are doing has hurt the communist terrorists that they are desperate to hold the line of their men. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

Upon the second shot, Jaime Cagatin, who drove the second motorcycle a few meters behind with Antonio Muring in tandem, were hit and crashed.

Cagatin was hit in his feet while Muring was hit in the arm. Both were still able to maneuver to safety, but only Muring managed to move away where he sought high ground to call for help.

From their vantage points, the surviving former rebels saw how the communist terrorists finished off Fornes and Cagatin, who were unarmed civilians.

“In my assessment, the NPAs are hurt by what we at Sambayanan are doing and Boholanos are now rejecting them. They desperately want to regain the fear by putting on tactical offensives with police, army or any state authority,” Banal said.

Survivors have allegedly identified the perpetrators and authorities are now pursuing those leads.

“We shall see to it that the NPA terrorists responsible for this dastardly attacks shall be brought to justice,” vowed Angcan, adding that the Philippine Army mourns the deaths of the peace workers and that they are assisting the families in laying their dead to final rest.

He also assured: "Your Central Command fully supports the people and the development initiatives of our dear stakeholders in providing genuine peace and security to communities, not only in Bohol but also for the whole Visayas as we to put an end to this local communist armed conflict." (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1073943

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2, 2021): Rebel returnee in Bohol says NPA uses agitation strategy to play with people’s emotions (By Rey Anthony H. Chiu)

RESTORING WHAT HAS BEEN RUINED. Rebel returnee Virgilio Quisto sharing how they manipulate people’s sentiments to keep feeding them the kindling of dissent that would create an unquenchable fire to propel enough disruption of services and reasons to revolt. (rahc/PIA7Bohol)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, April 27 (PIA) -- "Agitation as a strategy to keep discontent high."

This is how the New People’s Army (NPA) of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) survive, feeding on the people’s discontent and preying on their helplessness to force them to rise up in arms against the government.

The confession was among the information which former rebel Virgilio Quisto shared moments before he has to give his testimony on the government’s goodwill to people like him who made the decision to switch to a path of peace.

"Then, it was always easy to hit the raw nerve of the poor people, because we trained for that. Now, however, no matter how good the agitation is, somehow the government can easily get and appease the sentiments of the people,"said Quisto, once a key agitator and respected leader of the underground movement.

CAPS OFF. A rebel returnee places his life at risk speaking in public against the underground movement. But for former rebel Virgilio Quisto, the lies have to stop because many young lives have been lost in the senseless revolution. (rahc/PIA7/Bohol)

"Ang ila, programa alang sa kagubot, wala silay Department of Agrarian Reform nga tinuod nga manghatag og yuta, wala silay programa alang sa mga kabus, ang ila, ang pagdakop sa emosyon sa tawo aron mo-alsa (Their programs are all to sow trouble. They do not have DAR which fulfils its promise of lands. They do not really have programs for the poor. Their strategy is only to capture the emotions of people to stir uprisings,"said Quisto.

Quisto made the statement amid hundreds of land reform beneficiaries accepting their Certificates of Land Ownership Awards and Agricultural Free Patents during the service caravan in San Vicente, Trinidad.

Quisto's family received 2.14 hectares of land which they have cultivated since they occupied a portion of the government sequestered lands of the abandoned Bohol Cattle Corporation.

The former rebel shared that he joined the rebels in Surigao del Sur in 1987.

For 12 years, he went up the mountains or rested in his home when there were no offensives.

Sensing that the government was getting serious in cracking down on the underground movement in Surigao, he, along with his family, went home to Bohol.

"It was the government’s offensive against the rebels and overhead, we could see cannon balls flying and exploding in the hills," he shared, before they decided to make it to Bohol.

As an active rebel in the movement, his arrival in Bohol found him in a rather comfortable situation.

Assigned to the Bohol Guerilla Front 3 based in the mountains of Maribojoc, Loon, San Isidro, Calape Tubigon and Antequera, Quisto said he was present during the encounter in Tan-awan in 1995, Tubigon, where he said they had two casualties.

By 2016, he went down the mountains and joined the legal front for reasons he did not specify.

Between 2019 and 2020, Quisto again went active in the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda operating in the forests of Bilar, Batuan, and nearby towns.

But admitting that he is too old for the mountain treks, and sensing the disillusionment and the empty promises he received from the movement, he decided to make it to the lowlands and live in peace.

A member of the provincial association of rebel returnees, Quisto now helps the government in convincing his former comrades to take the same way he did.

With Talibon Trinidad Farmers Association (TTIFA), Quisto along with the organization’s president, Rowena Eronico, started to regain the trust of their members, who were then organized to agitate the government on the issues of land reform, anti oil-palm, poverty, and alleged militarization.

In 2020, it was hard to get the sympathy of TTIFA.

"But then, our persistence paid off because we are now getting majority of our members back," Eronico said.

"Wala na ba diay gyuy luna sa inyong kasingkasing ang tinabangay ug hangopay sa masa? Wala na tay rason pa, kay ania na ang atong gitagna niadto nga dili madayon. Ania na, nagpang-apod-aporan na kita sa yuta, ug dili ang kalihukan ang nakahimo niini. Mabuhi ang mga mag-uuma, Mabuhi ang DAR (Do you not have space in your hearts for cooperation, for brotherhood as men? We do not have any reasons anymore. The time has come, the one we said would never happen, is here. And we are given lots not by the underground movement, but by the government we downplayed before," Quisto added. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1073912

From Rappler (May 2, 2021): Police arrest 2 Bicol activists, progressive groups allege planting of evidence (MARA CEPEDA)

(1st UPDATE) 'The PNP anti-criminality campaign will continue to intensify its measures and strategies with the help and support of the public,' says PNP chief Debold Sinas

The Philippine National Police (PNP) continued its crackdown on activists after two leaders of progressive groups were arrested in separate raids in Naga City and Albay province in the Bicol region on Sunday morning, May 2.

Sasah Sta Rosa, the chairperson of Anakbayan’s chapter in Naga City, was nabbed by cops inside her house past 3 am, according to a Facebook post by Anakbayan Naga City.

The group accused the police of planting guns and grenades inside the youth activist’s home before detaining her at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) headquarters in the city.

The cops allegedly forced Sta Rosa’s relatives to step outside their home and ordered her uncle to go down on his knees before reading out the search warrant.

“Ayon sa pamilya, mga 40-minuto na naghanap at hinalughog sa bahay ang mga unipormadong personahe. Pagkalabas ng mga ito ay dala-dala na ang isang bag na may laman na mga baril, granada, at pulang bandera,” said Anakbayan. (According to the family, the uniformed personnel raided the house for about 40 minutes. When they left, they brought with them a bag containing guns, grenades, and a red flag.)

Police Master Sergeant Tobias Bongon, Naga City police spokesperson, confirmed Sta Rosa’s arrest to Rappler, but denied allegations that cops had planted evidence against her.

“Ganun naman po talaga lagi ang mga nahuhuli, ‘yan naman po lagi ang palusot nila (That’s always the alibi of people when they’re being arrested),” Bongon said.

Several progressive groups also reported the arrest of Pastor Dan Balucio, Bayan Bicol’s spokesperson, past 4 am on Sunday in Barangay San Isidro, Sto Domingo, Albay.

Karapatan Bikol accused the CIDG members who nabbed Balucio of planting firearms inside his room, just like in Sta Rosa’s arrest.

The cops also allegedly punctured holes in the vehicle of a member of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), who was with Balucio at the time of his arrest.

“Tinaniman ng baril at granada ang kuwarto ni Pastor Balucio. Binutas din ng mga ahente ng estado ang sasakyan ng NCCP,” said Karapatan Bikol. (They planted guns and grenades inside the room of Paster Balucio. State agents also punctured holes into the car of the NCCP.)

PNP chief Debold Sinas, however, maintained that Balucio was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. He said the operation was "conducted in an orderly manner" and was overseen by Barangay San Isidro Captain Boogie Balila and Barangay Kagawad Napoleon Sardinia.

According to Sinas, Balucio is currently under the custody of the CIDG Albay.

"The PNP anti-criminality campaign will continue to intensify its measures and strategies with the help and support of the public, to arrest persons who pose a threat to the peace and order of the community," Sinas said.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s government has intensified its crackdown on communist rebels, activists, and even mere government critics. In March, deadly police and military raids in the Calabarzon region left 9 activists dead in what is now known as the“Bloody Sunday” killings.

The arrests and killings of activists came in the wake of the passage of the anti-terror law, which critics have warned would be used by the government to go after dissenters.

The law's constitutionality is currently being challenged before the Supreme Court.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/police-arrest-activists-bicol-may-2-2021

Posted to the Business Mirror (May 2, 2021): Bulacan LGU To Train Alleged Rebel Returnees In Housing, Livelihood (BY JOVEE MARIE DE LA CRUZ)

THE chairman of the House Committee on People’s Participation said the city government of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, will provide free housing and livelihood training to the 244 members of alleged Leftist groups who withdrew their membership with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (CPP/NPA).

San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) Rep. Florida P. Robes and SJDM, Bulacan, Mayor Arthur B. Robes said social assistance will also be given to the returnees.

Both Robeses said the so-called “returnees” surrendered their IDs to their organizations and took their oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines as a sign that they will no longer provide support to the CPP/NPA.

“We will work closely with the NHA [National Housing Authority] to formulate an order to enable them to own housing units that are available in SJDM and give them livelihood assistance to bring them employment,” the Robes couple said in a joint statement.

A total of 224 members of Bayan Muna and Kalipunan ng Damayang Panlipunan (Kadamay) last Friday said they withdrew their membership from their organizations and their support to the CPP/NPA.

Among those who withdrew their support were one alleged armed member of the NPA, four alleged members of the National Democratic Front, three alleged organizers and one alleged “youth leader.”

Major Carl Sanchez Commander of the 301st Brigade said those who withdrew their support illegally occupied the housing development in 2013. Sanchez alleges that they had since been one of the main sources of support for the CPP/NPA group in Bulacan.

He alleged that hundreds more residents of the “Pabahay 2000” government project in SJDM are supporters of the communist group. Some of the returnees were part of the Kadamay group who occupied an idle housing project of the NHA in Pandi, Bulacan in March 2017.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/02/bulacan-lgu-to-train-alleged-rebel-returnees-in-housing-livelihood/

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 2, 2021): 34 ex-NPA rebels receive financial aid

ZAMBOANGA. The government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), releases Friday the second batch of financial assistance amounting to P170,000 to 34 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Each receives P5,000 financial aid. A photo handout shows a former member of the NPA (2nd from left) receiving his check from a DSWD staff member. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released the second batch of financial assistance to 34 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

The financial assistance amounting to P170,000 was released to recipients Friday at the headquarters of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Junila Regañon of the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, who led the distribution of financial assistance, said each of the recipients received P5,000.

The distribution of financial assistance was held in partnership with the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-Elcac) and 44IB.

Lieutenant Colonel Filven Noche, 44IB commander, said the financial assistance is to support the daily needs of the former NPA rebels “as they are reintegrated into the mainstream society during this time of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic."

Noche vowed to continue the support to the local government units in implementing Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict programs to the people of Zamboanga Sibugay province.

He said sustaining the convergence ensures continuity of government services and alleviates the pandemic situation experienced by the former NPA rebels and militia ng bayan members.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1893440/Zamboanga/Local-News/34-ex-NPA-rebels-receive-financial-aid

Posted to the Manila Bulletin (May 2, 2021): Pastor Dan, alleged NPA member, arrested in Albay (By Aaron Recuenco)

Police have arrested a 61-year old man who is allegedly a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Bicol during a raid in his house in Sto. Domingo town of Albay early Sunday morning, May 2.

Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), identified the arrested suspect as Danilo Balucio, who carries the alias Pastor Dan.

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested Danilo Balucio, alias Pastor Dan, who is tagged as a member of the New People’s Army.

During the operation, Ferro said his men confiscated a handgun with several bullets, a hand grenade and a flag identified with the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.

He said the operation was carried out after his men were tipped of the location of Balucio whom he said is facing two criminal charges.

Balucio, including the recovered pieces of evidence are presently at the custody of CIDG Albay Provincial Field Unit.

Police have stepped up the campaign against communist insurgency in the past months as President Duterte vowed to end CPP-NPA before his term ends next year.

Several activists have been arrested in the past months, while some would end up killed in alleged police operations.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/02/pastor-dan-alleged-npa-member-arrested-in-albay/

Posted to the Manila Bulletin (May 2, 2021): CIDG arrests woman with alleged links to CPP-NPA in Naga City raid (By Aaron Recuenco)

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested a 21-year-old woman who was tagged as a member of the communist underground movement in a raid in Naga City, police said on Sunday, May 2.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro said the operation that occurred on Sunday morning in Barangay Cararayan in Naga City also resulted in the confiscation of a handgun, a grenade and improvised explosive materials.

He identified the arrested woman as Maria Jesusa Sta. Rosa.

Maria Jesusa Sta Rosa was arrested in a raid in Naga City after she allegedly yielded a gun, a grenade and improvised explosive device. She is being linked to communist insurgency underground movement.

“She is now in the custody of CIDG Camarines Sur for further investigation and filing of cases,” said Ferro.

Police have stepped up the campaign against communist insurgency in the country in the past months by running after both the armed fighters and people identified with the alleged legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/02/cidg-arrests-woman-with-alleged-links-to-cpp-npa-in-naga-city-raid/

Posted to the Manila Bulletin (May 2, 2021): 15 communist sympathizers in Iloilo City pledge allegiance to gov’t (By Tara Yap)

ILOILO CITY — Fifteen communist sympathizers in this city have pledged to support the government.

TURNING ON A NEW LEAF — A total of 15 former communist sympathizers pledge allegiance to the government in a ceremony in Iloilo City. (Photo courtesy of 301st IB)

They took their oath and denounced support to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing of New People’s Army (NPA) in a ceremony in Molo district.

They were mostly working in the transportation sector and had membership with the Padrias Parian Drivers Association (PPDA) and Comfuda Companya Fundidor Drivers Association (CCFDA) Transport.

According to the military, the PPDA and CCFDA are under the left-wing Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON).

Their oath of allegiance is part of the Multi-Sectoral Meeting facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 33rd Civil-Military Operation Company headed by Capt. Ivy Arcangeles.

It was done in collaboration with the Iloilo City Police Office Community Relations, the Sambayanan Metro Iloilo Chapter, and the South Fundidor Barangay Council.

The 301st Infantry Brigade (301st IB) welcomed this development.

“You are now an inspiration to the remaining CPP-NPA allies,” said Brig. Gen.Marion Sison, 301st IB commander, in a statement.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/02/15-communist-sympathizers-in-iloilo-city-pledge-allegiance-to-govt/

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 2, 2021): 14 NPA Milisya ng Bayan surrenders to 23rd IB, 325 Underground Mass Organizations withdraws NPA Support

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), together with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves welcomed back to the folds the fourteen (14) members of the NPAs in the barrios and three hundred twenty-five (325) members of Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) in a pledge of allegiance ceremony held on April 30, 2021 in Barangay Consorcia, Las Nieves.

The mass surrender ceremony was witnessed by Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales; Gerry Joey Laurito, the Provincial Administrator of Agusan del Norte; Lieutenant Colonel Julius Cesar C. Paulo, INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 23IB; Police Lieutenant Fritzel V. Cubillan, Chief of Las Nieves Municipal Police Station; Dir. Rey M. Cueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Agusan del Norte; Ms. Karen S. Rosales, head of the Youth for Peace in Las Nieves; members of the Sanguniang Bayan of Las Nieves; Barangay Captain Wennie A. Loquinte, together with the members of the barangay council joined by hundreds of residents of Consorcia.

It can be recalled that a peace consultation and dialogue, locally known as pulong-pulong, was conducted last December 18, 2020 in Barangay Consorcia. During the activity, the residents expressed their issues and concerns, especially on peace and order. They also lamented on the continuing terroristic activities of the NPA’s and voiced out their worries on the recruitment of terrorists among the vulnerable sectors in their community especially the youth. The 23IB, during the meeting, also provided the residents with inputs and information on the different schemes the NPA members utilize in recruitment.

During the mass surrender activity, the NPAs in the barrio also handed over to the government nine (9) Caliber 22 (Airgun) rifles, four (4) homemade shotguns with two (2) live ammunition, and one (1) Caliber 38 pistol with five (5) live ammunition.

Alias “Nong” was one of the surrenderee and shared his experience and difficulties when he was still supporting the communist movement.

In her message, Mayor Rosales lauded the courageous act of the residents of Consorcia for condemning the NPA and making a turn to the right path. “As you chose to start a new life, you have finally made up your mind to cut ties and withdrew your support to them. We are grateful that you have finally realized that there is no tomorrow with the presence of NPA rebels in your barangay. This program is not only for the Army, the police, and the government agencies. We want nothing but peace and development. We can only achieve this through your cooperation,” Rosales said.

Provincial Administrator Laurito, who represented Gov. Dale B. Corvera, expressed gladness for the decreasing number of NPA members and supporters in the province. “Our government is always here to listen to your concern and is very eager to give basic services to the people. We are glad that you have denounced your support to the NPA rebels for hindering the development interventions,” Laurito said.

The head of the Youth for Peace in Las Nieves, Karen S. Rosales asked the parents to look over their children to prevent them from being recruited by the NPA, and transform them as effective youth in the community. “The youths are among the vulnerable sectors of the community and the NPA are taking undue advantage of their vulnerability. Let us go hand in hand to end the 52 years of deceptive recruitment that have been destroying the future of our youth,” Ms. Rosales stated.

TESDA Dir. Cueva extended his compliments to the residents for their bravery, “Now that you have withdrawn your support to the NPA, the development will surely boost in your community. In partnership with the LGU of Las Nieves, we at TESDA are providing support, especially in honing your knowledge and skills for increased productivity.”

Lieutenant Colonel Paulo welcome the former rebels and mass supporters and thank them for the withdrawal of support and enslavement from NPA, “We are grateful that you denounced the NPA finally cut your support with them. You also surrendered tools and devices used against the Army and the police. Rest assured that this kind of act will never be put to waste.”

The 23IB commander thanked the barangay officials of Consorcia for their support to the mass surrender activity. He also reminded the residents to guard their community from the terroristic activities of the NPA rebels and shield the youth from the deceptive recruitment of the terrorists. “Now that their number continues to decrease, they will never stop regaining their strength by recruiting new members. The first line of defense in shielding our youth against these terrorists are the families and the community as a whole.”

[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/14-npa-mbs-surrender-to-23rd-ib-325-ugmos-withdrew-npa-support/

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2021): Calls to defund NTF ELCAC derail long quest for peace: group (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Liga Independencia Pilipinas secretary-general Jose Antonio “Ka Pep” Goitia (PNA File photo)

Multi-sectoral group Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) said the calls to defund the country’s anti-insurgency task would derail the country's long-time quest for inclusive and sustainable peace.

LIPI secretary-general Jose Antonio Goitia said the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist and Armed conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has significantly impacted the lives of many people in the far-flung communities infiltrated by the communist groups, particularly the New People's Army (NPA).

"After decades of procrastination in dealing with the communist insurgency whose principal objective is to replace the current economic and political order in the Philippines with a socialist system by waging a protracted people’s war to destroy the government, the Duterte administration institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace," Goitia said in a statement on May 1.

Citing the task force’s responsiveness to its mandate "to halt all the threats to the national security", he believes NTF ELCAC recognizes the internal socio-political stability as it promotes participatory governance, government synergy to push more developmental efforts, and empowering local government units.

"Specific to this is addressing the root causes of insurgencies, disturbance, tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social and development packages by the government, facilitating societal inclusivity and ensuring active participation of all sectors of the society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda," he said.

Earlier, several lawmakers made the call to defund the NTF-ELCAC and instead use the PHP19 billion budget for the low-income earners affected amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Emotional, irrational

The lawmakers' decision, he said, comes out to be an "emotional response than a rational one."

"Throw discernment out and immediately condemn an action because their feelings were hurt. This is an egregious display of power," he said.

Of NTF ELCAC’s PHP19 billion total budget, PHP16.5 billion is allotted for the Barangay Development Program (BDP).

The BDP is aimed to deliver various government programs in conflict-afflicted and geographically isolated villages that have been considered "cleared" from the influence of communist rebels.

Ironic

Meanwhile, Goitia cited a 2021 Senate report contrary to the lawmakers' recent statements against the task force over red-tagging allegations.

"Their declaration runs counter with their own panel February 21, 2021 report by the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation that the whole-of-nation approach could be the most effective anti-insurgency program as evidenced by the continuous and consistent reduction of the influence and strength of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National democratic Front)," he said.

NTF-ELCAC programs, he added, made NPA-infiltrated communities see the "light at the end of the tunnel."

"The success of NTF-ELCAC cannot be discounted and the people will not allow the Senate to pursue their course of action which runs counter to the security and well-being of Filipino people," he said. "The BDP is one of the worthiest programs of this government.”

He noted that the task force has been assisting about 822 NPA-cleared barangays in the most conflict-afflicted areas by providing developmental packages such as farm-to-market road projects, school buildings, water, and sanitation system in conflict-affected communities, especially in the far-flung areas.

They are also providing financial aid to indigent individuals/families, electrification, health services as well as agricultural, livelihood, and technical vocational training for rebel returnees, he added.

Goal setback

"Taking away all of these government services especially in neglected Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) ancestral domains will set us back in our goal to bring stability in the countryside," Goitia said. "The only group who will benefit from this is the group which the whole-of-nation approach is trying to eradicate…..the CPP-NPA."

He added that former rebels would not return to the fold of the law if they are not satisfied with the NTF-ELCAC's programs.

"Peace must not be derailed by trivial arguments or emotional outbursts. We expect our leaders to work for the benefit of our country by expediently addressing our socio-economic issues," he added.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, Executive Order 70 created the NTF-ELCAC that institutionalizes a whole-of-nation approach in obtaining exclusive and sustainable peace, giving the government an effective solution against communist terrorists.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138965

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2021): Duterte has chosen next PNP chief: Roque (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Duterte has already decided on who will replace General Debold Sinas as next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Malacañang said on Monday.

But Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque refused to reveal Sinas’ successor, noting that an appointment paper has yet to reach his desk.

“I know he (Duterte) has made a decision but I’m not at liberty to announce anything unless I have the appointment paper and this is a well-established practice of my office,” he said in a Palace press briefing.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said he has forwarded to Duterte his one-name list on who would succeed Sinas, who will retire on May 8 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

"I already submitted to the President my recommendation for the next Chief PNP after the retirement of Gen. Debold Sinas through Napolcom (National Police Commission) Resolution No. 2021-0469. The recommendation has only one name. But the President has the prerogative also to choose anyone with a rank of at least brigadier general in the PNP force," Año said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday.

He did not name who he recommended but this police officer is likely a member of the PNP Command Group that includes Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, deputy chief for administration; Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz, deputy chief for operations; and Lt. Gen. Ephraim Dickson, chief of the directorial staff.

Duterte designated Sinas in November last year to replace then PNP Chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Sinas said he believed he was able to deliver as PNP chief.

“I believe we have been able to deliver more than what we promised to the President and the public, simply because everyone kept faith in me, from the highest officer in our headquarters to the last beat patroller on the streets," Sinas said.

He said he was “truly thankful” that he was able to overcome obstacles during his stint as the country’s top cop.

Sinas earlier said all PNP generals are capable enough to lead the police force.

“We just wait kung sino pipiliin ng Presidente at siya po ang susuportahan ng buong PNP (We will just wait who the President would appoint and he will have the support of the entire PNP),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138961

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Kalinaw News: 14 NPA Milisya ng Bayan surrenders to 23rd IB, 325 Underground Mass Organizations withdraws NPA Support

Calls to defund NTF ELCAC derail long quest for peace: group

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