The Arnulfo Ortiz Command (AOC) of the New People’s Army in Western Samar launched a series of guerrilla operations against the US-Duterte regime in anticipation of GRP President Rodrigo Duterte’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), and in response to the people’s call to oppose his schemes in establishing a fascist dictatorship.

“Last June 16, Red fighters twice harassed elements of the 63rd Infantry Battalion who were attempting to raid them in the forested area of Brgy. Bay-ang, San Jorge, Samar,” the AOC proudly said. Two soldiers died while many others were wounded during the offensive.

Three elements of the peace and development team of the 87th Infantry Battalion were also killed after a team of Red fighters harassed them as they carried out clearing operations in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Paranas last June 27 at around 6:15 in the morning. “PDT operations are a well-known outlet of the government for its fascist attacks against civilians and to counter the revolutionary movement,” the AOC stated.

Meanwhile, a special operations group targeted Sonny Moreno, an active intelligence force of the Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB) in Poblacion, San Jose de Buan last July 7. Moreno is also a known hanger-on of serial rapist and counter-revolutionary ex-mayor Ananias Rebato who was punished by the NPA October last year. “Moreno likewise actively forced civilians to surrender as NPA members, even those who are members of legal organizations. He also tried to recruit and develop them as military assets.

“There were no NPA casualties in all these armed engagements,” the AOC added.

Without the full support of the masses, the AOC would not be able to claim victories in this series of guerrilla operations. That is why this is a clear manifestation that Filipino people strongly oppose Duterte, his tyrannical rule and all his fascists mandates such as the Memorandum Order 32 and Executive Order 70.

“This is a big slap on the face of Duterte when he said that the revolutionary movement in Eastern Visayas is getting weaker. As Duterte’s third SONA approaches, Red fighters will continue to carry out guerrilla offensives according to its capabilities while calling on the people to take up arms and show the fascist, puppet and corrupt US-Duterte regime that their days are numbered.”