From the Daily Tribune (Nov 10): ‘Rigodon’ of generals looms
A top-level reshuffle in the Armed Forces of the Philippines is upcoming, affecting key positions in the 130,000-strong military organization to include the Intelligence Service of the AFP (Isafp). Erstwhile Isafp chief Maj. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo on Thursday official took over the helm as commanding general of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), thus rendering the top Isafp post vacant as of present. Reliable Camp Aguinaldo sources said that three members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983 are among those being considered to replace Ordoyo at Isafp, namely, Brig. Gens. Ramon Mateo Dizon and Hernando Iriberri and Col. Eduardo Ano. Dizon is currently the chief of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) while Iriberri is presently the senior military assistant of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Ano is assistant to the AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence or J2. “These three officers are equally qualified to take over Isafp,” a mid-ranking intelligence officer said. Another sensitive post, deputy chief of staff for operations or J3 was vacated by Maj. Gen. Nestor Anonuevo who was promoted as commanding general of the 4th ID based in Cagayan de Oro City. Sources said that Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, of PMA Class of 1981, is being groomed to take over as J3. Also, Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario, incumbent chief of the Army’s 2nd ID based in Tanay, Rizal, will be retiring this month. Sources said that PMA Supt. Maj. Gen. Nonato Peralta Jr. would be taking over the helm at 2nd ID. Being groomed to replace Peralta at the PMA is AFP Inspector General Lt. Gen. Ireneo Espino. Both Espino and Peralta are members of the PMA Class of 1979.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/6667-‘rigodon’-of-generals-looms
Friday, November 9, 2012
No VFA cover for dumping
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 10): No VFA cover for dumping
The United States Navy contractor accused of dumping hazardous waste into Subic Bay last month is not covered by the Visiting Forces Agreement between the US and the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Friday. “The VFA only covers US military personnel and US civilian personnel who are individuals employed by the US Armed Forces or those that accompany them such as employees of the American Red Cross and United Services Organization,” said Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, the DFA spokesperson. “Since Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc. cannot be considered US personnel, clearly its acts as third-party contractors are not covered by the VFA,” Hernandez said....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/55744/no-vfa-cover-for-dumping
The United States Navy contractor accused of dumping hazardous waste into Subic Bay last month is not covered by the Visiting Forces Agreement between the US and the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Friday. “The VFA only covers US military personnel and US civilian personnel who are individuals employed by the US Armed Forces or those that accompany them such as employees of the American Red Cross and United Services Organization,” said Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, the DFA spokesperson. “Since Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc. cannot be considered US personnel, clearly its acts as third-party contractors are not covered by the VFA,” Hernandez said....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/55744/no-vfa-cover-for-dumping
VFA body ‘blocked’ probe of US Navy contractor
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 10): VFA body ‘blocked’ probe of US Navy contractor
As early as 2011, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) had been looking into reports of toxic waste dumping by Glenn Defense Marine Asia, the Malaysia-based US Navy contractor, not just in Subic Bay but also in Manila Bay, the Inquirer has learned. But the agency’s efforts have been stymied by the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFACOM), according to Roberto Sheen, a former director of the EMB Central Luzon. Sheen said the EMB had been inquiring into the operations of Glenn Defense Marine Asia, which is engaged in the business of hauling out wastes accumulated by foreign vessels, including those from the US Navy.... Sheen said the EMB made an attempt to inspect the vessels of Glenn Defense but was barred from doing so by the VFACOM. The case remains unresolved, said Sheen, who was reassigned to the EMB office in Bicol on Aug. 3. Interestingly, he said that US Navy officials at the US Embassy had told him that Glenn Defense was not exempt under the terms of their contract from complying with Philippine laws. VFACOM executive director Edilberto Adan did not respond to the Inquirer’s inquiries....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/55752/vfa-body-blocked-probe-of-us-navy-contractor
As early as 2011, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) had been looking into reports of toxic waste dumping by Glenn Defense Marine Asia, the Malaysia-based US Navy contractor, not just in Subic Bay but also in Manila Bay, the Inquirer has learned. But the agency’s efforts have been stymied by the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFACOM), according to Roberto Sheen, a former director of the EMB Central Luzon. Sheen said the EMB had been inquiring into the operations of Glenn Defense Marine Asia, which is engaged in the business of hauling out wastes accumulated by foreign vessels, including those from the US Navy.... Sheen said the EMB made an attempt to inspect the vessels of Glenn Defense but was barred from doing so by the VFACOM. The case remains unresolved, said Sheen, who was reassigned to the EMB office in Bicol on Aug. 3. Interestingly, he said that US Navy officials at the US Embassy had told him that Glenn Defense was not exempt under the terms of their contract from complying with Philippine laws. VFACOM executive director Edilberto Adan did not respond to the Inquirer’s inquiries....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/55752/vfa-body-blocked-probe-of-us-navy-contractor
Group slams US Navy contractor for dumping toxic waste in Subic
From the Philippine Star (Nov 9): Group slams US Navy contractor for dumping toxic waste in Subic
An environmental group on Friday scored a US Navy contractor for allegedly dumping hazardous and toxic waste in Subic Bay in Zambales. Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) claimed that the operators of tanker MT Glenn Guardian dumped toxic waste in the bay. "This shows not only their disregard to the integrity of our environment and the health of our people but also an affront to our national sovereignty,"Clemente Bautista of Kalikasan-PNE said. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has earlier accused operators of MT Glenn Guardian of intentionally dumping tons of toxic wastes to the waters of Subic Bay. The SBMA has previously conducted laboratory testing and has proven that the tanker is carrying hazardous and toxic materials. However, the tanker owners invoked their right under the US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that the company and its operation in Philippine territory is not covered by Philippine laws thus cannot be held accountable by the Philippine government and its agencies. "The US left toxic wastes in Clark and Subic when they left in 1991. They have not yet cleaned this up and is now again party causing another toxic contamination on our shores," Bautista said. He said the Aquino government should sue the official of the US tanker and seize the sea vessel. "President Aquino should order the urgent filing of a criminal case, the arrest the officers and officials of MT Glenn Guardian, and confiscate their assets in the Philippines. After requiring them to pay their liabilities, authorities should immediately expel Glenn Defense Marine Asia and its vessels and bar them from further operating in the Philippines,” Bautista added. Based on the website information of Glenn Defense, retired and former Chief of Philippine Navy Mateo Mayuga is one of the top rank officials of company and heads its operation here in the Philippines. Glenn Defense is regularly servicing the US Naval forces.
Military civilian asset, son killed in Zambo City ambush
From the Philippine Star (Nov 9): Military civilian asset, son killed in Zambo City ambush
A civilian asset, who had helped in pinpointing Abu Sayyaf militants, and his son were killed while his daughter was seriously wounded in a gun attack in a coastal village here last Thursday, police said. Chief Inspector Roberto Marcos, police Station 10 commander, identified the fatalities as Jack Hamja Lahaman, 46, and his six-year-old son Justine. Wounded was Lahaman’s seven-year-old daughter Claire Ann Jane, while nine-year-old son Jayvin was unhurt. Police said Lahaman and his children were on their way home from school onboard a motorcycle when they were fired at by two unidentified men.
http://new.philstar.com/nation/2012/11/10/864852/military-civilian-asset-son-killed-zambo-city-ambush
A civilian asset, who had helped in pinpointing Abu Sayyaf militants, and his son were killed while his daughter was seriously wounded in a gun attack in a coastal village here last Thursday, police said. Chief Inspector Roberto Marcos, police Station 10 commander, identified the fatalities as Jack Hamja Lahaman, 46, and his six-year-old son Justine. Wounded was Lahaman’s seven-year-old daughter Claire Ann Jane, while nine-year-old son Jayvin was unhurt. Police said Lahaman and his children were on their way home from school onboard a motorcycle when they were fired at by two unidentified men.
http://new.philstar.com/nation/2012/11/10/864852/military-civilian-asset-son-killed-zambo-city-ambush
1 rebel killed, rifles recovered in Surigao
From the Philippine Star (Nov 10): 1 rebel killed, rifles recovered in Surigao
Government troops clashed anew with leftist rebels in southern Philippines yesterday, killing one insurgent and seizing a number of rifles, the military said today. The encounter happened as soldiers conducting combat patrol in the vicinity of Caras-an village, Tago town, in Surigao del Sur province chanced upon some 25 heavily-armed guerrillas of the New People's Army (NPA) at around 9:55 a.m. Thursday, said Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Julio Osias IV, spokesperson of the army's 4th Infantry Division. "A 30-minute fire fight ensued that resulted to the killing of an unidentified rebel whose body was recovered at the scene of fire fight. No one from the government troops was hurt," Lieutenant Colonel Osias said in a statement. The soldiers also recovered an AK-47 and M-16 assault rifles. The army spokesperson said pursuit operation against the fleeing insurgents is going on. The 4,000-strong NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been fighting a 43-year leftist insurgency in 60 Philippine provinces.
http://new.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/11/10/864921/1-rebel-killed-rifles-recovered-surigao
Government troops clashed anew with leftist rebels in southern Philippines yesterday, killing one insurgent and seizing a number of rifles, the military said today. The encounter happened as soldiers conducting combat patrol in the vicinity of Caras-an village, Tago town, in Surigao del Sur province chanced upon some 25 heavily-armed guerrillas of the New People's Army (NPA) at around 9:55 a.m. Thursday, said Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Julio Osias IV, spokesperson of the army's 4th Infantry Division. "A 30-minute fire fight ensued that resulted to the killing of an unidentified rebel whose body was recovered at the scene of fire fight. No one from the government troops was hurt," Lieutenant Colonel Osias said in a statement. The soldiers also recovered an AK-47 and M-16 assault rifles. The army spokesperson said pursuit operation against the fleeing insurgents is going on. The 4,000-strong NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been fighting a 43-year leftist insurgency in 60 Philippine provinces.
http://new.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/11/10/864921/1-rebel-killed-rifles-recovered-surigao
MILF: Moros warned of fake recruiters for ‘Bangsamoro Police’
Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 10): Moros warned of fake recruiters for ‘Bangsamoro Police’
Moros especially in Zamboanga City and Sulu are warned not to be duped into believing that the MILF is recruiting members of the so-called Bangsamoro Police after the government and MILF signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacañang Palace on October 15. Unscrupulous persons posing as MILF officials are asking young Moros to apply for membership in the proposed Bangsamoro Police and are asked to fill-up an application form and afterward asked them to pay for P500.00 as filing fee. The applicants were also assured of a slot if they pay P2,000.00. Most cases of this false recruitment were reported in Zamboanga and Sulu. Similar incidents were also reported in Tawi-Tawi. Asked to comment on this, Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, branded the recruitment as plain and simple syndicate. “How could the MILF recruit policemen when the issue of policing is yet to be discussed by the parties this month in Kuala Lumpur?” he asked....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2926:moros-warned-of-fake-recruiters-for-bangsamoro-police&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Moros especially in Zamboanga City and Sulu are warned not to be duped into believing that the MILF is recruiting members of the so-called Bangsamoro Police after the government and MILF signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacañang Palace on October 15. Unscrupulous persons posing as MILF officials are asking young Moros to apply for membership in the proposed Bangsamoro Police and are asked to fill-up an application form and afterward asked them to pay for P500.00 as filing fee. The applicants were also assured of a slot if they pay P2,000.00. Most cases of this false recruitment were reported in Zamboanga and Sulu. Similar incidents were also reported in Tawi-Tawi. Asked to comment on this, Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, branded the recruitment as plain and simple syndicate. “How could the MILF recruit policemen when the issue of policing is yet to be discussed by the parties this month in Kuala Lumpur?” he asked....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2926:moros-warned-of-fake-recruiters-for-bangsamoro-police&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
CPP/Ang Bayan: PAMANA and Kalahi-CDISS, counter-revolutionary and anti-development
Ang Bayan article posted to the CPP Website (Nov 7): PAMANA at Kalahi-CIDSS, kontra-rebolusyonaryo at kontra-kaunlaran (PAMANA and Kalahi-CDISS, counter-revolutionary and anti-development)
[The following is gist of key points in the article. My Tagalog is too rusty to do a verbatim translation]
PAMANA and Kalahi-CDISS are two programs that are implemented as part of the counter-revolutionary war Oplan Bayanihan (OPB). The 1.9 billion pesos dedicated to these programs are part of the psywar efforts of the U.S.-Aquino regime.under the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP). In Eastern Visayas, funds were poured into the area believed to be under the control of the powerful revolutionary movement, including the province ofSamar , which was given P17.6 million.
In June, PAMANA launched projects in 60 villages
in order to fight the
forces of the New People's Army....
Obviously these progarms are part of Oplan Bayanihan and are implemented by the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion of the AFP rather than by the civilian personnel/agencies of the reactionary government. The implementation of these programs include propaganda activities against the revolutionary movement and the establishment of intelligence net in the area.....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121107/pamana-at-kalahi-cidss-kontra-rebolusyonaryo-at-kontra-kaunlaran
[The following is gist of key points in the article. My Tagalog is too rusty to do a verbatim translation]
PAMANA and Kalahi-CDISS are two programs that are implemented as part of the counter-revolutionary war Oplan Bayanihan (OPB). The 1.9 billion pesos dedicated to these programs are part of the psywar efforts of the U.S.-Aquino regime.under the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP). In Eastern Visayas, funds were poured into the area believed to be under the control of the powerful revolutionary movement, including the province of
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121107/pamana-at-kalahi-cidss-kontra-rebolusyonaryo-at-kontra-kaunlaran
2 kidnappers of Irish priest arrested in S. Philippines
Posted to the Global Times (Nov 9): 2 kidnappers of Irish priest arrested in S. Philippines
Two members of a notorious kidnap-for-ransom group believed to be behind the abduction of an Irish priest were arrested in southern Philippines on Thursday, a military official said Friday. The 1st Army Division arrested Montasser Mangoda Ratarta and Rachmodin Vel Andih who are members of a lost command group led by Amie Andih. The group operates in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The two were arrested in the group's safehouse in Upper Bayao village, Tukuran town in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur. Government security forces tried to arrest Andih but he managed to escape. Andih's group is said to be behind the abduction of Michael Sinnott in Pagadian City last October 2009. The Irish priest was released a month after he was abducted....
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/743390.shtml
Two members of a notorious kidnap-for-ransom group believed to be behind the abduction of an Irish priest were arrested in southern Philippines on Thursday, a military official said Friday. The 1st Army Division arrested Montasser Mangoda Ratarta and Rachmodin Vel Andih who are members of a lost command group led by Amie Andih. The group operates in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The two were arrested in the group's safehouse in Upper Bayao village, Tukuran town in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur. Government security forces tried to arrest Andih but he managed to escape. Andih's group is said to be behind the abduction of Michael Sinnott in Pagadian City last October 2009. The Irish priest was released a month after he was abducted....
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/743390.shtml
Tulawie yet to be moved to Manila
From the Sun Star-Davao (Nov 9): Tulawie yet to be moved to Manila
BARELY a month after the case records were forwarded to the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Manila, Temogen S. Tulawie, a suspect in the May 2009 bombing in Patikul, Sulu, remains in detention at the Davao City Jail. The Supreme Court (SC) has yet to resolve the motion for reconsideration filed by lawyer Glocelito Jayma, one of the three counsels for Tulawie. The case records on violation of Section 3 in relation to section 3-c of Republic Act 8294 (Illegal Possession of Firearms), multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder cases were already forwarded to RTC-Office of the Clerk of Court in Manila on October 4. The SC granted the petition of complainant Sulu Governor Abdulsakur Tan to transfer the venue of case trial from RTC Davao to any regular court in Manila. In a phone interview Friday, Davao City jail warden Superintendent Isabelo V. Cartin Jr. said the accused is still detained in their jail facility, pending the order of the SC directing them for the transfer of Tulawie in Manila. "As of now, wala pa gyud order ang SC (There is no SC order yet)," Cartin said. He said Tulawie, in fact, keeps on inquiring them about the status of the pending motion. "Anyway, the SC will furnish us a copy of the resolution as well as his counsel," he said. If granted by the SC, he said they will be coordinating with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Manila for the transport of the accused. "By plane siguro ang pag balhin sa iya," Cartin said. He said at least four guards will escort Tulawie to Manila, considering the threats he had received on his life.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/11/09/tulawie-yet-be-moved-manila-252506
BARELY a month after the case records were forwarded to the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Manila, Temogen S. Tulawie, a suspect in the May 2009 bombing in Patikul, Sulu, remains in detention at the Davao City Jail. The Supreme Court (SC) has yet to resolve the motion for reconsideration filed by lawyer Glocelito Jayma, one of the three counsels for Tulawie. The case records on violation of Section 3 in relation to section 3-c of Republic Act 8294 (Illegal Possession of Firearms), multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder cases were already forwarded to RTC-Office of the Clerk of Court in Manila on October 4. The SC granted the petition of complainant Sulu Governor Abdulsakur Tan to transfer the venue of case trial from RTC Davao to any regular court in Manila. In a phone interview Friday, Davao City jail warden Superintendent Isabelo V. Cartin Jr. said the accused is still detained in their jail facility, pending the order of the SC directing them for the transfer of Tulawie in Manila. "As of now, wala pa gyud order ang SC (There is no SC order yet)," Cartin said. He said Tulawie, in fact, keeps on inquiring them about the status of the pending motion. "Anyway, the SC will furnish us a copy of the resolution as well as his counsel," he said. If granted by the SC, he said they will be coordinating with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Manila for the transport of the accused. "By plane siguro ang pag balhin sa iya," Cartin said. He said at least four guards will escort Tulawie to Manila, considering the threats he had received on his life.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/11/09/tulawie-yet-be-moved-manila-252506
MILF: Moro dev’t agency holds training on value transformation
From the MILF Website (Nov 9): Moro dev’t agency holds training on value transformation
The Bangsamoro Development Agency-Southern Mindanao (BDA-SouthMin) Region held a two-day Training of Trainers on Values Transformation on November 6 and 7, 2012 at BJ’s Lechon Manok at General Santos City geared to equip the participants with comprehensive knowledge on values and its importance in personal development and development works. The training was participated (in) by nine BDA-SouthMin staff and nine Asatidz (Islamic school teachers) who will be dispatched to nine beneficiary barangays in Sarangani Province to facilitate similar training as part of the social preparation for the Community Volunteers (CVs). The CVs come from Barangays Mindupok, Ticulab and Maguling in Maitum; Barangays Lumasal, Daliao and Amsipit in Maasim; and Barangays Lun Masla, Libi and Tuyan in Malapatan. These communities will receive development assistance from the Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Program funded by the European Union, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, USA, Australia, Sweden and the World Bank....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2923:moro-devt-agency-holds-training-on-value-transformation&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Bangsamoro Development Agency-Southern Mindanao (BDA-SouthMin) Region held a two-day Training of Trainers on Values Transformation on November 6 and 7, 2012 at BJ’s Lechon Manok at General Santos City geared to equip the participants with comprehensive knowledge on values and its importance in personal development and development works. The training was participated (in) by nine BDA-SouthMin staff and nine Asatidz (Islamic school teachers) who will be dispatched to nine beneficiary barangays in Sarangani Province to facilitate similar training as part of the social preparation for the Community Volunteers (CVs). The CVs come from Barangays Mindupok, Ticulab and Maguling in Maitum; Barangays Lumasal, Daliao and Amsipit in Maasim; and Barangays Lun Masla, Libi and Tuyan in Malapatan. These communities will receive development assistance from the Mindanao Trust Fund-Reconstruction and Development Program funded by the European Union, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, USA, Australia, Sweden and the World Bank....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2923:moro-devt-agency-holds-training-on-value-transformation&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Photos: AFP, Guam National Guard Conduct Briefing at the Consulate on State Partnership Program
Posted to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (Nov 8): Photos: AFP, Guam National Guard Conduct Briefing at the Consulate on State Partnership Program
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/news-from-rp-embassies/6765-afp-guam-national-guard-conduct-briefing-at-the-consulate-on-state-partnership-program
8 November 2012- Guam National Guard, headed by Major
General Benny M. Paulino, together with Col. David B. Riano, Col. George L.
Cherfauros, Jr. Maj. Jumariel V. Castro, Capt. Ken S. Ole and Msg. Jocelyn
Salas, visited the Philippine Consulate General in Agana 
Philippine, Indian Coast Guards conduct joint exercise
From the Sun Star (Nov 9): Philippine, Indian Coast Guards conduct joint exercise
An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) vessel has arrived in Manila for a five-day goodwill visit, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday. The ship SAMRAT, meaning "Emperor," arrived in Manila on Thursday and its personnel will be having several training activities with its counterparts in the Philippine Coast Guard. "The training will include an anti-piracy exercise which will be headed by the Commander of Coast Guard Fleet in coordination with Non-Resident Defense Attaché, High Commission of India and ICG SAMRAT. The visit will also include sports activities to further foster a strong working and personal bond between the Indian Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard," the agency said. ICG SAMRAT is an advance offshore patrol vessel designed and built indigenously by M/S Goa Shipyard Limited, India, and was commissioned on January 21, 2012. It has an overall length of 105 meters with 2,300 gross tonnages and maximum speed of 25 knots. The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), high power with extended range External Fire Fighting System, Deluge System and two indigenously built medium range 30 mm Gun Mounts with remote control firing provisions. The “Infra Red Surveillance System” installed on board is an additional capability for the ship’s crew to detect targets during dark hours. The ship is based at Mumbai and is currently commanded by DIG Mukesh Purohit, TM.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/09/philippine-indian-coast-guards-conduct-joint-exercise-252446
An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) vessel has arrived in Manila for a five-day goodwill visit, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday. The ship SAMRAT, meaning "Emperor," arrived in Manila on Thursday and its personnel will be having several training activities with its counterparts in the Philippine Coast Guard. "The training will include an anti-piracy exercise which will be headed by the Commander of Coast Guard Fleet in coordination with Non-Resident Defense Attaché, High Commission of India and ICG SAMRAT. The visit will also include sports activities to further foster a strong working and personal bond between the Indian Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard," the agency said. ICG SAMRAT is an advance offshore patrol vessel designed and built indigenously by M/S Goa Shipyard Limited, India, and was commissioned on January 21, 2012. It has an overall length of 105 meters with 2,300 gross tonnages and maximum speed of 25 knots. The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), high power with extended range External Fire Fighting System, Deluge System and two indigenously built medium range 30 mm Gun Mounts with remote control firing provisions. The “Infra Red Surveillance System” installed on board is an additional capability for the ship’s crew to detect targets during dark hours. The ship is based at Mumbai and is currently commanded by DIG Mukesh Purohit, TM.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/09/philippine-indian-coast-guards-conduct-joint-exercise-252446
Security forces capture 2 notorious kidnappers in Pagadian City
From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 9): Security forces capture 2 notorious kidnappers in Pagadian
City
Security forces captured 2 notorious bandits tagged as behind the series of kidnappings for ransom and murder of six people in the southern Philippines, an army spokesman said Friday. Captain Alberto Caber, of the 1st Infantry Division, said soldiers and policemen raided a hideout of bandit leader Amie Andi at a village in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur and captured Montasser Ratarta and Rachmodin Andi. “Their leader was not in the hideout when security forces stormed the place, but the operation is continuing for the capture of Amie Andi,” he told the Mindanao Examiner. Caber said Andi’s group was behind the kidnappings of Filipino traders and foreigners in Zamboanga Peninsula and was implicated in the murder of 6 people, including three children, in the town of Lapuyan in February.... Regional army chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said he ordered soldiers to hunt down Andi who is believed to be hiding in Zamboanga del Sur province. “There shall be no let-up of pursuit operations against those responsible in the series of killings and kidnappings in Western Mindanao,” he said. Cruz appealed to the public to help military and police authorities by providing information about Andi’s group. “The public must realize that their role in peace and security in the region is vital to the success of the security operations,” he said. He said the two bandits are currently being interrogated in Pagadian City.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121109021845
Security forces captured 2 notorious bandits tagged as behind the series of kidnappings for ransom and murder of six people in the southern Philippines, an army spokesman said Friday. Captain Alberto Caber, of the 1st Infantry Division, said soldiers and policemen raided a hideout of bandit leader Amie Andi at a village in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur and captured Montasser Ratarta and Rachmodin Andi. “Their leader was not in the hideout when security forces stormed the place, but the operation is continuing for the capture of Amie Andi,” he told the Mindanao Examiner. Caber said Andi’s group was behind the kidnappings of Filipino traders and foreigners in Zamboanga Peninsula and was implicated in the murder of 6 people, including three children, in the town of Lapuyan in February.... Regional army chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said he ordered soldiers to hunt down Andi who is believed to be hiding in Zamboanga del Sur province. “There shall be no let-up of pursuit operations against those responsible in the series of killings and kidnappings in Western Mindanao,” he said. Cruz appealed to the public to help military and police authorities by providing information about Andi’s group. “The public must realize that their role in peace and security in the region is vital to the success of the security operations,” he said. He said the two bandits are currently being interrogated in Pagadian City.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121109021845
Army joins peace run in Neg.Or.
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 9): Army
joins peace run in Neg.Or.
A run for peace and solidarity for Negros Oriental and Mindanao kicked off yesterday in Canlaon City with soldiers of the Army’s 302nd Brigade and the 11th Infantry Battalion participating, a press release from the Army said. The run is a relay format with Canlaon City to Dumaguete City and Basay to Dumaguete City routes, and consisting of six legs, traversing Guihulngan, Bais, Mabinay to Dumaguete via Pamplona; and from Siaton to Valencia to Dumaguete, respectively, the press release said.... Meanwhile, a peace forum will be conducted by the Brigade at 1 p.m. today at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. Similar activities were held yesterday in Bais and Siaton, the press release added.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/09/negor5.htm
A run for peace and solidarity for Negros Oriental and Mindanao kicked off yesterday in Canlaon City with soldiers of the Army’s 302nd Brigade and the 11th Infantry Battalion participating, a press release from the Army said. The run is a relay format with Canlaon City to Dumaguete City and Basay to Dumaguete City routes, and consisting of six legs, traversing Guihulngan, Bais, Mabinay to Dumaguete via Pamplona; and from Siaton to Valencia to Dumaguete, respectively, the press release said.... Meanwhile, a peace forum will be conducted by the Brigade at 1 p.m. today at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. Similar activities were held yesterday in Bais and Siaton, the press release added.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/09/negor5.htm
Army ready to dialog with HR advocates
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 9): Army ready to
dialog with HR advocates
Major General Jose Mabanta, 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday said they are open to a dialog with human rights advocates in Negros and Panay, to stop human rights abuses in Western Visayas. This was after human rights group Karapatan-Negros condemned the alleged involvement of an Army soldier in the killing of a farmer in Toboso, Negros Occidental, last month. Mabanta said that while they are more than willing to cooperate with Karapatan-Negros, he is asking them to present evidences, to the Philippine Army so it can immediately conduct more intensive investigations. Army Sgt. Levi Tejano, a member of the 61st Infantry Battalion, was released on October 29, almost four days after he was detained for the alleged shooting to death of Vicente Villanueva in Brgy. San Jose, Toboso, after the family of the victim failed to file charges against him, police investigations show.... Tejano and Villanueva, who claimed to be a member of the New People’s Army, were having drinks on Oct. 24 and traded shots, after a heated debate over the communist ideology and democracy, investigations by the Toboso police showed.... Villanueva and Tejano, both residents of Brgy. San Jose, Toboso, and who were classmates during their elementary years, were at the house of Tejano, when the alleged shoot-out took place. Villanueva allegedly poked a homemade gun at the soldier, who was about to leave, Zuniega said....
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/09/topstory8.htm
Major General Jose Mabanta, 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday said they are open to a dialog with human rights advocates in Negros and Panay, to stop human rights abuses in Western Visayas. This was after human rights group Karapatan-Negros condemned the alleged involvement of an Army soldier in the killing of a farmer in Toboso, Negros Occidental, last month. Mabanta said that while they are more than willing to cooperate with Karapatan-Negros, he is asking them to present evidences, to the Philippine Army so it can immediately conduct more intensive investigations. Army Sgt. Levi Tejano, a member of the 61st Infantry Battalion, was released on October 29, almost four days after he was detained for the alleged shooting to death of Vicente Villanueva in Brgy. San Jose, Toboso, after the family of the victim failed to file charges against him, police investigations show.... Tejano and Villanueva, who claimed to be a member of the New People’s Army, were having drinks on Oct. 24 and traded shots, after a heated debate over the communist ideology and democracy, investigations by the Toboso police showed.... Villanueva and Tejano, both residents of Brgy. San Jose, Toboso, and who were classmates during their elementary years, were at the house of Tejano, when the alleged shoot-out took place. Villanueva allegedly poked a homemade gun at the soldier, who was about to leave, Zuniega said....
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/09/topstory8.htm
‘Not the trash bin of a superpower’: Solons, groups denounce Subic toxic waste dumping
From InterAksyon (Nov 9): ‘Not the trash bin of a superpower’: Solons, groups denounce Subic toxic waste dumping
Lawmakers and cause-oriented groups on Friday denounced the alleged dumping of toxic waste on Subic Bay by a Malaysian contractor that services American ships in the Philippines. They said the U.S. contractor, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc., cannot use the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to escape accountability. Also, they said the U.S. government should likewise be held liable for the alleged dumping incident. Sen. Loren Legarda said it is “shameless” for Glenn Defense “to hide beneath the VFA and raise juridical issues” on the matter.... Meanwhile, Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Teodoro Casino Jr. called for the immediate suspension of the operations of the Glenn Defense in the Philippines.... In a separate statement, Akbayan partylist Representative Walden Bello said the action “shows a wanton disregard for Philippine laws and lack of concern for environmental safety." “We have been reduced to being the trash bin of a superpower. It seems that our environmental laws and safety counts for nothing to the United States government,” said Bello.... For its part, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) also said U.S. forces should also be held liable for the dumping incident. Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes Jr., said the incident “underscores the dangers brought by the prolonged presence of US troops and ships in the Philippines.”....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47648/not-the-trash-bin-of-a-superpower-solons-groups-denounce-subic-toxic-waste-dumping
Lawmakers and cause-oriented groups on Friday denounced the alleged dumping of toxic waste on Subic Bay by a Malaysian contractor that services American ships in the Philippines. They said the U.S. contractor, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc., cannot use the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to escape accountability. Also, they said the U.S. government should likewise be held liable for the alleged dumping incident. Sen. Loren Legarda said it is “shameless” for Glenn Defense “to hide beneath the VFA and raise juridical issues” on the matter.... Meanwhile, Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Teodoro Casino Jr. called for the immediate suspension of the operations of the Glenn Defense in the Philippines.... In a separate statement, Akbayan partylist Representative Walden Bello said the action “shows a wanton disregard for Philippine laws and lack of concern for environmental safety." “We have been reduced to being the trash bin of a superpower. It seems that our environmental laws and safety counts for nothing to the United States government,” said Bello.... For its part, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) also said U.S. forces should also be held liable for the dumping incident. Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes Jr., said the incident “underscores the dangers brought by the prolonged presence of US troops and ships in the Philippines.”....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47648/not-the-trash-bin-of-a-superpower-solons-groups-denounce-subic-toxic-waste-dumping
Senate to probe Subic 'toxic waste' dumping
From Rappler (Nov 9): Senate to probe Subic 'toxic waste' dumping
Senators are seeking an investigation into reports that a US Navy contractor dumped hazardous waste on Subic Bay last month. Sen Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Friday, November 9, filed a resolution to conduct an inquiry into reports that Glenn Defense Marines Asia, a Malaysian company which services American ships in the Philippines, dumped liquid waste collected from joint military exercises in October. The resolution cited media reports that said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials found 189,500 liters of domestic waste and 760 liters of bilge water in the company's tanker, MT Glenn Guardian, during an inspection on October 15. When officials returned to take samples the next day, the cargo had been dumped into the sea without the necessary permits, according to the same reports. The captain of the ship, Edilberto Acedilla, reportedly told the officials that the water in the tanks had been treated, but a test conducted by SBMA officials showed that the toxicity of the liquid waste that was left in the ship exceeded levels set by international marine pollution conventions. Sen Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, concurred with Santiago's resolution, warning that the alleged incident could spell an environmental disaster. “If it's proven that Glenn Defense Marine Asia had indeed dumped hazardous wastes on Subic Bay, they should immediately be made to dispose of the wastes properly as mandated by our environmental laws and international ecological standards and pay for all damages,” he said....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/15819-senate-to-probe-subic-toxic-waster-dumping
Senators are seeking an investigation into reports that a US Navy contractor dumped hazardous waste on Subic Bay last month. Sen Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Friday, November 9, filed a resolution to conduct an inquiry into reports that Glenn Defense Marines Asia, a Malaysian company which services American ships in the Philippines, dumped liquid waste collected from joint military exercises in October. The resolution cited media reports that said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials found 189,500 liters of domestic waste and 760 liters of bilge water in the company's tanker, MT Glenn Guardian, during an inspection on October 15. When officials returned to take samples the next day, the cargo had been dumped into the sea without the necessary permits, according to the same reports. The captain of the ship, Edilberto Acedilla, reportedly told the officials that the water in the tanks had been treated, but a test conducted by SBMA officials showed that the toxicity of the liquid waste that was left in the ship exceeded levels set by international marine pollution conventions. Sen Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, concurred with Santiago's resolution, warning that the alleged incident could spell an environmental disaster. “If it's proven that Glenn Defense Marine Asia had indeed dumped hazardous wastes on Subic Bay, they should immediately be made to dispose of the wastes properly as mandated by our environmental laws and international ecological standards and pay for all damages,” he said....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/15819-senate-to-probe-subic-toxic-waster-dumping
Police and military authorities ready to file murder charges against the New People's Army for the ambush of four soldiers
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9): Police and military authorities ready to file murder charges against the New People's Army for the ambush of four soldiers
The police and military have joined forces to expedite the investigation and filing of cases against the perpetrators involved in the ambush that killed four soldiers in Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District on November 4. Superintendent Johnson Almazan, chief of the Investigation and Detection Management Service of the Davao City Police Office said their operatives are working closely with the soldiers in filing murder charges against the rebels as he underscored the need to bring the perpetrators to the bar of justice. Paquibato is a known lair of rebel leader Leoncio Pitao, alias Kumander Parago of the Pulang Bagani Command 1 of the New People’s Army. Almazan said that the complaints against the rebel leaders in Paquibato have been piling up due to the harassment perpetrated by the rebel movement on the residents and soldiers. “They can be literally covered by the arrest warrants due to the complaints filed against them,” he said. Almazan said the ambush warrants the filing of murder charges since the soldiers were unarmed and were on errand when the atrocity happened. He said the latest ambush must not be taken for granted as it showed the excesses of the rebels....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381352427820
The police and military have joined forces to expedite the investigation and filing of cases against the perpetrators involved in the ambush that killed four soldiers in Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District on November 4. Superintendent Johnson Almazan, chief of the Investigation and Detection Management Service of the Davao City Police Office said their operatives are working closely with the soldiers in filing murder charges against the rebels as he underscored the need to bring the perpetrators to the bar of justice. Paquibato is a known lair of rebel leader Leoncio Pitao, alias Kumander Parago of the Pulang Bagani Command 1 of the New People’s Army. Almazan said that the complaints against the rebel leaders in Paquibato have been piling up due to the harassment perpetrated by the rebel movement on the residents and soldiers. “They can be literally covered by the arrest warrants due to the complaints filed against them,” he said. Almazan said the ambush warrants the filing of murder charges since the soldiers were unarmed and were on errand when the atrocity happened. He said the latest ambush must not be taken for granted as it showed the excesses of the rebels....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381352427820
Nolcom, ABS-CBN Foundation, DepEd open newly constructed two classrooms
From the Philippine Information Agency (nov 9): Nolcom, ABS-CBN Foundation, DepEd open newly constructed two classrooms
Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), Department of Education (DepEd), and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc. on Tuesday opened newly constructed two-classroom school buildings in Tarlac. School-recipients were San Raymundo Elementary School in Ramos town and Malinta Elementary School in barangay Villa Aglipay in San Jose town. “The project is part of the IPSP Bayanihan campaign where pooling of resources and the convergence of efforts of every stakeholder is being initiated towards fulfilling the national government’s desire to address some of the basic needs of its people,” said Nolcom Information Office chief 2nd Lt. Oscar Zaldivar...
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561352381507
Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), Department of Education (DepEd), and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc. on Tuesday opened newly constructed two-classroom school buildings in Tarlac. School-recipients were San Raymundo Elementary School in Ramos town and Malinta Elementary School in barangay Villa Aglipay in San Jose town. “The project is part of the IPSP Bayanihan campaign where pooling of resources and the convergence of efforts of every stakeholder is being initiated towards fulfilling the national government’s desire to address some of the basic needs of its people,” said Nolcom Information Office chief 2nd Lt. Oscar Zaldivar...
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561352381507
South Cotabato exec sees surrender of more NPA rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9): South Cotabato exec sees surrender of
more NPA rebels
The provincial government of South Cotabato is optimistic that more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area will surrender in the coming months due to the continuing implementation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP). Lawyer Hilario de Pedro III, South Cotabato provincialadministrator, said the initial CLIP beneficiaries in the province reported that some of their active comrades have signified interest to lay down their firearms and instead avail of the program. The local government is presently working for the inclusion into the program of 18 former members of the Front 73of the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) committee. In a joint CLIP validation and authentication committee (JVAC) meeting in Koronadal, de Pedro said the provincial government is fully committed to assist the 18 rebel returnees through the integration program. The JVAC meeting was held purposely to verify information about the 18 rebel returnees, who recently signified to take part in the program. The prospective CLIP recipients, who were residents of Surallah and Lake Sebu towns in South Cotabato, are presently under the custody of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) led by Lt. Col. Zhalimar Imperial....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=470053
The provincial government of South Cotabato is optimistic that more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area will surrender in the coming months due to the continuing implementation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP). Lawyer Hilario de Pedro III, South Cotabato provincialadministrator, said the initial CLIP beneficiaries in the province reported that some of their active comrades have signified interest to lay down their firearms and instead avail of the program. The local government is presently working for the inclusion into the program of 18 former members of the Front 73of the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) committee. In a joint CLIP validation and authentication committee (JVAC) meeting in Koronadal, de Pedro said the provincial government is fully committed to assist the 18 rebel returnees through the integration program. The JVAC meeting was held purposely to verify information about the 18 rebel returnees, who recently signified to take part in the program. The prospective CLIP recipients, who were residents of Surallah and Lake Sebu towns in South Cotabato, are presently under the custody of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) led by Lt. Col. Zhalimar Imperial....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=470053
Army replacement in Davao del Sur town only task force augmentation
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9): Army replacement in Davao del Sur
town only task force augmentation
A military official has clarified it was not the entire Army battalion that was pulled out but just its augmentation unit to Task Force Kitaco, named after the towns of Kiblawan (Davao del Sur), Tampakan (South Cotabato) and Columbio (Sultan Kudarat). Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, said only a unit of the 27th Infantry Battalion was replaced by the 39th IB, purposely to decrease the tension in the area following the Oct 18 incident that killed B’laan tribal leader Daguil Capion’s wife and two sons. Paniza also said Capt. Joel Wayagwag also replaced Lt. Col. Alexis Bravo as the task force commander, who earlier quit his post as commander of the 27th IB. “We are hoping that the tension there would slowly subside following the replacement of troops there,” he said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=469942
A military official has clarified it was not the entire Army battalion that was pulled out but just its augmentation unit to Task Force Kitaco, named after the towns of Kiblawan (Davao del Sur), Tampakan (South Cotabato) and Columbio (Sultan Kudarat). Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, said only a unit of the 27th Infantry Battalion was replaced by the 39th IB, purposely to decrease the tension in the area following the Oct 18 incident that killed B’laan tribal leader Daguil Capion’s wife and two sons. Paniza also said Capt. Joel Wayagwag also replaced Lt. Col. Alexis Bravo as the task force commander, who earlier quit his post as commander of the 27th IB. “We are hoping that the tension there would slowly subside following the replacement of troops there,” he said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=469942
BAYAN: US forces also liable for toxic waste dump in Subic
Posted to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN-New Patriotic Alliance) Website (Nov 9): US forces also liable for toxic waste dump in Subic
Press Statement
November 9, 2012
Renato M. Reyes, Jr, BAYAN secretary general
Recent reports that toxic wastes from US warships were being dumped in Subic again underscores the dangers brought by the prolonged presence of US troops and ships in the Philippines. These dangers now increase with the Obama government’s plan to rebalance most of its military assets towards Asia. It is not just the private military contractor Glenn Marine Defense which should be held liable. It is the US government who is ultimately liable since the wastes are brought to our country by US warships.
Subic is virtually a US naval outpost now as more and more US subs and warships dock at the former base. More US warships mean more wastes. Those responsible for the waste dump must clean up the mess and pay damages to the Filipino people.The use of private military contractors like Glenn Defense Marine Philippines is merely a ploy for the US government to escape any accountability. The US government has failed to clean up its toxic wastes when it still operated US bases in our country. Now, under the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, the US is again making use of our ports and bringing in hazardous toxic wastes, and escaping any liability for its actions. Under the VFA, the Philippine government cannot even inspect US warships that bring hazardous materials in our territory.
The long term (solution) to these toxic wastes is to stop US military exercises and end US military presence in the country. The private military contractor should eventually be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. While the probe is ongoing, any scheduled Balikatan exercises, and any scheduled port call by US warships and submarines, should be suspended immediately. The Aquino government must stop playing the role of US stooge and assert our national interest in this matter.
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/us-forces-also-liable-for-toxic-waste-dump-in-subic/
Press Statement
November 9, 2012
Renato M. Reyes, Jr, BAYAN secretary general
Recent reports that toxic wastes from US warships were being dumped in Subic again underscores the dangers brought by the prolonged presence of US troops and ships in the Philippines. These dangers now increase with the Obama government’s plan to rebalance most of its military assets towards Asia. It is not just the private military contractor Glenn Marine Defense which should be held liable. It is the US government who is ultimately liable since the wastes are brought to our country by US warships.
Subic is virtually a US naval outpost now as more and more US subs and warships dock at the former base. More US warships mean more wastes. Those responsible for the waste dump must clean up the mess and pay damages to the Filipino people.The use of private military contractors like Glenn Defense Marine Philippines is merely a ploy for the US government to escape any accountability. The US government has failed to clean up its toxic wastes when it still operated US bases in our country. Now, under the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, the US is again making use of our ports and bringing in hazardous toxic wastes, and escaping any liability for its actions. Under the VFA, the Philippine government cannot even inspect US warships that bring hazardous materials in our territory.
The long term (solution) to these toxic wastes is to stop US military exercises and end US military presence in the country. The private military contractor should eventually be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. While the probe is ongoing, any scheduled Balikatan exercises, and any scheduled port call by US warships and submarines, should be suspended immediately. The Aquino government must stop playing the role of US stooge and assert our national interest in this matter.
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/us-forces-also-liable-for-toxic-waste-dump-in-subic/
BAYAN: Activists greet Obama reelection with protest, say worst is yet to come under unequal PH-US ties
Posted to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN-New Patriotic Alliance) Website (Nov 9): Activists greet Obama reelection with protest, say worst is yet to come under unequal PH-US ties
Members of the multisectoral group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and the International League of Peoples Struggles (ILPS) today greeted the reelection of President Barack Obama with a protest action near the US embassy in Manila. The activists from various people’s organizations scoffed at Obama’s statement that the “best is yet to come” under his presidency, which enjoys a fresh four-year mandate following the recently concluded US elections.
For Filipinos, it actually means the worst is yet to come for our sovereignty, patrimony and national interest as the Obama regime perpetuates the more than a century-old unequal ties between the Philippines and the US,” said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes.
Bayan members assembled at Plaza Ferguson in Ermita, Manila several meters away from the US embassy. They brought mock posters of Obama’s campaign slogan, which read “Forward, US military intervention and war”, “Forward, unequal PH-US ties”, and “Forward, PH-US VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) and MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty)”, among others....
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/activists-greet-obama-reelection-with-protest-say-worst-is-yet-to-come-under-unequal-ph-us-ties/
Members of the multisectoral group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and the International League of Peoples Struggles (ILPS) today greeted the reelection of President Barack Obama with a protest action near the US embassy in Manila. The activists from various people’s organizations scoffed at Obama’s statement that the “best is yet to come” under his presidency, which enjoys a fresh four-year mandate following the recently concluded US elections.
For Filipinos, it actually means the worst is yet to come for our sovereignty, patrimony and national interest as the Obama regime perpetuates the more than a century-old unequal ties between the Philippines and the US,” said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes.
Bayan members assembled at Plaza Ferguson in Ermita, Manila several meters away from the US embassy. They brought mock posters of Obama’s campaign slogan, which read “Forward, US military intervention and war”, “Forward, unequal PH-US ties”, and “Forward, PH-US VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) and MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty)”, among others....
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/activists-greet-obama-reelection-with-protest-say-worst-is-yet-to-come-under-unequal-ph-us-ties/
CPP/PRWC: NDFP-Mindanao urges the MRLO to mobilize the Moro people in their thousand for their struggle to the right to self-determination
Posted to the CPP's Philippine Revolutionary Web Central Blog (Nov 7): NDFP-Mindanao
urges the MRLO to mobilize the Moro people in their thousand for their struggle
to the right to self-determination
Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos
NDFP-Mindanao
The NDFP-Mindanao urges the Moro Resistance Liberation Organization (MRLO), as one of its allied organizations, to be more resolute in its mandate to educate, organize and mobilize vast numbers among the Moro people to advance their struggle for the right to self-determination under the aegis of the national-democratic armed revolution.
While the signing of the Framework on the Bangsamoro may be considered a watershed in the Moro struggle, it cannot be denied that the pact itself is riddled with lopsided provisions that ultimately favor the design of the ruling classes, its reactionary government and US imperialism to fully and finally subdue the Moro people’s long-drawn armed resistance against national oppression and exploitation….
In view of these, the NDFP-Mindanao calls upon the MRLO to redouble its efforts at arousing thousands among the Moro people on the implications of the Framework to them, and the significance of continuing and strengthening their armed resistance to advance the struggle for their right to self-determination under the context of the people’s democratic revolution….
They must painstakingly explain to the Moro people that under the current semi-feudal and semi-colonialPhilippines
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/11/ndfp-mindanao-urges-mrlo-to-mobilize.html
Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos
NDFP-
The NDFP-Mindanao urges the Moro Resistance Liberation Organization (MRLO), as one of its allied organizations, to be more resolute in its mandate to educate, organize and mobilize vast numbers among the Moro people to advance their struggle for the right to self-determination under the aegis of the national-democratic armed revolution.
While the signing of the Framework on the Bangsamoro may be considered a watershed in the Moro struggle, it cannot be denied that the pact itself is riddled with lopsided provisions that ultimately favor the design of the ruling classes, its reactionary government and US imperialism to fully and finally subdue the Moro people’s long-drawn armed resistance against national oppression and exploitation….
In view of these, the NDFP-Mindanao calls upon the MRLO to redouble its efforts at arousing thousands among the Moro people on the implications of the Framework to them, and the significance of continuing and strengthening their armed resistance to advance the struggle for their right to self-determination under the context of the people’s democratic revolution….
They must painstakingly explain to the Moro people that under the current semi-feudal and semi-colonial
(Sgd) Ka Oris
Spokesperson
NDFP-Mindanao
Spokesperson
NDFP-Mindanao
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/11/ndfp-mindanao-urges-mrlo-to-mobilize.html
CPP: NDFP-Rizal condemns the illegal arrest and detention of Teacher Lanie Latuga and five (5) other civilians and demands for their immediate release!
Posted to the CPP Website (Nov 9): NDFP-Rizal condemns the illegal arrest and detention of Teacher Lanie Latuga and five (5) other civilians and demands for their immediate release!
Arman Guerrero (Ka Arms)
Spokesperson
NDF-Rizal
The NDFP-Rizal vehemently condemns the illegal arrest of Mrs. Lanie Latuga, a teacher of Dumagat School Children and five other civilians, most of them women, by combined elements of 16th IB-PA and 59th IB-PA. They were illegally arrested after the encounter between members of NAAC-NPA-Rizal and members of combined government soldiers belonging to the “Butcher” 16th IB-PA and 59th IB-PA that resulted to the killing of the 2 government soldiers and wounding of 4 others last November 7, 2012 in Sitio Uron, Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal. Their only crime is that they were near the site where the encounter happened and were eventually accused by the government soldiers that they are NPA Amazons or NPA supporters. Up to now, Mrs. Latuga ang her companions are being held incommunicado in an undisclosed military safe house after they were fetched by a Huey helicopter. They are being held against their will, interrogated without the benefit of counsel of their choice and being forced to admit that they are NPA members....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/ndfp-rizal-condemns-the-illegal-arrest-and-detention-of-teacher-lanie-latuga-and-five-5-other-civilians-and-demands-for-their-immediate-release
Arman Guerrero (Ka Arms)
Spokesperson
NDF-Rizal
The NDFP-Rizal vehemently condemns the illegal arrest of Mrs. Lanie Latuga, a teacher of Dumagat School Children and five other civilians, most of them women, by combined elements of 16th IB-PA and 59th IB-PA. They were illegally arrested after the encounter between members of NAAC-NPA-Rizal and members of combined government soldiers belonging to the “Butcher” 16th IB-PA and 59th IB-PA that resulted to the killing of the 2 government soldiers and wounding of 4 others last November 7, 2012 in Sitio Uron, Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal. Their only crime is that they were near the site where the encounter happened and were eventually accused by the government soldiers that they are NPA Amazons or NPA supporters. Up to now, Mrs. Latuga ang her companions are being held incommunicado in an undisclosed military safe house after they were fetched by a Huey helicopter. They are being held against their will, interrogated without the benefit of counsel of their choice and being forced to admit that they are NPA members....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/ndfp-rizal-condemns-the-illegal-arrest-and-detention-of-teacher-lanie-latuga-and-five-5-other-civilians-and-demands-for-their-immediate-release