From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 29): No SOMO violation –
military
The Army's 302 nd Infantry Brigade
yesterday maintained that there was no violation of the suspension of military
operations or SOMO, in the recent arrest of an alleged top leader of the New
People's Army in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental. Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302 nd
Infantry Brigade commander, said, “What was conducted was purely police
operations”, referring to the serving of arrest warrants to Felimon Mendrez, who
is facing rebellion and robbery-in-band charges, at his residence in Brgy.
Tubod, Manjuyod. Mendrez, who has the aliases of
“Tatay” and “Edon”, was tagged by the military as commander of the Regional
Strike Force- Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros. He was also alleged to have served as
deputy secretary of the Central Visayas Regional Party Committee.
In a statement it issued, the
Communist Party of the Philippines, slammed the government and the military for
the arrest of Mendrez, that, it claimed violated the ceasefire covering the
period from Dec. 20 to Jan. 15 next year, that was agreed by the National
Democratic Front-Philippines and the government, contained in joint communiqué,
and authenticated by Ambassador Ture Lundh, special envoy of the Royal Norwegian
Government to the NDFP-GPH peace negotiations. The CPP said that, despite its own
ceasefire declaration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to carry
out counter-guerilla operations under the guise of peace and order preparations.
Patrimonio said the observance of
SOMO does not mean suspension also of the enforcement of laws. “ Law enforcers
are mandated to enforce the law,otherwise, they will be remiss their duties,” he
added. Nobody is above the law, even
during the ceasefire, he added. Patrimonio also said there is no
problem for them if rebels, who have no pending arrest warrants, take advantage
of the yuletide truce and spend the time with their families.
The CPP demanded that the
government immediately order an extension of its ceasefire declaration to
reciprocate the SOMO issued by CPP Central Committee. The SOMO being observed by the AFP
is from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2 next year. If President Aquino does not issue
a corresponding ceasefire declaration soon, the CPP and the NDFP will have to
consider the option of cutting short its unilateral ceasefire order, the CPP
statement added.
Patrimonio, who supervises the
internal security operations in Negros Oriental and Central Negros, said “We are
not going out there looking for the people who have pending arrest warrants,”
because of the ceasefire. In fact, he added, “We received
reports on the presence of NPA members in several areas, who had been
celebrating the CPP anniversary. But we never touched them,” Patrimonio said.
Lt.Col. Efren Morados, 62 nd
Infantry Battalion commander, said they have also monitored that the NPA took
advantage of the yuletide truce, by conducting training of their members in some
areas of northern Negros.
Mendrez, who ranks number six among
the most-wanted persons in the country, has a bounty of P5.25 million for his
arrest, as stipulated in a Department of Interior and Local Government
memorandum circular. Being commander of the KR-Negros
Regional Strike Force, Mendrez allegedly led various violent NPA actions in
Negros island and in other areas of Central Visayas, of which the most
significant was the raid on the Polopangyan detachment in Brgy. Bug-ang. Toboso,
on Aug. 28, 2010. The rebel attackers, disguising
themselves as members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, seized
23 high-powered firearms after killing the detachment commander, SSgt. Efraim
Bagonoc, in front of his horrified daughter and government militiamen, military
records show. Before withdrawing, the rebels also
burned the detachment.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/29/topstory9.htm
Friday, December 28, 2012
Duterte visits typhoon-ravaged NPA guerilla zone
From Rappler (Dec 29): Duterte visits typhoon-ravaged NPA guerilla zone
VISITOR AT THE CAMP.Davao City
vice-mayor Rodrigo Duterte during a visit to an NPA camp in Compostela Valley
during the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines
COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Philippines - On Wednesday, December 26, residents and guerilla fighters of the New People’s Army cheered as a white chopper started to descend at a basketball court inside a guerilla zone somewhere in Compostela Valley. The chopper was occupied by Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who chose to visit during the guerilla camp anniversary of the re-establishment of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Duterte is running for Mayor of Davao City to replace his daughter, Sara, who announced earlier that she is giving way to her father. During the visit, Duterte gave the NPA unit an unspecified amount of money and delivered a speech blaming abnormal weather disturbances and climate change on environmental destruction brought about by first world countries.
VISITOR AT THE CAMP.
COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Philippines - On Wednesday, December 26, residents and guerilla fighters of the New People’s Army cheered as a white chopper started to descend at a basketball court inside a guerilla zone somewhere in Compostela Valley. The chopper was occupied by Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who chose to visit during the guerilla camp anniversary of the re-establishment of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Duterte is running for Mayor of Davao City to replace his daughter, Sara, who announced earlier that she is giving way to her father. During the visit, Duterte gave the NPA unit an unspecified amount of money and delivered a speech blaming abnormal weather disturbances and climate change on environmental destruction brought about by first world countries.
Assistance to typhoon victims
Speaking through a megaphone, Duterte said he traveled outside his city to express his solidarity to the victims of Typhoon Pablo. “I am here in solidarity with you. I am deeply saddened with your present situation,” Duterte said. Duterte entrusted an unspecified amount of money to the NPA unit in the area explaining that the money would be used to “rebuild the lives of the people”. He said the amount is "apart from the tax I am paying to the NPA.” Stating humanitarian purposes, Duterte remarked that the military must not take his actions maliciously. “For spies who are here right now, do not worry because this is for the masses. This is to restart the circulation of money because right now that people has no money,” Duterte said.
Duterte also committed to immediately send chainsaws, nails and other construction materials for the reconstruction of houses in the village. “We should survive. You cannot surrender,” Duterte encouraged the residents. Duterte's daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte, earlier allotted P9.5 million for the victims of the typhoon in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.
Blame the First World
Duterte also commented on how abnormal weather disturbances are not isolated in the country but are also happening across the globe. “This is happening because of the continuing destruction of the environment. We have been long warned by scientists about climate change,” Duterte said. In a trademark speech dotted with expletive remarks, Duterte condemned First World countries and multinational corporations for the destruction of the environment. “First world countries like the United States, Europe and China are the major pollutants in the world. The NPA has been always right. What they are teaching you is not wrong,” Duterte said. “We are suffering from the mistakes of rich countries. It is just ok for them because they have the money to construct buildings that can reach the sky and never be reached by floodwaters,” Duterte added.
It appears that Duterte's message was received well. Arturo, a 43-year old resident of the village, said he believes that Duterte and the NPA were right in their analysis. “The greediness of imperialist countries and big corporations which caused the destruction of the environment must be chopped down,” Arturo said. He added that the assistance provided by the communists and Duterte is a big help for their village, which is rarely reached by aid workers because of its location.
The chopper that
brought Davao City
vice-mayor Rodrigo Duterte to the NPA's Compostela Valley
Mangudadatu recommends 3 Maguindanaon lawyers to Bangsamoro Transition Committee
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28): Mangudadatu recommends 3 Maguindanaon
lawyers to Bangsamoro Transition Committee
Maguindanao Governor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu has recommended three noted Maguindanaons to form part of the 15-man Transition Commission that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In an interview, Mangudadatu said he had asked the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to include Maguindanaon lawyers Didagen Dilangalen, Suharto Ambolodto, Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Simeon Datumanong to the 15 man TransCom President Aquino is set to appoint. Eight of the 15 members of TransCom will come from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Dilangalen was former congressional representative of the first district of Maguindanao while Ambolodto was active as leader of non government organizations helping push for the peace process between the government and the MILF. “We give our all out support to the recommendation of Gov. Mangudadatu for the three of them to become members of TransCom,” Mayor Ibrahim Ibay of Parang town, said. Ibay said Dilangalen, Datumanong and Ambolodto can all speak well of the intricacies of the Mindanao Moro issue.
According to Ibay, Datumanong's experience as lawmaker and Muslim leader is beyond doubt. Datumanong has been a public servant since 1960s. He helped craft the 1976 Tripoli AGreement between the Marcos government and the Moro National LIberation Front which wassigned in Libyan capital of Tripoli.
Mayor Ramil Dilangalen of Northern Kabuntalan and president of Maguindanao Mayor's league, welcomed Mangudadatu's recomendees saying the province, being the hotbed of rebellion should have enough representation in the Commission.
Mangudadatu said he has “set aside” politics in recommending the three Maguindanaon lawyers to become members of the newly-created TransCom. The MILF is expected to name its eight nominees to the TransCom next week. President Aquino issued Executive Order 120 creating the Transition Commission that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will serve as basis for the creation of new autonomous political entity and replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=483271
Maguindanao Governor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu has recommended three noted Maguindanaons to form part of the 15-man Transition Commission that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In an interview, Mangudadatu said he had asked the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to include Maguindanaon lawyers Didagen Dilangalen, Suharto Ambolodto, Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Simeon Datumanong to the 15 man TransCom President Aquino is set to appoint. Eight of the 15 members of TransCom will come from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Dilangalen was former congressional representative of the first district of Maguindanao while Ambolodto was active as leader of non government organizations helping push for the peace process between the government and the MILF. “We give our all out support to the recommendation of Gov. Mangudadatu for the three of them to become members of TransCom,” Mayor Ibrahim Ibay of Parang town, said. Ibay said Dilangalen, Datumanong and Ambolodto can all speak well of the intricacies of the Mindanao Moro issue.
According to Ibay, Datumanong's experience as lawmaker and Muslim leader is beyond doubt. Datumanong has been a public servant since 1960s. He helped craft the 1976 Tripoli AGreement between the Marcos government and the Moro National LIberation Front which wassigned in Libyan capital of Tripoli.
Mayor Ramil Dilangalen of Northern Kabuntalan and president of Maguindanao Mayor's league, welcomed Mangudadatu's recomendees saying the province, being the hotbed of rebellion should have enough representation in the Commission.
Mangudadatu said he has “set aside” politics in recommending the three Maguindanaon lawyers to become members of the newly-created TransCom. The MILF is expected to name its eight nominees to the TransCom next week. President Aquino issued Executive Order 120 creating the Transition Commission that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will serve as basis for the creation of new autonomous political entity and replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=483271
Op/Ed: Know your enemy in time of crises
Op/Ed piece in the Sun Star (Dec 28): Know your enemy in time of crises (By Menardo Wenceslao)
IT is utterly incomprehensible, if not disgusting, why the New People’s Army has to issue a unilateral ceasefire purportedly to give way to rescue and retrieval operation in the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo only to lift it by January 3, 2013. If they think that their declaration is of any humanitarian value, then they have indeed a very little disregard for the masses which they claim to fight for. They too have very little sense of how long it will take to restore normalcy and sanity in the ravaged area and the number of years to rehabilitate farms and infrastructures that were destroyed by Pablo.
There is a lot of hot air in this declaration. For one, the large swath of land where the NPAs were operating with impunity has been totally wrecked. There is no place to hide and no place to set up an ambush. The mass base is gone. If they have survived, they certainly cannot support another month to feed or listen to the opiate of communist ideology. Presently, the huge number of hungry populace depends solely on the help extended by the government, domestic and international donors.
We believe that aid will continue to come for months and the last thing we expect to happen is for this assistance to be put on hold or all together stopped because communist armed partisans ambushed military trucks that are bringing food aids to isolated barangays. If assistance ceases, there is nobody to blame but the insensible enemy of the government.
How can government trust a rebel force like the NPA that demand power sharing when it is numbed to the people’s plight? It has unmasked its insensitivity at the height of perdition. If you have a movement that purports to fight for the people’s plight you cannot find one in time of crisis. You cannot trust them to share the privilege of governance.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/opinion/2012/12/28/wenceslao-know-your-enemy-time-crises-260379
IT is utterly incomprehensible, if not disgusting, why the New People’s Army has to issue a unilateral ceasefire purportedly to give way to rescue and retrieval operation in the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo only to lift it by January 3, 2013. If they think that their declaration is of any humanitarian value, then they have indeed a very little disregard for the masses which they claim to fight for. They too have very little sense of how long it will take to restore normalcy and sanity in the ravaged area and the number of years to rehabilitate farms and infrastructures that were destroyed by Pablo.
There is a lot of hot air in this declaration. For one, the large swath of land where the NPAs were operating with impunity has been totally wrecked. There is no place to hide and no place to set up an ambush. The mass base is gone. If they have survived, they certainly cannot support another month to feed or listen to the opiate of communist ideology. Presently, the huge number of hungry populace depends solely on the help extended by the government, domestic and international donors.
We believe that aid will continue to come for months and the last thing we expect to happen is for this assistance to be put on hold or all together stopped because communist armed partisans ambushed military trucks that are bringing food aids to isolated barangays. If assistance ceases, there is nobody to blame but the insensible enemy of the government.
How can government trust a rebel force like the NPA that demand power sharing when it is numbed to the people’s plight? It has unmasked its insensitivity at the height of perdition. If you have a movement that purports to fight for the people’s plight you cannot find one in time of crisis. You cannot trust them to share the privilege of governance.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/opinion/2012/12/28/wenceslao-know-your-enemy-time-crises-260379
Bukit Aman: More than three involved in militant group linked to Noor Fikrie
From the Star Online (Dec 28): Bukit Aman: More than three involved in militant group linked to Noor Fikrie
KUALA LUMPUR: More than three Malaysians are believed to be involved in a militant group linked to Mohd Noor Fikrie Abd Kahar who was shot dead in the Philippines two weeks ago. Bukit Aman special task force (operations and counter-terrorism) director Datuk Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police were still gathering information before closing in on them. "The matter is still under investigation but we are not ruling out the possibility of their involvement in the group," he told reporters during the Walkabout High Profile Policing Meet and Greet programme here. He was commenting on the remnants of a militant group linked to Mohd Noor, 26, who was shot dead by Philippine authorities after a scuffle with the police who wanted to check the sling bag containing a home-made bomb carried by his wife.
Commenting on the delayed trial of two Malaysian men held by Lebanese authorities over alleged links with the al-Qaeda terrorist movement, Mohamad Fuzi said the Military Tribunal in Beirut had yet to announce a new trial date. Razif Mohamad Ariffin, 28, and Mohamad Razin Shahar Mustapha Kamal, 21, were detained on Oct 18, after they were suspected to have been trained as suicide bombers and had links with al-Qaeda. - Bernama
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/12/28/nation/20121228230020&sec=nation
KUALA LUMPUR: More than three Malaysians are believed to be involved in a militant group linked to Mohd Noor Fikrie Abd Kahar who was shot dead in the Philippines two weeks ago. Bukit Aman special task force (operations and counter-terrorism) director Datuk Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police were still gathering information before closing in on them. "The matter is still under investigation but we are not ruling out the possibility of their involvement in the group," he told reporters during the Walkabout High Profile Policing Meet and Greet programme here. He was commenting on the remnants of a militant group linked to Mohd Noor, 26, who was shot dead by Philippine authorities after a scuffle with the police who wanted to check the sling bag containing a home-made bomb carried by his wife.
Commenting on the delayed trial of two Malaysian men held by Lebanese authorities over alleged links with the al-Qaeda terrorist movement, Mohamad Fuzi said the Military Tribunal in Beirut had yet to announce a new trial date. Razif Mohamad Ariffin, 28, and Mohamad Razin Shahar Mustapha Kamal, 21, were detained on Oct 18, after they were suspected to have been trained as suicide bombers and had links with al-Qaeda. - Bernama
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/12/28/nation/20121228230020&sec=nation
Photos: NPA 44th Anniversary Celebration in Mindanao
Posted to the pro-CPP Davao Today (Dec 27): Photos: NPA 44th Anniversary Celebration in Mindanao
VM Duterte visits CPP anniversary celebration
From the pro-CPP Davao Today (Dec 27): VM Duterte visits CPP anniversary celebration
The whirring helicopter sound interrupted a young guerilla fighter who was finishing his opening speech during the celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines 44thyear anniversary December 26. Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte later hopped off from the chopper after it landed on a basketball court where about a platoon held an earlier formation. “Magpasalamat kita nga wala kita gipakyas, naa karon ang higala sa mga masa, sa rebolusyonaryong kalihokan nga nagpakabana pud sa mga masang mag-uuma ug lumad nga nabiktima dili lang sa bagyong Pablo, apan nag-una sa imperyalismo nga maoy hinungdan niining kalamidad,” Ka Enroy, one of the New People’s Army (NPA) fighters announced to an audience composed of company-sized guerillas and about 500 peasants. Against a desolate landscape of mountains badly devastated by typhoon Pablo in this remote town, Duterte said, “Nakigduyog ko sa panahon sa inyong kalisud.”
The NPA is right
“Asa nato ihampak ang malas nga niabot kanato karon?” Duterte asked the crowd. Duterte only affirmed what the communist movement had been saying all along: that “imperialist logging, mining and agri-business plantations” exacerbate climate change and hasten the earth’s degradation. “Tama ang gisulti sa NPA. Hinungdan kini sa pagguba sa atong kinaiyahan,” Duterte said as he noted the situation in other countries like Ukraine where the freezing temperatures, as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, left at least 37 people dead. He said carbon dioxide emissions from countries like America, Europe and China greatly contributed to the destruction of the earth’s surface.“Mao na ning gaantos ta sa kabuang sa mga dato nga nasud. Okay lang sila kay daghan silag kwarta. Tag-as ilang building, dili sila maabot sa baha. Ilang istruktura semento, samtang kita dinhi, huyang kaayo (ang mga istruktura),” Duterte said.
Before he left for Davao City, Duterte promised the community here to extend help by sending food, and chainsaws and nails to help the people rebuild their houses from the fallen trees. He also gave PHP 100,000 cash for the residents and coursed through the money to the NPA. In an earlier statement, Ka Oris, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)-Mindanao, said gas emissions was due to the unhampered consumption of fossil fuel by imperialist countries “in the name of super profits.” Based on the 2008 United Nations estimates, the top 10 CO2-emitting countries from the burning of fossil fuels and cement manufacture are China, United States, European Union, India, Russia, Japan, Germany, Canada, Iran and United Kingdom. They emit 67.07 percent of the world total CO2 emission while the Philippines emits only 0.28 percent. Ka Oris, in a separate statement, has scored the Aquino government for “playing blind” to the real reasons of the recent disaster blaming small miners and farmers but allowing “the unhampered operation of multinational large-scale mining and plantations that continue to destroy the environment.”
Inept and inadequate
Meanwhile, disaster preparedness and government response are disappointingly inept and inadequate in some areas of this province. In one of the sub-villages here, residents complained against the government for the lack of food, and absence of medical aid and shelter after they were hit by Pablo.
“Nobody from the government came here to check our situation,” said Elmer Agang, 39, a farmer in Sitio Bongkilaton, Compostela town. The Agangs are one of the 76 families whose houses were ravaged by the strong winds brought by Pablo. “Most of our things were gone. We need kitchen utensils, blankets, banig (sleeping mats), mosquito nets. We badly need roofs,” this father of four kids said.
Bernadeth Goay, 49, said their house was blown away while their farm was totally destroyed. “Hurot gyud. Balik mi sa uno. Wala na gyud mi kapanguhaan,” she lamented as she complained that no help has come their way. “Even our village captain didn’t personally come here to check our situation,” she said. “If we didn’t line up for the relief goods from private organizations outside our sitio, we won’t have anything to eat,” she added. Like the Agangs and the rest of their neighborhood, the Goays need help to sustain their food and rebuild their houses.
Despite the millions of financial aid from private entities and foreign countries, many still cry out in protest in areas badly hit by Pablo. According to Ka Oris, foreign financial aid for relief and rehabilitation has found its way into the pockets of some bureaucrats. He added, just like what happened to the victims of Sendong last year, “certain politicians have taken advantage of the situation to use typhoon Pablo’s victims as a showcase to advance their political interests for next year’s elections.” He furthered, the situation is also being used to create clean image for the AFP doing “humanitarian relief work” for Oplan Bayanihan.
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/12/27/vm-duterte-visits-cpp-anniversary-celebration/
The whirring helicopter sound interrupted a young guerilla fighter who was finishing his opening speech during the celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines 44thyear anniversary December 26. Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte later hopped off from the chopper after it landed on a basketball court where about a platoon held an earlier formation. “Magpasalamat kita nga wala kita gipakyas, naa karon ang higala sa mga masa, sa rebolusyonaryong kalihokan nga nagpakabana pud sa mga masang mag-uuma ug lumad nga nabiktima dili lang sa bagyong Pablo, apan nag-una sa imperyalismo nga maoy hinungdan niining kalamidad,” Ka Enroy, one of the New People’s Army (NPA) fighters announced to an audience composed of company-sized guerillas and about 500 peasants. Against a desolate landscape of mountains badly devastated by typhoon Pablo in this remote town, Duterte said, “Nakigduyog ko sa panahon sa inyong kalisud.”
The NPA is right
“Asa nato ihampak ang malas nga niabot kanato karon?” Duterte asked the crowd. Duterte only affirmed what the communist movement had been saying all along: that “imperialist logging, mining and agri-business plantations” exacerbate climate change and hasten the earth’s degradation. “Tama ang gisulti sa NPA. Hinungdan kini sa pagguba sa atong kinaiyahan,” Duterte said as he noted the situation in other countries like Ukraine where the freezing temperatures, as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, left at least 37 people dead. He said carbon dioxide emissions from countries like America, Europe and China greatly contributed to the destruction of the earth’s surface.“Mao na ning gaantos ta sa kabuang sa mga dato nga nasud. Okay lang sila kay daghan silag kwarta. Tag-as ilang building, dili sila maabot sa baha. Ilang istruktura semento, samtang kita dinhi, huyang kaayo (ang mga istruktura),” Duterte said.
Before he left for Davao City, Duterte promised the community here to extend help by sending food, and chainsaws and nails to help the people rebuild their houses from the fallen trees. He also gave PHP 100,000 cash for the residents and coursed through the money to the NPA. In an earlier statement, Ka Oris, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)-Mindanao, said gas emissions was due to the unhampered consumption of fossil fuel by imperialist countries “in the name of super profits.” Based on the 2008 United Nations estimates, the top 10 CO2-emitting countries from the burning of fossil fuels and cement manufacture are China, United States, European Union, India, Russia, Japan, Germany, Canada, Iran and United Kingdom. They emit 67.07 percent of the world total CO2 emission while the Philippines emits only 0.28 percent. Ka Oris, in a separate statement, has scored the Aquino government for “playing blind” to the real reasons of the recent disaster blaming small miners and farmers but allowing “the unhampered operation of multinational large-scale mining and plantations that continue to destroy the environment.”
Inept and inadequate
Meanwhile, disaster preparedness and government response are disappointingly inept and inadequate in some areas of this province. In one of the sub-villages here, residents complained against the government for the lack of food, and absence of medical aid and shelter after they were hit by Pablo.
“Nobody from the government came here to check our situation,” said Elmer Agang, 39, a farmer in Sitio Bongkilaton, Compostela town. The Agangs are one of the 76 families whose houses were ravaged by the strong winds brought by Pablo. “Most of our things were gone. We need kitchen utensils, blankets, banig (sleeping mats), mosquito nets. We badly need roofs,” this father of four kids said.
Bernadeth Goay, 49, said their house was blown away while their farm was totally destroyed. “Hurot gyud. Balik mi sa uno. Wala na gyud mi kapanguhaan,” she lamented as she complained that no help has come their way. “Even our village captain didn’t personally come here to check our situation,” she said. “If we didn’t line up for the relief goods from private organizations outside our sitio, we won’t have anything to eat,” she added. Like the Agangs and the rest of their neighborhood, the Goays need help to sustain their food and rebuild their houses.
Despite the millions of financial aid from private entities and foreign countries, many still cry out in protest in areas badly hit by Pablo. According to Ka Oris, foreign financial aid for relief and rehabilitation has found its way into the pockets of some bureaucrats. He added, just like what happened to the victims of Sendong last year, “certain politicians have taken advantage of the situation to use typhoon Pablo’s victims as a showcase to advance their political interests for next year’s elections.” He furthered, the situation is also being used to create clean image for the AFP doing “humanitarian relief work” for Oplan Bayanihan.
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/12/27/vm-duterte-visits-cpp-anniversary-celebration/
Gov't assures protection of tribes' rights under peace framework pact
From the Philippine Star (Dec 28): Gov't assures protection of tribes' rights under peace framework pact
The government assured today that the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in southern region are protected in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed last October. Government peace panel head Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that the FAB, which the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) inked, provides explicitly that the IP rights and freedom of choice shall be respected. She added that customary laws and indigenous dispute resolution mechanisms shall be recognized in the administration of justice in the Bangsamoro, which will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Ferrer said the FAB also ensures the IPs right to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in economic development. "Actually these rights are already recognized in our Constitution, national laws like the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, international laws and covenants, are just reiterated by the FAB," she said. The panel head assured that IPs would be represented in the Transition Commission (TC) tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Aside from Muslims and Christians, there are also several groups of IPs living in southern Philippines.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/12/28/891200/govt-assures-protection-tribes-rights-under-peace-framework-pact
The government assured today that the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in southern region are protected in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed last October. Government peace panel head Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that the FAB, which the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) inked, provides explicitly that the IP rights and freedom of choice shall be respected. She added that customary laws and indigenous dispute resolution mechanisms shall be recognized in the administration of justice in the Bangsamoro, which will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Ferrer said the FAB also ensures the IPs right to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in economic development. "Actually these rights are already recognized in our Constitution, national laws like the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, international laws and covenants, are just reiterated by the FAB," she said. The panel head assured that IPs would be represented in the Transition Commission (TC) tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Aside from Muslims and Christians, there are also several groups of IPs living in southern Philippines.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/12/28/891200/govt-assures-protection-tribes-rights-under-peace-framework-pact
China to allocate $4.8-M fund to help ease tensions in South China Sea
Posted to InterAksyon (Dec 28): China to allocate $4.8-M fund to help ease tensions in South China Sea
China will allocate 30 million yuan ($4.8 million) next year to help ease tensions over territorial disputes in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), according to a report by state-owned English language daily newspaper China Daily. "Through cooperation with South China Sea countries we can deepen understanding and acknowledgement with each other and eliminate doubts and worries," China Daily quoted Ma Deyi, director of the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), as saying on Thursday.
The institute is under China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA), an agency under the Ministry of Land and Resources responsible for the supervision and management of the country's sea area and the protection of national maritime rights. The report said that according to the FIO official, deepening cooperation will largely prevent sea disputes over South China Sea. Also, Zhang Zhanhai, director of SOA said, "Territorial disputes cannot be solved within a short time. Territorial disputes should be temporarily put aside, and joint development will be an effective way." He added that strengthening international cooperation over the South China Sea would create a win-win situation, economically and politically.
Aside from the 30 million yuan, the report said China would also allocate another 2 million yuan to bankroll the expenses of 20 international students from South China Sea countries. China Daily said that according Zhang, the students will go to China for marine-related studies. China claims all of South China Sea under its nine-dash-line map as part of its territory. Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines have separate and overlapping claims.
The Philippines on Friday reiterated its request for China to respect its territory, a day after Beijing deployed a patrol ship in the West Philippine Sea. In a text message, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said that its recent move to deploy the Haixun 21, an oceangoing patrol vessel equipped with a helipad in the contested waters, is contrary to China’s obligation under international law including United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). “The Philippines strongly objects to the Chinese patrol of Philippine Maritime domain in the West Philippine Sea,” Hernandez said.
China’s Maritime Bureau of the Ministry Transport deputy head Huang He said the Haixun 21 would monitor maritime traffic safety, investigate maritime accidents, detect pollution, carry out search and rescue work and fulfil international conventions in the contested waters. But according to Hernandez, “Such patrol will not validate the nine-dash lines and is contrary to China’s obligation under the international law including Unclos."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51473/china-to-allocate-4-8-m-fund-to-help-ease-tensions-in-south-china-sea
China will allocate 30 million yuan ($4.8 million) next year to help ease tensions over territorial disputes in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), according to a report by state-owned English language daily newspaper China Daily. "Through cooperation with South China Sea countries we can deepen understanding and acknowledgement with each other and eliminate doubts and worries," China Daily quoted Ma Deyi, director of the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), as saying on Thursday.
The institute is under China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA), an agency under the Ministry of Land and Resources responsible for the supervision and management of the country's sea area and the protection of national maritime rights. The report said that according to the FIO official, deepening cooperation will largely prevent sea disputes over South China Sea. Also, Zhang Zhanhai, director of SOA said, "Territorial disputes cannot be solved within a short time. Territorial disputes should be temporarily put aside, and joint development will be an effective way." He added that strengthening international cooperation over the South China Sea would create a win-win situation, economically and politically.
Aside from the 30 million yuan, the report said China would also allocate another 2 million yuan to bankroll the expenses of 20 international students from South China Sea countries. China Daily said that according Zhang, the students will go to China for marine-related studies. China claims all of South China Sea under its nine-dash-line map as part of its territory. Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines have separate and overlapping claims.
The Philippines on Friday reiterated its request for China to respect its territory, a day after Beijing deployed a patrol ship in the West Philippine Sea. In a text message, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said that its recent move to deploy the Haixun 21, an oceangoing patrol vessel equipped with a helipad in the contested waters, is contrary to China’s obligation under international law including United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). “The Philippines strongly objects to the Chinese patrol of Philippine Maritime domain in the West Philippine Sea,” Hernandez said.
China’s Maritime Bureau of the Ministry Transport deputy head Huang He said the Haixun 21 would monitor maritime traffic safety, investigate maritime accidents, detect pollution, carry out search and rescue work and fulfil international conventions in the contested waters. But according to Hernandez, “Such patrol will not validate the nine-dash lines and is contrary to China’s obligation under the international law including Unclos."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51473/china-to-allocate-4-8-m-fund-to-help-ease-tensions-in-south-china-sea
CPP: Accelerate the Increase of the New People’s Army, the Communist Party of the Philippines and Its Organizations; Frustrate the Reinforced Attacks by the Us-Aquino Regime and its Roxas Minion!!
Posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Blog (Dec 26): Accelerate
the Increase of the New People’s Army, the Communist Party of the Philippines
and Its Organizations; Frustrate the Reinforced Attacks by the Us-Aquino Regime
and its Roxas Minion!!
Message of the Regional Party Committee,
CPP-Panay
We join in celebration the 44th year of the reestablishment of the Communist Party of thePhilippines
Recently, the US-Aquino regime through its surrogate, the Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, deployed the 6th Special Action Force (SAF) Battalion in various areas ofPanay
to reinforce its more than one brigade anti-insurgency force. An additional
objective is, of course, to repress rivals in the bourgeois opposition in order
to impose its dominant position of power in the island especially in the light
of the forthcoming local elections.
In deploying additional troops, the regime has tacitly admitted that not only did it fail to suppress the armed and political struggle of the Panayanons but has also conceded that the revolutionary movement in Panay has made major strides towards the building of Red political power in the countrysides. The democratic movement has also widened its influence and expanded its organization even in the populous areas of the island including its cities. So much so that the 3rd ID was constrained to warn all candidates not to support the revolutionary movement in the form of ‘access fee.’
The revolutionary movement’s advance is marked by its success in rendering inutile the enemy tactic of sustained pressure by unrelenting campaigns of encirclement and suppression of brigade and battalion-led forces. The three and a half years “keyhole tactic” of long-term troop saturation of areas, where they concede the revolutionary movement as strong, also came to naught. Increasing guerilla attacks against enemy troops whether on attack mode, while withdrawing to their base camps and even when resting have exhausted their troops and drained their morale. This year the NPA has inflicted tens of casualties, both dead and wounded, in sustained tactical offensives against enemy units while incurring only minimal casualties.
The NPA has not only preserved but strengthened its base areas in spite of the White terror of the occupying fascist troops. It has also seized the opportunity to expand and rapidly organize the masses and help solve their everyday problems in much wider territories abandoned by the regime politically, economically and militarily.
The Oplan Bayanihan of the regime deploying its Peace and Development Tactic could only antagonize the people whom they would want to win support. By forcibly occupying barangay schools, chapels and gyms they cowardly use the people as human shields to deter NPA attacks.
Most importantly, the 3rd Infantry Division could only pretend to solve the land problem of peasants by ever promising to return a portion of the Tumandok’s 33,000 hectares of ancestral domain which they had land-grabbed. The Aquino regime, in the name of ‘development’ would even drive the peasants from the watershed of the Jalaur dam, from land mined by foreign interests and the farm lots of farmers of Bungsuan, Dumarao for a PNP camp. How much more for the much ballyhooed Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) when the bulk of distributed lands have already reverted back to other landlords foreclosing these meager landholdings from deeply indebted peasants.....
..... The Party recently has concentrated its effort in checking up and revving up its cadres ang Party members for the revolutionary upsurge ahead. This included the striking from the list of inactive elements, the updating of new recruits, the retooling and upgrading of cadres and revitalizing of Party organs and structures. The Party in the region has been unified and armed with the call to significantly contribute to the nationwide leap to a new level of people’s war—the strategic stalemate.
Accordingly, the Regional Commitee of the CPP inPanay
issues the following call:
1. Frustrate the reinforced attacks of the US-Aquino regime. The main initiative towards thwarting such attacks is the intensification of the islandwide tactical offensives. The Party and the NPA inPanay will respect
the latest suspension of hostilities as declared by the NDF and the GRP. But it
will respond to any violation such as the active defence by ambushing a unit
conducting assault operation in Sitio Anoy, Cabalaunan, Miag-ao during the period
of AFP self-declared ceasefire itself wherein a soldier of the 82nd Bn was
killed.
The revolutionary movement will resume defending itself after the ceasefire
duration when the 301st Brigade cranks up its sustained attacks of our guerilla
fronts with an all-out military campaign. The NPA will confront the enemy’s
intensified campaigns with more tactical offensives at an increasing rate.
2. Further expose and oppose the US-Aquino regime when it continues to impose its disastrous and exploitative programs for the benefit of foreign capitalist interests and its local comprador and landlord agents at the expense of the Panayanons. Support a popular movement to oppose the Jalaur Dam, big-scale mining and exploration, dislocation of thousands of families to give way to ‘development projects’ for big business and for military and police camps. Develop further the people’s movement to alleviate their hunger and misery by developing the campaign for increased production and launching a regional campaign for the right to till, lowering of usurious rates and farm inputs, bigger price support for crops from the GRP and increase in wages. Support the outbreak of popular anger spilling to the streets of urban centers and highways. Reach out to mobilize tens of thousands in action against unpopular and anti-people policies.
3. Further strengthen the Party and accelerate the rate of increase of the Party, the NPA and other mass organizations, and the localities and barangays organized by the revolutionary movement. Expand the people’s alliances to further extend the revolutionary influence and reach out to Panayanons in their millions.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/12/accelerate-increase-of-new-peoples-army.html
Message of the Regional Party Committee,
CPP-Panay
We join in celebration the 44th year of the reestablishment of the Communist Party of the
Recently, the US-Aquino regime through its surrogate, the Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, deployed the 6th Special Action Force (SAF) Battalion in various areas of
In deploying additional troops, the regime has tacitly admitted that not only did it fail to suppress the armed and political struggle of the Panayanons but has also conceded that the revolutionary movement in Panay has made major strides towards the building of Red political power in the countrysides. The democratic movement has also widened its influence and expanded its organization even in the populous areas of the island including its cities. So much so that the 3rd ID was constrained to warn all candidates not to support the revolutionary movement in the form of ‘access fee.’
The revolutionary movement’s advance is marked by its success in rendering inutile the enemy tactic of sustained pressure by unrelenting campaigns of encirclement and suppression of brigade and battalion-led forces. The three and a half years “keyhole tactic” of long-term troop saturation of areas, where they concede the revolutionary movement as strong, also came to naught. Increasing guerilla attacks against enemy troops whether on attack mode, while withdrawing to their base camps and even when resting have exhausted their troops and drained their morale. This year the NPA has inflicted tens of casualties, both dead and wounded, in sustained tactical offensives against enemy units while incurring only minimal casualties.
The NPA has not only preserved but strengthened its base areas in spite of the White terror of the occupying fascist troops. It has also seized the opportunity to expand and rapidly organize the masses and help solve their everyday problems in much wider territories abandoned by the regime politically, economically and militarily.
The Oplan Bayanihan of the regime deploying its Peace and Development Tactic could only antagonize the people whom they would want to win support. By forcibly occupying barangay schools, chapels and gyms they cowardly use the people as human shields to deter NPA attacks.
Most importantly, the 3rd Infantry Division could only pretend to solve the land problem of peasants by ever promising to return a portion of the Tumandok’s 33,000 hectares of ancestral domain which they had land-grabbed. The Aquino regime, in the name of ‘development’ would even drive the peasants from the watershed of the Jalaur dam, from land mined by foreign interests and the farm lots of farmers of Bungsuan, Dumarao for a PNP camp. How much more for the much ballyhooed Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) when the bulk of distributed lands have already reverted back to other landlords foreclosing these meager landholdings from deeply indebted peasants.....
..... The Party recently has concentrated its effort in checking up and revving up its cadres ang Party members for the revolutionary upsurge ahead. This included the striking from the list of inactive elements, the updating of new recruits, the retooling and upgrading of cadres and revitalizing of Party organs and structures. The Party in the region has been unified and armed with the call to significantly contribute to the nationwide leap to a new level of people’s war—the strategic stalemate.
Accordingly, the Regional Commitee of the CPP in
1. Frustrate the reinforced attacks of the US-Aquino regime. The main initiative towards thwarting such attacks is the intensification of the islandwide tactical offensives. The Party and the NPA in
2. Further expose and oppose the US-Aquino regime when it continues to impose its disastrous and exploitative programs for the benefit of foreign capitalist interests and its local comprador and landlord agents at the expense of the Panayanons. Support a popular movement to oppose the Jalaur Dam, big-scale mining and exploration, dislocation of thousands of families to give way to ‘development projects’ for big business and for military and police camps. Develop further the people’s movement to alleviate their hunger and misery by developing the campaign for increased production and launching a regional campaign for the right to till, lowering of usurious rates and farm inputs, bigger price support for crops from the GRP and increase in wages. Support the outbreak of popular anger spilling to the streets of urban centers and highways. Reach out to mobilize tens of thousands in action against unpopular and anti-people policies.
3. Further strengthen the Party and accelerate the rate of increase of the Party, the NPA and other mass organizations, and the localities and barangays organized by the revolutionary movement. Expand the people’s alliances to further extend the revolutionary influence and reach out to Panayanons in their millions.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/12/accelerate-increase-of-new-peoples-army.html
Hostage gaunt and dispirited, but watchers say deal possible
From Warrnambool Extra (Dec 28): Hostage gaunt and dispirited, but watchers say deal possible
THE release of fresh video footage showing Australian hostage Warren Rodwell alive a year after his kidnapping in the southern Philippines gives some hope that a deal might be struck for his release, according to some experts.''It's encouraging to know that he is still alive,'' said regional analyst Professor Damien Kingsbury of Deakin University on Thursday. ''It's very positive that [the kidnappers] have shown a video and I think that means there is some seriousness to a discussion about a negotiation for his release. I would say his chances are probably slightly better than even at the moment.''
Neil Fergus, a former Australian intelligence officer who now runs private company Intelligent Risks, also saw the video as ''some cause for optimism'', although not necessarily proof a deal was near. Rodwell's family members in Australia were keeping quiet on Thursday and Foreign Minister Bob Carr would only say Canberra was ''assisting Philippines authorities where appropriate'' and that it was in ''regular communication'' with the family. However, there is mounting criticism that the federal government is being too cautious in its public pronouncements.
Australian policy is not to pay ransom money, the primary source of income for the militant Islamic Abu Sayyaf group, which snatched Rodwell from his home in the seaside town of Ipil on December 5 last year. But Fergus said the government should send a message to Rodwell's kidnappers about Australia's aid dollars in the region. ''It would be helpful if the Australian government could convey some messages about the nature and extent of Australian aid going into Mindanao and the fact that their continued holding of Rodwell may place in jeopardy those programs,'' Fergus told Fairfax Media. ''Abu Sayyaf should know … that we do care about Mr Rodwell as an Australian citizen.''
An independent researcher on counter-insurgency in the Southern Philippines, Bob East, also says more publicity would boost Rodwell's chances of survival. ''If the coverage goes quiet, whichever group that has him might think he's not worth anything to them,'' East said.
Rodwell, 54, a former soldier who has spent many years in Asia, was snatched by half a dozen gunmen posing as policemen and is reported to have been taken to Basilan Island, off the Zamboanga Peninsula. The kidnappers have demanded a $2 million ransom. At the time of his capture he had reportedly recently separated from his second wife, a 28-year old Filipina, Miraflor Gutang.
The new two-minute video appears to have been shot on December 16, and shows him clutching a copy of a local newspaper dated the previous day. Looking gaunt and sounding tired and in poor spirits, he says he has been in captivity for 378 days, that ''something is happening but I don't know when'' and he holds ''no hope at all for being released.'' ''I do not trust the Abu Sayyaf, I do not trust the Australian government,'' he said. ''I just don't trust anyone. Personally, I don't care.'' His open criticism of Abu Sayyaf has led some observers to speculate that he might have been sold to another group.
Counter-terrorism expert Professor Clive Williams, of Macquarie University, said the mountainous terrain of Basilan was notoriously difficult for the Philippine army to penetrate and that many of its villagers were loyal to Abu Sayyaf. ''I think it's only going to be resolved through negotiation,'' Williams said. ''Realistically there is not a lot of prospect of a rescue operation.''
Last year a Senate inquiry recommended eight options for how the government should handle such kidnappings, including the option that DFAT inform the family about ''engaging a private kidnap and ransom consultant''. ''One of the most compelling messages coming out of this inquiry was the importance of government agencies, especially DFAT, exercising greater care, consideration and diligence in the way they deal with the distressed families of a person kidnapped and held for ransom overseas,'' the committee reported.
Over the past decade 19 Australians have been kidnapped, mostly from Africa and the Middle East. Rodwell is the only Australian kidnapped in the Philippines.
http://www.warrnamboolextra.com.au/story/1207167/hostage-gaunt-and-dispirited-but-watchers-say-deal-possible/?cs=7
THE release of fresh video footage showing Australian hostage Warren Rodwell alive a year after his kidnapping in the southern Philippines gives some hope that a deal might be struck for his release, according to some experts.''It's encouraging to know that he is still alive,'' said regional analyst Professor Damien Kingsbury of Deakin University on Thursday. ''It's very positive that [the kidnappers] have shown a video and I think that means there is some seriousness to a discussion about a negotiation for his release. I would say his chances are probably slightly better than even at the moment.''
Neil Fergus, a former Australian intelligence officer who now runs private company Intelligent Risks, also saw the video as ''some cause for optimism'', although not necessarily proof a deal was near. Rodwell's family members in Australia were keeping quiet on Thursday and Foreign Minister Bob Carr would only say Canberra was ''assisting Philippines authorities where appropriate'' and that it was in ''regular communication'' with the family. However, there is mounting criticism that the federal government is being too cautious in its public pronouncements.
Australian policy is not to pay ransom money, the primary source of income for the militant Islamic Abu Sayyaf group, which snatched Rodwell from his home in the seaside town of Ipil on December 5 last year. But Fergus said the government should send a message to Rodwell's kidnappers about Australia's aid dollars in the region. ''It would be helpful if the Australian government could convey some messages about the nature and extent of Australian aid going into Mindanao and the fact that their continued holding of Rodwell may place in jeopardy those programs,'' Fergus told Fairfax Media. ''Abu Sayyaf should know … that we do care about Mr Rodwell as an Australian citizen.''
An independent researcher on counter-insurgency in the Southern Philippines, Bob East, also says more publicity would boost Rodwell's chances of survival. ''If the coverage goes quiet, whichever group that has him might think he's not worth anything to them,'' East said.
Rodwell, 54, a former soldier who has spent many years in Asia, was snatched by half a dozen gunmen posing as policemen and is reported to have been taken to Basilan Island, off the Zamboanga Peninsula. The kidnappers have demanded a $2 million ransom. At the time of his capture he had reportedly recently separated from his second wife, a 28-year old Filipina, Miraflor Gutang.
The new two-minute video appears to have been shot on December 16, and shows him clutching a copy of a local newspaper dated the previous day. Looking gaunt and sounding tired and in poor spirits, he says he has been in captivity for 378 days, that ''something is happening but I don't know when'' and he holds ''no hope at all for being released.'' ''I do not trust the Abu Sayyaf, I do not trust the Australian government,'' he said. ''I just don't trust anyone. Personally, I don't care.'' His open criticism of Abu Sayyaf has led some observers to speculate that he might have been sold to another group.
Counter-terrorism expert Professor Clive Williams, of Macquarie University, said the mountainous terrain of Basilan was notoriously difficult for the Philippine army to penetrate and that many of its villagers were loyal to Abu Sayyaf. ''I think it's only going to be resolved through negotiation,'' Williams said. ''Realistically there is not a lot of prospect of a rescue operation.''
Last year a Senate inquiry recommended eight options for how the government should handle such kidnappings, including the option that DFAT inform the family about ''engaging a private kidnap and ransom consultant''. ''One of the most compelling messages coming out of this inquiry was the importance of government agencies, especially DFAT, exercising greater care, consideration and diligence in the way they deal with the distressed families of a person kidnapped and held for ransom overseas,'' the committee reported.
Over the past decade 19 Australians have been kidnapped, mostly from Africa and the Middle East. Rodwell is the only Australian kidnapped in the Philippines.
http://www.warrnamboolextra.com.au/story/1207167/hostage-gaunt-and-dispirited-but-watchers-say-deal-possible/?cs=7
Unite MILF, MNLF to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao
From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Dec 28): Unite MILF, MNLF to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao
A former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) core leader turned legislator in this province yesterday called on Malacañang to revisit, conduct assessment and evaluation of the Tripoli Agreement it signed in 1976 and the final peace agreement it also entered into with the MNLF in 1996. Rep. Habib Tupay Loong (1st district, Sulu) said the two agreements are very vital in the formulation of the annexes on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA), now the government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are working closely. According to Rep. Loong, the national government would have difficulties achieving real peace if the two agreements it signed are not fully implemented.
In a privilege speech delivered in the Lower House last Thursday, Loong said the Bangsamoro people believe that the Philippine government has to revisit the Final Peace Agreement it signed with the MNLF in 1996 and to fast track the implementation of all its unimplemented provisions in the agreement. This, he said, will put an end to the claims of the MNLF of the non implementation of some of its key provisions by the government on the 1996 peace accord. Also, putting an end to all claims of the MNLF will also allow the MILF to view much clearer, their position in their up coming peace deal with the government, he said.
“The Bangsamoro people believe that the government must first unite the two Muslim rebel groups by reconciling their separate peace agreement so as not to bring about confusion and animosity to and among the MNLF and MILF,” Loong emphasized. Loong expressed belief that the government peace negotiators will do well if they support the persistent call of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the MNLF and the MILF to unite through the formation of Bangsamoro coordination forum.
Bangsamoro coordination forum is aimed to achieve peace and development for the Bangsamoro people, as expressed in OIC Resolution No. 2/39-MM Section 6 of November 15-17, 2012 Council of Foreign Ministers 39th session in Djibouti on the question on Muslims in southern Philippines. “Let us not forget that the OIC is our friend, partner and strong supporter in resolving peacefully the Bangsamoro secessionist war of independence and self determination,” he said. He added that it is the OIC that held back its pursuit of the MNLF for self independence as they recognized the Bangsamoro problem as an internal problem of the Philippine government and should be resolved internally.
At the same forum, Rep Loong also cited one of the 15 resolutions adopted by the recently concluded regional forum on the FAB held recently in Patikul, Sulu where it urged the government to consider the urgent implementation of the provisions of RA 9054 article lV of sections 2,4,5,6,7, article VIII sections 2,3,4, article IX section 6, and article XVIII section 11. The FAB regional forum was initiated by Sulu Gov Abdusakur Tan and was attended by Governors Sadikul Sahali (Tawi-Tawi), Jum Akbar (Basilan), Esmael Mangudadatu (Maguindanao) and top officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Nur Misuari chair of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and top officials of the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP).
Loong said these provisions of the ARMM organic act that he cited have not been implemented in full by the government which have created some skeptism in the minds of many of the people on the sincerity of the Philippine government to carry out its commitment to the MNLF. He also noted the none implementation of some sections of RA 9054 which is one of the most contentious issues now being discussed by the MILF and the government in their talks.
Another resolution Loong cited calls on the government to work for the unification of the MNLF and the MILF to achieve solidarity and teamwork for just and lasting peace and comprehensive development of the Bangsamoro people.
Also during the Sulu regional forum on BFA, Resolution No. 1-12 also urging the government to consider the urgent implementation of the provisions of RA 9054 article lV of sections 2,4,5,6,7, article VIII sections 2,3,4, article IX section 6, and article XVIII section 11, the lawmaker of this province said. Loong said these provisions of the ARMM organic act have not been implemented in full by the present administration.
http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/6346-unite-milf-mnlf-to-achieve-lasting-peace-in-mindanao.html
A former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) core leader turned legislator in this province yesterday called on Malacañang to revisit, conduct assessment and evaluation of the Tripoli Agreement it signed in 1976 and the final peace agreement it also entered into with the MNLF in 1996. Rep. Habib Tupay Loong (1st district, Sulu) said the two agreements are very vital in the formulation of the annexes on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA), now the government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are working closely. According to Rep. Loong, the national government would have difficulties achieving real peace if the two agreements it signed are not fully implemented.
In a privilege speech delivered in the Lower House last Thursday, Loong said the Bangsamoro people believe that the Philippine government has to revisit the Final Peace Agreement it signed with the MNLF in 1996 and to fast track the implementation of all its unimplemented provisions in the agreement. This, he said, will put an end to the claims of the MNLF of the non implementation of some of its key provisions by the government on the 1996 peace accord. Also, putting an end to all claims of the MNLF will also allow the MILF to view much clearer, their position in their up coming peace deal with the government, he said.
“The Bangsamoro people believe that the government must first unite the two Muslim rebel groups by reconciling their separate peace agreement so as not to bring about confusion and animosity to and among the MNLF and MILF,” Loong emphasized. Loong expressed belief that the government peace negotiators will do well if they support the persistent call of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the MNLF and the MILF to unite through the formation of Bangsamoro coordination forum.
Bangsamoro coordination forum is aimed to achieve peace and development for the Bangsamoro people, as expressed in OIC Resolution No. 2/39-MM Section 6 of November 15-17, 2012 Council of Foreign Ministers 39th session in Djibouti on the question on Muslims in southern Philippines. “Let us not forget that the OIC is our friend, partner and strong supporter in resolving peacefully the Bangsamoro secessionist war of independence and self determination,” he said. He added that it is the OIC that held back its pursuit of the MNLF for self independence as they recognized the Bangsamoro problem as an internal problem of the Philippine government and should be resolved internally.
At the same forum, Rep Loong also cited one of the 15 resolutions adopted by the recently concluded regional forum on the FAB held recently in Patikul, Sulu where it urged the government to consider the urgent implementation of the provisions of RA 9054 article lV of sections 2,4,5,6,7, article VIII sections 2,3,4, article IX section 6, and article XVIII section 11. The FAB regional forum was initiated by Sulu Gov Abdusakur Tan and was attended by Governors Sadikul Sahali (Tawi-Tawi), Jum Akbar (Basilan), Esmael Mangudadatu (Maguindanao) and top officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Nur Misuari chair of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and top officials of the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP).
Loong said these provisions of the ARMM organic act that he cited have not been implemented in full by the government which have created some skeptism in the minds of many of the people on the sincerity of the Philippine government to carry out its commitment to the MNLF. He also noted the none implementation of some sections of RA 9054 which is one of the most contentious issues now being discussed by the MILF and the government in their talks.
Another resolution Loong cited calls on the government to work for the unification of the MNLF and the MILF to achieve solidarity and teamwork for just and lasting peace and comprehensive development of the Bangsamoro people.
Also during the Sulu regional forum on BFA, Resolution No. 1-12 also urging the government to consider the urgent implementation of the provisions of RA 9054 article lV of sections 2,4,5,6,7, article VIII sections 2,3,4, article IX section 6, and article XVIII section 11, the lawmaker of this province said. Loong said these provisions of the ARMM organic act have not been implemented in full by the present administration.
http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/6346-unite-milf-mnlf-to-achieve-lasting-peace-in-mindanao.html
China build up in West Philippine Sea illegal – DFA
From the Manila Times (Dec 28): China build up in West Philippine Sea illegal – DFA
“IT’S a violation of the international law.” This was how the Department of Foreign Affairs or the DFA described the recent move by the Chinese government to continuously develop an expansive area of the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). China has expanded its claim over the disputed territory through the establishment of a new city called “Sansha” under its southern Hainan province.
But Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez explained that the establishment of Sansha City was China’s “way of reinforcing their nine-dash line claim” over West Philippine Sea. He said that such move is considered “excessive and a violation of international law” and will not gain validity for China. The tensions in the West Philippine Sea flared up once again when China announced that it will invest at least $1.6 billion for the construction of a harbor, an airport and other facilities in the disputed territory.
Apart from China and the Philippines, other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have standing claims over some areas in the West Philippine Sea. Hernandez further said that China’s move is “giving a lot of concerns among nation states not only in the region but as far as the international community is concerned.” In April this year, China and the Philippines engaged in a standoff when the Philippine navy intercepted some Chinese vessels sailing into Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal), which is being claimed by the latter.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/38239-china-build-up-in-west-philippine-sea-illegal-dfa
“IT’S a violation of the international law.” This was how the Department of Foreign Affairs or the DFA described the recent move by the Chinese government to continuously develop an expansive area of the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). China has expanded its claim over the disputed territory through the establishment of a new city called “Sansha” under its southern Hainan province.
But Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez explained that the establishment of Sansha City was China’s “way of reinforcing their nine-dash line claim” over West Philippine Sea. He said that such move is considered “excessive and a violation of international law” and will not gain validity for China. The tensions in the West Philippine Sea flared up once again when China announced that it will invest at least $1.6 billion for the construction of a harbor, an airport and other facilities in the disputed territory.
Apart from China and the Philippines, other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have standing claims over some areas in the West Philippine Sea. Hernandez further said that China’s move is “giving a lot of concerns among nation states not only in the region but as far as the international community is concerned.” In April this year, China and the Philippines engaged in a standoff when the Philippine navy intercepted some Chinese vessels sailing into Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal), which is being claimed by the latter.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/38239-china-build-up-in-west-philippine-sea-illegal-dfa
2 US warships to dock in PH
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 28): 2 US warships to dock in PH
Two US warships will dock in Philippine waters on Saturday for a routine port call, the United States Embassy said on Friday. The USS Gridley (DDG-101), an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer which forms part of the US Pacific Fleet, will dock in Cebu. The ship, named for Captain Charles Gridley, Commander of the USS Olympia who was famously told by Admiral George Dewey to “fire when you are ready, Gridley” in the Battle of Manila Bay during Spanish-American War, is homeported in San Diego, California. The USS Gridley also docked in Manila Bay last month.
Meanwhile, USS Bremerton (SSN 698), a submarine of Los Angeles class design, will also make a port call in Subic. She was named in honor of the city of Bremerton in Washington, home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and a city with a long association with the US Navy. She is the tenth ship of the Los Angeles class design, and her keel was laid in Connecticut in May 1976.
Both port calls emphasize the “strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.” It will allow the ships to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation, the US Embassy added in a statement.
Earlier this year, the US signified its intention to boost its presence in the Pacific by deploying a majority of its naval assets by 2020. Amid rising tensions between China and other Asian countries including the Philippines over the disputed Spratly Islands, the US said the deployment of their assets was not meant to challenge China.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/60589/2-us-warships-to-dock-in-ph
Two US warships will dock in Philippine waters on Saturday for a routine port call, the United States Embassy said on Friday. The USS Gridley (DDG-101), an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer which forms part of the US Pacific Fleet, will dock in Cebu. The ship, named for Captain Charles Gridley, Commander of the USS Olympia who was famously told by Admiral George Dewey to “fire when you are ready, Gridley” in the Battle of Manila Bay during Spanish-American War, is homeported in San Diego, California. The USS Gridley also docked in Manila Bay last month.
Meanwhile, USS Bremerton (SSN 698), a submarine of Los Angeles class design, will also make a port call in Subic. She was named in honor of the city of Bremerton in Washington, home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and a city with a long association with the US Navy. She is the tenth ship of the Los Angeles class design, and her keel was laid in Connecticut in May 1976.
Both port calls emphasize the “strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.” It will allow the ships to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation, the US Embassy added in a statement.
Earlier this year, the US signified its intention to boost its presence in the Pacific by deploying a majority of its naval assets by 2020. Amid rising tensions between China and other Asian countries including the Philippines over the disputed Spratly Islands, the US said the deployment of their assets was not meant to challenge China.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/60589/2-us-warships-to-dock-in-ph
NPA claims victory in Isabela
From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 28): NPA claims victory in
Isabela
The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People's Army claimed victory in recent encounters with Army soldiers in Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela, Negros Occidental, and alleged to have killed not two, but four of them. Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, claimed in a statement that they had recovered two M-16 armalite rifles with an M203 grenade launcher with ammunition and two handheld radios. Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302 nd Infantry Brigade commander, however, dismissed the claims of the rebel group as “exaggerated”. Military records show that two Army soldiers were killed, and others were injured.
Patrimonio said the M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher of PFC Oliver Grecia had been severely damaged, as it had been hit by bullets. Regalado said “ We also condemn the act of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for continuously violating human rights by illegally arresting 19 indigenous peoples in Sitio Mamaho-Paho, Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela (Negros Occidental), some of whom are minors.” He also maintained that they are civilians, and not members of the NPA. Eight of the 19 were recently charged for double murder and multiple frustrated murder before the Negros Occidental Prosecutor's Office, for the death and injuries of soldiers, who are members of the 11 th Infantry Battalion. Three of the eight rebels facing charges, also tested positive for gunpowder nitrates, Patrimonio said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/28/topstory9.htm
The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People's Army claimed victory in recent encounters with Army soldiers in Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela, Negros Occidental, and alleged to have killed not two, but four of them. Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, claimed in a statement that they had recovered two M-16 armalite rifles with an M203 grenade launcher with ammunition and two handheld radios. Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302 nd Infantry Brigade commander, however, dismissed the claims of the rebel group as “exaggerated”. Military records show that two Army soldiers were killed, and others were injured.
Patrimonio said the M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher of PFC Oliver Grecia had been severely damaged, as it had been hit by bullets. Regalado said “ We also condemn the act of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for continuously violating human rights by illegally arresting 19 indigenous peoples in Sitio Mamaho-Paho, Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela (Negros Occidental), some of whom are minors.” He also maintained that they are civilians, and not members of the NPA. Eight of the 19 were recently charged for double murder and multiple frustrated murder before the Negros Occidental Prosecutor's Office, for the death and injuries of soldiers, who are members of the 11 th Infantry Battalion. Three of the eight rebels facing charges, also tested positive for gunpowder nitrates, Patrimonio said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/28/topstory9.htm
U.S. warship, submarine to visit PH
From InterAksyon (Dec 28): U.S. warship, submarine to visit PH
USS Gridley DG-101
A U.S. warship and submarine will arrive in the Philippines on Saturday, December 29 for routine port calls, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila. USS Gridley (DDG-101), an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer, will arrive in Cebu, while USS Bremerton (SSN 698), a submarine of the Los Angeles class design, will arrive in Subic Bay. The visit "highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines," the Embassy said in a statement. "This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation," it added.
The USS Gridley DDG-101 is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and is homeported in San Diego, California. The ship is named for Captain Charles Gridley, Commander of the USS Olympia who was famously told by Admiral George Dewey to “fire when you are ready, Gridley” in the Battle of Manila Bay during Spanish-American War.
The USS Bremerton SSN 698 is named in honor of the city of Bremerton, Washington, home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and a city with a long association with the U.S. Navy. She is the tenth ship of the Los Angeles class design. Her keel was laid in Connecticut in May 1976.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51457/u-s--warship-submarine-to-visit-ph
USS Gridley DG-101
A U.S. warship and submarine will arrive in the Philippines on Saturday, December 29 for routine port calls, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila. USS Gridley (DDG-101), an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer, will arrive in Cebu, while USS Bremerton (SSN 698), a submarine of the Los Angeles class design, will arrive in Subic Bay. The visit "highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines," the Embassy said in a statement. "This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation," it added.
The USS Gridley DDG-101 is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and is homeported in San Diego, California. The ship is named for Captain Charles Gridley, Commander of the USS Olympia who was famously told by Admiral George Dewey to “fire when you are ready, Gridley” in the Battle of Manila Bay during Spanish-American War.
The USS Bremerton SSN 698 is named in honor of the city of Bremerton, Washington, home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and a city with a long association with the U.S. Navy. She is the tenth ship of the Los Angeles class design. Her keel was laid in Connecticut in May 1976.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51457/u-s--warship-submarine-to-visit-ph
Abu Sayyaf holding 4 other foreigners, military confirms
From InterAksyon (Dec 28): Abu Sayyaf holding 4 other foreigners, military confirms
Besides the Australian Warren Rodwell who appeared in a YouTube video as a kidnapping victim of the Abu Sayyaf, the terrorist group in Mindanao is holding four other foreigners “against their will,” the military confirmed Friday. “The AFP, in support of PNP’s law enforcement function, has made verifications,” reported Major Emmanuel Garcia, deputy chief, Public Affairs Office, in an interview with Erwin Tulfo in Radyo 5’s Punto Asintado. But, beyond confirming that four other foreigners were Sayyaf captives, Garcia said the military “can’t ascertain specific location.” Thus, he said, the AFP is “asking for help from civilians,” especially vital information on sightings of the terrorists and their captives. The four others, according to Punto Asintado, are the Japanese Mamaito Katayama, a Swiss national, a Dutchman and a Jordanian journalist. “We can confirm that these 4 are being held against their will,” said Garcia.
Besides the Australian Warren Rodwell who appeared in a YouTube video as a kidnapping victim of the Abu Sayyaf, the terrorist group in Mindanao is holding four other foreigners “against their will,” the military confirmed Friday. “The AFP, in support of PNP’s law enforcement function, has made verifications,” reported Major Emmanuel Garcia, deputy chief, Public Affairs Office, in an interview with Erwin Tulfo in Radyo 5’s Punto Asintado. But, beyond confirming that four other foreigners were Sayyaf captives, Garcia said the military “can’t ascertain specific location.” Thus, he said, the AFP is “asking for help from civilians,” especially vital information on sightings of the terrorists and their captives. The four others, according to Punto Asintado, are the Japanese Mamaito Katayama, a Swiss national, a Dutchman and a Jordanian journalist. “We can confirm that these 4 are being held against their will,” said Garcia.
On Thursday, Agence France-Presse reported that Rodwell, from Sydney, was seized from his home in the town of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on December 5, 2011. Rodwell, a 54-year-old former soldier from Sydney, was seized by suspected Muslim extremists from his home in the southern Philippine town of Ipil on December 5, 2011. It was believed that he was taken by the Abu Sayyaf, which he confirms in the new video, according to the aire agency AFP.
Both the military and PNP have maintained a no- negotiation policy when it comes to payment of ransom, but this does not shut out the option to negotiate safe release of the captives, without such financial conditions. Authorities, added Garcia, are “still verifying the case of the Australian man who appeared in a YouTube video and was tagged a captive of the ASG. “We can neither confirm nor deny if man on video is the Australian Boswell,” he said, saying only, “we had earlier reports he was kidnapped and was being held somewhere in Basilan.”
PH protests Chinese patrol vessel
From Rappler (Dec 28): PH protests Chinese patrol vessel
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called on China to respect the territorial sovereignty of the Philippines after Beijing sent its first patrol vessel to areas claimed by Manila. "The Philippines strongly objects to Chinese patrols of Philippine maritime domain in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea)," DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said in a statement on Friday, December 28. Hernandez added that the presence of patrol vessels in disputed areas "will not validate the 9-Dash line [map] and is contrary to China's obligations under international law," including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
State-of-the-art patrol vessel
Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday that a state-of-the-art patrol boat equipped with helipad, the first of its kind in the region, had been dispatched to the South China Sea. This was ahead of the new Sansha City administration-enforced rules to take effect on January 1. In late November, China said it had granted its border patrol police the right to board and turn away foreign ships entering the disputed waters, raising fears of a confrontation. Sansha's jurisdiction covers part of the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
New airport
Local media in China also claimed this week that China plans to invest over US$1 billion to build an airport and other infrastructure on and around Sansha, the city which enforces Beijing's policy over the South China Sea. "This action of China will not gain validity for China," Hernandez said on Wednesday. China established Sansha City in June to govern all the areas it claims in the South China Sea under the controversial 9-Dash line map, not recognized by the Philippines and other claimant countries.
Bilateral tensions
Both countries have overlapping claims over parts of the region, a major shipping route that is also believed to hold vast mineral resources, as well as oil and gas deposits. Tensions between China and the Philippines have risen in the area since April after ships from both countries had a standoff over a rock outcropping known as the Scarborough Shoal. While the Philippines has withdrawn its ships, it says China reneged on an agreement to pull out its own vessels. China claims the shoal as well as nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters close to the coasts of neighboring countries like Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/18720-ph-protests-chinese-patrol-vessel
PATROL VESSEL.
Photo of the Haixun 31 maritime patrol boat courtesy of the Maritime Security
Administration of the People's Republic of China
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called on China to respect the territorial sovereignty of the Philippines after Beijing sent its first patrol vessel to areas claimed by Manila. "The Philippines strongly objects to Chinese patrols of Philippine maritime domain in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea)," DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said in a statement on Friday, December 28. Hernandez added that the presence of patrol vessels in disputed areas "will not validate the 9-Dash line [map] and is contrary to China's obligations under international law," including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
State-of-the-art patrol vessel
Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday that a state-of-the-art patrol boat equipped with helipad, the first of its kind in the region, had been dispatched to the South China Sea. This was ahead of the new Sansha City administration-enforced rules to take effect on January 1. In late November, China said it had granted its border patrol police the right to board and turn away foreign ships entering the disputed waters, raising fears of a confrontation. Sansha's jurisdiction covers part of the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
New airport
Local media in China also claimed this week that China plans to invest over US$1 billion to build an airport and other infrastructure on and around Sansha, the city which enforces Beijing's policy over the South China Sea. "This action of China will not gain validity for China," Hernandez said on Wednesday. China established Sansha City in June to govern all the areas it claims in the South China Sea under the controversial 9-Dash line map, not recognized by the Philippines and other claimant countries.
Bilateral tensions
Both countries have overlapping claims over parts of the region, a major shipping route that is also believed to hold vast mineral resources, as well as oil and gas deposits. Tensions between China and the Philippines have risen in the area since April after ships from both countries had a standoff over a rock outcropping known as the Scarborough Shoal. While the Philippines has withdrawn its ships, it says China reneged on an agreement to pull out its own vessels. China claims the shoal as well as nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters close to the coasts of neighboring countries like Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/18720-ph-protests-chinese-patrol-vessel
Security units on full alert following blasts in Tacurong, Cotabato City
From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 28): Security units on full alert following blasts in Tacurong, Cotabato City
Authorities have placed all security units in the city on full alert following the series of bomb blasts and shooting incidents in the cities of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato. Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, executive officer of the Task Force Davao said police and military units in the city have imposed maximum presence in areas of convergence like public markets, malls, terminals, ports, and airport and the city streets to keep the residents safe and to enhance people’s confidence as they go around for the holidays. He said tighter inspection on public and private vehicles is also observed on the three entry-points to the city in Barangays Sirawan, Lacson and Lasang. “We are on full alert given the security concerns of other areas in Mindanao,” Besana said.
Members of the Task Force Davao and the Davao City Police Office wasted no time in responding to calls about suspicious objects left in public places. The latest response was at 11 p.m. Thursday, when Explosive and Ordnance specialists from the TF Davao and DCPO used a water disruptor to open a water canister left outside a real estate firm along Bonifacio Street. SPO1 Dennis Conaco , a bomb specialist of the DCPO said the first impression of the K-9 which inspected the item did not indicate the item had explosives . He said they had to forcibly open the item through water disruptors which produced a minor explosion to look into the contents of the suspicious object. “Both ends of the canister were tightly locked and Army ordinance experts had no other choice but to use a water disruptor for us to see its contents,” said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381356658472
Authorities have placed all security units in the city on full alert following the series of bomb blasts and shooting incidents in the cities of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato. Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, executive officer of the Task Force Davao said police and military units in the city have imposed maximum presence in areas of convergence like public markets, malls, terminals, ports, and airport and the city streets to keep the residents safe and to enhance people’s confidence as they go around for the holidays. He said tighter inspection on public and private vehicles is also observed on the three entry-points to the city in Barangays Sirawan, Lacson and Lasang. “We are on full alert given the security concerns of other areas in Mindanao,” Besana said.
Members of the Task Force Davao and the Davao City Police Office wasted no time in responding to calls about suspicious objects left in public places. The latest response was at 11 p.m. Thursday, when Explosive and Ordnance specialists from the TF Davao and DCPO used a water disruptor to open a water canister left outside a real estate firm along Bonifacio Street. SPO1 Dennis Conaco , a bomb specialist of the DCPO said the first impression of the K-9 which inspected the item did not indicate the item had explosives . He said they had to forcibly open the item through water disruptors which produced a minor explosion to look into the contents of the suspicious object. “Both ends of the canister were tightly locked and Army ordinance experts had no other choice but to use a water disruptor for us to see its contents,” said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381356658472
Army commander calls on rebels to unite with armed forces in fight vs. climate change
From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 28): Army commander calls on rebels to unite with armed forces in fight vs. climate change
Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) Commander Brigadier General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. called on the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its fight against climate change. “We are now fighting a new war that is climate change. Hence, I challenge the CPP-NDF-NPA to declare a bilateral ceasefire in disaster-prone areas and help in the construction of school buildings that can be converted into evacuation centers during calamities,” said Catapang.
“The wrath of typhoon Pablo in Davao Region, where a number of 7ID troops were assigned, resulted to over a thousand deaths and billions of pesos worth in agricultural and infrastructure damages. It is high time for us to consider the threat brought about by these natural calamities,” Catapang said. In line with relief efforts to “Pablo” victims, the 7ID cancelled most of its Christmas festivities and donated the money instead. Also, each soldier gave at least one canned good and proceeds from the Commander’s Cup, Battle of the Bands, and fun run went to such cause.
A collection booth was likewise placed in a mall in Cabanatuan City to give Novo Ecijanos and other Central Luzon residents an opportunity to help. The donations and relief goods were delivered to 7ID’s brigade in Davao Oriental for distribution to affected families. (CLJD with reports from 7ID)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561356614213
Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) Commander Brigadier General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. called on the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its fight against climate change. “We are now fighting a new war that is climate change. Hence, I challenge the CPP-NDF-NPA to declare a bilateral ceasefire in disaster-prone areas and help in the construction of school buildings that can be converted into evacuation centers during calamities,” said Catapang.
“The wrath of typhoon Pablo in Davao Region, where a number of 7ID troops were assigned, resulted to over a thousand deaths and billions of pesos worth in agricultural and infrastructure damages. It is high time for us to consider the threat brought about by these natural calamities,” Catapang said. In line with relief efforts to “Pablo” victims, the 7ID cancelled most of its Christmas festivities and donated the money instead. Also, each soldier gave at least one canned good and proceeds from the Commander’s Cup, Battle of the Bands, and fun run went to such cause.
A collection booth was likewise placed in a mall in Cabanatuan City to give Novo Ecijanos and other Central Luzon residents an opportunity to help. The donations and relief goods were delivered to 7ID’s brigade in Davao Oriental for distribution to affected families. (CLJD with reports from 7ID)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561356614213