National

Dad of slain lawyer to NUPL: ‘Sana ang anak ko na ang huli, huling biktima’

Published

1 year ago

March 8, 2024

Jerome Carlo Paunan of Philippine Information Agency

Photo by NTF-ELCAC Media Bureau

“Sana ang anak ko na ang huli, huling biktima.”

This was the grieving message of Mr. Eutropio Cesista to the group National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) whose young daughter Hannah Jay was killed in a recent encounter between state forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bohol.

The elder Cesista, during an interview with the media, believed his daughter was a victim of recruitment and radicalization by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“Ang medyo may hinanakit lang ako kaunti lang doon sa sinalihan niya na pinipigilan ko pero pumilit siya, ‘yung NUPL. Pumayag ako na sumali siya dahil ang explain sa akin na lawyer daw ‘yung mga kasamahan niya kaya pumayag ako tapos sabi ko mag-ingat ka” he said.

He had reservations about his daughter joining the organization but eventually allowed her and advised her to be cautious.

“Isa lang alam ko, member siya ng NUPL, other than that blanko ako”, he said.

Cesista admitted, though, that Hannah joining the NPA stunned the family.

“Napakasakit, walang kasing sakit ang nadarama ng tulad ng nadarama namin,” he continued.

Obviously deep in anguish, Cesista said her daughter’s educational attainment as a bar passer was everyone’s dream for him, his wife, and their eldest daughter.

“Parang nasa tuktok na, biglang bumagsak,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. strongly criticized NUPL for the latter’s attempt to distort facts about the Bohol encounter that led to the death of the young Cesista.

As reported by various media outlets, NUPL has peddled a scenario that the terrorists were tortured and summarily executed.

On February 23, 2024, state forces from the military and police engaged a rebel group at around 6:50 a.m. in Sitio Matin-ao 2, Barangay Campagao in the town of Bilar. The soldiers and policemen went to the rebels’ hideout to serve a warrant of arrest of Domingo Jaspe Compoc alias Silong, a known leader of the New People’s Army (NPA). Compoc was wanted for a string of criminal cases like rebellion, homicide, multiple murder, and robbery and had a P2.6 million government’s bounty for his capture.

Killed during the firefight was Police Corporal Gilbert Amper. Patrolman Gerard Rollon was wounded. On the NPA side, Compoc perished along with Parlito Segovia alyas Aldrin, Marlon Omosura alyas Darwin, a certain Juaning, and surprisingly, Hanna Jay Cesista alyas Maya/Lean.

Data showed the recovery of high-powered firearms such as an M653, R4 and M16 assault rifles and 3 cal. 45 pistols, all from the communist terrorists.

“NUPL’s unfounded accusation is not only preposterous but also a deliberate attempt to cover up one of its members as an armed NPA combatant” Torres said.

Torres then challenged the group demanding an explanation for why one of its members was involved with the NPA.

“Such disinformation being peddled by the group to the media and therefore the public not only violates the lawyer’s code of ethics and professional responsibility but also a deliberate travesty of justice,” he said.

He reminded the group of possible legal implications of spreading disinformation, particularly by individuals or organizations entrusted with upholding the principles of justice and truth.

“We challenge NUPL to explain to the legal community, in particular, and to the Filipino people, in general, why one of its members was a communist terrorist. The burden of proof rests on them. There is no amount of disinformation and deception to obfuscate the evidence that one NUPL member died during a legitimate encounter between government troops and the NPA,” Torres said.

“Read between the lines, indeed. The radicalization and recruitment of Cesista into the NPA underwent a premeditated and arduous ideological indoctrination by communist front organizations (CFOs), Torres, referring to the statements issued by the Cesista elder, added.

He explained that continuing along the path of rebellion leads to fruitless outcomes and perpetuates conflict, whereas embracing dialogue and reconciliation offers a more promising way forward.

“Furthermore, people who continue to be involved with the NPA run a great chance of becoming involved in illegal activities and being exposed to dangerous situations that could endanger their lives. By opting for peaceful avenues of engagement and seeking solutions through lawful channels, individuals can safeguard their well-being and contribute to the overall stability of our nation”, Torres said. (PR)

News credit to: Philippine Information Agency (PIA)

National

Why We Should Vote for Rodante Marcoleta

Published

1 week ago

May 1, 2025

News Team

Rodante Marcoleta Campaign Photo

In a time when strong, principled leadership is more important than ever, Atty. Rodante Marcoleta emerges as a compelling choice for the Senate.

A seasoned lawmaker with a PhD in Public Administration, Marcoleta hails from Tarlac, Luzon and proudly represents the Kapampangan community. His background in law and governance has made him one of the most articulate and fearless voices in Congress.

He is best known as the principal author of the “Magna Carta of the Poor” (RA 11291)—a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring the rights and dignity of the underprivileged. Unfortunately, the current administration has failed to implement this vital law, but Marcoleta remains committed to championing the welfare of the marginalized.

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Marcoleta gained a reputation for standing his ground on critical national issues. His firm stance led to the removal of five of his committee positions in the 19th Congress, but he did not waver. One of the key issues he raised was the excessive cost of electricity in the country—a concern that continues to burden millions of Filipino households. Despite being repeatedly ignored in the House, he never stopped fighting for what he believed was right.

Marcoleta’s unwavering commitment to public service draw comparisons to the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, known for her fearless interrogation and mastery of debate. Electing Marcoleta to the Senate means reviving that same level of scrutiny, reason, and passion in the legislative process.

At a time when Filipinos are demanding real solutions and real action, Rodante Marcoleta is the kind of leader we need—principled, experienced, and unafraid to speak truth to power.

Let us give our support to someone who will fight for the people.

Let us bring Rodante Marcoleta to the Senate.

National

President Bongbong Marcos Turns Over 91 Ambulances to Northern Mindanao and BARMM

Published

2 weeks ago

April 23, 2025

Filman

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of 91 modern ambulances to the Northern Mindanao Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) yesterday, held at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Of the total units, 85 were distributed to various municipalities and cities across Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur. The remaining six units were allocated to the BARMM.

The turnover is part of a PHP 2.2 billion government initiative to acquire 1,000 ambulances for nationwide distribution, aimed at enhancing the emergency and disaster response capabilities of Local Government Units (LGUs).

These state-of-the-art Patient Transport Vehicles were provided through the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Each ambulance is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, and blood pressure monitor to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients during emergencies.

National

Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Jolts Parts of Mindanao

Published

2 weeks ago

April 23, 2025

News Team

Several areas in Mindanao were rocked by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on Tuesday night, causing panic among residents and prompting precautionary safety checks across affected communities.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake struck at around 10:00 p.m., with the epicenter located near the province of Davao del Sur. The tremor was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of 15 kilometers.

Strong shaking was felt in various parts of Mindanao, including Davao City, General Santos, Cotabato, and nearby provinces. In some areas, the quake lasted several seconds and caused items to fall from shelves and power outages to occur briefly.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, but local disaster response units were quickly mobilized to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected.

Phivolcs reminded residents in quake-prone areas to review emergency preparedness plans and stay updated through official channels for any developments.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur each year.

Source: PHIVOLCS