From the Philippine Star (Sep 23): Bulacan to honor Army officer slain in Zambo City
Bulacan officials are set to honor an Army officer felled by sniper fire in Zamboanga City last Thursday morning.
Officials in Norzagaray town are also preparing assistance to the family of 1Lt. Kristopher Rama, 30, including a possible scholarship for his three-year-old daughter.
Rama’s body is set to be brought to their house in Barangay FVR, Norzagaray town today after a two-day vigil at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Board member Michael Fermin said he will ask the provincial board to give a hero’s commendation to Rama. “This is the least we can do in recognition for his service to our country in defense of our democracy,” he said.
A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2008, Rama met his wife Erlinda in Agusan del Sur and moved to Norzagaray after their wedding.
Barangay FVR was established less than 10 years ago to accommodate relocatees from different parts of Metro Manila.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/09/23/1236950/bulacan-honor-army-officer-slain-zambo-city
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Misuari to face raps
From the Philippine Star (Sep 23): Misuari to face raps
Noy leaves Zambo
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing criminal charges against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari over the two-week siege in Zamboanga City, President Aquino disclosed yesterday.
“We are holding him liable over this incident. We have witnesses who are directly linking him to this conflict. And the DOJ is already in the process of preparing charges against him,” Aquino told reporters in Zamboanga City.
He said government prosecutors have been interviewing witnesses, including the civilians taken hostage by the rebels, in the effort to gather more evidence to pin down Misuari.
Aquino did not specify what charges would be filed against the MNLF chairman.
The police earlier filed charges of rebellion and human rights violations against four MNLF members said to have led the attack in Zamboanga City on Sept. 9.
Police also filed charges against 25 other rebels who were captured or who surrendered during the fighting.
Authorities yesterday included 32 more MNLF rebels in the charges of rebellion and human rights violations under Republic Act 9851, or crimes against International Humanitarian Law.
Malacañang said the investigation into the Zamboanga City caper of the MNLF faction of Misuari will also include possible financiers or other backers.
Misuari disappeared from public view shortly before the fighting broke out in Zamboanga.
Misuari had been angry over the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), believing any agreement with the rival group would sideline the MNLF and the 1996 peace agreement.
Misuari then led the group in declaring independence from the government, days before the Zamboanga siege.
Misuari reportedly ordered his men to plant an independence flag at the Zamboanga city hall, but they were prevented by government troops.
This eventually led to the crisis where the rebels seized hundreds of civilians as hostages while burning down their houses.
Aquino said one indication that Misuari had a hand in the siege was the sudden change of plans of the rebel leader.
He said a review of the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF had been set in Indonesia but Misuari and his group canceled this.
Aquino said these developments were solid evidence that Misuari was behind the siege of Zamboanga.
Two weeks ago, Aquino told journalists in an interview in Makati City that pressing either rebellion or inciting to sedition charges against Misuari apparently will not hold water, but prosecutors are nevertheless assessing what is necessary.
In an interview at the 7th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting at the Raffles and Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Aquino said a consultation with his legal team showed all the elements needed for the filing of the non-bailable offenses have not been met.
“It’s quite difficult to state categorically at this point in time that we have a case that can be filed against Nur Misuari precisely because the evidence that will prove that he engaged in such an activity is not yet present or at least is not apparent,” he said.
Aquino noted the government has mostly hearsay evidence against the Muslim leader since only his men have been talking on his behalf, which gives Misuari room for deniability, thereby negating any more proof of his involvement.
“Here in Zamboanga City, allegedly he was there, but I have to stress ‘allegedly’ because nobody has talked to him, he is not even coming out physically and has not declared any independence whatsoever,” Aquino pointed out.
Misuari’s legal counsel Rex Bugarin said the MNLF leader will answer all the allegations linking him to the standoff.
“Misuari will be reporting on what triggered the outbreak of hostilities in Zamboanga City,” Bugarin said.
He said a pre-recorded message will be aired today in a news forum at the Manila Hotel while MNLF spokespersons Absalom Cerveza and Emmanuel Fontanilla will answer phone patch questions from their locations somewhere in Mindanao.
Bugarin said he does not know where Misuari is but an emissary has assured him that a message will be aired during the forum.
He said he is not privy to the message but theorized Misuari will answer point by point the allegations against him, including the criminal charges filed against his followers.
Bugarin said the MNLF wanted to air their side on the ongoing conflict and the real reason behind the attack in Zamboanga City.
On the other hand, Fontanilla, in a text message, said he will be reporting actual casualties both from the MNLF and the government forces since the outbreak of hostilities broke out in Zamboanga and Basilan.
“The military and police are using mirror tactic, they wanted only their side aired in the media,” Fontanilla said.
He said sources in the police and military had revealed the number of casualties being reported is contrary to the actual body count.
Fontanilla also claimed the rebels are holding several soldiers, including a major, as “prisoners of war.”
He said some of the government fatalities are still in the conflict zones and their bodies have not been recovered.
After ten days of personally overseeing the military operations against the MNLF rebels, Aquino left Zamboanga City yesterday with the assurance that the end is in sight.
He said the remainder of the Misuari-led MNLF faction has been confined to a small area.
Aquino disclosed that based on reports, Habier Malik, the Sulu-based MNLF commander who led the siege, is still in the area.
“And government troops have surrounded the area,” he added.
Hours before Aquino left the city, government forces were pounding Sta. Catalina, one of the remaining villages where the rebels were holding out.
Aquino explained the government offensive was dragging since the military and police have to implement well-planned operations to avoid civilian casualties.
The military said the rebel force has been reduced to only 50 gunmen, who are still holding some 20 civilian hostages.
At least 11 civilians have been killed and 70 were wounded during the series of encounters while the government forces suffered 14 killed and 143 wounded.
The rebels suffered 95 dead while 144 were arrested and captured as the firefight entered its third week Monday.
Aquino suspected the rebels have lasted for two weeks against government forces because they were well prepared.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/09/23/1237182/misuari-face-raps
Noy leaves Zambo
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing criminal charges against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari over the two-week siege in Zamboanga City, President Aquino disclosed yesterday.
“We are holding him liable over this incident. We have witnesses who are directly linking him to this conflict. And the DOJ is already in the process of preparing charges against him,” Aquino told reporters in Zamboanga City.
He said government prosecutors have been interviewing witnesses, including the civilians taken hostage by the rebels, in the effort to gather more evidence to pin down Misuari.
Aquino did not specify what charges would be filed against the MNLF chairman.
The police earlier filed charges of rebellion and human rights violations against four MNLF members said to have led the attack in Zamboanga City on Sept. 9.
Police also filed charges against 25 other rebels who were captured or who surrendered during the fighting.
Authorities yesterday included 32 more MNLF rebels in the charges of rebellion and human rights violations under Republic Act 9851, or crimes against International Humanitarian Law.
Malacañang said the investigation into the Zamboanga City caper of the MNLF faction of Misuari will also include possible financiers or other backers.
Misuari disappeared from public view shortly before the fighting broke out in Zamboanga.
Misuari had been angry over the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), believing any agreement with the rival group would sideline the MNLF and the 1996 peace agreement.
Misuari then led the group in declaring independence from the government, days before the Zamboanga siege.
Misuari reportedly ordered his men to plant an independence flag at the Zamboanga city hall, but they were prevented by government troops.
This eventually led to the crisis where the rebels seized hundreds of civilians as hostages while burning down their houses.
Aquino said one indication that Misuari had a hand in the siege was the sudden change of plans of the rebel leader.
He said a review of the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF had been set in Indonesia but Misuari and his group canceled this.
Aquino said these developments were solid evidence that Misuari was behind the siege of Zamboanga.
Two weeks ago, Aquino told journalists in an interview in Makati City that pressing either rebellion or inciting to sedition charges against Misuari apparently will not hold water, but prosecutors are nevertheless assessing what is necessary.
In an interview at the 7th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting at the Raffles and Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Aquino said a consultation with his legal team showed all the elements needed for the filing of the non-bailable offenses have not been met.
“It’s quite difficult to state categorically at this point in time that we have a case that can be filed against Nur Misuari precisely because the evidence that will prove that he engaged in such an activity is not yet present or at least is not apparent,” he said.
Aquino noted the government has mostly hearsay evidence against the Muslim leader since only his men have been talking on his behalf, which gives Misuari room for deniability, thereby negating any more proof of his involvement.
“Here in Zamboanga City, allegedly he was there, but I have to stress ‘allegedly’ because nobody has talked to him, he is not even coming out physically and has not declared any independence whatsoever,” Aquino pointed out.
Misuari’s legal counsel Rex Bugarin said the MNLF leader will answer all the allegations linking him to the standoff.
“Misuari will be reporting on what triggered the outbreak of hostilities in Zamboanga City,” Bugarin said.
He said a pre-recorded message will be aired today in a news forum at the Manila Hotel while MNLF spokespersons Absalom Cerveza and Emmanuel Fontanilla will answer phone patch questions from their locations somewhere in Mindanao.
Bugarin said he does not know where Misuari is but an emissary has assured him that a message will be aired during the forum.
He said he is not privy to the message but theorized Misuari will answer point by point the allegations against him, including the criminal charges filed against his followers.
Bugarin said the MNLF wanted to air their side on the ongoing conflict and the real reason behind the attack in Zamboanga City.
On the other hand, Fontanilla, in a text message, said he will be reporting actual casualties both from the MNLF and the government forces since the outbreak of hostilities broke out in Zamboanga and Basilan.
“The military and police are using mirror tactic, they wanted only their side aired in the media,” Fontanilla said.
He said sources in the police and military had revealed the number of casualties being reported is contrary to the actual body count.
Fontanilla also claimed the rebels are holding several soldiers, including a major, as “prisoners of war.”
He said some of the government fatalities are still in the conflict zones and their bodies have not been recovered.
End game
He said the remainder of the Misuari-led MNLF faction has been confined to a small area.
Aquino disclosed that based on reports, Habier Malik, the Sulu-based MNLF commander who led the siege, is still in the area.
“And government troops have surrounded the area,” he added.
Hours before Aquino left the city, government forces were pounding Sta. Catalina, one of the remaining villages where the rebels were holding out.
Aquino explained the government offensive was dragging since the military and police have to implement well-planned operations to avoid civilian casualties.
The military said the rebel force has been reduced to only 50 gunmen, who are still holding some 20 civilian hostages.
At least 11 civilians have been killed and 70 were wounded during the series of encounters while the government forces suffered 14 killed and 143 wounded.
The rebels suffered 95 dead while 144 were arrested and captured as the firefight entered its third week Monday.
Aquino suspected the rebels have lasted for two weeks against government forces because they were well prepared.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/09/23/1237182/misuari-face-raps
Breaking the peace in Sulu and Zamboanga
Posted to MindaNews (Sep 22): Breaking the peace in Sulu and Zamboanga
In August, the panji (flag) of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was hoisted at the SarangBangun Center where MNLF founding chair Nurullaji“Nur” Misuari was holding office just near the Masjid Tulay or the Tulay Grand Mosque in Jolo, Sulu. It is the same flag that MNLF followers from across the province of Sulu wanted to hoist in Zamboanga City, after the same purported activity: the peace rally.
“Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin did not issue a permit to hold a peace rally to the MNLF in Jolo,” Hji. Fazlur-Rahman Abdulla, Executive Director of the Sulu Area Coordinating Center and member of the Sulu Ulama Council, said in an interview. The rally would have taken place afternoon of August 20 at Masjid Tulay in Sulu’s capital town. The Ulama were against the use of the mosque as a platform to air political gripes.
“We are tired of the war that the MNLF has been waging,” Abdulla said. “The Tausug is maluha na (in tearful anguish), with the trauma of the wars. You know, my family and I were once IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) in 1974. In 2001, the MNLF declared that the Government (of the Philippines) has no sincerity. Nur Misuari was losing his control over the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) so between August to September that year nag-atake na sila (they already attacked Jolo). Pagod na ang Tausug sa giyera (The Tausug is tired of war),” Abdulla added.
It is for these reasons that Sulu Gov. Abdusakur ‘Totoh’ Tan II did not allow MNLF forces to gather in Sulu. “The MNLF could not push through because there was no support from the Tausugs. We are simply tired of war. Things were different in 1974 because the MNLF was fully supported in the uprising then. When they attacked the (Army) Brigade in 2001 things changed. People suffered from trauma, for a cause they did not really want. Perceptions of the Tausug on war also changed,” Abdullah stressed.
Mayor Amin, on the other hand, challenged the MNLF: “Why hold a peace rally when there is no war? There is no foreseen danger. There is no need to hold a peace rally unless all sectors are involved.”
Amin and Vice-Gov. Abdusakur Tan met with the members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and studied the movement of the MNLF in Sulu,especially on August 20 (the date of the supposed rally) to August 24 (United Nations Day).
On July 29, the MNLF command under Ustadz Habier Malik marched to Lampaya in Talipao, some 15 kilometers from the headquarters of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 2. Malik, along with about a thousand armed followers, was seeking passage through Talipao to Jolo, but the Marines blocked the MNLF’s entry through a five-hour non-violent stand-off.
Asked how they prevented what could have triggered an armed conflict, Lt. Col. Romulo Qumado II, MBLT2 Commanding Officer, said: “The key was genuine relations plus discernment and prudence. Between and among warriors is the word of honor. Honor is valuable to them as this equates with martabat. It is a culture-fit approach to peace-building and is like no other.”
Recalling the incident, Quemado said the troops blocked the MNLF forces and told them not to bring their firearms. “They complied in a straight line like kindergarten kids. Probably hid (their firearms) or let their (armed) pieces in another route. But they broke through, challenging my authority and the (Philippine) flag I represent. The Marines and the MNLF kept the peace for the community.”
Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu and 2nd Philippine Marine Brigade said the main body of the MNLF was in that portion in Talipao. “I’m very glad that he (Quemado) was able to handle that incident effectively. All was focused towards achieving and winning the peace. Well, not all of his decisions were according to the book, because it was people-centric—this is our campaign here—than threat-based. You know, in dealing with situations like that, we need to be flexible in dealing with human lives, in dealing with humanity,” Cenabre said.
Days later, the MNLF gradually moved, in batches, to Zamboanga City, the regional economic hub not only for the Zamboanga Peninsula but also for Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—three of ARMM’s provinces.
A relative of one of the MNLF members who arrived in Zamboanga two weeks ago from mid-August to early September disclosed that they arrived in small numbers on board motorized bancas. Others arrived months earlier and already settled in Zamboanga and embedded with the locals in various barangays.
At around 1 a.m. on Monday, September 9, the final group of MNLF combatants entered the Zamboanga Peninsula area via the seawaters of Mariki, where Philippine Navy Seals fought them off to defend the coastal waters. The encounter left Navy Seal, PO3 Jose Audrey Bañares, dead.
Local Governments Secretary Mar Roxas admitted that this was a failure of intelligence, but in a separate interview, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco said she “will not call that as a failure of (military) intelligence, if only to honor that Navy Seal (Bañares) who to his last breath defended Zamboanga’s seawaters.”
Climaco said she has spoken with both Misuari and Malik. The MNLF chair has denied knowledge of his lead combat commander’s plans and offensive operations. And while the MNLF has been stating that they only wanted to hold a peace rally in Zamboanga, Climaco stressed that the MNLF “never asked for a permit to hold a rally” which is a legal requisite in the conduct of public assemblies as provided by law.
However, Malik, interviewed live on broadcast from his command post in Zamboanga (exact location unknown) in Sta. Barbara on September 10, declared: “Dapat mapag-usapan ang kapayapaan (Peace must be discussed).” The MNLF wanted to raise their panji (flag) at the Zamboanga City Hall—to the full protest of Zamboangueños.
Malik’s demands are deeply grounded. The issues he presented last week are the very issues he raised in February 2007, when he held hostage then peace panel representative, then Brig. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino (now retired from military service) and 24 other persons including then Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Ramon Santos in Camp Bitanag, Panamao, Sulu.
Malik demanded then that the Tripartite Review on the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and MNLF be set (the schedule for the review was postponed several times) so the MNLF can be listened to, at least, through Misuari.
One of the hostages, Carol Latorre, said in a phone interview that they were all released through peaceful dialogue and Malik’s men, all heavily armed, set free the peace panel team led by the AFP general.
There are, however, outstanding issues and differences between the Philippine Government and the MNLF in the implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 final peace accord. There are three remaining issues both parties are still reviewing – the MNLF arguing these have yet to be implemented, the government saying otherwise. Whatever their disagreements may be, both parties concur that the 1996 Final Peace Agreement did not solve the problems of the Bangsamoro people, and in effect, did not lead to sustainable peace in Mindanao.
The demands presented by the MNLF however are beyond the decision-making capacity of Mayor Climaco. On September 13, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III took control as the crisis was elevated to Level 4, a state when the management of an existing emergency situation is elevated to the national leadership.
Civic groups appealed “to immediately effect a humanitarian ceasefire, to allow the release of civilian hostages, especially the children, the elderly, the persons with disabilities, the curing of the sick, and the burying of the dead.” Led by Fr. Angel Calvo, Prof. Ali Yacub, Rev. Paulino Ersando, and Mr. Nulhamdo Cegales, the Interreligious Solidarity for Peace specifically called for the silencing of the guns and saving of lives.
The paradox is, the peace in Sulu and Zamboanga has been disturbed by the MNLF that seeks peace, and was responded to by the force of law that sought peace as the end-state when government troops staged an assault, enforcing a graduated constriction strategy in their joint operations.
Arguments and informal deliberations continue to vary because perspectives vary. As of this writing, body counts are not even revealed, and the extent of economic, structural and cultural damage are immeasurable. The Navy Seal was perhaps the first casualty in this war. But the late US Senator Hiram Johnson said, “The first casualty in war is truth.”
Sadly, even the white flag cannot be waved without the truth.
(This piece was first published in the Sept. 16 issue of MindaNews’ weekly newsmagazine, OUR Mindanao. Frencie L. Carreon is a Zamboanga-based journalist and a Ph.D. Candidate for Peace and Conflict Studies (Peace Journalism) at The University of Sydney, Australia)
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/09/22/breaking-the-peace-in-sulu-and-zamboanga/
In August, the panji (flag) of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was hoisted at the SarangBangun Center where MNLF founding chair Nurullaji“Nur” Misuari was holding office just near the Masjid Tulay or the Tulay Grand Mosque in Jolo, Sulu. It is the same flag that MNLF followers from across the province of Sulu wanted to hoist in Zamboanga City, after the same purported activity: the peace rally.
“Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin did not issue a permit to hold a peace rally to the MNLF in Jolo,” Hji. Fazlur-Rahman Abdulla, Executive Director of the Sulu Area Coordinating Center and member of the Sulu Ulama Council, said in an interview. The rally would have taken place afternoon of August 20 at Masjid Tulay in Sulu’s capital town. The Ulama were against the use of the mosque as a platform to air political gripes.
“We are tired of the war that the MNLF has been waging,” Abdulla said. “The Tausug is maluha na (in tearful anguish), with the trauma of the wars. You know, my family and I were once IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) in 1974. In 2001, the MNLF declared that the Government (of the Philippines) has no sincerity. Nur Misuari was losing his control over the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) so between August to September that year nag-atake na sila (they already attacked Jolo). Pagod na ang Tausug sa giyera (The Tausug is tired of war),” Abdulla added.
It is for these reasons that Sulu Gov. Abdusakur ‘Totoh’ Tan II did not allow MNLF forces to gather in Sulu. “The MNLF could not push through because there was no support from the Tausugs. We are simply tired of war. Things were different in 1974 because the MNLF was fully supported in the uprising then. When they attacked the (Army) Brigade in 2001 things changed. People suffered from trauma, for a cause they did not really want. Perceptions of the Tausug on war also changed,” Abdullah stressed.
Mayor Amin, on the other hand, challenged the MNLF: “Why hold a peace rally when there is no war? There is no foreseen danger. There is no need to hold a peace rally unless all sectors are involved.”
On July 29, the MNLF command under Ustadz Habier Malik marched to Lampaya in Talipao, some 15 kilometers from the headquarters of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 2. Malik, along with about a thousand armed followers, was seeking passage through Talipao to Jolo, but the Marines blocked the MNLF’s entry through a five-hour non-violent stand-off.
Asked how they prevented what could have triggered an armed conflict, Lt. Col. Romulo Qumado II, MBLT2 Commanding Officer, said: “The key was genuine relations plus discernment and prudence. Between and among warriors is the word of honor. Honor is valuable to them as this equates with martabat. It is a culture-fit approach to peace-building and is like no other.”
Recalling the incident, Quemado said the troops blocked the MNLF forces and told them not to bring their firearms. “They complied in a straight line like kindergarten kids. Probably hid (their firearms) or let their (armed) pieces in another route. But they broke through, challenging my authority and the (Philippine) flag I represent. The Marines and the MNLF kept the peace for the community.”
Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu and 2nd Philippine Marine Brigade said the main body of the MNLF was in that portion in Talipao. “I’m very glad that he (Quemado) was able to handle that incident effectively. All was focused towards achieving and winning the peace. Well, not all of his decisions were according to the book, because it was people-centric—this is our campaign here—than threat-based. You know, in dealing with situations like that, we need to be flexible in dealing with human lives, in dealing with humanity,” Cenabre said.
Days later, the MNLF gradually moved, in batches, to Zamboanga City, the regional economic hub not only for the Zamboanga Peninsula but also for Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—three of ARMM’s provinces.
A relative of one of the MNLF members who arrived in Zamboanga two weeks ago from mid-August to early September disclosed that they arrived in small numbers on board motorized bancas. Others arrived months earlier and already settled in Zamboanga and embedded with the locals in various barangays.
At around 1 a.m. on Monday, September 9, the final group of MNLF combatants entered the Zamboanga Peninsula area via the seawaters of Mariki, where Philippine Navy Seals fought them off to defend the coastal waters. The encounter left Navy Seal, PO3 Jose Audrey Bañares, dead.
Local Governments Secretary Mar Roxas admitted that this was a failure of intelligence, but in a separate interview, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco said she “will not call that as a failure of (military) intelligence, if only to honor that Navy Seal (Bañares) who to his last breath defended Zamboanga’s seawaters.”
Climaco said she has spoken with both Misuari and Malik. The MNLF chair has denied knowledge of his lead combat commander’s plans and offensive operations. And while the MNLF has been stating that they only wanted to hold a peace rally in Zamboanga, Climaco stressed that the MNLF “never asked for a permit to hold a rally” which is a legal requisite in the conduct of public assemblies as provided by law.
However, Malik, interviewed live on broadcast from his command post in Zamboanga (exact location unknown) in Sta. Barbara on September 10, declared: “Dapat mapag-usapan ang kapayapaan (Peace must be discussed).” The MNLF wanted to raise their panji (flag) at the Zamboanga City Hall—to the full protest of Zamboangueños.
Malik’s demands are deeply grounded. The issues he presented last week are the very issues he raised in February 2007, when he held hostage then peace panel representative, then Brig. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino (now retired from military service) and 24 other persons including then Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Ramon Santos in Camp Bitanag, Panamao, Sulu.
Malik demanded then that the Tripartite Review on the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and MNLF be set (the schedule for the review was postponed several times) so the MNLF can be listened to, at least, through Misuari.
One of the hostages, Carol Latorre, said in a phone interview that they were all released through peaceful dialogue and Malik’s men, all heavily armed, set free the peace panel team led by the AFP general.
There are, however, outstanding issues and differences between the Philippine Government and the MNLF in the implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 final peace accord. There are three remaining issues both parties are still reviewing – the MNLF arguing these have yet to be implemented, the government saying otherwise. Whatever their disagreements may be, both parties concur that the 1996 Final Peace Agreement did not solve the problems of the Bangsamoro people, and in effect, did not lead to sustainable peace in Mindanao.
The demands presented by the MNLF however are beyond the decision-making capacity of Mayor Climaco. On September 13, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III took control as the crisis was elevated to Level 4, a state when the management of an existing emergency situation is elevated to the national leadership.
Civic groups appealed “to immediately effect a humanitarian ceasefire, to allow the release of civilian hostages, especially the children, the elderly, the persons with disabilities, the curing of the sick, and the burying of the dead.” Led by Fr. Angel Calvo, Prof. Ali Yacub, Rev. Paulino Ersando, and Mr. Nulhamdo Cegales, the Interreligious Solidarity for Peace specifically called for the silencing of the guns and saving of lives.
The paradox is, the peace in Sulu and Zamboanga has been disturbed by the MNLF that seeks peace, and was responded to by the force of law that sought peace as the end-state when government troops staged an assault, enforcing a graduated constriction strategy in their joint operations.
Arguments and informal deliberations continue to vary because perspectives vary. As of this writing, body counts are not even revealed, and the extent of economic, structural and cultural damage are immeasurable. The Navy Seal was perhaps the first casualty in this war. But the late US Senator Hiram Johnson said, “The first casualty in war is truth.”
Sadly, even the white flag cannot be waved without the truth.
(This piece was first published in the Sept. 16 issue of MindaNews’ weekly newsmagazine, OUR Mindanao. Frencie L. Carreon is a Zamboanga-based journalist and a Ph.D. Candidate for Peace and Conflict Studies (Peace Journalism) at The University of Sydney, Australia)
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/09/22/breaking-the-peace-in-sulu-and-zamboanga/
CPP/NDF: Martial Law continues under the US-Aquino regime
Posted to the CPP Website (Sep 21): Martial Law continues under the US-Aquino regime
Cesar Renerio
Spokesperson
NDFP North Central Mindanao Chapter
Today is the 41st year since the declaration of martial law, marking the 14-year dark period of our nation’s history under the fascist US-Marcos dictatorship. We also call to mind the heroic anti-dictatorship struggle of the Filipino people, who offered many lives and endured countless hardships, that culminated with the overthrow the infamous dictator in a people’s EDSA uprising in 1986. The heroes of the anti-dictatorship struggle, including those nameless and faceless martyrs from the ranks of the oppressed and exploited classes, are memoriaized in the hearts and minds of each Filipino carrying on the torch of resistance against the undeclared martial law of the incumbent US-Aquino regime.
Oplan Bayanihan is the US-Aquino regime’s counterrevolutionary program with an ambitious aim of totally quelling the people’s revolutionary struggle by the end of his term. Under Oplan Bayanihan, the AFP, paramilitary forces and the PNP are constantly strengthened in order to repress the people. Intelligence, psy-war and massive military combat operations in the countryside are being intensified. In urban areas, the presence of armed police and military forces, armed security guards and SCAA is maintained; demolition teams violently tear down entire urban poor communities; and authorities chase poor vendors outside marketplaces or on sidewalks. Even peaceful rallies and demonstrations expressing the people’s legitimate grievances and issues are countered with police brutality.
Martial law was declared because the ruling classes found it difficult to rule the old way and thus resorted to naked fascism to supress the escalating people’s resistance in the ‘70s. But history has witnessed that the Marcos ruling clique and all other regimes that followed failed dismally in suppressing the revolution’s continuous advance.
Amidst the ever intensifying armed struggle in the countryside and mass movements in the cities, as well as the Moro people’s resolute struggle for self-determination, the ruling classes increasingly tighten their grip on fascism as their main weapon against the people. Even without naming it martial law, the power of the reactionary armed forces essentially remains as the ruling classes’ bastion in defending the ruling system and remaining in power.
Since martial law until now, the fascist machinery of state terrorism remains intact. This is shown by the sheer power of the fascist military—generals are cuddled, modernization of equipment is ensured, and their department receives a far greater portion of the yearly budget than those alloted to social services for the people.
Fascism comes with matching widespread human rights violations: military abuses, forced mass evacuations and dislocation, trumped-up charges, arrests, killings and others.
In Cagayan de Oro City, the AFP implements the Bayanihan Alert for Peace and Development (BAPD), deploying armed BAPD teams in six densely-populated barangays where the city’s poor and typhoon Sendong victims are concentrated. An undisguised fascist maneuver of this kind has never happened during the whole course of martial law. The mere presence of armed BAPD teams in communities terrorize citizens who are subjected to surveillance, and made vulnerable to legal suits, arrests or killings on plain suspicion or trumped-up criminal accusation.
The regime also adheres to its militarist formula in dealing with the MNLF-Misuari faction’s adventurist undertakings without regard to adverse consequences. Its utter insensitivity burdened the hapless residents to pay for the great social cost of its military solution in terms of lives, properties and the dislocation of 114,000 ordinary citizens in Zamboanga City.
No amount of deodorizing can ever conceal the reeking stench of fascism. Oplan Bayanihan’s psy-war component is sugarcoated with ‘peace and development’ to deceive the people. Its counterrevolutionary aims to intimidate and silence the people who have been steeled in the struggle against martial law is not peace, much less development. Far from bringing development, the 4Ps dole-outs of the regime are a mockery to the dignity of the poor while the rotten bureaucrats involved in the pork barrel scandal plunder and squander billions of pesos of the people’s hard-earned money, provoking the ire of Filipino taxpayers.
While the family of the dictator Marcos is now back in power, justice remains elusive for the 10,000 victims of human rights violations under the fascist regime. More than a year has passed since the the approval of Martial Law Human Rights Victims Recognition and Compensation Act, a law establishing a historical imprint of the dictatorship’s barbarity. Until now, the victories won by the victims and their families remain in paper. The US-Aquino regime pays no serious attention to giving the victims their long overdue compensation. The victims and their families must resolutely demand for their compensation, and closely guard the funds taken from the Marcoses’ plundered money. Famished crocodiles in Aquino’s cabinet brandishing human rights always lie in anticipation of booty. The irony of it all is that, the flock of Etta Rosales herself of the Commission on Human Rights is viciously masterminding the delisting of legitimate victims from the list of claimants.
Aquino does not need to declare martial law anymore. It exists today, de-facto. To suppress the people’s struggle, military rule has always been the general policy of the reactionary state. While the nation continues to be deeply mired in crisis, the US-Aquino regime’s counterrevolutionary violence will stoke the fires of guerrilla warfare, which will bring the people’s war to the strategic stalemate and onward to complete victory.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130921_martial-law-continues-under-the-us-aquino-regime
Cesar Renerio
Spokesperson
NDFP North Central Mindanao Chapter
Today is the 41st year since the declaration of martial law, marking the 14-year dark period of our nation’s history under the fascist US-Marcos dictatorship. We also call to mind the heroic anti-dictatorship struggle of the Filipino people, who offered many lives and endured countless hardships, that culminated with the overthrow the infamous dictator in a people’s EDSA uprising in 1986. The heroes of the anti-dictatorship struggle, including those nameless and faceless martyrs from the ranks of the oppressed and exploited classes, are memoriaized in the hearts and minds of each Filipino carrying on the torch of resistance against the undeclared martial law of the incumbent US-Aquino regime.
Oplan Bayanihan is the US-Aquino regime’s counterrevolutionary program with an ambitious aim of totally quelling the people’s revolutionary struggle by the end of his term. Under Oplan Bayanihan, the AFP, paramilitary forces and the PNP are constantly strengthened in order to repress the people. Intelligence, psy-war and massive military combat operations in the countryside are being intensified. In urban areas, the presence of armed police and military forces, armed security guards and SCAA is maintained; demolition teams violently tear down entire urban poor communities; and authorities chase poor vendors outside marketplaces or on sidewalks. Even peaceful rallies and demonstrations expressing the people’s legitimate grievances and issues are countered with police brutality.
Martial law was declared because the ruling classes found it difficult to rule the old way and thus resorted to naked fascism to supress the escalating people’s resistance in the ‘70s. But history has witnessed that the Marcos ruling clique and all other regimes that followed failed dismally in suppressing the revolution’s continuous advance.
Amidst the ever intensifying armed struggle in the countryside and mass movements in the cities, as well as the Moro people’s resolute struggle for self-determination, the ruling classes increasingly tighten their grip on fascism as their main weapon against the people. Even without naming it martial law, the power of the reactionary armed forces essentially remains as the ruling classes’ bastion in defending the ruling system and remaining in power.
Since martial law until now, the fascist machinery of state terrorism remains intact. This is shown by the sheer power of the fascist military—generals are cuddled, modernization of equipment is ensured, and their department receives a far greater portion of the yearly budget than those alloted to social services for the people.
Fascism comes with matching widespread human rights violations: military abuses, forced mass evacuations and dislocation, trumped-up charges, arrests, killings and others.
In Cagayan de Oro City, the AFP implements the Bayanihan Alert for Peace and Development (BAPD), deploying armed BAPD teams in six densely-populated barangays where the city’s poor and typhoon Sendong victims are concentrated. An undisguised fascist maneuver of this kind has never happened during the whole course of martial law. The mere presence of armed BAPD teams in communities terrorize citizens who are subjected to surveillance, and made vulnerable to legal suits, arrests or killings on plain suspicion or trumped-up criminal accusation.
The regime also adheres to its militarist formula in dealing with the MNLF-Misuari faction’s adventurist undertakings without regard to adverse consequences. Its utter insensitivity burdened the hapless residents to pay for the great social cost of its military solution in terms of lives, properties and the dislocation of 114,000 ordinary citizens in Zamboanga City.
No amount of deodorizing can ever conceal the reeking stench of fascism. Oplan Bayanihan’s psy-war component is sugarcoated with ‘peace and development’ to deceive the people. Its counterrevolutionary aims to intimidate and silence the people who have been steeled in the struggle against martial law is not peace, much less development. Far from bringing development, the 4Ps dole-outs of the regime are a mockery to the dignity of the poor while the rotten bureaucrats involved in the pork barrel scandal plunder and squander billions of pesos of the people’s hard-earned money, provoking the ire of Filipino taxpayers.
While the family of the dictator Marcos is now back in power, justice remains elusive for the 10,000 victims of human rights violations under the fascist regime. More than a year has passed since the the approval of Martial Law Human Rights Victims Recognition and Compensation Act, a law establishing a historical imprint of the dictatorship’s barbarity. Until now, the victories won by the victims and their families remain in paper. The US-Aquino regime pays no serious attention to giving the victims their long overdue compensation. The victims and their families must resolutely demand for their compensation, and closely guard the funds taken from the Marcoses’ plundered money. Famished crocodiles in Aquino’s cabinet brandishing human rights always lie in anticipation of booty. The irony of it all is that, the flock of Etta Rosales herself of the Commission on Human Rights is viciously masterminding the delisting of legitimate victims from the list of claimants.
Aquino does not need to declare martial law anymore. It exists today, de-facto. To suppress the people’s struggle, military rule has always been the general policy of the reactionary state. While the nation continues to be deeply mired in crisis, the US-Aquino regime’s counterrevolutionary violence will stoke the fires of guerrilla warfare, which will bring the people’s war to the strategic stalemate and onward to complete victory.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130921_martial-law-continues-under-the-us-aquino-regime
CPP/NDF: The Moro people must continue to wage armed revolution as well as open militant mass movement in the struggle for the right to self-determination
Posted to the CPP Website (Sep 20): The Moro people must continue to wage armed revolution as well as open militant mass movement in the struggle for the right to self-determination
Another grim chapter of the Moro people’s struggle is about to close as the combined, far-superior reactionary armed forces of the US-Aquino regime supported by US surveillance and logistics subdued and successfully vanquished the outnumbered, ill-equipped, ill-supplied freedom fighters of the MNLF, which relied only on very minimal mass support. What is supposed to be just a show of force by Nur Misuari — using the MNLF freedom fighters to dramatize his long lost cause and get concessions from the GPH and the Arab world to grant them their share of crumbs in the on-going “peace process” between the GPH and the MILF — is now added to the Bud Daho, Bud Bagsak, Jabiddah and Buldon carnages.
The reckless and futile attempt of Nur Misuari and the overkill reaction of the Aquino regime cost not only billions of pesos in damage to properties and the economy in general, but, more appallingly, the lives of nearly a hundred innocent civilians and MNLF freedom fighters, including GPH mercenary troops, displacing over a hundred thousand people.
The shameless, calculated carnage perpetrated by the Aquino government, designed to divert the national attention away from the pork barrel scandal, only partly succeeded because the people’s ire against the complicity of the current regime is too reprehensible to be buried by the state’s display of ruthlessness in Zamboanga City.
We condemn the US-Aquino regime’s naked militarist brutality, particularly in handling the Zamboanga crises with an overly huge number of both AFP and PNP troops. We also condemn the GPH’s aerial bombing and strafing by military aircraft against the MNLF fighters who were clearly among the civilians, demonstrating the Aquino government’s disregard for the safety of the civilians and violating the Protocols of War.
Nur Misuari cannot wash his hands and deny his role in the fiasco, especially not when his own ambitions have gamely trifled with the lives of heroic Moro freedom fighters, and have disingenuously planted false hopes on the minds of the Moro people over what he declared last August 12 as “Bangsamoro Republic.”
The US military intervention thru its spy drone and logistical support during the siege was a gross violation of the Filipino people’s sovereignty. The US, we imagine, is only too happy with this development because it lends credence to its increased presence in the country and in the Asia-Pacific region, further bolstering its chances to push, without much impediment, its interests in Mindanao, especially in Moro areas. This scenario, if anything, assures Benigno Aquino’s US imperialist boss control of the island’s natural resources, such as the Liguasan marsh, as well as unconstrained facility and basing rights in both land and sea.
Until the reactionary regime provides the condition requisite for genuine autonomy or self-determination of the Moro people, history would only repeat itself. The reactionary regime’s divide-and-rule tactic would merely delay the fruition of the true aspirations of the Moro people, and we are most certain that, should the GPH succeed to encumber one group, others would rise in its place to continue the struggle to resolve the fundamental problems of the Moro people. It could be recalled that the MILF split from the MNLF, and presently, the BIFF from the MILF, which occurred for the reason that the MILF, quite similar to how it gauged the MNLF before it, has thrust under compromise the demands and interests of the Moro people.
Unless it becomes clear that the struggle of the Moro people is part of the national-democratic revolution and, united, they take this path, all the 13 different Moro tribes will continue to remain vulnerable to the divide-and-rule tactic of the US-Aquino regime. And while the Moro leadership continues to ignore genuine agrarian reform advocacy on Bangsamoro land and refuse to fight against foreign intervention, particularly US intervention, vast numbers of the Moro people can never be consolidated to march as one. If the Moro struggle remains cut off from the entire national struggle, this will only give the reactionary regime the leverage to further isolate the Moro people’s struggle from the wide support of the entire Filipino nation.
Under the reactionary rule of the current regime, no other solution for the Moro problem is more feasible other than for the Moro people to launch a combination of both revolutionary armed struggle and open militant mass movement in order to reap the widespread support of the Bangsamoro as well as the entire Filipino people.
On one hand, those who have unabashedly abandoned armed struggle and yet continue to claim being revolutionaries have only found the surest way to isolate themselves from the rest of the Moro people. On the other hand, the use of terrorist tactics in achieving political goals, especially by using or targeting innocent civilians as what have happened in Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao, will never earn the support of the Moro people and the other sectors of the Filipino people; such methods will only sorely fail.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130920_the-moro-people-must-continue-to-wage-armed-revolution-as-well-as-open-militant-mass-movement-in-the-struggle-for-the-right-to-self-determination
Another grim chapter of the Moro people’s struggle is about to close as the combined, far-superior reactionary armed forces of the US-Aquino regime supported by US surveillance and logistics subdued and successfully vanquished the outnumbered, ill-equipped, ill-supplied freedom fighters of the MNLF, which relied only on very minimal mass support. What is supposed to be just a show of force by Nur Misuari — using the MNLF freedom fighters to dramatize his long lost cause and get concessions from the GPH and the Arab world to grant them their share of crumbs in the on-going “peace process” between the GPH and the MILF — is now added to the Bud Daho, Bud Bagsak, Jabiddah and Buldon carnages.
The reckless and futile attempt of Nur Misuari and the overkill reaction of the Aquino regime cost not only billions of pesos in damage to properties and the economy in general, but, more appallingly, the lives of nearly a hundred innocent civilians and MNLF freedom fighters, including GPH mercenary troops, displacing over a hundred thousand people.
The shameless, calculated carnage perpetrated by the Aquino government, designed to divert the national attention away from the pork barrel scandal, only partly succeeded because the people’s ire against the complicity of the current regime is too reprehensible to be buried by the state’s display of ruthlessness in Zamboanga City.
We condemn the US-Aquino regime’s naked militarist brutality, particularly in handling the Zamboanga crises with an overly huge number of both AFP and PNP troops. We also condemn the GPH’s aerial bombing and strafing by military aircraft against the MNLF fighters who were clearly among the civilians, demonstrating the Aquino government’s disregard for the safety of the civilians and violating the Protocols of War.
Nur Misuari cannot wash his hands and deny his role in the fiasco, especially not when his own ambitions have gamely trifled with the lives of heroic Moro freedom fighters, and have disingenuously planted false hopes on the minds of the Moro people over what he declared last August 12 as “Bangsamoro Republic.”
The US military intervention thru its spy drone and logistical support during the siege was a gross violation of the Filipino people’s sovereignty. The US, we imagine, is only too happy with this development because it lends credence to its increased presence in the country and in the Asia-Pacific region, further bolstering its chances to push, without much impediment, its interests in Mindanao, especially in Moro areas. This scenario, if anything, assures Benigno Aquino’s US imperialist boss control of the island’s natural resources, such as the Liguasan marsh, as well as unconstrained facility and basing rights in both land and sea.
Until the reactionary regime provides the condition requisite for genuine autonomy or self-determination of the Moro people, history would only repeat itself. The reactionary regime’s divide-and-rule tactic would merely delay the fruition of the true aspirations of the Moro people, and we are most certain that, should the GPH succeed to encumber one group, others would rise in its place to continue the struggle to resolve the fundamental problems of the Moro people. It could be recalled that the MILF split from the MNLF, and presently, the BIFF from the MILF, which occurred for the reason that the MILF, quite similar to how it gauged the MNLF before it, has thrust under compromise the demands and interests of the Moro people.
Unless it becomes clear that the struggle of the Moro people is part of the national-democratic revolution and, united, they take this path, all the 13 different Moro tribes will continue to remain vulnerable to the divide-and-rule tactic of the US-Aquino regime. And while the Moro leadership continues to ignore genuine agrarian reform advocacy on Bangsamoro land and refuse to fight against foreign intervention, particularly US intervention, vast numbers of the Moro people can never be consolidated to march as one. If the Moro struggle remains cut off from the entire national struggle, this will only give the reactionary regime the leverage to further isolate the Moro people’s struggle from the wide support of the entire Filipino nation.
Under the reactionary rule of the current regime, no other solution for the Moro problem is more feasible other than for the Moro people to launch a combination of both revolutionary armed struggle and open militant mass movement in order to reap the widespread support of the Bangsamoro as well as the entire Filipino people.
On one hand, those who have unabashedly abandoned armed struggle and yet continue to claim being revolutionaries have only found the surest way to isolate themselves from the rest of the Moro people. On the other hand, the use of terrorist tactics in achieving political goals, especially by using or targeting innocent civilians as what have happened in Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao, will never earn the support of the Moro people and the other sectors of the Filipino people; such methods will only sorely fail.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130920_the-moro-people-must-continue-to-wage-armed-revolution-as-well-as-open-militant-mass-movement-in-the-struggle-for-the-right-to-self-determination
Escalante rallyists slam militarization
From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 21): Escalante rallyists slam militarization
The Northern Negros Alliance of Human Rights Advocates and its allied progressive organizations yesterday marked the 28th anniversary of Escalante massacre, by denouncing what they claimed to be a continuing militarization of the 1st district of Negros Occidental, in the guise of the Army's humanitarian-related activities, and demolition of houses in Brgy. Balintawak, Escalante, that have dislocated several families.
NNAHRA secretary general, Bernardo Patigas, yesterday accused the military of taking civilians as human shields in Sitio Magtuod, Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso, while pursuing suspected New People's Army rebels they had earlier encountered.
Patigas claimed that the encounter site is kilometers away from Sitio Magtuod, and described as plain alibi the statement of the military that fleeing rebels had sought refuge in the sitio.
It is impossible for the NPA to seek refuge in Sitio Magtuod since it is a plain area with a basket ball court and a cooperative building without walls, he said.
The encounter on Sept. 14 at the boundary of Brgy, Bug-ang, Toboso and Brgy. Puey,Sagay City
Llorente was found dead Thursday in Sitio Vergara, Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso,while Carbanuel, who was discovered to have been hiding at the residence of Norlito Rebalde at Purok Maranon, Brgy. Puey,Sagay City
Carbanuel was brought by the 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers to a hospital inSagay City
Patigas,who led the commemoration and re-enactment of Escalante massacre, that had claimed the lives of 21 protestors on Sept. 20, 1985, said the Philippine Army committed a violation of Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, for not sparing civilians in the armed conflict.
About 5,000 people participated the march rally yesterday in Escalante, that was also participated in by members of the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers, NNAHRA and Karapatan-Negros, Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas, PISTON, its organizers claimed.
Patigas said they organized the KASAPE ( Kapunungan sa Pumuluyong Escalantehanons) to oppose the continuing demolition at the city proper of Escalante.
In Bacolod Bayan Muna Negros chairman Alejandro " Bundo " Deoma yesterday said 28 years after the Escalante Massacre they are still clamoring for justice for the victims.
The masterminds of the massacre have not been brought to justice until today, he said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/21/topstory6.htm
The Northern Negros Alliance of Human Rights Advocates and its allied progressive organizations yesterday marked the 28th anniversary of Escalante massacre, by denouncing what they claimed to be a continuing militarization of the 1st district of Negros Occidental, in the guise of the Army's humanitarian-related activities, and demolition of houses in Brgy. Balintawak, Escalante, that have dislocated several families.
NNAHRA secretary general, Bernardo Patigas, yesterday accused the military of taking civilians as human shields in Sitio Magtuod, Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso, while pursuing suspected New People's Army rebels they had earlier encountered.
Patigas claimed that the encounter site is kilometers away from Sitio Magtuod, and described as plain alibi the statement of the military that fleeing rebels had sought refuge in the sitio.
It is impossible for the NPA to seek refuge in Sitio Magtuod since it is a plain area with a basket ball court and a cooperative building without walls, he said.
The encounter on Sept. 14 at the boundary of Brgy, Bug-ang, Toboso and Brgy. Puey,
Llorente was found dead Thursday in Sitio Vergara, Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso,while Carbanuel, who was discovered to have been hiding at the residence of Norlito Rebalde at Purok Maranon, Brgy. Puey,
Carbanuel was brought by the 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers to a hospital in
Patigas,who led the commemoration and re-enactment of Escalante massacre, that had claimed the lives of 21 protestors on Sept. 20, 1985, said the Philippine Army committed a violation of Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, for not sparing civilians in the armed conflict.
About 5,000 people participated the march rally yesterday in Escalante, that was also participated in by members of the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers, NNAHRA and Karapatan-Negros, Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas, PISTON, its organizers claimed.
Patigas said they organized the KASAPE ( Kapunungan sa Pumuluyong Escalantehanons) to oppose the continuing demolition at the city proper of Escalante.
In Bacolod Bayan Muna Negros chairman Alejandro " Bundo " Deoma yesterday said 28 years after the Escalante Massacre they are still clamoring for justice for the victims.
The masterminds of the massacre have not been brought to justice until today, he said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/21/topstory6.htm
NPA ex-leader nabbed for murder
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 22): NPA ex-leader nabbed for murder
Balanga City, Bataan — A former high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA), who is wanted for murder in Batangas City, was arrested by the police in his hideout in Sitio Nagkamayan, Barangay Upper Tuyo, here, over the weekend.
Senior Superintendent Audie Atienza, Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO) director, identified the suspect as Oscar Enriquez, alias “Ka Hardy,” regarded as one of the former top leaders of the NPA.
Atienza lauded police intelligence operatives, led by Chief Inspector Elmer Santiago, for tracing the suspect’s whereabouts.
Enriquez was the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by Batangas City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 8 Judge Ernesto L. Marajas for the crime of murder in Criminal Case No. 17601.
Upon his arrest, Enriquez yielded an M1 Garand rifle, several bullets, and one hand grenade.
http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-ex-leader-nabbed-for-murder/
Balanga City, Bataan — A former high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA), who is wanted for murder in Batangas City, was arrested by the police in his hideout in Sitio Nagkamayan, Barangay Upper Tuyo, here, over the weekend.
Senior Superintendent Audie Atienza, Bataan Police Provincial Office (PPO) director, identified the suspect as Oscar Enriquez, alias “Ka Hardy,” regarded as one of the former top leaders of the NPA.
Atienza lauded police intelligence operatives, led by Chief Inspector Elmer Santiago, for tracing the suspect’s whereabouts.
Enriquez was the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by Batangas City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 8 Judge Ernesto L. Marajas for the crime of murder in Criminal Case No. 17601.
Upon his arrest, Enriquez yielded an M1 Garand rifle, several bullets, and one hand grenade.
http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-ex-leader-nabbed-for-murder/
AFP asks gov't to improve infra in North to suppress rebels
From the Philippine Star (Sep 22): AFP asks gov't to improve infra in North to suppress rebels
A ranking official from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday that he is advising the government to build more than P70 billion worth of roads, bridges and schools in Northern Luzon to hasten the end of the insurgency of the New People's Army (NPA) in the area.
Major General Gregorio Catapang, commander of the AFP's Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) based in Tarlac City, said he is set to send a written request to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Education (DepEd) to give priority to these projects. He said the letter will be conveyed through AFP Chief General Emmanuel Bautista and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
Catapang said his proposal includes the construction of 396 secondary and farm-to-market roads in the four regions covered by Nolcom -- Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The official is also proposing the construction of five bridges, 10 access roads and 46 classrooms in the restive area.
Catapang said people who suffer from poverty can be recruited by the NPA; however, "insurgency ends when road construction begins," he said.
"We can only win peace if there is progress and the only way to progress is if there will be roads. If there are schools, it means prosperity for the people...These projects mean a lot...That's the way to bring progress," said Catapang.
Citing military estimates, 1st Civil Relations Group commander Major Emmanuel Garcia said the NPA strength in the entire Nolcom area is about 400 to 500 men, mostly in CAR. The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, was formed on March 29, 1969. Latest military estimates placed the NPA's strength at about 4,000.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/09/22/1236942/afp-asks-govt-improve-infra-north-suppress-rebels
A ranking official from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday that he is advising the government to build more than P70 billion worth of roads, bridges and schools in Northern Luzon to hasten the end of the insurgency of the New People's Army (NPA) in the area.
Major General Gregorio Catapang, commander of the AFP's Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) based in Tarlac City, said he is set to send a written request to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Education (DepEd) to give priority to these projects. He said the letter will be conveyed through AFP Chief General Emmanuel Bautista and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
Catapang said his proposal includes the construction of 396 secondary and farm-to-market roads in the four regions covered by Nolcom -- Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The official is also proposing the construction of five bridges, 10 access roads and 46 classrooms in the restive area.
Catapang said people who suffer from poverty can be recruited by the NPA; however, "insurgency ends when road construction begins," he said.
"We can only win peace if there is progress and the only way to progress is if there will be roads. If there are schools, it means prosperity for the people...These projects mean a lot...That's the way to bring progress," said Catapang.
Citing military estimates, 1st Civil Relations Group commander Major Emmanuel Garcia said the NPA strength in the entire Nolcom area is about 400 to 500 men, mostly in CAR. The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, was formed on March 29, 1969. Latest military estimates placed the NPA's strength at about 4,000.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/09/22/1236942/afp-asks-govt-improve-infra-north-suppress-rebels
Flyers urging MNLF rebels to surrender rain down on Zamboanga City
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 22): Flyers urging MNLF rebels to surrender rain down on Zamboanga City
The military has been dropping flyers to the group of rebels still holed up in seaside villages in Zamboanga City, urging them to surrender, Malacañang said Sunday.
The flyers were dropped in villages for the group of Ustadz Habier Malik who continued to hold out days after President Aquino issued an ultimatum for their surrender.
The siege reached its 14th day Sunday without any sign that Malik’s group, who was still holding more than a dozen hostages, was laying down their arms. The President remained in the war zone.
“The leaflets are being dropped in areas where the elements of the Misuari faction are holed up. In the flyers, they are being urged to surrender, and put a stop to the hostilities. So far, some are responding. We’re hopeful that everyone will respond,’’ deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over government-run dzRB.
Aquino, who flew to Zamboanga City on Sept. 13, to monitor the offensive against the rebels, has called on the fighters to surrender, but otherwise said the government was ready to quell violence.
Valte could not say if the government troops were mounting their final offensive against the remnants of the hundreds of rebels that attacked the southern city exactly two weeks ago. She said this was a matter better answered by the military.
“The military won’t stop in their operation to push forward to fully protect our countrymen there,’’ she said. “Their clearing operation is ongoing. The military and the PNP are going from house to house, block to block.’’
She said Aquino, who vowed to see through the end of the crisis, had to stay longer because he was still needed by the people there.
The Moro rebels landed by boat in the city on Sept. 9, and threatened to march to the city hall and declare independence, but were repulsed by soldiers. They retreated to the seaside villages and seized 200 civilians, some of whom had escaped or been freed.
After days of fighting, government troops have boxed in the rebels, who initially numbered by the hundreds and have gone down to 30 to 40.
Valte said it was the call of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima whether to also file charges against Nur Misuari, who was believed to have instigated the Sept. 9 attack on the southern city.
“Let’s just wait for that. Perhaps the announcement will also be coming from the DoJ. The President did task the Secretary of Justice to look into the possible cases that can be filed in connection with the Zamboanga situation,’’ she said.
Meantime, the government has to grapple with a “humanitarian crisis” since the fighting has forced more than 100,000 residents to flee their homes in the city.
Valte, however, said the large number of 118,000 displaced individuals had been reduced to more than 111,000.
“Considering that five [villages[ are affected, the number of individuals affected by this event in Zamboanga is really high,’’ she said. “We really need a lot of assistance for our countrymen there, not only by way of relief, by way of rehabilitation, by way of reconstruction, and of course, let’s not forget the psychological assistance,’’ she said.
Even Education Secretary Armin Luistro has flown to the city to mobilize teachers in helping students in their “emotional recovery,’’ Valte said.
Aquino has estimated the cost of resettling, feeding, providing assistance for education and finding jobs for the displaced civilians at P3.89 billion.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/492645/flyers-urging-mnlf-rebels-to-surrender-rain-down-on-zamboanga-city
The military has been dropping flyers to the group of rebels still holed up in seaside villages in Zamboanga City, urging them to surrender, Malacañang said Sunday.
The flyers were dropped in villages for the group of Ustadz Habier Malik who continued to hold out days after President Aquino issued an ultimatum for their surrender.
The siege reached its 14th day Sunday without any sign that Malik’s group, who was still holding more than a dozen hostages, was laying down their arms. The President remained in the war zone.
“The leaflets are being dropped in areas where the elements of the Misuari faction are holed up. In the flyers, they are being urged to surrender, and put a stop to the hostilities. So far, some are responding. We’re hopeful that everyone will respond,’’ deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over government-run dzRB.
Aquino, who flew to Zamboanga City on Sept. 13, to monitor the offensive against the rebels, has called on the fighters to surrender, but otherwise said the government was ready to quell violence.
Valte could not say if the government troops were mounting their final offensive against the remnants of the hundreds of rebels that attacked the southern city exactly two weeks ago. She said this was a matter better answered by the military.
“The military won’t stop in their operation to push forward to fully protect our countrymen there,’’ she said. “Their clearing operation is ongoing. The military and the PNP are going from house to house, block to block.’’
She said Aquino, who vowed to see through the end of the crisis, had to stay longer because he was still needed by the people there.
The Moro rebels landed by boat in the city on Sept. 9, and threatened to march to the city hall and declare independence, but were repulsed by soldiers. They retreated to the seaside villages and seized 200 civilians, some of whom had escaped or been freed.
After days of fighting, government troops have boxed in the rebels, who initially numbered by the hundreds and have gone down to 30 to 40.
Valte said it was the call of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima whether to also file charges against Nur Misuari, who was believed to have instigated the Sept. 9 attack on the southern city.
“Let’s just wait for that. Perhaps the announcement will also be coming from the DoJ. The President did task the Secretary of Justice to look into the possible cases that can be filed in connection with the Zamboanga situation,’’ she said.
Meantime, the government has to grapple with a “humanitarian crisis” since the fighting has forced more than 100,000 residents to flee their homes in the city.
Valte, however, said the large number of 118,000 displaced individuals had been reduced to more than 111,000.
“Considering that five [villages[ are affected, the number of individuals affected by this event in Zamboanga is really high,’’ she said. “We really need a lot of assistance for our countrymen there, not only by way of relief, by way of rehabilitation, by way of reconstruction, and of course, let’s not forget the psychological assistance,’’ she said.
Even Education Secretary Armin Luistro has flown to the city to mobilize teachers in helping students in their “emotional recovery,’’ Valte said.
Aquino has estimated the cost of resettling, feeding, providing assistance for education and finding jobs for the displaced civilians at P3.89 billion.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/492645/flyers-urging-mnlf-rebels-to-surrender-rain-down-on-zamboanga-city
US Marines hold humanitarian mission in Albay
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 22): US Marines hold humanitarian mission in Albay
On board a United States Marine Corps (USMC) C-130 transport aircraft, at least 36 USMC personnel, along with their medical and engineering supplies, landed at Legazpi City Airport Sunday to mark the start of a 10-day Philippine-US (PHL-US) Amphibious Landing humanitarian exercises in this city.
The C-130 cargo plane arrived at 11 a.m. here from Okinawa, Japan, the US military base where the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the 13 Marine Expeditionary Unit are stationed, according to US Marine Major Grace Janosek, USMC team leader.
The USMC humanitarian and engineering team was met by Philippine Navy Naval Forces in Southern Luzon (Navforsol) commanding officer Commodore Natalio Abinuman, together with other officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and representatives from the provincial government of Albay.
Janosek, in Sunday’s briefing, said the humanitarian mission, a strictly noncombat exercise, would start on Wednesday until Oct. 10, with 36 USMC personnel tasked to hold engineering and health services in the villages of Taysan, Victory Village and Bigaa in this city.
Janosek said the mission’s team members would provide free medical and other health-related services to more than a thousand poor people and repair a school building.
She said USMC brought along two doctors, a dentist and medicines and other medical supplies for the medical and dental services, to be held at the public elementary schools of Bigaa and Victory Village here.
The engineering teams will build a 60-meter perimeter fence and repair three classrooms destroyed by typhoons at Taysan Elementary School in Taysan, an upland village some 5 kilometers from the city proper.
Abinuman said a similar number of personnel from the Navforsol, the Army and the provincial health office would be dispatched as the Philippine counterpart to the 10-day humanitarian mission here.
He said the AFP would also provide security assistance to the visiting USMC personnel.
He said the humanitarian mission aimed to improve cooperation between the Philippines and the US, and exchange experiences on matters concerning defense agreements and humanitarian services.
The PHL-US Amphibious Landing Exercise being undertaken in the country involves three phases: the Table Top PHL-US military planning exercise in Subic-Clark in Pampanga; the amphibious military combat exercise in Subic-Clark, Pampanga, and Ternate, Cavite; and the humanitarian mission in this city.
The humanitarian visit is the fourth to be held in Albay by the US military. The first was held by the US Pacific Angel in 2010, followed by USS Peleliu in 2007 and the RP-US Balikatan in 2009.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/86277/us-marines-hold-humanitarian-mission-in-albay
AMERICAN Marines, along with their medical and
engineering supplies, arrived at Legazpi City Airport yesterday to pursue a
10-day medical and engineering mission in the city.
On board a United States Marine Corps (USMC) C-130 transport aircraft, at least 36 USMC personnel, along with their medical and engineering supplies, landed at Legazpi City Airport Sunday to mark the start of a 10-day Philippine-US (PHL-US) Amphibious Landing humanitarian exercises in this city.
The C-130 cargo plane arrived at 11 a.m. here from Okinawa, Japan, the US military base where the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the 13 Marine Expeditionary Unit are stationed, according to US Marine Major Grace Janosek, USMC team leader.
The USMC humanitarian and engineering team was met by Philippine Navy Naval Forces in Southern Luzon (Navforsol) commanding officer Commodore Natalio Abinuman, together with other officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and representatives from the provincial government of Albay.
Janosek, in Sunday’s briefing, said the humanitarian mission, a strictly noncombat exercise, would start on Wednesday until Oct. 10, with 36 USMC personnel tasked to hold engineering and health services in the villages of Taysan, Victory Village and Bigaa in this city.
Janosek said the mission’s team members would provide free medical and other health-related services to more than a thousand poor people and repair a school building.
She said USMC brought along two doctors, a dentist and medicines and other medical supplies for the medical and dental services, to be held at the public elementary schools of Bigaa and Victory Village here.
The engineering teams will build a 60-meter perimeter fence and repair three classrooms destroyed by typhoons at Taysan Elementary School in Taysan, an upland village some 5 kilometers from the city proper.
Abinuman said a similar number of personnel from the Navforsol, the Army and the provincial health office would be dispatched as the Philippine counterpart to the 10-day humanitarian mission here.
He said the AFP would also provide security assistance to the visiting USMC personnel.
He said the humanitarian mission aimed to improve cooperation between the Philippines and the US, and exchange experiences on matters concerning defense agreements and humanitarian services.
The PHL-US Amphibious Landing Exercise being undertaken in the country involves three phases: the Table Top PHL-US military planning exercise in Subic-Clark in Pampanga; the amphibious military combat exercise in Subic-Clark, Pampanga, and Ternate, Cavite; and the humanitarian mission in this city.
The humanitarian visit is the fourth to be held in Albay by the US military. The first was held by the US Pacific Angel in 2010, followed by USS Peleliu in 2007 and the RP-US Balikatan in 2009.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/86277/us-marines-hold-humanitarian-mission-in-albay
Palace: AFP drops flyers urging remaining MNLF rebels in Zambo City to surrender
From GMA News (Sep 22): Palace: AFP drops flyers urging remaining MNLF rebels in Zambo City to
surrender
As the crisis involving clashes between government and Moro National Liberation Front forces threatens to enter its third week, the military has started dropping flyers in MNLF-controlled areas of Zamboanga City, urging them to surrender.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Sunday some of the followers of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari had responded to the messages brought by the flyers.
“Nagpapalapag sila ng flyer sa area kung saan pinaniniwalaang naroon... ang mga elemento ng Misuari faction. Ang nakalagay sa flyer, sumuko na po, kung pwede itigil ang hostilities doon," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
“So far meron namang tumutugon, sana lahat sila tumugon (So far some have responded to the messages. We hope all of them will also respond),” she added. But she did not elaborate
Misuari’s followers have engaged government forces in armed confrontations since Sept. 9 in Zamboanga City after the rebel group took several civilians hostage.
But many of the hostages have since been released or have escaped, while the military claimed it has retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas.
However, Valte said the flyers do not mean the military is easing up its operations to “push forward” against Misuari’s followers.
“Patuloy ang clearing operations (The clearing operations will continue),” she said.
Meanwhile, Valte said it will be up to the Department of Justice to determine if charges will be filed against Misuari over the Zamboanga City standoff.
“Perhaps that announcement will be coming from the DOJ. The President tasked the Secretary of Justice to look into possible cases that can be filed in connection with the Zamboanga situation,” she said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/327605/news/nation/palace-afp-drops-flyers-urging-remaining-mnlf-rebels-in-zambo-city-to-surrender
As the crisis involving clashes between government and Moro National Liberation Front forces threatens to enter its third week, the military has started dropping flyers in MNLF-controlled areas of Zamboanga City, urging them to surrender.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Sunday some of the followers of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari had responded to the messages brought by the flyers.
“Nagpapalapag sila ng flyer sa area kung saan pinaniniwalaang naroon... ang mga elemento ng Misuari faction. Ang nakalagay sa flyer, sumuko na po, kung pwede itigil ang hostilities doon," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
“So far meron namang tumutugon, sana lahat sila tumugon (So far some have responded to the messages. We hope all of them will also respond),” she added. But she did not elaborate
Misuari’s followers have engaged government forces in armed confrontations since Sept. 9 in Zamboanga City after the rebel group took several civilians hostage.
But many of the hostages have since been released or have escaped, while the military claimed it has retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas.
However, Valte said the flyers do not mean the military is easing up its operations to “push forward” against Misuari’s followers.
“Patuloy ang clearing operations (The clearing operations will continue),” she said.
Meanwhile, Valte said it will be up to the Department of Justice to determine if charges will be filed against Misuari over the Zamboanga City standoff.
“Perhaps that announcement will be coming from the DOJ. The President tasked the Secretary of Justice to look into possible cases that can be filed in connection with the Zamboanga situation,” she said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/327605/news/nation/palace-afp-drops-flyers-urging-remaining-mnlf-rebels-in-zambo-city-to-surrender
AFP intensifies efforts to persuade MNLF remnants to surrender
From GMA News (Sep 22): AFP intensifies efforts to persuade MNLF remnants to surrender
As the crisis in Zamboanga City is about to enter its third week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday stepped up its persuasive efforts to have followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City surrender.
Philippine Army 7th Civil Relations Group commander Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the AFP used portable loudspeakers to broadcast messages to Misuari's followers.
"Surrender is an honorable thing. We are Filipino brothers. We will respect your rights," the messages said, according to tweets by Cabunoc.
He also said the government troops do not want to annihilate the Misuari followers because "we are all Filipinos."
Besides, he said most of Misuari's followers "were deceived by their leaders and promised monetary rewards."
Cabunoc said most of Misuari's followers were promised P2,000 and a firearm for taking part in a so-called peace rally in Zamboanga.
In Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the military has started distributing flyers in MNLF-controlled areas of Zamboanga City, urging them to surrender.
Valte said on government-run dzRB radio that some followers of Misuari had responded to the messages brought by the flyers.
“Nagpapalapag sila ng flyer sa area kung saan pinaniniwala naroon ... ang element ng Misuari faction. Ang nakalagay sa flyer, sumuko na po, kung pwede itigil ang hostilities doon," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
“So far meron namang tumutugon, sana lahat sila tumugon (So far some have responded to the messages. We hope all of them will also respond),” she added.
Misuari’s followers had engaged government forces in a standoff since Sept. 9 in Zamboanga City by taking several civilians hostage.
But many of the hostages have since been released or have escaped, while the military claimed it has retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas.
However, Valte said the flyers do not mean the military is easing up its operations to “push forward” against Misuari’s followers.
“Patuloy ang clearing operations (The clearing operations will continue),” she said.
Meanwhile, Valte said it will be up to the Department of Justice to determine if charges will be filed against Misuari over the Zamboanga City standoff.
“Perhaps that announcement will be coming from the DOJ. The President tasked the Secretary of Justice to look into possible cases that can be filed in connection with the Zamboanga situation,” she said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/327615/news/nation/afp-intensifies-efforts-to-persuade-mnlf-remnants-to-surrender
As the crisis in Zamboanga City is about to enter its third week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday stepped up its persuasive efforts to have followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City surrender.
Philippine Army 7th Civil Relations Group commander Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the AFP used portable loudspeakers to broadcast messages to Misuari's followers.
"Surrender is an honorable thing. We are Filipino brothers. We will respect your rights," the messages said, according to tweets by Cabunoc.
He also said the government troops do not want to annihilate the Misuari followers because "we are all Filipinos."
Besides, he said most of Misuari's followers "were deceived by their leaders and promised monetary rewards."
Cabunoc said most of Misuari's followers were promised P2,000 and a firearm for taking part in a so-called peace rally in Zamboanga.
In Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the military has started distributing flyers in MNLF-controlled areas of Zamboanga City, urging them to surrender.
Valte said on government-run dzRB radio that some followers of Misuari had responded to the messages brought by the flyers.
“Nagpapalapag sila ng flyer sa area kung saan pinaniniwala naroon ... ang element ng Misuari faction. Ang nakalagay sa flyer, sumuko na po, kung pwede itigil ang hostilities doon," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
“So far meron namang tumutugon, sana lahat sila tumugon (So far some have responded to the messages. We hope all of them will also respond),” she added.
Misuari’s followers had engaged government forces in a standoff since Sept. 9 in Zamboanga City by taking several civilians hostage.
But many of the hostages have since been released or have escaped, while the military claimed it has retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas.
However, Valte said the flyers do not mean the military is easing up its operations to “push forward” against Misuari’s followers.
“Patuloy ang clearing operations (The clearing operations will continue),” she said.
Meanwhile, Valte said it will be up to the Department of Justice to determine if charges will be filed against Misuari over the Zamboanga City standoff.
“Perhaps that announcement will be coming from the DOJ. The President tasked the Secretary of Justice to look into possible cases that can be filed in connection with the Zamboanga situation,” she said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/327615/news/nation/afp-intensifies-efforts-to-persuade-mnlf-remnants-to-surrender
Military distributes flyers to appeal to MNLF
From ABS-CBN (Sep 22): Military distributes flyers to appeal to MNLF
Soldiers are trying another alternative tack to urge followers of Nur Misuari to surrender to the government.
Despite the continuous government operations in Zamboanga, the government continues to reach out to the Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told radio dzRB that the soldiers are now distributing flyers in the barangays and in homes where they may be hiding.
“The flyers contain words urging the men to finally surrender and end the hostilities,” she said. “So far, there are those who have responded.”
However, Valte stressed that the military’s calibrated response to the situation there continues, with the men have been going around “from house to house, block to block” as part of their clearing operations.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier reported that a large number has been contained, although those on the loose are still very dangerous.
More than 100,000 civilians have evacuated from their homes and settled at a grandstand in Zamboanga.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier feared a humanitarian crisis amid the increasing number of civilians displaced by the fighting.
“The relief operations will continue. Not only that, the government will also pursue rehabilitation efforts and psychological assistance,” Valte said, noting that Education Secretary Armin Luistro is also now in the area to help teachers facilitate the emotional recovery of those who were caught in the middle of the crossfire between the two parties.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/22/13/military-distributes-flyers-appeal-mnlf
Soldiers are trying another alternative tack to urge followers of Nur Misuari to surrender to the government.
Despite the continuous government operations in Zamboanga, the government continues to reach out to the Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told radio dzRB that the soldiers are now distributing flyers in the barangays and in homes where they may be hiding.
“The flyers contain words urging the men to finally surrender and end the hostilities,” she said. “So far, there are those who have responded.”
However, Valte stressed that the military’s calibrated response to the situation there continues, with the men have been going around “from house to house, block to block” as part of their clearing operations.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier reported that a large number has been contained, although those on the loose are still very dangerous.
More than 100,000 civilians have evacuated from their homes and settled at a grandstand in Zamboanga.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier feared a humanitarian crisis amid the increasing number of civilians displaced by the fighting.
“The relief operations will continue. Not only that, the government will also pursue rehabilitation efforts and psychological assistance,” Valte said, noting that Education Secretary Armin Luistro is also now in the area to help teachers facilitate the emotional recovery of those who were caught in the middle of the crossfire between the two parties.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/22/13/military-distributes-flyers-appeal-mnlf
Surrender an honorable thing, military tells surviving MNLF fighters
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Surrender an honorable thing, military tells surviving MNLF fighters
Army units deployed inZambonga
City
The military added that surrendering is an honorable option.
Philippine Army 7th Civil Relations Group commander Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the AFP used portable loudspeakers to broadcast messages to the remaining MNLF fighters.
"Surrender is an honorable thing. We are Filipino brothers. We will respect your rights," he said in his Tweeter account.
Cabunoc said that the military is giving them a chance to surrender as government troops do not want to annihilate them because "we are all Filipinos."
Besides, he said most of Misuari's followers "were deceived by their leaders and promised monetary rewards."
Cabunoc said most of Misuari's followers were promised P2,000 and a firearm for taking part in a so-called peace rally inZamboanga City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=568410
Army units deployed in
The military added that surrendering is an honorable option.
Philippine Army 7th Civil Relations Group commander Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the AFP used portable loudspeakers to broadcast messages to the remaining MNLF fighters.
"Surrender is an honorable thing. We are Filipino brothers. We will respect your rights," he said in his Tweeter account.
Cabunoc said that the military is giving them a chance to surrender as government troops do not want to annihilate them because "we are all Filipinos."
Besides, he said most of Misuari's followers "were deceived by their leaders and promised monetary rewards."
Cabunoc said most of Misuari's followers were promised P2,000 and a firearm for taking part in a so-called peace rally in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=568410
6 killed as rebels attack Misamis Oriental outpost
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): 6 killed as rebels attack Misamis Oriental outpost
Five government troopers and a New People's Army (NPA) fighter were killed as rebel forces attacked an outpost in Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban,Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental Sunday early morning.
Four of the killed in the government side are militiamen.
Three militiamen and two government troopers were also wounded in the encounter.
Capt. Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said that the rebel assault took place around 1 a.m.
He added that the outpost, being made of light materials, was quickly set ablaze from rebel gun fire, prompting soldiers and militiamen sheltering there to bolt out in the open.
Uy declined to identify the fatalities pending notification of the latter's next-of-kin.
Prior their attack on the security outpost, the rebels then went from house to house and hogtied civilians especially those identified to be supporting the peace and development efforts in the locality.
Aside from one NPA fighter reported killed in the encounter, Uy said that there are indications that the rebels sustained more casualties due to blood trails discovered by pursuit troopers from the 58th Infantry Battalion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=568445
Five government troopers and a New People's Army (NPA) fighter were killed as rebel forces attacked an outpost in Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban,Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental Sunday early morning.
Four of the killed in the government side are militiamen.
Three militiamen and two government troopers were also wounded in the encounter.
Capt. Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said that the rebel assault took place around 1 a.m.
He added that the outpost, being made of light materials, was quickly set ablaze from rebel gun fire, prompting soldiers and militiamen sheltering there to bolt out in the open.
Uy declined to identify the fatalities pending notification of the latter's next-of-kin.
Prior their attack on the security outpost, the rebels then went from house to house and hogtied civilians especially those identified to be supporting the peace and development efforts in the locality.
Aside from one NPA fighter reported killed in the encounter, Uy said that there are indications that the rebels sustained more casualties due to blood trails discovered by pursuit troopers from the 58th Infantry Battalion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=568445
Zamboanga City standoff death toll now at 125
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Zamboanga City standoff death toll now at 125
With theZamboanga
City
Major Angelo Guzman, AFP deputy public affairs office chief, said that the figures are as of Sunday noon.
The breakdown:
-AFP: 11 killed, 133 wounded in action;
-PNP: 3 killed, 13 wounded; and civilians: 12 killed, 49 wounded.
On the part of MNLF: 99 killed, 72 captured and 45 surrendered.
Guzman said that hostages rescued totaled 174 (out of the 183 taken earlier).
Captured high-powered firearms now stand at 64 and 13 low-powered ones.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=568366
With the
Major Angelo Guzman, AFP deputy public affairs office chief, said that the figures are as of Sunday noon.
The breakdown:
-AFP: 11 killed, 133 wounded in action;
-PNP: 3 killed, 13 wounded; and civilians: 12 killed, 49 wounded.
On the part of MNLF: 99 killed, 72 captured and 45 surrendered.
Guzman said that hostages rescued totaled 174 (out of the 183 taken earlier).
Captured high-powered firearms now stand at 64 and 13 low-powered ones.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=568366
2 killed, 3 hurt as rebels attacked security outpost in Misamis Oriental
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): 2 killed, 3 hurt as rebels attacked security outpost in Misamis Oriental
A trooper and a militiaman was killed while three others were hurt after New People's Army (NPA) attacked and destroyed a government security outpost in Sitio Lantad, Brgy Kibanban,Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Sunday early morning.
Capt. Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said that the assault took place around 1:00 a.m.
He added that the outpost, made of light materials, was quickly set ablaze from rebel gun fire prompting soldiers and militiamen sheltering there to bolt out in the open.
Uy declined to identify the fatalities pending notification of the latter's next-of-kin.
Prior to their attack on the security outpost, the rebels then went from house-to-house and hogtied civilians especially those identified to be supporting the peace and development efforts in the locality.
The NPAs quickly fled. Troopers from the 58th Infantry Battalion are now conducting pursuit operations against them.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=568370
A trooper and a militiaman was killed while three others were hurt after New People's Army (NPA) attacked and destroyed a government security outpost in Sitio Lantad, Brgy Kibanban,Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Sunday early morning.
Capt. Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said that the assault took place around 1:00 a.m.
He added that the outpost, made of light materials, was quickly set ablaze from rebel gun fire prompting soldiers and militiamen sheltering there to bolt out in the open.
Uy declined to identify the fatalities pending notification of the latter's next-of-kin.
Prior to their attack on the security outpost, the rebels then went from house-to-house and hogtied civilians especially those identified to be supporting the peace and development efforts in the locality.
The NPAs quickly fled. Troopers from the 58th Infantry Battalion are now conducting pursuit operations against them.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=568370
Zambo crisis could be over today — Aquino
From Rappler (Sep 22): Zambo crisis could be over today — Aquino
President Benigno Aquino III left Zamboanga City on Sunday, September 22, confident that the crisis could be over soon.
"Patapos na malamang itong araw na ito lahat ng pangyayari dito," he said in a press briefing before he boarded a jet bound for Manila around 3:30 p.m. (The events here could be over today.)
He said there are pressing matters in the capital that he also needs to attend to.
The President added: "Siyempre pagkatapos ng tinatawag na clearing at mopping up, gusto ko tingnan lahat ng pinanggalingan nila. Bago payagan ang mamamayan makabalik sa kanilang tahanan, kailangan masiguradong ligtas kung makakabalik sa kanilang tahanan."
(There are clearing and mopping up operations. We'll make sure it's safe before we allow families to return to their homes.)
Government troops continue to engage the remaining Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters in Zamboanga City on Day 14 of the crisis. Aquino is confident the standoff could be over soon.
[Video:
The President did not elaborate on the operations, but he said MNLF commander Habier Malik is among those inside the battle zone.
Aquino said the presence of hostages is the primary reason why the standoff dragged on. "It is the primary reason, to an extent the total reason."
The President said the military was not allowed to use "heavier stuff" to guarantee the safety of hostages.
"We have purposely withheld using the heavier stuff and to make it as surgical as possible to ensure the safety of our citizens," he said.
Not over until area is cleared
Security officials are conservative in their projection.
Armed Forces chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista said military operations will continue until the area is cleared. "It's not over until it is cleared," he said.
It's now a close quarter battle, meaning soldiers are just about 50 meters away from the rebels' camp. There are about 40 MNLF fighters and about 20 hostages.
Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala said Malik is still there.
"Data show he is still there. We are working doubly hard to finish this operation at the soonest possible time," Zagala said.
"We're still currently operating. We're doing it meticulously because of the hostages," he added.
"As we tighten the noose, it gets harder. The area of constriction is smaller and the firefight's a lot fiercer," he said. One soldier was killed Saturday night.
Zagala said they believe MNLF fighters have little ammunition left.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/39547-zambo-crisis-could-be-over-today
President Benigno Aquino III left Zamboanga City on Sunday, September 22, confident that the crisis could be over soon.
"Patapos na malamang itong araw na ito lahat ng pangyayari dito," he said in a press briefing before he boarded a jet bound for Manila around 3:30 p.m. (The events here could be over today.)
He said there are pressing matters in the capital that he also needs to attend to.
The President added: "Siyempre pagkatapos ng tinatawag na clearing at mopping up, gusto ko tingnan lahat ng pinanggalingan nila. Bago payagan ang mamamayan makabalik sa kanilang tahanan, kailangan masiguradong ligtas kung makakabalik sa kanilang tahanan."
(There are clearing and mopping up operations. We'll make sure it's safe before we allow families to return to their homes.)
Government troops continue to engage the remaining Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters in Zamboanga City on Day 14 of the crisis. Aquino is confident the standoff could be over soon.
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The President did not elaborate on the operations, but he said MNLF commander Habier Malik is among those inside the battle zone.
Aquino said the presence of hostages is the primary reason why the standoff dragged on. "It is the primary reason, to an extent the total reason."
The President said the military was not allowed to use "heavier stuff" to guarantee the safety of hostages.
"We have purposely withheld using the heavier stuff and to make it as surgical as possible to ensure the safety of our citizens," he said.
Not over until area is cleared
Security officials are conservative in their projection.
Armed Forces chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista said military operations will continue until the area is cleared. "It's not over until it is cleared," he said.
It's now a close quarter battle, meaning soldiers are just about 50 meters away from the rebels' camp. There are about 40 MNLF fighters and about 20 hostages.
Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala said Malik is still there.
"Data show he is still there. We are working doubly hard to finish this operation at the soonest possible time," Zagala said.
"We're still currently operating. We're doing it meticulously because of the hostages," he added.
"As we tighten the noose, it gets harder. The area of constriction is smaller and the firefight's a lot fiercer," he said. One soldier was killed Saturday night.
Zagala said they believe MNLF fighters have little ammunition left.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/39547-zambo-crisis-could-be-over-today
Rebellion charges readied vs Misuari
From Rappler (Sep 22): Rebellion charges readied vs Misuari
MISUARI. Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari inspects his armed followers in one of the group's camps in Indanan, Sulu. He declares he is breaking away from the government because they have been sidelining his group. AFP file photo
The Department of Justice is readying rebellion charges against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari over the violent standoff between government troops and rebels here, according to President Benigno Aquino III.
MISUARI. Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari inspects his armed followers in one of the group's camps in Indanan, Sulu. He declares he is breaking away from the government because they have been sidelining his group. AFP file photo
The Department of Justice is readying rebellion charges against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari over the violent standoff between government troops and rebels here, according to President Benigno Aquino III.
"Inuusig natin si Misuari para managot dito. May mga testigo tayo na mag-uugnay sa kaniya sa kaguluhan dito na diretso. May kaso na hinahanda ang DOJ," Aquino told reporters Sunday, September 22.
(We are investigating Misuari. We have witnesses who can directly link him to the crisis. The DOJ is preparing charges.)
Regional state prosecutor Peter Medalle said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has witnesses who can testify against Misuari.
"The CIDG recommended to include Misuari in charges of rebellion," Medalle said.
It's not the first time Misuari was involved in rebellion charges. He faced the same charge in 2001 after his supporters launched a deadly attack against a police station in Sulu and torched houses in Sulu.
Misuari escaped to Sabah after the attack but was later deported. The case was eventually dismissed, however.
Subpoena vs MNLF fighters
Aquino said many of the MNLF fighters who surrendered claimed that they were misled to join the siege.
Medalle said subpoena against 29 MNLF fighters who either surrendered or were arrested was served on Sunday, September 22. They have 10 days to submit their counter-affidavits.
"We transferred proceedings to city library," he said. The Justice Hall is very near the battle zone.
The rest of the MNLF fighters under government custody are still undergoing inquest.
Based on military's latest numbers, 99 MNLF fighters were killed, 72 were captured, and 45 surrendered.
Change in Misuari's attitude
Aquino said he wants to understand the change in Misuari's attitude. "Iyon ang gusto natin malaman. Bakit hindi natin napansin. Mula dakdak ay magbibigay sindak sa mamayan," he said.
The President said Misuari cannot claim that the government has been ignoring him. He said several plebiscites have been held allowing provinces to decide whether or not they want the autonomous region.
"If the end point for him to be satisfied is to get all 13 under a regional government of which he will head, how can I force that on anybody?"
Aquino's warning
Aquino reiterated the Zamboanga City Crisis should be a warning to the MNLF-Misuari faction and other group who plan to stage similar attacks.
He said the government will not hesitate to use overwhelming force.
NPA burns army outpost in Misamis Oriental; 4 killed
From Rappler (Sep 22): NPA burns army outpost in Misamis Oriental; 4 killed
New People's Army (NPA) members attacked government forces in Misamis Oriental on Sunday, September 22, leaving 4 dead and the army outpost burned.
The clash that lasted for an hour happened at 1 a.m. in Barangay Kibanban, Misamis Oriental. One soldier and 3 CAFGUs were killed. Three more CAFGUs were wounded.
Around 60 NPAs attacked the village, according to Capt Christian Uy, chief of the 4th Infantry Battalion Public Affairs Office.
He said civilians were also hogtied by the NPAs.
Uy said the NPAs must have suffered casualties, too, because of the blood stains in the area. "They were able to bring with them their killed or wounded comrades," he said.
He said additional forces have been deployed in the area.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/39572-npa-burns-army-outpost-misamis-oriental
New People's Army (NPA) members attacked government forces in Misamis Oriental on Sunday, September 22, leaving 4 dead and the army outpost burned.
The clash that lasted for an hour happened at 1 a.m. in Barangay Kibanban, Misamis Oriental. One soldier and 3 CAFGUs were killed. Three more CAFGUs were wounded.
Around 60 NPAs attacked the village, according to Capt Christian Uy, chief of the 4th Infantry Battalion Public Affairs Office.
He said civilians were also hogtied by the NPAs.
Uy said the NPAs must have suffered casualties, too, because of the blood stains in the area. "They were able to bring with them their killed or wounded comrades," he said.
He said additional forces have been deployed in the area.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/39572-npa-burns-army-outpost-misamis-oriental