Pahayagan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ANG Pinapatnubayan ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo

English Edition Vol XLVIII No.7 April 7, 2017 www.philippinerevolution.info

Fourth round of formal talks held

THE FOURTH ROUND of talks between the NDFP-GRP was held successfully last April 3-6 in Noordwijk, The Netherlands des- pite a day's delay when Pres. of GRP imposed conditions before proceeding the formal talks. In a released statement, the NDFP said that both parties are determined to resolve snags to push the peace talks forward. The fourth round of talks in- cluded negotiations on bilateral ceasefire agreement and the more substantive agenda of the Comprehensive Agreement on EDITORIAL Social and Economic Reforms. According to Prof. Joma Sis- Reject the anti-peace on, NDFP Chief Political Consult- ant, the NDFP is most interested US stooges in the soonest possible signing of CASER to respond to the clamor of the people for substantive re- forms. On the other hand, the t is fitting for the Party and the Filipino people to commend the negoti- GRP is more interested in ob- ating panels of the National Democratic Front of the (NDFP) taining a bilateral ceasefire and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) for suc- Icessfully holding the fourth round of talks last April 2-6 despite efforts to de- agreement with the NDFP. Previously, on March 25, two rail it by the stooges of US imperialism. POWs, paramilitary members Rene Doller and Mark Nocus, Through the efforts of both They are employed by US imperial- captured in Lupon, Davao Ori- sides, talks on the negotiation's ism to derail the talks. They carry ental on February 14, were re- substantive issue of socio-economic out different steps to hinder the leased by the NPA custodial force reforms were advanced steadily. negotiations and stop its mo- to members of the Third Party They wisely confronted and handled mentum. They oppose the release of Facilitators and Independent the ceasefire question used by the political prisoners. They have also Humanitarian Mission (TPFIHM) US stooges to disrupt the talks. pushed for widespread deployment in Mati City, . These US stooges in the Duterte of armed troops in rural areas Presently, there remain four regime are no other than Defense which trampled on the spirit of POWs—PFC Edwin Salan cap- Sec. , National Se- ceasefire since August 2016. tured in Alegria, Surigao del curity Adviser Hermogenes Esperon They attempted to deter the Norte; Sgt. Solaiman Calucop and and Gen. Eduardo Año, AFP chief. fourth round of talks. Contrary to . . . continue on page 3 the agreement to reciprocally de- Duterte pushed the fourth joined draft in preparation for the clare a ceasefire before the start of round to the brink. It only pushed next round of talks starting May talks last April 2, Lorenzana and through because of the open- 26. others insisted that GRP should not mindedness of the NDFP Negotiat- As peace talks vigorously move comply. This directly challenged the ing Panel on discussing the bilateral forward, the US imperialist stooges signed Joint Statement last March ceasefire and the flexibility of both are becoming more desperate in 11 and undermined the GRP Negoti- sides in setting the agenda. hindering the process of addressing ating Panel. Duterte stood with After three days of talks, both and resolving the issues at the root Lorenzana in the position against sides signed an agreement on for- of the civil war in the Philippines. the unilateral ceasefire. ging a joint interim ceasefire in the The advance of peace talks in Still, the US stooges were not future. resolving the substantive socio- satisfied. A few hours before the They identified the issues to be economic issues, especially the fourth round, Lorenzana spat out settled and commanded each oth- matter of genuine land reform and vitriol against the revolutionary er's ceasefire committees to meet national industrialization, runs movement, and while pretending to and forge the ground rules for this contrary to US imperialist interest. support the talks, insisted on im- agreement. At the same time, the They also wish to prevent negoti- posing additional conditions for it NDFP made clear that the ceasefire ations on political and constitu- to proceed. This was followed by is not the ultimate goal of talks and tional reforms which shall include AFP officials' blabber demanding that signing such an agreement issues of national sovereignty and that talks center on forging a bilat- must follow or be simultaneous with freedom against intervention and eral ceasefire agreement, contrary the signing of the Comprehensive presence of foreign troops and its to the agreement that talks will be Agreement on Socio-Economic Re- military bases. devoted to the substantive issue of forms (CASER). The fascist lackeys of the US socio-economic reforms. While successfully settling the serve the interests of big war in- In line with stand of the US derailing issue of a bilateral cease- dustries, and the trade and invest- stooges, Duterte unexpectedly de- fire, they were also able to attend ment interests of US big capitalists manded a change in the agenda and to bring closer the different CASER and its partners among the big insisted on prioritizing the ceasefire drafts. They also agreed to continue bourgeois compradors such as the agreement. with the process of preparing a Zobels and Ayalas and the big landlords including the Aquino- ANG Contents Cojuangcos. They are determined to defend Editorial: Reject the anti-peace US the exclusive dominion of US im- Vol XLVIII No. 7 | April 7, 2017 stooges 1 perialism over the Philippines and prevent it from exercising sover- Fourth round of formal talks held 1 Ang Bayan is published in eignty to engage in independent economic, diplomatic and military Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Second Congress stories 4 Waray and English. relations with other countries. Ang Bayan welcomes NPA's 48th anniversary lightning rallies 6 They serve US imperialist interest contributions in the form of to perpetuate its hegemony over Widespread offensives of the NPA 7 articles and news items. Readers the Philippines in the face of grow- are encouraged to send feedback #AFPFakeNews 9 ing challenges in the context of a and recommendations for multipolar world. improving our newspaper. NDF-SMR: Arrest and try Aquino 10 Lorenzana and the militarists

instagram.com/prwc.info are more interested in waging an Relentless fascist attacks of the state 10 all-out war against the Filipino youtube.com/PhilippineRevolutionWebCentral 57 poor illegally arrested in QC 12 people to suppress their struggle

@prwc_info for national liberation from US im- Protest action for peace 12 perialism. This way, they can en- fb.com/PhilippineRevolutionWebCentral sure that the Philippines will con- Tagum farmers hold protest in Manila 13 [email protected] tinue to buy guns and other ComVal banana workers go on strike 13 military equipment, helicopters and Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee jetfighters to drop US-made bombs of the Communist Party of the Philippines to suppress the Filipino people's

2 April 7 , 2 01 7 ANG BAYAN struggles. The entire people must act to on foreign loans and investments. However, in intensifying the push for the acceleration of negoti- At the same time, the NPA must brutal anti-people war of suppres- ations to forge at the soonest pos- persevere along the path of armed sion, the AFP is succeeding only in sible time the CASER as well as the struggle to advance the people's convincing thousands upon thou- Comprehensive Agreement on war and defend the people's wel- sands of peasants, workers and Political and Constitutional Re- fare. Especially without a ceasefire other oppressed classes and sec- forms (CAPCR). In particular, in- agreement and amid the reaction- tors to participate in the armed tensify the peasant masses' ary state's relentless intensified struggle and support and join the struggle for genuine land reform campaign of armed suppression, New People's Army. and break up the land monopolies the NPA must strengthen and vig- The Party calls on the Filipino of haciendas and big plantations. orously advance the armed revolu- people to support the NDFP-GRP While demanding Duterte to fulfill tion. peace negotiations as a means of his promise to addressing the roots of the civil end contrac- war in the country and attaining tualization, substantive reforms for the people. the masses of Firmly oppose the militarist workers and stooges of the US who seek to de- entire people rail the peace talks and are inter- must push for ested only in suppressing the national in- people's struggles and armed res- dustrializa- istance. The Duterte regime must tion and an be pushed to reject these US im- end to the perialist stooges to ensure that its neoliberal negotiations with the NDFP will policies of move forward. dependence

"Fourth round. . ," from page 1

PFC Samuel Garay captured in erly. signed by the two parties is not yet Columbio, and PO2 Both the NDFP and GRP a permanent or final ceasefire. Jerome Natividad, captured in claimed that the agreement to "Interim means it's not yet Talakag, . hasten the release of the POWs permanent but will only create The NDFP urged the GRP to re- and political prisoners are part of conditions for the progress of the lease a 10-day suspension of milit- the success of the ongoing peace substantive agenda," Tiamzon said. ary and police operations to exped- negotiations. For his closing remarks, Sison ite the release of the four In addition to the signed added that there can be a bilateral remaining POWs. agreements, last April 6, both pan- ceasefire if the GRP complied with Areas listed by the NDFP cover els signed an agreement to craft their commitment to grant amnesty seven towns and cities in Bukidnon: and sign a joint interim ceasefire and release all political prisoners. Talakag, Lantapan, Baungon, agreement at the soonest possible This can be immediately signed Malaybalay, Pangantucan, Kalilan- time. Both groups directed their after the forging of the CASER. gan, and Valencia City; seven respective ceasefire committees to Along with this, Sison congrat- towns in includ- conduct formal and non-formal ulated the NDFP and GRP and their ing Surigao City, Alegria, Bacuag, talks, formulate and finalize delegations for the success of the Gigaquit, Claver, Placer, Mainit; guidelines and ground rules for the fourth round of the talks. Kitcharao in ; Sul- implementation of such agreement. He also added that, in the tan Kudarat, , and South Wilma Tiamzon, NDFP peace forthcoming round, both panels will . consultant and chairperson of the discuss and work on the remaining The GRP for its part pledged to reciprocal working group on End of items on agrarian reform, national immediately process the release of Hostilities and Disposition of industrialization, environmental the 23 NDFP-listed political prison- Forces, clarified that the Agree- protection and other concerns re- ers. Most of them are sick and eld- ment on an Interim Joint Ceasefire garding the bilateral ceasefire.

ANG BAYAN April 7 , 2 01 7 3 Second Congress stories

he Communist Party of the Philippines' Second Congress was a congress of the two organs were not filled, Tof unity. Lessons and decisions forged here have profound and historical run-off elections were done re- significance for the continued advance of the Philippine revolution (Read the peatedly, extending up to twelve Communique in Ang Bayan, March 29, 2017.) At the same time, the process of midnight. However, the participants the activity itself has distinct details. In a guerrilla base, one battalion of the did not feel tired. One delegate people's army, almost a hundred leading Party cadres and members, and joked, "see, it's been years since we members of the people's militias were able to assemble in one camp despite voted in the corrupt government on-going enemy operations. [elections], so let's even it up here." One young military cadre who Ensuring democracy lively. And I'm happy because I was was elected to the leadership said, for stronger unity able to see my comrades from my "It's so inspiring to get to know, to The congress is the forum for previous collectives whom I haven't mingle with comrades from various the highest form of democracy heard from for decades." areas throughout the archipelago, within the Party. Thus, parti- In approving proposed amend- with different generations, meeting cipation of the delegates, especially ments or resolutions, three mem- each other in a historical event and those from the regions, was bers were assigned to count the exchanging views." ensured by having the facilitator go number of hands raised, and those The activity's steering commit- around the hall and by having who abstained were given time to tee did everything possible to put cadres help translate into the local register their opinion and explain if the delegates at ease and thus help languages of those who had they had reservations. Elections for them concentrate on the discus- difficulty speaking in Filipino, the the new set of leaders were done sions. From the giant four meter congress' official language. During through secret ballots, and count- Party flag in front of the session hall heavy rains, wireless microphones ing at the plenary session where and the 24 medium-sized Party flags were passed around and connected every name was called out by the at both sides for the 48 years of to two big amplifiers. English and canvassers and confirmed by three struggle, up to the orchids and other Filipino versions of the documents watchers from different regions was forest plants used to decorate the under discussion were projected simultaneously recorded on the tables, comrades meticulously simultaneously on two separate blackboard, the projector, and on poured their attention to make the screens, as members of the presidi- paper. gathering successful and memor- um kept track through their com- The whole assembly decided able. puters from their places on the po- that only those getting a majority "When I learned that the mural, dium. vote from the delegates would be streamers and banners I was as- Although the facilitators found accepted for the Central Committee signed to do were for the Congress, it hard to reign in discussions that and the Political Bureau. As long as I was overwhelmed; I had goose poured out from decades of accu- the agreed number of seats for each bumps all-over," the young artist mulated experience, there was who was part of the decorations a relaxed atmosphere of re- committee said. "This event hap- ciprocity among parti- pens only once, and I never expec- cipants who all aimed ted to be part of it. I al- for unity. A member most got ill with stress, of the document- but I was inspired." ation team To keep abreast shared that "I with the current situ- couldn't parti- ation, a television set cipate much in was placed in the mess- the discussions cum-social hall, to because I had to get monitor the daily news. all the ideas into the The television also served as minutes, but when I really recreation for the support had something to say, I was staff. At night, when there also given the chance. The were no enemy movements discussions were really around, even those in the sen-

4 April 7 , 2 01 7 ANG BAYAN try posts could come to watch heights. and other staff arrived, they had koreanovelas or other movies that accommodations ready for them were interpreted on-the-spot by Meticulous preparation complete with electricity in every comrades to make it comprehens- At least three months before hut, copies of the collated com- ible in the local language. the congress, regional committees ments from the regions, and even Unity was present not only held their plenary discussions on the doctor, nurse and other para- among the delegates but extended the draft constitution and program medics to administer medical check- to the revolutionary masses around and listed their comments and pro- ups, supervise nutrition, and give the camp. Up to more than ten kilo- posals. They also drafted proposed medical services to the whole camp, meters away, the masses sent news resolutions that they wanted to especially to the elderly and those about enemy troop movements. present to the congress. They elec- with medical conditions. Members of the Party branches in ted their representatives to the According to one member of the the villages around the camp sent congress through secret balloting, medical group who had long pre- local delicacies they cooked for both the attending and pared herself for her assignment, the comrades. non-attending deleg- "we were the ones who monitored They assisted ates. The transporta- those with hypertension and those in marketing tion staff taking maintenance drugs. I am and fetching or be- also pre- glad the historic congress con- ing guides to comrades who pared routes cluded without any comrade falling went in or out of the camp. and altern- with a major illness. The comrades Party cadres and ative routes, were amazed that we could conduct members, Red command- and various ECG check-ups inside the camp. ers, Red fighters and or- modes of trans- And we had an in-house doctor ganized masses around portation. who could immediately interpret the the camp participated in the cul- A few weeks before the activity, results. It was tiring but I had ful- tural programs at the opening and the revolutionary mass organiza- fillment." closing of the congress. Each unit tions, people's militia, and people's had a prepared number, and the army units in the area were busy Long delay regions shared their dances: pat- building the big session hall, clinic, During the last part of the tong from the Cordilleras, curacha barracks and individual huts, and 1980s, when the revolutionary from , and Lumad dances other camp structures. Among forces had gained enough strength from Mindanao. Delegates from these were five bathrooms for the and expanded its reach and the US- other regions participated in the whole camp and several bathrooms Marcos dictatorship had been dances. For those who could not for comrades with mobility diffi- overthrown, plans were in place for go with the dances, a part of each culties. Several people's militia a Party congress. The draft docu- of the programmes were set aside squads moved construction materi- ments had been prepared but be- for more popular dances such as als and food supplies to stock cause revisionist counter-revolu- cha-cha and "maskipaps" (slang houses accessible to several kit- tionaries were present within the for freestyle dancing) still in the chens at different areas of the site. Party leadership, the congress that tune of revolutionary songs with Boxes of medical supplies were almost became a congress of dis- the appropriate tempo. Comrades brought in as preparation for any unity was not held. also performed their local songs, emergency. Around mid-2000s, prepara- including the kulilipan and dawes Even earlier, comrades had tions for the congress were again of the Cordillera. Also introduced started raising animals for food be- started and drafts were dissemin- in this occasion were two songs cause the usual vegetable produc- ated among the Party committees. created for the congress, Muog na tion of the people's army was ex- But again, it did not push through Buo (Solid Fortress) and Pag-ugit pected to fall short of the demands because of big changes including ng Kasaysayan (Directing History) for a long period of such big gather- intensive and widespread enemy that celebrated the Party's de- ing. Sacks of flour were also stored campaigns at the planned site. Now, termination to develop the re- to be baked into bread and cakes despite the long delay, the Congress gions in step to advance the which were served as snacks for the held this 2016 was truly successful people's war faster to greater whole camp. When the delegates and historic.

ANG BAYAN April 7 , 2 01 7 5 On the NPA's 48th anniversary Groups hold lightning rallies

o commemorate the New People's Army's (NPA) 48th anniversary, re- has grown and the agrarian revolu- Tvolutionary mass organizations staged lightning rallies at various major tion continues to gain victories cities in the country. Concurrent with the March 29 anniversary, the Com- while the democratic movement in munist Party of the Philippines announced the successful convening of the the cities advances. second Party Congress on October 24 to November 7. Ma. Laya Guerrero, national spokesperson of Kabataang NCR. In Metro Manila, hun- Bicol. Revolutionary forces Makabayan, challenged all the dreds of members of the marched on March 29 around the youth to intensify the struggle Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong City Public Market. They against the AFP's all-out war, cam- Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA) marched saluted the NPA and encouraged paign among their fellow youth to in Quiapo, Manila to celebrate the the people to continue supporting send material and personnel sup- NPA's 48th anniversary. More than the people's war. port to the people's army and un- 500 members of revolutionary or- SMR. In Davao City, members dergo integration in the guerrilla ganizations also launched lightning of revolutionary organizations held zones in their numbers. rallies in Cubao, City, on rallies in various areas of the city. She said, "the revolution is ad- March 27. The protest action star- Wearing shirts printed with the call vancing. But for it to advance fur- ted at 8 a.m. at the corner of Au- "Join the NPA" and masks with the ther, the youth's strong support is rora Blvd. and EDSA. Traffic stood face of the late NPA commander Ka needed in the form of millions of still for more than half an hour. Leoncio Pitao, the rallyists declared new NPA members." The rallyists sang the Interna- their support for the people's war Meanwhile, various progressive tionale while calling on the people and the ongoing NDFP-GRP peace groups gave tribute to all NPA mar- to join the NPA and advance the talks on April 2-6. tyrs and all Red fighters who con- people's war. NEMR. The Kabataang tinue to advance the people's war in On March 31, organizations un- Makabayan- led a lightning the countryside. der the umbrella of the NDFP again rally in Butuan and Surigao City on Renato Reyes, Jr., secretary- launched actions to celebrate the March 29. According to the NDFP- general of Bagong Alyansang successful Second Congress of the NEMR statement read at the rally, Makabayan, said, "we chose this CPP. The lightning rallies were held the NPA, together with the fighting occasion that is commemorated at the Mendiola Bridge and at masses, frustrated the counter-re- yearly to remember the Caloocan. volutionary campaign of the previ- martyrs of the Mar- In its statement, NDF-Metro ous presidents from Marcos to cos dictatorship, to Manila stated that the Second Con- Aquino III, which dreamt of anni- serve as inspiration gress is a concrete demonstration of hilating the revolutionary move- and lesson to the the strength of the fighting people, ment. By grasping the correct line of younger generation.” the Communist Party of the Philip- protracted people's war, pines, and the New People's Army. the capacity of the This strength will but continue to Red fighters to fight grow until the cities are surrounded the brutal AFP and from the countryside and the pro- PNP operations tracted people's war will becomes had been raised. victorious," it said. Thus, the Red . A lightning rally was fighters' tac- also held by members of revolution- tical offens- ary organizations in Calamba, La- ives continue guna on March 29. The Revolution- to be suc- ary Council of Trade Unions in cessful. The Southern Tagalog stated that the Party's working class must face the great political challenge of increasing the NPA power in the membership. countryside

6 April 7 , 2 01 7 ANG BAYAN NPA launches widespread offenssives

rom March 18 to March 30, the New People's Army Flaunched at least 25 armed actions across the archipelago. These are equivalent to almost two offensives per day. Up to 77 casu- alties were sustained by the enemy, mostly soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Eastern Visayas. A machine gun and 10 rifles were seized by the NPA- in a successful who are responsible for cases raid by the Red fighters on a Civilian of racketeering in the towns of Armed Auxiliary (CAA) camp in Western Samar. No less than the Brgy. Geparayan, Silvino Lobos, soldiers provide weapons for the . Confiscated from criminals. In Mindoro, nine were killed the raid were one M60 Machine The NPA-EMC also reported while eight elements of the 4th IB's gun, one R4 rifle, five M1 Garand that one of its units subjected a Bravo Coy were wounded when they rifles, and four carbines. The vic- paramilitary camp in Burauen, were ambushed by a unit under torious raid was staged last March to harassment operations. The re- NPA-Mindoro (Lucio de Guzman 30. gional operations command added Command or LGC) last March 29. The regional command of the that these coordinated tactical of- The NPA-LGC launched the tactical NPA in Eastern Visayas (Efren Mar- fensives serve as punishment to the offensive at Caguray River, Sitio tires Command or EMC) commended AFP for its continuing violations of Lalaunan, Brgy. Benli in Bulalacao, the Red fighters who staged four human rights and for sabotaging the . coordinated tactical offensives on peace negotiations between the North Central Mindanao. Two the said date. NDFP and GRP. harassment operations were staged Aside from the raid, two har- Southern Tagalog. The NPA- by the Red fighters under the South assment operations were also Sierra Madre Subregional Command Central Subregional Command launched by the NPA-Northeast- (Rosario Lodronio Rosal Command against two columns of the 8th IB in Central Samar Subregional Com- or RLRC) successfully foiled an at- Quezon, Bukidnon last March 30. mand against two detachments of tack by the 80th IB last March 30 in Three were killed in the said ac- the 52nd IB and CAA in Motiong Brgy. Lumutan, General Nakar, tions, including platoon command- and Paranas. A unit of the NPA first Quezon. Five reactionary troopers ing officer Lt. Pablo. Meanwhile, 13 fired at the camp in Motiong at were killed. Five others were also other soldiers were wounded. around 3 a.m. last March 10. One wounded. The first harassment operation soldier was reportedly wounded. The Red army did not suffer any was launched at 2:19 p.m. in Sitio Meanwhile, at around 5:30 a.m. casualty, said Ka Armando Jacinto, Mahayahay, Brgy. Minongan, where that same morning, the camp in spokesperson for the NPA-Sierra Lt. Pablo was killed. Six were Brgy. Paranas was likewise fired Madre. Meanwhile, one baby M-16 wounded. At 4 p.m. the casualties upon. was confiscated by the NPA, along were airlifted aboard two heli- According to the NPA spokes- with other military effects and copters. person in the subregion, Bernabe documents with intelligence data. A few minutes later, another "Ka Cani" Linay, the elements of the Enemy troops launched com- column of the enemy was fired upon 52nd IB have long committed hu- pany operations against the NPA by a separate NPA unit in Brgy. man rights violations against the who conducted a consultation and Mahayag, Quezon. Seven 8th IB residents, including coercion to held the NPA's 48th year an- troopers were wounded. serve as guides in military opera- niversary celebration in the ba- Meanwhile, three simultaneous tions, cruelty and proliferation of rangay, the NPA-Sierra Madre said. harassment operations were criminal activities and illegal drugs. The Red fighters organized a launched last March 20, 5 a.m., by Added Ka Cani, camps of the 52nd counter-attack and valiantly fought units of the NPA-EMONEB (Eastern IB also serve as havens for counter- and counter-maneuvered against -Northeastern Bu- revolutionaries and bad elements them. kidnon) against three Civilian

ANG BAYAN April 7 , 2 01 7 7 Armed Auxiliary detachments led by bush staged by the NPA-Mount Ma- tions were staged by the 4th PBC the 58th IB. Two of these camps lindang Subregion-1 Operations against the 72nd IB/CAA. Two were are located in Brgy. Kibanban, and Command. The ambush was done in killed and one was wounded in these one in Brgy. Quezon, both in the Brgy. Gala, Tudela, Misamis Occi- military actions. Meanwhile, the 4th municipality of Balingasag, Misamis dental, after a month-long offensive PBC ambushed last April 4 the 60th Oriental. by the AFP in the province. IB in the same village. One soldier Last March 18, a unit from the According to Ka Mario Jose, was killed and an M16 rifle was NPA-Mt. Kitanglad Subregional Com- spokesperson of the regional opera- confiscated. mand fired on soldiers of the 1st tions command, the 55th IB has a According to the NPA-SMR, this Special Forces Battalion conducting long list of crimes against the action serves as punishment for the operations in Brgy. Baylanan, Tala- people of . said enemy unit's killings of three kag, Bukidnon. Two soldiers were Since the 1980s up to the present it farmers in Laak, shooting of an- reportedly killed. has committed grave violations of other, and intense military opera- Far South Mindanao. Seven human rights and international hu- tions that brought fear to 1,397 soldiers of the Marine Battalion manitarian law in order to give way families and resulted in the dislo- Landing Team-8's 2nd Marine Com- to huge mining and agribusiness cation of 113 families. Last pany were killed while several oth- corporations that plunder the re- November 2016, despite the ongo- ers were wounded when they were sources of Mt. Malindang and its ing reciprocal ceasefires between ambushed by the NPA-Mt. Daguma surrounding plains. the NDFP and GRP, the enemy con- Subregional Command last March Southern Mindanao. Last structed a camp in LS Sarmiento 21 in Km. 30, Sitio Tinagdanan, March 23 at around noon, a unit of even with the strong refusal of the Brgy. Hinalaan, Kalamansig in Sul- the NPA-ComVal-Davao East Coast residents. tan Kudarat. Subregional Command ambushed Meanwhile, a harassment oper- According to Ka Dencio Madrig- operating soldiers of the 66th IB in ation was launched by the Red al, NPA spokesperson in the region, Brgy. Sobrecary, Caraga, Davao fighters from Front 20 against the the ambush was a punishment to Oriental. Confiscated was an M4 67th IB/CAA last March 29, 5 a.m. the said unit of the Philippine Mar- assault rifle, one Harris radio and in Brgy. Nabunga, Boston, Davao ines who for several years has been military backpacks. Five soldiers Oriental. serving as guard for David Consunji were killed. A day prior to this, the Bicol. The NPA-Camarines in his destructive companies and 66th IB conducted aerial bombings Norte (Armando Catapia Command landgrabbing. which damaged farms and liveli- or ACC) ambushed troops of the 9th Ka Dencio added that since the hoods of the Mandaya and peasants ID aboard a military truck along the 1980s, Consunji took over more in the area. hi-way in Brgy. Bagong Silang Dos, than 102,000 hectares of Lumad Meanwhile, last March 23, at Labo last March 20. One soldier was and peasants' farmlands in Sultan around 9:25 a.m., Red fighters am- killed and four were wounded in the Kudarat, and bushed 60th IB troopers in Brgy. offensive staged at around 10 p.m. for his destructive Cayaga, San Fernando, Bukidnon. Before this, at around noon last businesses, including logging, min- Two were killed and another two March 18, a unit of the NPA-ACC ing and plantations. With the em- were wounded on the enemy side. fired on a platoon from the 9th ID ploy of AFP soldiers, Consunji's hu- At 1 p.m. that afternoon, the NPA- in Sitio Hanlab, Brgy. Magsaysay, man rights violations against ComVal-North Davao-South Agusan Capalonga. struggling people have become Subregional Command foiled an at- In , the NPA- widespread. tack by the 75th IB in Laak, Com- Partido Area (Tomas Pilapil Com- Meanwhile, last March 31, Red postela Valley. One CAFGU element mand or TPC) launched a disarming fighters raided the headquarters of was killed in the firefight. operation against the Garduce Amadeo Banana Company in Sinaw- The 4th Pulang Bagani Com- family in Brgy. Bucogan, Lagonoy al, General Santos City and dis- pany of the NPA-SMR also launched last March 28. Confiscated was one armed its guards. Confiscated from three military actions against the M-16 rifle and 18 magazines. Ac- them were two M16 rifles. 72nd IB/CAA and the 60th IB last cording to Ka Baldomero Arcanghel Zamboanga Peninsula. Last March 23 and April 4. On March 23 of the NPA-TPC, the Garduce couple March 18, five soldiers were killed at Km. 26 LS Sarmiento, Brgy. Kid- is active in the recruitment for mil- and many others were wounded on awa, Laak, Compostela Valley, two itary assets against the revolution- the part of the 55th IB in an am- simultaneous harassment opera- ary movement.

8 April 7 , 2 01 7 ANG BAYAN #AFPFakeNews: Fabricated news by the AFP

FAKE NEWS BY the AFP swarmed the mass media these recent weeks with It will be recalled that the 9th the aim to damage the reputation of the NPA and cover up for their defeats in ID also circulated fake news re- battles and fascist crimes. garding a supposed encounter last March 15 in Brgy. Itok, Capalonga, Last March 29, the Civil Military leadership of the 8th IB stood firm where they shot Operations (CMO) of the 8th IB with their false news. and killed a civilian, and not a Red spread outright lies regarding the Meanwhile, on March 30, the fighter. fire that hit Concepcion National 9th ID also circulated false news In Southern Tagalog, after suf- High School in Valencia, Bukidnon. regarding an alleged killing of an fering casualties from the NPA-Si- First Lieutenant Erwin Bugarin, NPA member in Sitio Traktora, erra Madre's counter-offensive last CMO officer of the 8th IB, circu- Brgy. Bagong Silang, Sipocot, Ca- March 30, military officers of the lated the news that it was the NPA marines Sur. 80th IB, 2nd ID and even AFP who set the school on fire pur- According to the Norben Gruta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto portedly because of the school Command, there was no encounter Padilla spread fake news. They had teachers' refusal to hand in their between the NPA and the 9th ID. the media believe that supposedly funds intended for the school's Soldiers aboard two vans arrived at ten were killed on the side of the feeding program. The Department the area at around 3 p.m., and in- NPA-Sierra Madre, contrary to the of National Defense' radio station discriminately opened fire at civil- statement of the NPA in the area DWDD, in its Facebook account, ians in a waiting shed. Killed in the (Read related news). also posted the fake news. Main- shooting was Renel Mirabelles, Also last March 30 in Tag- stream news outfits likewise carried while two teenagers, Joseph Saga- binonga, Mati City, Davao Oriental, this news on their websites. rio and Regie Loprandado, were soldiers of the 28th and 66th IB This fabrication of fake news by wounded. Another civilian identified killed farmer Jeffry Santos when the 8th IB earned heavy criticism as Erick Estadillo was arrested and they came across him on his way to after personnel of the local govern- presented as a member of the NPA. the town center to sell copra. As ment and teachers of the high Also, residents of Brgy. Bololo with the many cases of peasant school gave their statements. Ac- in Guinobatan, belied reports killings, the AFP automatically cording to the Bureau of Fire Pro- by the 83rd IB regarding their al- presented Santos in their media tection of Valencia City, the fire was leged consecutive encounters with statements as an NPA killed in an an accident caused by faulty wiring. the NPA last March 30. In an inter- encounter. Even the residents and the view by a local radio station, the Likewise, the organized evacu- barangay captain of Brgy. Concep- residents disclosed that the sup- ation of residents in some cion, and the city mayor declared posed encounters were just soldiers barangays of Antipas, North Co- that the NPA had nothing to do with indiscriminately firing their tabato last March 23 because of the the fire. Teachers also belied the weapons. Residents were likewise 39th IB's operations was portrayed 8th IB's fake news and said that being forced to admit to being NPA by the AFP as supposedly a result of they do not have a feeding program members. Also, Brgy. Bololo's res- the NPA's hostage-taking, looting because their students are all in idents narrated their anxieties re- and threats. Later, no less than the high school and not elementary. garding the soldiers' mayor of Antipas belied this fake Despite presence, and the news of the AFP. these evid- thefts and burning Distorting facts, if not outright ences, the of houses done fabrication of news against the by the milit- NPA, is part of the AFP's psywar ary. offensive. With the dynamism of social media, the AFP exploits the rapid flow and transfer of information in order to propagate fake news. Non- etheless, netizens are becoming critical and are extensively dispelling #AFPFakeNews.

ANG BAYAN April 7 , 2 01 7 9 NDF-SMR: Arrest and try Aquino, actionary politicians who dismissed others over Kidapawan Massacre the revolutionary government's justice system and gave their sup- On the commemoration of the bloody dispersal of Lumad and port to the respondents. "These re- farmers in what is now notoriously remembered as the Kidapawan actionary officials, especially Pres. Massacre, the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao released the Duterte's mouthpiece in Malaca- Indictment for war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious viola- ñang, only showcased their contempt tions of international humanitarian law and international human rights law for the victims of the massacre by against former GRP Pres. Benigno Aquino III, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou openly guaranteeing the protection Taliño-Mendoza, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista, North Cotabato of Aquino and the other similarly “Representative Nancy Catamco, several other GRP civilian personalities and guilty respondents," she said. military and police officials." She added, "They comfortably Thus averred Rubi del Mundo, spondents and, after due trial by a forget that the on-going peace nego- spokesperson of NDF in Southern People's Court, "be meted out with tiations is proof of the authority of Mindanao, in a statement released appropriate penalties." the People's Democratic Government. on April 1, a year after the violent It declared that there is compel- Meanwhile in North Cotabato, shooting by armed reactionary forces ling evidence against the respond- the masses welcomed the Indict- of protesting Lumad and farmers ents for their "gross neglect and ment's order to arrest and try who were reeling from the effects of apathy and willful acts and/or omis- Aquino III and all the others in the severe drought in Kidapawan City. sion" which resulted in the bloody People's Court. Upon hearing of the The shooting resulted in the deaths dispersal of the protesting farmers. Indictment, one rice trader said that of two civilians, the serious wound- It also found evidence that the dis- they "support the NDFP's statement. ing 34 others, including 22 people persal and the succeeding arrest and Justice should be served for the vic- who sustained gunshot wounds and detention of the civilians constituted tims of the massacre." the unjust arrest and detention of 79 gross violations of a number of in- A farmer who was present during people, nine of whom were elderly ternational tenets and covenants, the violent dispersal said that "the and five were pregnant. including the CARHRIHL and the fascist perpetrators should be per- The Indictment, which was re- Geneva Conventions. secuted. They committed countless leased on December 26, 2016 but Following the release of the In- crimes and they will continue to do only made public this year, also pre- dictment, del Mundo also slammed so unless they are arrested and tried scribed the arrest of the named re- the statements made by several re- by the revolutionary court.”

At the onset of the fourth round of NDFP-GRP talks Relentless fascist attacks of the state

elentless fascist attacks by armed state elements against civilians con- Almonicar in Purok 2, Brgy. Bollu- Rtinue. In the past two months, state agents killed one peasant, who is can. All three were members of the then labelled an NPA members or supporter, every two days. This was stated Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Laak by peasant groups in a press conference launching the #StopKillingFarmers (Namulak or United Peasants of national campaign last March 29. Since the Duterte regime declared all-out Laak). The Almonicar couple were war against the revolutionary forces on February 3, at least 24 peasants and known for their firm support for the members of the national minorities have been killed by state agents. peasant struggles in the area. Criminal bombing and AFP milit- organization which has fought for On March 23, elements from the arization of civilian communities, il- peasants' right to land. He was shot 46th IB killed Pedro Pandagay, 48, legal arrests, harassments and oth- ten times. inside his house in Purok Biaw, Brgy. er rights violations also persist. On March 27, three peasants Anitapan, Mabini, Compostela Val- were consecutively killed by ele- ley. An official of the Golden Valley Extrajudicial killings ments of the 60th IB in Laak, Com- Banana Planters Association in Last April 2, agents from the postela Valley. At around 3 p.m., Mabini, Pandagay was active in 46th IB killed Danilo Nadal, a peas- Cora Molave Lina, 45, was shot four peasant struggles in their com- ant from Pantukan. Nadal is a mem- times inside her house n Barangay munity. ber of Hugpong sa mga Mag-uuma Kibaguio. By 7 p.m., intelligence Jeffrey Santos died on March 31 sa Pantukan, Compostela Valley, an agents shot couple Arman and Arlyn after he was shot in the stomach by

10 April 7 , 2 01 7 ANG BAYAN elements of the 28th IB in Brgy. evacuated from Purok 6, Brgy. Dala- they detained Pastor Godofredo Tagbinonga, Mati City. guit, Montevista, Compostela Valley. Gantangan of the Dulangan Manobo Evangelical Church and interrogated Bombings of civilian communities Evacuations due to militarization him for seven hours. The soldiers On March 30, the 203rd IBde Around 1,000 residents from forced him to declare himself an bombed the area around sitios Kar- five barangays in Calbiga (Literon, NPA member by threatening his life. umata and Kalungbuyan in Brgy. Hubasan, Burong, Canbagtic and On the same day, soldiers occupied a Benli in Bulalacao, Oriental San Mauricio) evacuated from their school run by the Mindanao Inter- Mindoro, after they suffered grave communities on April 4 after troop- faith Services Foundation Inc. in Si- setbacks in an NPA attack which ers from the 87th IB occupied their tio Tinagdanan, Brgy. Hinalaan and resulted in 15 casualties on their communities. The soldiers en- questioned its teachers and stu- side. (Read related article on page camped in the in the middle of the dents. A few days later, residents 7.) The following day, soldiers en- village, in barangay and social halls, evacuated the area to seek sanctu- circled three sitios of Brgy. Benli, the residents said. They pressure ary and support from human rights terrorizing the residents. Soldiers the barrio folk and force them to groups and government agencies. imposed a food blockade and trans- act as guides in their operations. More than half of the evacuees are portation of basic needs was pro- The soldiers stayed in the area children. The occupying soldiers also hibited. Human rights groups failed after a clash with the NPA in a act as guards of the DM Consunji to enter the area due to intense nearby area. Inc. which has expansive mining militarization. On March 30, 36 Higaonon fam- operations in the area. They are On March 22, at 11 a.m., AFP ilies evacuated from Sitio Camansi, supported by the company's private planes dropped six bombs in Brgy. Banglay, Lagonlong, Misamis Ori- guards. Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del ental after soldiers from 58th IB Norte. This was after elements of occupied their community. Early Arrests and intimidation the 23rd IB clashed with an NPA morning of March 29, 100 soldiers Arrests, physical abuse and unit in Sitio Malambago, Brgy. arrived in their community and dis- threats against accused NPA sup- Sangay in the same town. A bomb tributed leaflets urging the resid- porters and members continue. exploded near a school where ents to "surrender" as NPA mem- Harassments of legal democratic classes were being held, residents bers. The soldiers threatened to activists also persist. said. Deafened by the explosion, stay if the Lumads do not comply. On the eve of March 21, com- some children fainted and the oth- In , human rights groups posite forces of the 56th IB, police ers were petrified. reported the occupation of the 86th and intelligence agents arrested After the bombings, more than IB of Brgy. Aringay, San Guillermo Rommel Tucay, 38, in Sitio Compra, 60 troopers belonging to the 23rd on March 28. The soldiers kept Brgy. General Luna in Carranglan, IB arrived in Olave and arrested them away from their farms and . Tucay is an organizer two civilians. Roland Abandola, 26, some of them even pointed guns at of the Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa and Max Lagumbay, 30, were the peasants. The soldiers Gitnang Luzon assigned in Car- chanced upon by the troopers while pretended to be Red fighters but ranglan. He was assaulted and tor- they were walking in Upper Olave. the residents were not fooled. They tured before he was taken to the They were illegally arrested and ac- immediately demanded that the sol- police station where he was inter- cused as NPA members. diers leave their community. rogated. In Southern Mindanao, bomb- On March 21, the 2nd Marine In Bicol, members of the re- ings and AFP occupation of civilian Company of the Marine Battalion gional College Editors Guild of the communities continue, resulting in Landing Team-8 occupied Brgy. Hin- Philippines complained about the mass evacuations of its residents. alaan and two nearby barrios in continuing harassment and surveil- On March 30, more than 170 Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat after lance of its members from Ateneo families in Brgy. Don Salvador, Tag- they suffered deadly blows from an de Naga University and Baao Com- binonga and Calatagan in Mati City NPA tactical offensive the previous munity College, both in Camarines evacuated after the 28th IB day. (Read related article in page 8.) Sur. On March 17, police went to bombed their communities. The sol- Soldiers hamletted the area and the house of Jan Joseph Goingo, diers occupied communities after an terrorized the people by indiscrim- CEGP vice-president for Luzon, and encounter with Red fighters near inately firing their guns. They des- harassed his family. Police also vis- the area. troyed a house so that their heli- ited student publication offices to On March 26, residents also copter could land. On March 22, intimidate its editors.

ANG BAYAN April 7 , 2 01 7 11 From the regions Police illegally Protest actions for rights, welfare and peace arrests 57 poor residents in QC LAST WEEK, PEASANTS, workers and students launched successive protest actions to assert their rights, present their issues on the ongoing NDFP-GRP peace talks and FIFTY-SEVEN (57) to demand that Duterte account for his unfulfilled promises. Kadamay members were In Catbalogan City in Western fare. The DOLE should have decided on illegally arrested last Samar, 5,000 people rallied in support the case last March 31 but postponed it April 4 after they occu- of the NDF-GRP peace talks on April 4. to April 22. pied a vacant lot in Among the participants were survivors In Southern Tagalog, simultaneous Apollo, Tandang Sora in of Typhoon Ruby who filed a corruption protests were launched by the Kar- Quezon City, eight of case against the mayor of Catbalogan apatan-Southern Tagalog and other whom are seniors and 16 who borrowed funds ostensibly for re- organizations in Laguna (Calamba and are minors. Forty-one lief and rehabilitation of victims. Des- UP-Los Baños), (Bacoor) and (41) of them were pite this, the disaster victims remain in (Antipolo City, Rodriguez), charged with trespassing temporary shelters. Farmers from Ba- City and Lucena City last and coercion. Bail was sey, Calbiga and Pinabacdao who are March 21. They condemned the suc- set at P14,000 each. victims of militarization by the 87th IB cessive AFP attacks against civilians The arrested indi- joined the rally. Also present at the and the bombing of forests near com- viduals previously lived in rally were relatives and village-mates munities resulting in forced evacu- the said lot before their of victims of political killings by the San ations of peasants. The rallyists sup- houses were demolished Jorge and Calbayog City mayors' goons, ported the reopening of the GRP and during the early part of and victims of the Duterte regime's NDF peace talks and pushed for the 2016. The local govern- anti-poor "war on drugs." implementation of CARHRIHL. ment arbitrarily declared In Nueva Ecija, more than 3,700 On March 22, the PAMANTIK-KMU the area as a fire hazard farm workers belonging to the Liga ng protested in front of the Department of to justify the demolition, Mangagagawang Bukid, together with Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in the residents said. No re- the Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Central Manila to call for the junking of D.O. location was offered, ex- Luzon-Nueva Ecija held protest in front 174. They condemned the DOLE for cept for an unnamed area of the Guimba municipal hall on March continuing contractualization and for in Valley. The 27. Carrying streamers and empty not resolving workers' problems like homeless families lived sacks with the slogans "Fight for genu- low wages, no benefits, inhumane on the street near Apollo ine land reform!" and "Distribute the working conditions, and unfair labor for nine months. They promised Rice Subsidy now!" practices. decided to re-enter the The protesters wanted steps to re- In Baguio City, youth and students vacant lot after the lease the necessary assistance and of the Anakbayan-Saint Louis Uni- Metro Manila Develop- subsidy for the hunger they are versity held a rally last March 23 to ment Authority threa- presently facing. Among their demands protest unbridled tuition fee increases. tened to sweep them off were decent jobs, especially at the time They raised the calls, "Enough, tuition the streets. They have that many landlords are using mechan- fee increases are too much! Junk the lived in Apollo for dec- ized harvesters. Carry-Over Scheme!" These calls were ades. In Metro Manila, workers belonging made against the yearly increases in Since Duterte came to the Samahang Manggagawa sa Har- tuition and other fees under the into power, more than bour Center held a another picket in "carry-over scheme" or CHED Memor- 4,000 families in Metro front of the DOLE-NCR office on April 1 andum Order No. 13 Series of 2-12 and Manila have had their to push for the speedy resolution of bias towards the market-oriented K-12 houses demolished, add- their case. They filed a complaint in re- program. The "carry-over scheme" is a ing to the 1.4 million res- lation to the refusal of their employer, CHED measure that allows private idents who have lost the Grasials Corporation, to regularize schools to arbitrarily increase tuition their homes under the them and asserted their rights and wel- fees yearly. US-Aquino regime.

12 April 7 , 2 01 7 ANG BAYAN Tagum farmers hold protest in Manila ComVal banana workers go on strike MORE THAN 70 members of Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries As- sociation, Inc. (MARBAI) trooped to Manila last March 28 to condemn land grabbing and continuing harassment by Lapanday Foods Corp. in WORKERS FROM the Shin Sun Tagum City. Their caravan is also part of the annual National Peasant Tropical Fruit Co. in Brgy. San Campout for Free Land Distribution (Pambansang Kampuhan ng mga Miguel, Compostela, Compostela Magsasaka para sa Libreng Pamamahagi ng Lupa) which began March 30 Valley went on strike last April 6 and culminated last April 1. Farmworkers and agrarian reform benefi- after the company imposed mass ciaries from North Cotabato, and Nueva Ecija also joined the lay-offs. Up to 53 workers were campout. fired on March 16, all of whom are MARBAI farmworkers arrived ARB members. members of the Shin Sun Workers in Baclaran Church, Parañaque MARBAI farmers then set up Union-National Federation of Labor City last March 29. Religious sec- their protest camp at the head Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno. This tors and church workers ex- office of the Department of was an attempt to dismantle the pressed support in their campaign Agrarian Reform in Quezon City, union, which has been fighting for for land and life. to press their demand for inter- the regularization of contractual On March 30, the group led a vention in the distribution of workers. picket protest in front of CARP lands. Workers who have been fired Lapanday Foods Corp.'s main of- During the consultation last have been working in the company fice in Chino Roces, Makati City. March 31, DAR officials agreed to for seven months. They were em- Officials of the said company did proceed with and lead the land ployed by labor agency ECQ Serve not come out to meet the protest- distribution at the earliest time Human Resources, which the DOLE ing farmers. possible. has found engaging in labor-only During the picket, farmers Certificates of Land Ownership contracting (LOC). LOC is sup- lamented the trumped up charges Award have been distributed to posedly firmly prohibited by reac- filed by Lapanday against the MARBAI farmers since December tionary laws, and even in the newly- members of MARBAI and deman- 19, 2016 but Lapanday ignored issued Department Order 174. ded the cancellation of the Ag- these. After 12 days, Lapanday Instead of regularizing the ribusiness Ventures Agreement guards harassed and assaulted the fired workers, the company em- which allows Lapanday to take beneficiaries in a camp they set up ployed new workers from Human over the lands intended for the in their own land. Pros Manpower Agency.

ANG BAYAN April 7 , 2 01 7 13