MILF: Socsksargen Moros hold General Assembly for the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement

From the MILF Website (Nov 12): Socsksargen Moros hold General Assembly for the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement

 

Malapatan, Sarangani – More than two thousand Bangsamoro People from South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City held a General Assembly for the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement at Brgy. Sapu Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on November 7, 2012. The gathering was aimed to educate the Moro communities in Region 12 about the recently signed GPH-MILF Framework Agreement for the Bangsamoro and demonstrate their solidarity and support to the historic accord which is hoped to bring lasting peace and development in Southern Philippines. Bangsamoro women, elders, youth, Madrasa teachers, Imams, professionals, entrepreneurs, and members of Maguindanaon royalty attended the assembly that was also graced by Sarangani Vice-Govenor Steve C. Solon, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Malapatan LGU and Blaan tribal leaders. MILF Peace Panel Member Datu Antonio Kinok, Prof. Rabbi Angkal and MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Gadzali Jaffar elucidated the provisions of the framework agreement....

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2929:socsksargen-moros-hold-general-assembly-for-the-gph-milf-framework-agreement-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

MILF: GPH, MILF 33rd Exploratory Talks to commence in KL today

From the MILF Website (Nov 12): GPH, MILF 33rd Exploratory Talks to commence in KL today

After the historic signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Manila last October 15, the government and MILF peace panels are again back to the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur for the 33rd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks which is slated to wind up on November 18. This will be 7-day grueling session with both parties tackling power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization. Both parties are expected to be in full delegation including members of the newly constituted technical working group on normalization. The MILF delegation included three women and two members of the indigenous tribes. However, two members of the MILF peace panel and one from its secretariat will not be present during this meeting. Atty. Michael Mastura, Roberto “Maulana” Alonto, and Muhajirin Ali will be part of the powerhouse MILF delegation to the Foreign Ministers’ Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which will be held in Djibouti starting November 15. MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari will also attend the Djibouti meeting. Abdulla Camlian, a member of the MILF peace panel, described the meeting today as very tough especially on the matters of policing, decommissioning, and gradual redeployment of government forces. “I don’t expect a smooth-sailing on the issue of normalization; there will be no breakthrough at least during this meeting,” Camlian told Luwaran early today. He also disclosed that the two peace panels have less to do during this meeting, saying the real hard works belong to the three technical working groups, which, he added, are expected to deliver in the face of the overwhelming support of the people and the international community to the peace process after the signing of the celebrated Agreement in Manila last month. He also said that the two parties will discuss the issues of the MILF “political detainees”, inter-governmental relationship, transitional arrangement and modalities or political road map, third party monitoring team, independent commission on policing, multi-trust fund, and joint normalization committee. “Some if not all of these issues are still not easy pricking,” he confessed. It is also expected that the parties will discuss the status of the 15-man Transition Commission which will be constituted after President Benigno Aquino III issued the Executive Order for its creation.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2930:gph-milf-33rd-exploratory-talks-to-commence-in-kl-today&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

New AFP operations chief maintains innocence vs torture raps

From GMANews (Nov 12): New AFP operations chief maintains innocence vs torture raps

Brig. Gen. Aurelio Balalad, who is currently facing torture complaints filed against him by members of the so-called Morong 43, has been designated as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff for operations. A member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1982, Balalad assumed his new post last Friday in rites presided by AFP deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Macapagal. Balalad was previously the deputy commander of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division. Before that, he was commander of the Army 202nd Brigade that figured in the arrest of the Morong 43 in February 2010 in Morong, Rizal. Military officials claimed that the 43 were members of the communist New People’s Army who were engaged in a bomb-making seminar at the time of their arrest. Most of those arrested denied the accusations, however, claiming they were health workers. The suspects were detained and charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Five of them confessed that they were members of the NPA and availed of the government’s social integration program. But on December 8, 2010, 10 months after their arrest, President Benigno Aquino III ordered the charges against the Morong 43 be dropped. The detainees were subsequently released from detention. Last May, eight of the suspects filed torture charges before the Department of Justice against Balalad and then President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for their alleged maltreatment during their detention. Also named in the complaint were then AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado, then Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, then 2nd Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Jorge Segovia and several other military and police officers. “It is a pending case,” Balalad said of the torture charges filed against him. Nevertheless, he maintained his, and his co-respondents’ innocence. “We have five [members of the Morong 43] who are saying otherwise, they were not tortured. You can interview the five. They are available and they are saying another thing,” Balalad said in a phone interview. Balalad added that the five members of the Morong 43 confirmed that they were being trained as “combat medics” at the time they were arrested by the military. “Combat medics and health workers are different things,” he said. As for his plans as the new AFP deputy chief for operations, Balalad said he would continue with the existing programs started by his predecessors.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/281879/news/nation/new-afp-operations-chief-maintains-innocence-vs-torture-raps

Video: AFP admits difficulties in rescuing Abu Sayyaf captives

 From the People's Television Network (PTV) You Tube Channel (Nov 6): Video: AFP admits difficulties in rescuing Abu Sayyaf captives

AFP admits difficulties in rescuing Abu Sayyaf captives



 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18oxQNL5L1k

Locklear, Regional Military Leaders Seek Closer Cooperation

From the U.S. Department of Defense Website (Nov 8): Locklear, Regional Military Leaders Seek Closer Cooperation



Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, right, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and Chief of Defense of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa shake hands after signing the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement at the Chiefs of Defense Conference in Sydney, Australia, Nov. 6, 2012. The Chiefs of Defense conference provided a forum for senior military leaders from around the Asia-Pacific region to discuss shared security challenges, improve bilateral and multilateral relationships and build upon our mutual defense objectives. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Danny Hayes 

Renewed logistics cooperation agreements between the U.S. and the New Zealand and Philippine militaries were among the takeaways from the 15th Pacific Commanders Chiefs of Defense Conference in Sydney, where the senior U.S. officer in the region and his counterparts from 26 nations explored ways to work together more collaboratively to face future challenges.... During the conference, for example, the United States renewed its logistics cooperation agreements with the Philippines and New Zealand. Both agreements are designed to allow the militaries to work together more closely by enhancing their cooperation during exercises, training, deployments, port calls and other operations, officials said. Locklear and Chief of Defense of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa signed the U.S.-Philippines agreement, extending the original agreement made in 2002 and renewed in 2007. The original U.S.-New Zealand agreement was signed 12 years ago....

http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=118485

Cop arrested with Abu released; raps junked

From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Nov 10): Cop arrested with Abu released; raps junked

The City Prosecutor Office recently dismissed two criminal charges filed against a policeman who was arrested along with an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader in this city last October. Based on the prosecutor’s inquest resolution, charges of illegal possession of explosives and harboring criminal filed against PO3 Asbi Sahibol y Alian of Kaumpurna, Isabela City were dismissed due to insufficiency of evidence to establish probable cause. Sahibol was ordered released from police custody. The resolution was issued last November 6, 2012 after the accused signed a 15-day waiver. Sahibol was arrested along with Abu Sulaiman in a fast food joint along Rizal St. last October 12 around 7:30 a.m. Sulaiman was arrested on the strength of a warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Sahibol, who was caught together with Sulaiman was also held for questioning, but he was arrested after the lawmen recovered from his possession a belt bag containing eight blasting caps, one camera film container, assorted electrical wires, auxiliary plug with attached black wire, two pairs of auxiliary plugs, three switches and two pin light bulbs with attached wire and several documents.

http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/6001-cop-arrested-with-abu-released-raps-junked.html

Protests continue over dumping of US Navy toxic waste in the Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 11): Protests continue over dumping of US Navy toxic waste in the Philippines

Protests are continuing in the Philippines over the dumping of toxic waste by a tanker contracted by the US Navy in Subic Bay. The ship, owned by the Malaysian firm Glenn Defense Marine Asia, dumped drums and drums of chemicals and other waste into the sea, and insisted it was covered by the Visiting Forces Agreement. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said it is investigating the dumping of hazardous waste from US navy ships by MT Glenn Guardian which occurred last month.  The dumping of toxic waste of US contractors in Subic shows that the Visiting Forces Agreement is toxic for our nation's sovereignty and should be junked immediately. The VFA allows US troops to get away with destruction of our natural resources, and dumping of American junk in our shores,” Anakbayan, a political group in the Philippines, said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. It said US government must be held liable for the dumping of toxic waste in Subic and urged Manila not to allow any US ships and its contractors in the country. “We urge the government to stop further US military deployment in our country, stop US-RP exercises and investigate the abuses being done by US personnel and contractors. Congress and Senate must move fast to junk the toxic VFA, the treaty detrimental to national interest. We must not wait until further damage is done,” it said. The US and Philippines regularly hold joint combat exercises in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121111082409

Police nabs 3 ASG members; thwarts attack in Basilan

From ABS-CBN (Nov 11): Police nabs 3 ASG members; thwarts attack in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA – Combined forces of the police and the military in Lamitan City, Basilan collared three alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group just as they were allegedly planning to stage another attack Thursday night. Authorities reacted to information that an armed person was sighted in the van terminal in Lamitan City. The operatives arrested the suspect who was identified as Patek Samson alias Mungkos. Recovered from his possession was a .45-caliber pistol with silencer. Also arrested were his two of his companions identified as Jimboy Sahabat Mandul and Hamid Damain, both residents of Barangay Talon-Talon in Zamboanga City. An improvised explosive device was recovered in the utility-box of one of their motorcycle. It was also discovered that the other motorcycle used by the suspects was carnapped. Police Senior Inspector Kenneth Balisong, chief of the Lamitan City Police Office, said the suspects are believed to be responsible in the series of kidnappings, bombings, motorcycle robbery and killings of businessmen, policemen and soldiers in the province. Investigators are still trying to establish the group's participation in the killing of Isabela City Election Officer Daryl Kinazo earlier this year. The perpetrators were brought to the Bulwagan ng Katarungan on Friday to undergo inquest proceedings. Judge Leo Jay Princepe said the suspects were slapped with charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives. The local Justice department is still verifying if the government has offered a monetary reward for the neutralization of the arrested suspects.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/11/12/3-abu-sayyaf-members-nabbed-basilan

Palace to wait for results of SBMA investigation into alleged Subic waste dump

From GMANews: (Nov 11): Palace to wait for results of SBMA investigation into alleged Subic waste dump

Malacañang will be keeping a close eye on the investigation of a third-party contractor accused of dumping toxic waste into Subic Bay, but said that the provisions of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement will not apply to the contractor. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Sunday that the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is already investigating the incident, while the Senate is poised to hold its own probe. “From what we understand, the VFA does not apply. This particular entity, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc., is a third party. Hindi ito nagfa-fall under sa VFA [but] from what we understand, the SBMA is already investigating this,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. She added that Sen. Miriam Santiago had also indicated her intent to investigate this under the oversight functions of the committees in the Senate. When asked what President Benigno Aquino III’s directive on the case is, she said, “Tingnan natin ano maging resulta ng investigation ng SBMA.” “It’s a point of concern for us but we want to wait for results of the SBMA investigation,” she added. But this early, she said, the government can prevent the dumping of such waste through “monitoring” and “enforcement.” Earlier reports quoted the DFA as saying the contractor is not covered by the VFA, which covers only US military personnel and US civilian personnel employed by the US Armed Forces or those that accompany them such as employees of the American Red Cross and United Services Organization. The VFA governs the conduct of visiting US personnel conducting military exercises in the Philippines.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/281860/news/nation/palace-to-wait-for-results-of-sbma-investigation-into-alleged-subic-waste-dump

Australia may join Balikatan, RP may join Aussie drills — DND

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 12): Australia may join Balikatan, RP may join Aussie drills — DND

Philippine (RP) and Australian defense authorities are now mulling over the participation of Australian troops in the annual “Balikatan” exercises with US troops, making way for possible “trilateral” training exercises among the three countries’ militaries. Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said the matter was discussed during a strategic bilateral dialogue between the DND and Australian defense officials. Galvez, however, stressed that nothing was definite yet. “That will still be discussed, that is still under planning… it’s like they (Australians) will be observers,” said Galvez of the initial discussion. In a press release, the DND said the RP-Australia joint defense cooperation committee convened for the first time last Oct. 24 and 25 after the ratification of the RP-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (Sovfa) by the Senate last July. Aside from the possible participation of Australian troops in the “Balikatan,” the DND also said the Australian government vowed continuous assistance in the Philippines’ defense capacity-building.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/6771-australia-may-join-balikatan-rp-may-join-aussie-drills-—-dnd
“Explored in the meeting were Australian troops taking part in RP-US Balikatan Exercises while Philippine forces joining the Australian Kakadu and Pitch Black Exercises,” the DND statement said.
“Australia would continue to contribute to Philippine defense capacity building, offering a number of graduate and training courses as well as subject matter experts and mobile training teams for 2013,” it added.

Scrapping of VFA sought over toxic waste issues

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 11): Scrapping of VFA sought over toxic waste issues

The Philippines should consider terminating its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US since its military forces is the actual source of toxic waste being dumped in local waters. Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago volunteered the suggestion Sunday after noting that US President Barack Obama’s plan to intensity its military presence in Asia would mean “the marked frequency of the visits of US aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines and other increased presence of US naval forces in the Philippines.” The way things would go, it could mean “the VFA (is) on the way to becoming by itself, a toxic waste phenomenon.” .... In an e-mailed statement to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Santiago said Glenn Inc. could not hide under the VFA’s skirts since international treaties that lay down norms of customary and conventional international law would supersede bilateral agreements. “The operations of Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines, Inc. in question, (dumping of toxic wastes in Philippine waters) are in contravention of Philippine law based on international standards that have long been established as norms of customary and conventional international law.,” she explained.  “The obligations of (the Philippines and the US) arising from these norms and standards cannot be reduced into the limits of a bilateral treaty between two states, such as the relations of the United States and the Philippines under their Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA),” added Santiago, the Senate’s known expert on international law....

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/55918/scrapping-of-vfa-sought-over-toxic-waste-issues

Mindanao police say they thwarted bomb attack

From InterAksyon (Nov 11): Mindanao police say they thwarted bomb attack

Police in Mindanao said Sunday they had arrested three members of the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group and thwarted a bomb attack. Intelligence operatives intercepted the men Thursday night on the island of Basilan, a known hotbed of the extremists, regional police said in a statement. Police said they seized two motorcycles, one of which was rigged with explosives, as well as handguns. They said the three allegedly planned to set off the bomb in a heavy populated urban area. The suspects were members of a squad responsible for carrying out sabotage attacks to divert military and police attention as other members stage kidnappings, police said. The Abu Sayyaf is a small group of militants blamed for the country's worst terrorist attacks, including a ferry bombing in 2004 that killed more than 100. The group is also behind a series of high-profile kidnappings of foreign and local tourists as well as businessmen. It is on the US government's list of foreign terrorist organizations. A number of American advisers have been rotating in the southern Philippines for the past decade helping local counterparts to try to crush the group. A number of foreign hostages are believed held by the Abu Sayyaf in the south, including two European bird-watchers seized in February and an Australian abducted last December. Three Filipino Marines searching for the hostages were killed in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf in another island in the south last month.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47750/mindanao-police-say-they-thwarted-bomb-attack

PH-Canada military deal should not anger China - Palace

From Rappler (Nov 11): PH-Canada military deal should not anger China - Palace

The government hopes the recent deal signed with Canada to help the Philippines buy military equipment to defend its territory will not raise further tensions with China, the Palace said on Sunday, November 11. "This is part of our efforts to attain a minimum credible defense position. So we're hoping that it will not be any differently received by any other parties," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte noted in a press briefing. Valte explained that the pact is a regular transaction for the "procurement of defense and military-related equipment" to address the fundamental issue that the Armed Forces of the Philippines needs to upgrade its equipment. President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the signing of the agreement on Saturday during the official visit of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The Philippines has been in the market for patrol vessels to protect its waters, including areas that overlap with territory claimed by China. Both countries began a standoff in April over Scarborough Shoal, a group of islets in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) which Manila says is well within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. China claims the shoal as well as nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters close to the coasts of neighbouring countries such as the Philippines or Vietnam.

PNP conducts firearms inventory of CPLA members in Kalinga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 11): PNP conducts firearms inventory of CPLA members in Kalinga

The Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial office conducted firearms inventory of members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) on November 9-10 at Camp Juan M. Duyan here. Kalinga PNP Provincial Director Froilan Perez said the disposition of firearms in the possession of CPLA members is part of the closure agreement forged between the armed group and government on July 4, 2011 after the former opted to disband to become a potent socio-economic unarmed group. He said CPLA members were notified to report at the PNP provincial office for the firearms inventory and documentation which includes profiling of members for their continuing integration to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Component 1 of the closure agreement is the final disposition of arms and forces with initial firearms inventory conducted; guidelines for disposition of firearms finalized; and actual firearms valuation which is also on-going in partnership with PNP-Cordillera. The memorandum of agreement also hastens the implementation of development projects in the Cordillera Administrative Region provinces under the Payapa at Masaganang PamayanAn or Pamana through the Department of Interior and Local Government and Department of Agriculture. The program is a framework for intervention in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas to complement the government’s peace negotiation efforts in line with its commitment to address the causes of conflict and issues affecting the peace process. The amount of P37.6 million was allotted for Kalinga last year and P24.4 million this year. Aside from irrigation and road improvement is the P1 million appropriated for the construction of water supply level II at Upper, Lubo in Tanudan under the Salintubig of the Department of Health and Tinglayan agro-forestry project amounting to P3.5 million.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171352551441

DSWD to implement P11-M anti-poverty projects in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): DSWD to implement P11-M anti-poverty projects in Sultan Kudarat

 The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Mindanao will soon start implementing an P11 million worth of infrastructure project in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS). DSWD-12 regional director Bai Zorahayda Taha said that under the program, KALAHI-CIDSS would construct new classroom buildings in Kenram Elementary School and Mapantig Elementary School, in barangays Kenram and Pamantig, respectively. The project also includes the construction of Alternative Learning Center for out-of-school youth of Barangay Laguilayan. Taha said the project would also address the lack of potable drinking water in Barangay Bual with the construction of Water System Project and Water Refiling Station in Barangay D’Lotilla. A satellite market will be constructed in Barangay Impao to improve economic activities in Barangay Impao and nearby communities.... She said DSWD did not decide alone in determining which projects would be given priority. Other agencies, the local government units and DSWD field personnel form part of the selection process. Of all the projects in Isulan, P7.6 million comes from Kalahi-CIDSS grant while the remaining P3.5 million were shouldered by the municipal and barangay government. Taha said that the community was involved in all the process, especially during the planning and actual construction stage. “They owned the project so they will take care of it,” Taha said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=470415

Aussies plans to join 'Balikatan' exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Aussies plans to join 'Balikatan' exercises

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez on Sunday said that Australia is looking at the possibility of joining the Philippine-United States "Balikatan" exercise as an observer. Galvez said that talks were now underway regarding the matter. He also said that Australia's inclusion to the annual military exercise must be first given the "green-light" by both the Philippines and the United States. The Philippine and Australia, last Oct. 24 to 25, convened for the 11th time their joint defense cooperation committee. Their meeting in Manila three months after the Philippine Senate’s ratification of the Philippine-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), deepened their bilateral relations in a post-SOVFA ratification setting, which served as the guiding premise in the discussions. With the SOVFA, the land and maritime training activities "Dawn Caracha" and "Lumbas" respectively held between Philippine and Australian armed forces could now become full-blown field training exercises. Each force could likewise join the exercises conducted by its partner with other regional militaries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=470414

PRWC: Video: Ang Bayan News Summary (November 7, 2012)

From Ang Bayan posted to the Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC):  Video: Ang Bayan News Summary (November 7, 2012)

ANG BAYAN (Video)
7 Nobyembre 2012




http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/11/video-ang-bayan-7-nobyembre-2012.html

Ang Bayan/CPP: Crisis and imperialist militarism

From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Nov 7): Crisis and imperialist militarism

The US is the most militarist country and the world’s biggest arms supplier. The maintenance of a huge military infrastructure in the US is a stark feature of intensifying inter-imperialist rivalries for territory for investments, markets and oil reserves, among others. The US’ dominant power worldwide is based on the fact that it far outstrips other countries in terms of military might. In the face of the current crisis besetting it, the US has stepped up its militarism. Its goal is to consolidate its dominant position in various parts of the globe. The US has openly declared its plans to strengthen its presence and power-projection in the Asia-Pacific.... US imperialism has the biggest and the most number of military bases. It has 539,000 facilities in 5,000 various areas within and outside the US. This number excludes more than a thousand secret bases and facilities maintained by the Pentagon in more than 150 countries. Among these are CSL (cooperative security locations), military equipment depots and communications bases secretly constructed in various countries, including the Philippines....

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121107/crisis-and-imperialist-militarism

Ang Bayan/CPP: Farmers' protest actions

From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Nov 7): Farmers' protest actions

In Central Luzon (CL), more than 300 farmers from Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL) and Partidong Anakpawis-CL launched a three-day protest action starting October 18. The first day of the protest was spent in front of the Clark Special Eco Zone in Angeles City, where other progressive organizations joined in. Their main demands were the repeal of RA 9700 (CARPER) and the enactment of HB374 or the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB) filed by Partidong Anakpawis.... The protesters also condemned the continuing landgrabbing by the Clark Airbase Military Reservation and the Aquino regime’s puppetry to the US. They assailed the series of Balikatan military exercises in the region and Aquino’s other policies and programs that favor foreign capitalists and cause the eviction of farmers and urban poor. Among those that joined the protests were leaders and members of Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) and other peasant organizations from other CL provinces affected by various destructive projects or programs. They went to Angeles City and held a vigil at Barangay Pulung Bulo where they launched another rally.... On the last day, the AMGL and Anakpawis-CL joined the KMP’s national protest at Mendiola....

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121107/farmers-protest-actions

Ang Bayan/CPP: Lessons from the Ramos-Misuari agreement

From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Nov 7): Lessons from the Ramos-Misuari agreement

It is important to learn the lessons of the past to avoid repeating them. Particularly for the Moro people, there are many lessons to be learned from the Moro National Liberation Front’s (MNLF) capitulation to the Ramos regime through MNLF chair Nur Misuari’s signing of the Final Peace Agreement of 1996 (the Ramos-Misuari agreement). Through this agreement, the MNLF was formally subsumed under the constitution and power of the reactionary state and was eventually gobbled up by the rotten system. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must constantly hold fast to the lessons of history especially as it enters a critical stage in its negotiations with the Aquino regime, particularly after its signing of the Framework Agreement last October. Although it serves merely as a framework for a final peace agreement, the Framework Agreement already possesses the same basic flaws contained in the Ramos-Misuari agreement of 1996. If these are not rectified, there is danger that the Framework Agreement will be used as a framework for the surrender of the Moro struggle for national self-determination.... The MNLF’s final agreement of surrender to the Ramos regime in 1996 was the result of relentless pressure from the US to forge an accord that would put an end to the Moro people’s armed resistance. The US used as its instruments the reactionary members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (then known as the Organization of Islamic Conference) to push the MNLF to abandon its goal of seceding from the puppet republic and accept autonomy....

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121107/lessons-from-the-ramos-misuari-agreement

Ang Bayan/CPP: 2 killed, 9 wounded in NPA tactical offensives

From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Nov 7): 2 killed, 9 wounded in NPA tactical offensives

Two soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded in tactical offensives by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon and Leyte this October. In Bukidnon, 1Lieutenant Pallar, two soldiers of the 8th IB and six CAFGU elements were wounded in a harassment operation by a team of Red fighters from the Ernesto “Boyboy” Roa Command at the center of Barangay Bunacao, San Fernando on the night of October 24. Among the wounded CAFGU elements were men of the notorious bandit Nonong Salusad. In Leyte, two soldiers were killed and a trooper wounded in an ambush by the NPA Mt. Amandewin Command on elements of the 78th IB in Barangay Cagbana, Burauen on October 17. After the ambush, one of the soldiers tried to rape a 12-year old girl from the same village. She was able to escape and report the incident to her relatives.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121107/2-killed-9-wounded-in-npa-tactical-offensives

NPA explosive in Davao City wounds 2 soldiers, 6 Cafgu members

From the Business Mirror (Nov 11): NPA explosive in Davao City wounds 2 soldiers, 6 Cafgu members

THE New People’s Army (NPA) used a command- detonated explosive to hit a group of soldiers leading a paramilitary unit last Wednesday in Paquibato District, Davao City, seriously wounding two troopers and six Cafgu members. In a statement, Rigoberto F. Sanchez, spokesman of the Merardo Arce Command (MAC) that leads the NPA in Southern Mindanao, said the blast was a punitive action against “the 10th Infantry Division-Armed Forces of the Philippines to counter its atrocious methods of terrorizing the peasant and Lumad masses in Paquibato District, Davao City.” The attack took place 2:20 p.m. in Km. 24, Pamantawan, Barangay Malibog, he said. Elements of the NPA’s 1st Pulang Bagani Co. said the explosive was set off against three elements of the 72nd Infantry Battalion elements and 10 Alamara and Blackfighter bandits. “The explosive is meant to warn the Lumad bandits and 10th ID-AFP from further exploiting and abusing the indigenous Manobos of Paquibato for its reign of terror and counterrevolutionary operations....

 

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/2483-npa-explosive-in-davao-city-wounds-2-soldiers-6-cafgu-members