PH gov’t, NDFP urged to declare ceasefire in typhoon-ravaged areas

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 10): PH gov’t, NDFP urged to declare ceasefire in typhoon-ravaged areas



Rep. Carlos Zarate. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Bayan Muna Rep,  Carlos Isagani Zarate is calling for a temporary suspension of fighting  between the military and the New People’s Army in Leyte and Samar provinces following the wide swath of devastation left by typhoon “Yolanda.”

“I am calling on the Aquino administration and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to respectively consider declaring suspensions of military operations and ceasefire in all the regions devastated by Yolanda to facilitate the unhampered relief, retrieval and clearing operations being conducted by government, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other private relief groups,” said Zarate in a statement.

The Leyte and Samar provinces are among the main bases of operation of leftist rebels in the country.

Zarate has likewise appealed to Bayan Muna  members from the different regions to gather and send relief goods materials to the Yolanda-devastated areas.

“I am requesting our members to donate and gather relief goods and send it to the nearest BAYAN MUNA or Makabayan Headquarters in their respective areas,” Zarate  said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/524603/ph-govt-ndfp-urged-to-declare-ceasefire-in-typhoon-ravaged-areas

Philippine Army to establish communication center in Estancia town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 10): Philippine Army to establish communication center in Estancia town

The Regional Disaster Risk  Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-6 said that the Philippine Army (PA) is set to establish today a communication center in Estancia, Iloilo that would serve as communication link between the provincial government and concerned agencies and affected areas in the northern part of the province.

Lieutenant Colonel Vener Morga, Brigade Ex-O of the 301 Brigade, 3ID of the PA based in Camp Hernandez in Dingle Iloilo, said that there is a need for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to establish the communication center in the area particularly in Estancia.

The communication center will provide link for typhoon-affected local government units (LGUs) and residents in northern Iloilo to contact the provincial government and other concerned agencies here for immediate assistance.

Morga said that this was requested by Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul Banias since there was no means for communication for two days already in that part of the province.

“Before the typhoon, the Signal Battalion of the Philippine Army has already set up communication centers in the region but due to the turn of events during the onslaught of the typhoon, signal was lost in Roxas City in Capiz, Kalibo in Aklan, and in northern Iloilo,” he said.

He also said that the first established additional communication centers were in Roxas and Kalibo but none yet in northern Iloilo.

“We did our best to obtain a Harris Manpack radio to be augmented by one URC-187 radio as alternate and these equipment are already on the way,” said Morga.

He added that they are just waiting for additional personnel from Jamindan, Capiz to augment their personnel from Dingle, Iloilo.

He further said that once the team is formed, they would move from Dingle to Estancia and be able to set up a communication center by 3:00 p.m. and if roads would be passable.

“Once the communication center will be established, they will call up OCD radio here and I would contact Provincial Administrator Banias to inform Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr.” he said.

The provincial government is also planning to inform the media and the LGUS in northern Iloilo that they could already course through whatever needs they may have through the Estancia Municipal Hall once the communication center is completely set up.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2421384063043

Where is Nur Misuari? Not in Sabah – Esscom

From the Borneo Post (Nov 10): Where is Nur Misuari? Not in Sabah – Esscom

KOTA KINABALU: Fugitive Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari has not been seeking refuge in Sabah following clashes between the Philippine Armed Forces and his armed followers in the southern city of Zamboanga, according to Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

Esscom director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said he was very certain that Nur Misuari, against whom an arrest warrant had been issued in the Philippines, was not in Sabah.

The leader of a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front that staged the Zamboanga siege in September is rumoured to be hiding from one island to another in the southern Philippines.

“I can confirm that neither Nur Misuari nor any of his men are in Sabah to seek refuge from the Philippine government,” Mohammad said.

“I therefore urge the people of Sabah and concerned parties not to worry or make any speculations which can create unnecessary unease.

“Sabah is now at peace, so please do not make any speculations which could affect the Government’s efforts to attract tourists and investors into the state,” he said yesterday.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/11/10/where-is-nur-misuari-not-in-sabah-esscom/

CPP/NPA: Serye ng taktikal na opensiba sa Rizal, matagumpay!

Posted to the CPP Website (Nov 10): Serye ng taktikal na opensiba sa Rizal, matagumpay! (Series of tactical offensives in Rizal successful!)

Macario Liwanag (Ka Karyo)
Spokesperson
NPA Rizal Provincial Operations Command (Narciso Antazo Aramil Command)

 

Isang serye ng taktikal na opensiba ang inilunsad ng NAAC-NPA-Rizal upang papanagutin ang sumisira ng kalikasan, mga mangangamkam ng lupa at mga lansakang lumalabag sa patakaran ng Demokrationg Gobyernong Bayan na pinamumunuan ng CPP-NPA-NDFP. Isinagawa ang mga taktikal na opensibang ito matapos ang halos 2 linggong combat operation ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng PNP at AFP sa kanayunan ng lalawigan ng Rizal.

Bandang alas-4 ng hapon ng Nobyembre 9 ay nireyd ng isang platun ng BHB ang Silangan Lumber, isang kumpanya ng quarry na pag-aari ni Mrs. Veronica Lee at Mr. Robles at nakabase sa Sitio Paenaan, Pinugay, Baras, Rizal. Ipinatupad ng BHB ang desisyon ng Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan na ipatigil ang operasyon ng nasabing kumpanya dahilan sa malawakang pangangamkam ng lupa at pagsira sa kalikasan.

Matatandaang ang nasabing quarry operator ang sumira sa mga panamim ng mga magsasaka sa lupaing pwersahan nilang kinamkam gamit ang panlilinlang at karahasan. Nakumpiska ang 3 Shotgun, 2 pistola, 3 icom at mga dokumento ng kumpanya. Kasabay ng pagpapatigil sa nasabing operasyon ang babala na kapag nagpatuloy sila sa pagsira sa kalikasan at mga lansakang paglabag sa mga patakaran ng DGB ay tuluyang ipapasara ang nasabing kumpanya.

Alas-5 ng hapon ay kasunod na nireyd naman ng isang tim ng BHB ang bahay ng mag-asawang Ariel at Regina Bisgueras dahilan sa kanilang pangangamkam ng lupa at pananakot sa mga magsasaka sa parehong lugar. Nakumpiska sa kanila ang mga uniporme at mga mahahalagang dokumento na magagamit sa paniktik, natuklasan rin ng BHB na ang mag-asawa ay mga reserbang hukbo ng AFP. Binabalaan silang itigil ang kanilang pangangamkam ng lupa at pandarahas sa mga magsasaka at pinaalalahanan na kapag hindi sila nagbago ay mas mabigat na kaparusahan ang ipapataw sa kanila ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Matapos ang isang oras ay nireyd naman ng isa pang tim ang Treasure Hunting Compound na pag-aari ni Retired Philippine Airforce Col. Lorenzo Deris. Sa Sitio Kilingan, Paenaan, San Jose, Antipolo City. Ipinatupad ng BHB ang atas ng Demokratikong Gobyernong Bayan na ipasara ang nasabing treasure hunting dahilan sa pagwasak sa kalikasan at paglabag sa patakaran ng DGB. Nakumpiska dito ang mga kagamitan na ginagamit sa treasure hunting.

Matapos ang serye ng taktikal na opensibang ito ay ligtas na nakaatras ang mga pwersa ng BHB habang nagbubunyi ang mamamayan sa nasabing lugar. Sa wakas, nabigyan din ng katarungan ang matagal na nilang kaapihan at natugunan ng BHB ang matagal na nilang kahilingan na parusahan ang mga sumisira sa kalikasan, mga mangangamkam ng lupa at mga lansakang lumalabag sa patakaran ng demokratikong gobyernong bayan.

Ang nasabing mga taktikal na opensiba ay nagawa ng BHB sa loob ng perimetro ng nagkukumpulang mga kampo ng 16th IB-PA. 59th IB-PA, SAF-PNP at RMG-PNP. Pagpapakita ito ng hindi nagtatagumpay ang pagsiskap ng kaaway na durugin ang rebolusyonayong kilusan sa ilalim ng OPLAN BAYANIHAN. Sa halip na madurog ay lalong lumalakas ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa lalawigan. Ang mga tagumpay na TO ay isang panandang bato para ideklara na BIGO ang OPLAN BAYANIHAN sa lalawigan ng Rizal. Ang BHB na suportado ng mamamayan ay hindi kailaman madudurog. Bagkus ay lalong lalakas ito at patuloy na bibiguin ng anumang kontra-insurhensyang programa ng Rehimeng US-Aquino.

MABUHAY ANG BAGONG HUKBONG BAYAN!
MABUHAY ANG PARTIDO KOMUNISTA NG PILIPINAS!
MABUHAY ANG PAMBANSA DEMOKRATIKONG PRENTE NG PILIPINAS!
MABUHAY ANG SAMBAYANANG PILIPINO!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131110_serye-ng-taktikal-na-opensiba-sa-rizal-matagumpay

Malaysian govt denies Misuari’s escape to Sabah

From the Manila Times (Nov 10): Malaysian govt denies Misuari’s escape to Sabah

THE Malaysian government on Sunday denied reports that fugitive Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding Chairman Nur Misuari and his followers have escaped to Sabah.

Malaysian news agency Borneo Post reported that Datuk Mohammad Mentek, director general of the Eastern Sabah Security Command declared that he was “very certain” that Misuari was not in Sabah.

“I can confirm that neither Nur Misuari nor any of his men are in Sabah to seek refuge from the Philippine government,” Mohammad was quoted as saying.

He also urged the people of Sabah and concerned parties “not to worry or make any speculations which can create unnecessary unease.”

Reports earlier indicated that Misuari, who faces arrest for the bloody Zamboanga City siege in September, has already escaped to Sabah since this is the nearest territory from Sulu, where he was believed to have stayed during the standoff.

Misuari, along with his top commanders, has been the subject of manhunt operations by government security forces following the 20-day siege of Zamboanga City.

Malaysia’s claim was supported by the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, which has a pending territorial claim over the disputed territory.

Sultanate secretary-general and spokesperson Abraham Idjirani, however, criticized the Malaysian government for distancing itself from Misuari after using him years ago for its political interests.

“This Malaysia’s act of betraying Misuari is the reason we agree with Malaysia’s declaration that he is not in Sabah. Misuari will not go back there,” Idjirani said.

When Misuari staged a rebellion in Jolo, Sulu in 2001, he fled to Sabah but was quickly arrested and deported back to the Philippines by Malaysian authorities, Idjirani recounted.

He also said that even if Misuari succeeded in escaping to Sabah, the sultanate’s Royal Security Forces (RSF) in Sabah would not give him refuge.

Idjirani added that the Philippine government must always remember that when Malaysia felt threatened by the Sabah claim, it used Misuari as its proxy to proclaim the secession of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan from the Republic of the Philippines.

Misuari escaped to Malaysia through Sabah after leading a bloody revolt in Jolo, Sulu in 2001, when then President Gloria Arroyo removed him as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He was deported in January 2002 after being arrested by Malaysian authorities for illegal entry.

The MNLF chairman was subsequently placed under house arrest for rebellion charges and allowed to post bail in 2008 after six years in detention.

http://manilatimes.net/malaysian-govt-denies-misuaris-escape-to-sabah/52000/

Davao Occidental province to be created

From the Business World (Nov 10): Davao Occidental province to be created

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has proclaimed last Oct. 30 victory on the proposed creation of Davao Occidental after it was approved by residents of Davao del Sur during the Oct. 28 plebiscite.

"While Republic Act No. 10360 created the charter of the province of Davao Occidental in January 2013, its ratification during the last plebiscite made it officially the newest province," Comelec provincial director Maria Febes M. Barlaan said.

Davao Occidental includes the municipalities of Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani.

Davao del Sur will be left with Digos City, Kiblawan, Magsaysay, Matanao, Bansalan, Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Sulop and Malalag.

"Out of the 235,301 people who voted, 180,162 voted yes for the creation of the new province while 55,139 voted no, or were against the creation of the new province," she said.

An estimated 43% of the 553,092 total registered voters of the province of Davao del Sur cast their votes during the plebiscite, which was conducted at the same time during the barangay polls that were held last month.

The creation of a new province to be called Davao Occidental is seen as a good move by most residents as it will not only spread economic growth but will also bring the government closer to the people.

"I am for the creation of the new province of Davao Occidental. With the creation, the municipalities of Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino and Sarangani will be given more attention, particularly on the budget allocation and implementation of programs and projects, said Jason John Joyce, Davao del Sur board member.

Mr. Joyce, who hails from Jose Abad Santos town, which is included in the new province, said the new capitol will be in the town of Malita.

He said the new Davao Occidental provincial capitol will be more accessible to the people, government officials and employees compared with the existing capitol of Davao del Sur located in Digos City.

Digos City is several hours away from the other municipalities, which makes the delivery of basic services and access to the various government offices difficult.

"Only a majority vote of those who actually voted during the plebiscite is needed to get a winning yes or no vote," Ms. Barlaan said.

Lawyer Genevieve Marie Brandares-Paulino said: "I am for whatever is beneficial to the people. I support and will support all initiatives that are for the general welfare."

"The creation of Davao Occidental is synonymous to ensuring the people of the far-flung municipalities an opportunity for advancement and progress," Ms. Paulino said.

"It is tantamount to giving the people of far-flung municipalities assurance that their concerns will be easily addressed by making the government closer to the people literally," she added.

While the residents approved the creation of the province of Davao Occidental during last month’s barangay elections, the officials of the new province will be determined only after the 2016 local and national elections.

Ms. Barlaan said there will be no officer-in-charge so the province will be placed under the concurrent Davao del Sur governor. In the meantime, the appropriate agencies will delineate the boundaries, assets, liabilities and properties of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.

Ms. Barlaan said the creation of Davao Occidental will remedy the slow pace of economic development in the second district municipalities of Davao del Sur.

The law requires that a new province should have a population of at least 250,000, a minimum land area of 2,000 square kilometers and a minimum income of P20 million.

Official figures show that as of 2010, the proposed Davao Occidental has a population of 293,780, a land area of 2,183.97 square meters, and an average annual income of P113 million.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Davao-Occidental-province-to-be-created&id=79182

Army units now helping in search, rescue, relief efforts for 'Yolanda' victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): Army units now helping in search, rescue, relief efforts for 'Yolanda' victims

Several units of the Philippine Army (PA) are now helping in the ongoing search, rescue and relief efforts for the victims of super typhoon "Yolanda" in the Visayas region, particularly in Leyte and Samar.

Around 12:45 a.m. Saturday, the Disaster Response Task Force from the 8th Infantry Division led by its assistant division commander Brig. Gen. Virgilio M. Espineli proceeded to Tacloban City to conduct disaster response and rescue operations.

Elements of the 20th, 43rd and 87th Infantry Battalions are also ready to be deployed to the disaster-stricken city to augment the forces which are already there.

Meanwhile, initial reports from the Army field units in Samar revealed that as of 11 a.m. on Saturday, 16 were accounted dead in Hernani, Eastern Samar, while another 10 remain missing as a result of the flash floods caused by the storm surge.

Houses, school buildings, and other infrastructures were also destroyed in Barangay Camada, Maydolong; Barangay Pagbabangan, San Julian; and Brgy. Canlaray, Borongan City.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced that it has already mobilized units from the 3rd and 8th Infantry Divisions, as well as the 53rd Engineering Brigade to help in the disaster response and rescue operations.

The PA will continue to help in the rescue and relief efforts; assist in clearing operations; and provide support in rehabilitating the communities in order to help the people regain a sense of normalcy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585080

AFP tells civilians in 'Yolanda' affected areas to cooperate with government

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): AFP tells civilians in 'Yolanda' affected areas to cooperate with government

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday urged all civilians affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" to cooperate with government authorities particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in their efforts to restore order amidst ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.

For its part, the AFP deployed 100 more soldiers to help police and existing military forces in their efforts to restore peace and order in the typhoon-battered Tacloban City following the devastation caused by "Yolanda."

"As we firmly establish command and control in affected areas, we appeal to the public to be patient. We understand your emotion and frustration due to the lack of information coming out," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

"The AFP assures our people that we are working round the clock together with the DILG, DSWD and PNP to be able to reach every citizen that needs our help. All we ask is patience from our fellow citizens," Zagala added.

Meanwhile, technicians from Smart Communications, three personnel from the United Nations, 22 foreign medical volunteers of the Mammoth Medical Mission, and an air traffic controller from the Air Traffic Organization have been sent to Tacloban City Sunday, via special flight aboard a Philippine Air Force Fokker aircraft.

On Saturday, the AFP deployed communications systems in three cities in Visayas to address shortages in communication facilities following the devastation caused by "Yolanda."

A communication cell was also established in Tacloban City Police Station and the Base Ops, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City to augment communication requirements for humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

Two more communication cells were sent in Roxas City, Capiz and Mactan City, Cebu to monitor rescue and relief efforts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585124

New WestMinCom chief puts premium in the peace process

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 10): New WestMinCom chief puts premium in the peace process



An undated Philippine Marine photo of Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero.

The new commander of the Western Mindanao Commander (WestMinCom) Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero said he is putting premium in the peace process, saying it is the “best option” to end armed conflict in Mindanao.

Guerrero assumed the post as commander of the larger military command in Mindanao after Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo retired from the military service on Saturday.

“We will review on the ongoing campaign that would be putting more emphasis on the peace process,” he told journalists here.

Aside from enhancing its security setup and improving the contingency planning, “the peace process is a priority,” he added.

Guerrero’s assumption came as local residents here are reeling from the devastation brought by attacked by members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)-Nur Misuari faction that led to the 20-day crisis, killing more than 200 individuals, and displacing 120, 000 people last September.

The attack also led to question military capabilities in protecting Zamboanga as its host city.

"The recent crisis brought about by the rogue MNLF attacked in Zamboanga City was a test of WesMinCom's readiness,” he said.

Guerrero said taking over the commander of the WestMinCom is “a big challenge” for him.

“Almost all threat groups are here. I have to seek the help of the stakeholders, including the media, so that we will be able to accomplish a significant improvement on peace and order,” he said.

Aside from the presences of Moro rebels, the areas included in the WestMinCom’s responsibilities included armed groups such as Abu-Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah, kidnap-for-ransom gangs, Maoist armed guerrillas, and recently the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter – a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

At least more than half of the land area in Mindanao are within the WestMinCom’s area of responsibilities – from the southernmost island province of Tawi-Tawi to Maguindanao in Central Mindanao.

Guerrero is not new in these areas. He once served as the brigade commander in Sulu, where he battled Abu-Sayyaf, and kidnap-for-ransom gangs, prior to his appointment as commandant of the Philippine Marines, and commander of the Western Command, which oversaw the conflict in West Philippine Sea.

At present, armed men in Sulu island province are still holding numbers of hostages, including two European bird watchers, who were abducted in 2012, and two movie makers.

Although, the main military objective is to use its forces in addressing security threats, Guerrero emphasized that putting more importance in the peace process is the ideal solution.

“I’m very sure that through dialogue we will able to settle all these issues. I don’t think the violent way of the settling things is the best option, it’s always the peaceful dialogue, inter-agency, stakeholders cooperation will be the best path towards peace,” he said.

As a way to push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Mindanao, he said there is a need to enhance the “inter-agency collaboration especially the local government units and civil society and non-government organizations."

"The peace efforts is one of the most awaited activity which we hope will bring in destined peace. All of us here at WesMinCom must ensure that the peace mechanism works and it is adhering by all our personnel,” he said referring to the southern peace process between government and the Moro fronts.

"While pursuing this, let's not forget our competency in war fighting and our readiness performance as the need arises,” he pointed out.

"Together with the peace rallying people of Mindanao let us stay vigilant and weary of spoilers who will ruin the way to peace,” he said.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/new-westmincom-chief-puts-premium-in.html