MNLF group eyes SC TRO vs peace deal

From the Philippine Star (Mar 26): MNLF group eyes SC TRO vs peace deal

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are all set to sign the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim leading a large delegation in Malacañang.

Meanwhile, several leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are hoping the Supreme Court will  act on their bid to halt the peace deal.

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said Wednesday the government allotted 400 slots for their members to witness the signing ceremony which will be also attended by representatives of the international community and local stakeholders.

“We’re given a quota of 400 people. We know that the Palace grounds could only accommodate a limited number of people,” he said.

According more would want to personally witness the event but could no longer be included owing to the limited slots.

He said their delegation will be composed of senior members of the central and provincial committees and ground commanders.

It was not, however, clear whether the government has given safe conduct passes to the leaders and members that have pending cases, but want to witness the signing.

Government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said on Tuesday that all is set for the CAB signing ceremony on Thursday.

“There is no turning back. Only moving decisively forward. The peace train is on track. Its design is complete. Most of its elements are in place,” she said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said they are expecting at least 1,000 people to grace the  CAB signing, including foreign dignitaries.

“The eyes of the world are looking at us,” Deles said earlier about the successful conclusion of the peace negotiations as she noted the many challenges and difficult work ahead especially in the implementation of the provisions of the agreements.

Jaafar said during the signing of CAB Thursday, the MILF’s main Camp Darapanan will hold activities with thousands of members and supporters in attendance.

Similar celebratory activities related to the CAB signing will also be held in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the core areas of the proposed Bangsamoro region, he added.

Meanwhile, some MNLF leaders and members hope the Supreme court will act on their petition filed last year seeking to nullify the comprehensive agreement that will be forged between the government and the MILF.

Habib Mujahab Hashim, chair of the MNLF’s Islamic Command Council (ICC), said they have also forwarded their manifestation in support of the petition that was filed before the High Court since December last year which has yet to be acted upon.

“The petition has been there but no action. However, it has not been turned down also. It’s part of our last ditch effort and hopefully the Supreme Court will act in our favor,” Hashim said.

However, Hashim said if they could not get favorable action from the high court they will pursue the case before the United Nations (UN).

“This is just a legal option. Aside from this we have another avenue which is the UN,” Hashim added.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/03/26/1305380/mnlf-group-eyes-sc-tro-vs-peace-deal

MNLF faction won't attend peace deal signing

From ABS-CBN (Mar 26): MNLF faction won't attend peace deal signing

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) - Sema faction has rejected the invitation of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at the Malacañang Palace on Thursday.

MNLF-Sema faction spokesman Romeo Sema said they are not ready to join the gathering since the government has not done its obligation to implement the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

"The Central Committee has decided not to attend the signing of the CAB because the obligation of the government of the Republic of the Philippines to implement the 1996 Final Peace Agreement is not yet complied," he said.

But he clarified that they have nothing against the CAB. He said they even welcome and support the initiative of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to link the CAB to the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.

"Kung ano ang desisyon ng OIC para sa mga Bangsamoro people, sinusuportahan po yan ng MNLF basta mayroong tamang mekanismo."

"We are just waiting for the schedule of the tripartite meeting, kasi merong tayong impasse na tripartite review on the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement," Sema said.

However, he said it will be a challenge to link the CAB and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement in terms of territory.

The CAB only covers 5 provinces and 3 cities while the 1976 Tripoli Agreement includes 13 provinces and 9 cities.

The provinces covered by the 1976 Tripoli Agreement include the entire North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat Province, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Palawan.

Its covered cities, meanwhile, include Puerto Prinsesa, Zamboanga, Dipolog, Iligan and General Santos.

"Hindi naman gaanong kahirap i-link yung dalawa... Ang issue dito is the territory kasi magkaiba. In the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, the Philippine government offered the autonomy to the Bangsamoro in southern Philippines and the territories were specified," Sema said.

"Yan po ang mahirap bitawan ng MNLF because that territory was offered by the government to the Bangsamoro people, nakasaad yan sa kasunduan noong 1976, yun ang ipinaglalaban natin," he added.

But he said whatever happens, they will stick to whatever order or decision the OIC makes.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/26/14/mnlf-faction-wont-attend-peace-deal-signing

IEP: Mujahideen in Philippines Support AL-QAIDAH

Posted to the Islamic Emirate of the Philippines (IEP) Facebook page (Mar 23): Mujahideen in Philippines Support AL-QAIDAH



https://www.facebook.com/IslamicEmirateInThePhilippines/photos/a.272752586135184.64480.268897169854059/623244451085994/?type=1&theater

MILF: Editorial -- Real partnership begins

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Mar 26): Real partnership begins

Marsch 16-22, 2014 :: All systems go for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014. God willing, it is only a matter of five days from now before this historic moment takes place.
  

This achievement is one for a lifetime. Imagine this agreement was only signed after more than 16 long years of off-and-on battles in the negotiating table.

By any stretch of imagination, this hard, complex, and almost futile exercise cannot be repeated in a generation. In fact, many of the negotiators from both the MILF and the government have died already. They were not lucky enough to see and witness this history in the making in this country. 

If the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had started their negotiations from two opposing hard positions and continued it through thick and thin, the signing of the CAB is truly a defining moment that they can be proud of with heads high. For one, this signals the dawning of the real partnership between the two parties that they must nurture through to the end.

Thus, this partnership has to be real and genuine. Gone are the days when mistrust and reservation are the rule between negotiators whose motive is to outwit the opponent in order to win.  Both sides especially their negotiators have to open up with each other and must continue to undertake problem-solving approaches.

Moreover, both sides have to help one another.  Needless to say, the MILF has to be helped to stand on its feet so that it is fully capacitated to stave-off the challenges ahead.  Only two capable partners can ensure the success of their peace endeavor.

Without saying, a weak partner will pave the way for anarchy to rule the day and chances that a more dangerous place is not farfetched in Mindanao.  This fear is compounded after the exit of President Benigno Aquino in 2016. If the new president does not follow through with the achievements of the peace process and genuinely adopts a policy of empowering the MILF and henceforth the Bangsamoro Government, then the future is truly bleak. This is the reason why the 2016 presidential election is truly material to the future of the Bangsamoro. We can only hope that those who run for president will adopt a policy of fully supporting the Bangsamoro and not to undermine it in any manner or form.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/893-real-partnership-begins

MILF: MILF delegation leaves Mindanao for the historic signing of CAB

From the MILF Website (Mar 25): MILF delegation leaves Mindanao for the historic signing of CAB

A delegation of about 600 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) headed by MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the MILF Peace Panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), Sammy A-Mansour Gambar, Chief of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), BTC Commissioners, MILF Peace Panel members and other members of the Moro Front’s Central Committee left Cotabato City on March 26 for Manila for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).  

They boarded three chartered Philippine Airlines aircrafts. Other officials of the MILF came to Manila via Davao City and General Santos City.

Among those who joined the delegation are members of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) headed by Executive Director Mahmod Ahmad, Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), members of the MILF Political and Information Committee, officials of local NGO development partners. The historic signing is set tomorrow March 27 at the Kalayaan Garden at Malacanang Palace Compound at 4PM.

The CAB will be signed by GPH Peace Panel Chair Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer and Chairman Iqbal in the presence of the Malaysian facilitator H.E. Tengku Dato AB Ghafar Tengku Mohammed with Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Najib Razak, President Benigno Aquino III and Chairman Murad Ebrahim as witnesses.

Foreign dignitaries, heads of international development partners, members of the Philippine Senate, the House of Representatives, cabinet members, top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), ARMM officials headed by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, and other Mindanao local leaders are expected to attend.

The CAB is a product of a 17-year peace negotiations and a compilation of all agreements entered into by and between the GPH and the MILF specifically the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), and the Annexes on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities; Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, Power Sharing and Normalization and Bangsamoro Waters and Zone of Joint Cooperation.

The agreement when fully implemented is expected to end the four decades of conflict in Mindanao that affected hundreds of thousands of inhabitants in the region since the late 60’s.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/896-milf-delegation-leaves-mindanao-for-the-historic-signing-of-cab

MILF: Sarangani Daw’ah Committee holds advocacy

From the MILF Website (Mar 25): Sarangani Daw’ah Committee holds advocacy



The MILF Committee on Daw’ah and Masajid Affairs held peace Advocacy on FAB and its four annexes with the theme: Understanding the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and Its Annexes on March 17 at the Hadji Musa Gymnasium, Barangay Kapatan, Sarangani Province.
  

About 600 Imams (religious leaders) from different mosques in the province attended with representatives from the women sector, social welfare committee and Moro residents. The International Monitoring Team (IMT), Team Site 4 was represented by Lt. Col. Ebrahim of the Malaysian Contingent  and Jeorge Engelbrech, Head of Non-Violence Peace Force.  

The program formally started with a recital of some verses of the Holy Qur’an by Ustadz Yahya Japal followed by a welcome address by Sukur Musa, Barangay Chairman of Kapatan. He said, “As your leader in this village, I will do everything I can  to support the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro”.

The chairman of the Provincial Daw’ah committee presented the overview of the program. He said that the activity is just the beginning of the challenges that lay ahead and we cannot afford to make mistake even a small one. We should work together, move forward and collectively row our ship (the Bangsamoro) to achieve lasting peace and regain our long lost freedom taken away from us by colonizers.

Commissioner Salem C. Demuna of the National Commission on Muslim Filipino said in his message, “I will be the first one to tell Philippine Medias that the MILF-Committees is doing their best to enlighten the people from north to south; east to west of Mindanao whether Muslims nor Christians.

The guests who gave their inspirational messages were representatives from the Committee on Da’wah MILF CC; MILF Provincial Political Committee Chairman of Sarangani Province and the MILF Provincial information Director of Sarangani , Koronadal and Damakling.

Executive Director Moidjoddin Talusob of Kalilintad Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI) dealt on Bangsamoro perspective of leadership / governance and the Ministerial Form of Government for the Bangsamoro. He said that, “Islam is a way of life and Islam accepts any form of government but a ministerial form of governance is more suitable for the Bangsamoro and preferred by Islamic teachings.

Prof. Esmael Abdula, Chairman of the Campaign and Mass Mobilization, Sub -Committee on Information, Committee on Information, MILF-CC and member of the Steering Committee of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) was the main speaker. He explained the salient points of FAB and its four annexes.
He said that the FAB is a product of the Moro struggle where blood was shed by fallen brothers for peace to reign in the region.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/895-sarangani-daw’ah-committee-holds-advocacy

MILF: Sarangani Daw’ah Committee holds advocacy

Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 26): Sarangani Daw’ah Committee holds advocacy




The MILF Committee on Daw’ah and Masajid Affairs held peace Advocacy on FAB and its four annexes with the theme: Understanding the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and Its Annexes on March 17 at the Hadji Musa Gymnasium, Barangay Kapatan, Sarangani Province.
  

About 600 Imams (religious leaders) from different mosques in the province attended with representatives from the women sector, social welfare committee and Moro residents. The International Monitoring Team (IMT), Team Site 4 was represented by Lt. Col. Ebrahim of the Malaysian Contingent  and Jeorge Engelbrech, Head of Non-Violence Peace Force. 
 
The program formally started with a recital of some verses of the Holy Qur’an by Ustadz Yahya Japal followed by a welcome address by Sukur Musa, Barangay Chairman of Kapatan. He said, “As your leader in this village, I will do everything I can  to support the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro”.

The chairman of the Provincial Daw’ah committee presented the overview of the program. He said that the activity is just the beginning of the challenges that lay ahead and we cannot afford to make mistake even a small one. We should work together, move forward and collectively row our ship (the Bangsamoro) to achieve lasting peace and regain our long lost freedom taken away from us by colonizers.

Commissioner Salem C. Demuna of the National Commission on Muslim Filipino said in his message, “I will be the first one to tell Philippine Medias that the MILF-Committees is doing their best to enlighten the people from north to south; east to west of Mindanao whether Muslims nor Christians.

The guests who gave their inspirational messages were representatives from the Committee on Da’wah MILF CC; MILF Provincial Political Committee Chairman of Sarangani Province and the MILF Provincial information Director of Sarangani , Koronadal and Damakling.

Executive Director Moidjoddin Talusob of Kalilintad Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI) dealt on Bangsamoro perspective of leadership / governance and the Ministerial Form of Government for the Bangsamoro. He said that, “Islam is a way of life and Islam accepts any form of government but a ministerial form of governance is more suitable for the Bangsamoro and preferred by Islamic teachings.

Prof. Esmael Abdula, Chairman of the Campaign and Mass Mobilization, Sub -Committee on Information, Committee on Information, MILF-CC and member of the Steering Committee of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) was the main speaker. He explained the salient points of FAB and its four annexes.
He said that the FAB is a product of the Moro struggle where blood was shed by fallen brothers for peace to reign in the region.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/895-sarangani-daw’ah-committee-holds-advocacy

MILF: CCSPC, NABEI conduct RTD on Bangsamoro Education System in support to crafting the BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 24): CCSPC, NABEI conduct RTD on Bangsamoro Education System in support to crafting the BBL



Seventeen education leaders from basic, higher, and private education sectors in Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and Marawi City gathered in a 2-day Round Table Discussion (RTD) jointly-organized by Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC) and National Association for Bangsamoro Education, Inc. (NABEI) on March 20-21 and came up with proposed Bangsamoro Education System as intervention in crafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
  

As provided for under the Annex on Power Sharing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Bangsamoro Government shall have exclusive powers on 58 matters within its territorial jurisdiction, one of which is education and skills training (Part Three, III, 18).  

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was advised by President Benigno C. Aquino III to submit its draft BBL to Malacanang on March 31 for review and certification as urgent bill.  In his 2013 State of the Nation Address, Pres. Aquino asked both the Senate and House of Representative to pass the BBL before the end of 2014.

In his welcome remarks, CCSPC President Dr. Dammang Bantala gave emphasis on the problems observed in the realities of Bangsamoro’s educational system such as outdated instructional equipment and insufficient facilities for teaching that continuously impede the region’s aspirations of having globally competitive individuals.

“The time has come for the Bangsamoro to rise and have a better direction. Exerting effort to respond to the demands of globalization through training the people to develop the region’s resources, offering relevant degree programs like mining engineering, etc., and having excellent facilities in the Bangsamoro academic institutions are prerequisites for the Bangsamoro education to soar beyond everyone’s expectations ten years from now,” added Pres. Bantala.

In the upcoming Bangsamoro Government, the college president stressed the need to spend the money of the Bangsamoro for its purpose up to the last centavo because he believes transparency and honesty are effective ways of renewing the image of the Bangsamoro.

NABEI President Dr. Ombra A. Imam expressed gratitude to the participants for responding to invitations despite of short notice.  He said the RTD would provide education leaders opportunity to share their ideas and become part of endeavours in the process of crafting the basic law.

Serving as resource person, Dr. Tomas Sabal, Dean of the Graduate School of Mindanao State University – Maguindanao identified several factors which put education in ARMM at dismal state.  As a bold step towards a new education system, Dr. Sabal suggested the adoption of 12-year educational ladder, similar to Philippines’ K-12, free and compulsory basic education for all, revision of curriculum to become responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro, values enhancement for all education personnel, accreditation and government full support to madaris, and establishment of teachers academy, among others.

Marjuni Maddi, second presenter, Director for Planning and Policy Division of DepEd-ARMM showed to participants a glimpse of DepEd-ARMM by defining multi-literate learners, enumerating core teaching-learning values, and pointing out the priority focus and general objectives DepEd-ARMM 2015 that include reformed governance, program delivery, and Bangsamoro transition.  He also discussed various programs of the Department which are all funded locally, that include madrasah education.

Key areas of concern governing the Bangsamoro Education System were identified in the RTD.  Workshop was done to come up with proposed concepts relative to the areas identified.  The RTD resulted to coming up with a separate system of education relevant to the aspiration of the Bangsamoro. A 9-page RTD output document was submitted to the BTC as intervention in the writing of BBL.

Among the salient provision which the education leaders proposed to be included in the BBL on education are creation of education ministries and institutions like Ministries of Basic Education, Higher Education, Technical-Vocational Education, University of Bangsamoro, Bangsamoro Educators’ Academy, Bangsamoro Assistance to Madrasah Education, and Philippine-Bangsamoro Education Council.

The document described the Bangsamoro Educators’ Academy as a specialized institution to certify and re-certify teaching and non-teaching personnel, and provides short-term and special courses to Bangsamoro educators. It further explained that the Bangsamoro Assistance to Madrasah Education, which should be co-managed by private education group, would manage all support and assistance to private madaris while the Philippine-Bangsamoro Education Council would serve as inter-governmental body to resolve conflict in the implementation of education laws, policies, and programs between the central government and Bangsamoro government.

In their letter addressed to BTC Chair Mohagher Iqbal, Dr. Bantala and Dr. Imam informed Chairman Iqbal of the creation of CCSPC-NABEI technical working group “as a support group to continuously engage with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, the would-be created Bangsamoro Transition Authority, Bangsamoro Government, and other government institutions in support of establishing, and strengthening Bangsamoro education.”

Other participating education leaders included CCSPC Officials and faculty Dr. Mohamadtaha Pendaliday, Dr. Pasigan Buisan, Dr. Zainudin Kusin, Dr. Norodin, Dr. Armia Piang Usman-Ebrahim, Prof. Abdul Lantong, Sheik Jaafar Ali; MSU Vice Chancellor Dr. Tomanda Antok; Maguindanao II Schools Division Superintendent Bai Alibai Benito Aliuden; Cotabato City Asst. Schools Division Superintendent Mr. Edgar Sumapal; private madaris officials Mr. Rolly Mapandi, Ustadz Wahab Omar, and Mr. Mohammad Kamama.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/892-ccspc-nabei-conduct-rtd-on-bangsamoro-education-system-in-support-to-crafting-the-bbl

CPP/Sine Proletaryo: Video--Brothers

Sine Proletaryo video posted to the CPP Website (Mar 21): Video: Brothers



Full time Red fighter brothers from Bicol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ort2cbIH5Hk&list=UUIdJcoTlC5Q5jrKCOh4dJeA

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP/Sine Proletaryo: Video--Mass Clinic

Sine Proletaryo video posted to the CPP Website (Mar 25): Video: Mass Clinic



Mass Clinic in Southern Mindanao. A platoon of armed medical personnel extends medical services to the people of southern Mindanao. Neglected by the reactionary state, some of the patients experience medical check-up for the first time in their lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I42EnSo2DbU

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP/Sison: The revolution is free to grow in strength and advance – Prof. Sison

Sison propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 24): The revolution is free to grow in strength and advance – Prof. Sison

Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairman
Communist Party of the Philippines

 

INTERVIEW with Prof. JOSE MARIA SISON

Founding Chairman, Communist Party of the Philippines

 

By ROSELLE VALERIO
Liberation International

 

Roselle Valerio (RV): What was your immediate reaction to the arrest of Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria?

 

Jose Maria Sison (JMS): I thought immediately that the arrest of these two NDFP consultants in the peace negotiations is in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). They are holders of the document of identification under JASIG and are protected from surveillance, harassment and arrest.

 

RV: Is it true, as Alex Padilla, the military and other Aquino government officials claim, that you are on opposite sides with the Tiamzon couple regarding peace negotiations? That Tiamzon and Austria are “hardliners” and “war freaks” and that they are at odds with you and the NDFP negotiating panel?

 

JMS: The Tiamzon couple are in support of the peace negotiations. That’s why they are consultants in the peace negotiations. The claims of high officials and military officers of the reactionary government that the Tiamzon couple are at odds with the CPP founding chairman and the NDFP Negotiating Panel is a malicious intrigue. They should read the official declarations of the CPP Central Committee supporting the work of the NDFP Negotiating Panel and its consultants, including myself.

 

RV: How well do you know Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria?

 

JMS: I knew them as excellent cadres of the Manila-Rizal regional committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines in the early 1970s. Then Benny Tiamzon became secretary of the Eastern Visayas regional committee of the CPP in the mid-1970s onwards. He was outstanding for his comprehensive ability in ideology, politics and organization. Wilma was also outstanding. It is not surprising that they would rise to the highest central positions in tne CPP.

 

RV: What do you know of Tiamzon’s involvement and role in the CPP in the 1990s, in the Second Great Rectification Movement?

 

JMS: Tiamzon played a leading role in the Second Great Rectification Movement, which started in 1992. This was an educational campaign that reaffirmed basic revolutionary principles and resulted in the rectification of serious subjectivist and opportunist errors and the revitalization and resurgence of the CPP, NPA, the mass base and the people’s democratic government. The CPP cadres and members held on to the general line of democratic revolution through protracted people’s war, while a few rabid opponents became NGO racketeers, yellow labor dealers, bureaucrats of the reactionary government and even spies and psywar experts of the military.

 

RV: What do you know of the Tiamzon couple’s current roles in the CPP and their activities in the Visayas when they were arrested?

 

JMS: My reliable source of information regarding the current roles of the Tiamzons is the CPP official statement published in Ang Bayan. They are described as senior leaders of the CPP paying close attention to the plight and rehabilitation of the communities and families victimized by the supertyphoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Visayas.

 

RV: What will be the impact of the arrest of the Tiamzon couple on the CPP leadership? The military say that without Tiamzon the CPP will suffer from a vacuum of leadership.

 

JMS: Leadership in the CPP is collective. It does not depend on any single leader no matter how excellent. When I was arrested in 1977, I was the CPP Central Committee chairman. But the armed revolution continued, grew in strength and became a major factor in the overthrow of Marcos despite his boast that he had finished off the CPP upon my arrest.

 

Like me and Julie when we were arrested in 1977, Benny Tiamzon and Wilma Austria will be replaced automatically by comrades. To use basketball parlance, I say that the CPP has a deep bench. The Central Committee is replenished and further strengthened by the increasing number of national cadres as well as regional cadres from some 17 regions.

 

RV: What will be the impact on the New People’s Army and the people’s war?

 

JMS: The NPA will become even more determined to wage people’s war. The ground is fertile for people’s war because of the system of oppression and exploitation that subjects the people to intolerable suffering. The people desire the overthrow of the rotten system of big compradors and landlords servile to US imperialism.

 

RV: What was the status of the NDFP-GPH peace negotiations before the arrest of the Tiamzon couple? What will now be consequences to the peace negotiations?

 

JMS: Before the arrest of the Tiamzon couple, the peace negotiations were paralyzed by the Aquino regime’s noncompliance with and violations of existing agreements between the NDFP and the Manila government. The imprisonment of JASIG-protected consultants has had adverse consequences to the peace negotiations.

 

RV: Do you have a message you would like to convey to Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Austria, and their five companions?

 

JMS: Luis Jalandoni and the NDFP Negotiating Panel are working hard to demand their release in accordance with the JASIG. But the Aquino regime is extremely reactionary, narrow-minded and short- sighted. I told Marcos in 1977: you have imprisoned me but the revolutionary movement is free to grow in strength and advance. Imprisonment is an opportunity to perform an important form of service to the people. By manifesting their defiance, revolutionary prisoners can inspire the people to fight more fiercely for their national and social liberation.

 

RV: What is your message to the Aquino regime?

 

JMS: Respect the The Hague Joint Declaration and the JASIG and release the NDFP peace consultants. Respect the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and release the political prisoners imprisoned on trumped-up common crimes. Thus, there will be a sound basis for resuming the peace negotiations.

 

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140324_the-revolution-is-free-to-grow-in-strength-and-advance-prof-sison

CPP/NPA: More reasons to advance the people’s war in Southern Mindanao

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 24): More reasons to advance the people’s war in Southern Mindanao

Rigoberto Sanchez
Spokesperson
NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command (Merardo Arce Command)

 

The capture of Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria only emboldens the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao to further intensify the people’s war in the region. The US-Aquino regime is daydreaming when it says the arrest spells the demise of the revolutionary movement. The NPA-SMR is ever resolute to advance the guerrilla war to a higher stage because the roots of armed conflict are firmly embedded in a region heavily militarized by the fascist AFP troops.

Instead of dismantling pork barrel and corruption, providing genuine relief for disaster victims, and ending the poverty of the Filipino masses, the US-Aquino regime has embarked its relentless aggressive war in the countryside. Under its counterrevolutionary policy Oplan Bayanihan, it deployed its vast resources and manpower to militarize the peasant villages and open it for further imperialist plunder.
Ironically after boasting that several provinces in the region are insurgency-free, the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command augmented its troops with a new Army division, and the deployment of the 9th Infantry Battalion in Compostela Valley, the 68th IB and the 4th Special Forces in Davao del Norte and Bukidnon boundary.

The new Army units are responsible for the spate of aerial bombing in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and in Maco, Compostela Valley. They add up to the current AFP combat troops under Its Peace and Development program which are disrupting the lives of civilian peasants and Lumads in Paquibato, Maco, Magpet, Tulunan, Makilala and Compostela through its legalized hamletting and immersion activities. The new AFP units are the latest enemies of the people because they act as mercenary protectors of imperialist and local big business. They are the latest violators of human rights who will perpetrate the same injustice suffered by rape-slay victim Rebelyn Pitao, the child victim Roque Antivo, and the other victims of extra-judicial killings in the region.

The people’s guerrilla army shall continue to outwit and outmaneuver the Eastern Mindanao Command whose Special Operations Teams are intensifying their hamletting in the countryside. The NPA’s regular troops and the people’s militia shall continue to conduct widespread and intensive tactical offensives, to hit the Aquino regime’s armed forces whenever and wherever in the Southern Mindanao territory. It will seize more arms, inflict mounting casualties and accelerate the formation of more NPA platoons.

In the last two months alone, three sub-regional units of the NPA have inflicted 54 casualties against the AFP. It is standard operating procedure for the military to conceal the real score in the battlefield by being silent with the real number of casualties. It is only when the media are vigilant enough that the military is forced to reveal the number of body bags. The 39th IB, 57th IB and the 71st IB suffered several defeats, thus they were required to attend rotational retraining; their absence is currently augmented with the new battalions.

In the face of the AFP’s relentless attacks, the NPA urges the people to defend their homes and families. Only through the armed struggle can the masses protect the gains of the people’s war and prevent themselves from being placed under military control. The NPA is always open for any cooperation with the people when it comes to protecting their rights, defending their lands and inflicting blows against the fascist enemy that wreak havoc to their lives.

The NPA also urges the Cafgu paramilitary forces who, because of extreme poverty, are coerced to become enemies of their fellow peasants. They should turn their backs from their fascist and corrupt masters and serve and defend their poor class. They should discern that the AFP commanders to whom they report to receive fat salaries and kickbacks at the expense of the people’s welfare.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140324_more-reasons-to-advance-the-people-s-war-in-southern-mindanao

CPP/NPA: AFP hallucinating that arrest of Tiamzons will doom armed struggle

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 24): AFP hallucinating that arrest of Tiamzons will doom armed struggle

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) dismissed as “hallucinations” the claims by the armed forces that the recent arrest of CPP leaders and peace consultants Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria spells doom for the armed struggle being waged by the New People’s Army (NPA).

“AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista is self-delusional in believing that NPA Red fighters and revolutionaries would respond to his calls for them to surrender to the Aquino regime.

“Over the past three years under the Aquino regime, the people have gained nothing but failed promises as they experience widespread unemployment, low wages, high prices, land grabbing and landlessness and overall greater hardships,” said the CPP.

“In the countryside, in the vain attempt to perpetuate this backward economic and social system, the AFP continues to wage an unjust war of suppression against the people, committing widespread abuses of human rights, violating people’s domiciles, using schools and day-care centers as barracks, accosting anyone they suspect of involvement in political activism or self-organizing,” added the CPP.

“The AFP’s brutalities and widespread abuses continue to incite people to take up arms against the ruling system,” said the CPP. “Thus, on a daily basis, several hundred people, mostly peasants, enlist with the NPA, the people’s militia or barrio self-defense units.”

“With such deep-rooted causes for the armed conflict, the Aquino regime and the AFP are indeed hallucinating if they believe that the Tiamzons’ arrest will cause the armed struggle to dissipate.

“It is also hilarious for them to claim that the arrests will cause the revolutionary movement to become rudderless and too disorganized to sustain itself and pursue its objectives.

“The Communist Party of the Philippines has a system of orderly succession in place. It is comprised of over 150,000 dedicated cadres, with 15 regional committees, scores of subregional leading committees, more than 110 front committees and thousands of sections and branch committees that lead revolutionary work at various areas and levels,” said the CPP.

“Through its central and regional leadership organs, the CPP will continue to lead the New People’s Army in waging extensive and intensive guerrilla warfare in order to further advance the people’s war,” said the CPP.

The CPP reiterated its demand for the immediate release of Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria and condemned their arrest as a violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). “The Aquino regime is concocting one excuse after another to block the release of comrades Benito and Wilma.”

The CPP pointed out that the Aquino regime’s oft-repeated line that the NDFP cannot verify its consultants as they were registered under assumed names does not apply to Wilma Austria who is recognized as a consultant under her real name. “Now Malacañang is coming up with another excuse claiming that Ms. Austria had jumped bail in 1989, when that was later superseded by the recognition it gave her as a peace consultant in 1995 when the JASIG was signed.”

The CPP further condemns the filing of trumped-up criminal charges against Tiamzon and Austria. “Just like the tactic of the Arroyo regime, the Aquino regime is coming up with all possible concocted cases of murder and illegal possession of firearms in order to prolong the incarceration Tiamzon and Austria.” The CPP pointed out that Tiamzon and Austria where unarmed when they were accosted by military and police personnel.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140324_afp-hallucinating-that-arrest-of-tiamzons-will-doom-armed-struggle

CPP/NPA: Ambus laban sa pwersa ng 201st Brigade, matagumpay na nailunsad ng isang yunit ng Apolonio Mendoza Command

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 25): Ambus laban sa pwersa ng 201st Brigade, matagumpay na nailunsad ng isang yunit ng Apolonio Mendoza Command

Armine De Guia
Spokesperson
NPA Quezon Provincial Operations Command (Apolonio Mendoza Command)

 

Matagumpay na nailunsad ngayong umaga ng Marso 24, 2014 ang isang ambus ng isang yunit ng Apolonio Mendoza Command laban sa 15 kataong mersenaryong pwersa ng 85th IBPA, 201st Brigade, Philippine Army na nakasakay sa hammer type jeep. Naganap ang ambus sa Brgy. Ilayang Cogorin, Lopez, Quezon na tumagal lamang ng 39 minuto. Ganap na alas-8:06 ng umaga nang umalingawngaw ang unang putok at natapos ng bandang alas-8:45 ng umaga ring ito. Nagmula ang mersenaryong pwersa sa kanilang company headquarters sa Crossing ng Brgy. San Miguel Dao, Lopez, Quezon.

Nasapol ng mga putok ng riple at mga nakatanim na anti-personnel command detonated explosives ng nakapakat na pwersa ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang papalapit na hammer-type jeep lulan ang 15 tropa ng kaaway. Resulta nito, tiyak na nalipol ang 10 kaaway habang nakaya pang makapanlaban ng iba pang natirang buhay. Ang 5 sa mga sugatang ito ay kasalukuyang dinala sa Holy Rosary Hospital sa bayan ng Lopez. Sa kabilang banda, ligtas na nakaatras ang mga pwersa ng AMC na nagsagawa ng matagumpay na ambus.

Ang matagumpay na ambus ay pamamarusa sa mga pwersa ng 85th IBPA at ng 201st Brigade na nagsagawa ng pamamaslang kay kasamang Roberto Campaner (Ka Brando), isang hors de combat, noong Marso 1, 2014 sa Baranggay Sto Nino Ilaya, Lopez Quezon na halos katabi rin lamang ng baranggay Ilayang Cogorin na pinangyarihan ng nasabing ambus. Pinaslang si Ka Brando matapos na masugatan, malagay sa katayuang hors de combat at mahuli ng mga pwersa ng 201st Brigade.
Ang matagumpay na ambus ay panandang putok sa nagpapanibagong sigla at tuloy-tuloy na paglakas ng armadong pakikibaka, ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa South Quezon-Bondoc Peninsula.

Ang matagumpay na ambus ay kasagutan sa kasalukuyang mainit na usapin ng bagong pagkakahuli ng mag-asawang Kasamang Benito Tiamzon at Wilma Tiamzon. Malinaw na ang pagkakahuli sa dalawang konsultant ng NDFP sa usapang pangkapayapaan ay hindi magiging dahilan ng pag-atras ni pagkawasak ng rebolusyong Pilipino na pinamumunuan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Bagamat malaking kawalan sa rebolusyon ang kanilang pagkadakip, sapat ang dami ng kasalukuyang mga makaranasang matatanda at batang kadre ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas upang pamunuan at dalhin sa estratehikong pagkakapatas at tagumpay ang rebolusyong Pilipino. Higit sa lahat, ang sambayanang Pilipino, laluna ang masang manggagawa, magsasaka, kabataan, kababaihan, pambansang minorya at iba pang demokratikong uri at sektor ang nagsusulong ng rebolusyon sa araw-araw. Ang walang kapantay na krisis, kahirapan, pagsasamantala at pang-aapi na dinadanas ng mamamayan ang panloob na kundisyon sa Pilipinas para sa katiyakan ng tagumpay ng rebolusyon.

Ang matagumpay na ambus ay mainit na salubong na putok ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa SQBP sa darating na ika-45 anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa ika-29 ng Marso, 2014.

Sa pamamagitan nito, ipinapaabot namin ang pinakamainit na pulang pagpupugay at pagbati sa mga kasama at masa na naging dahilan ng materyal na tagumpay ng ambus na ito.

Higit pang mag-iibayo ang pagsulong ng armadong pakikibaka sa mga darating na buwan at taon sa SQBP. Magmamartsa itong kasabay ng dakilang pag-igpaw pasulong ng rebolusyong Pilipino sa pambansang saklaw mula estratehikong depensiba tungong estratehikong pagkakapatas.

Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140325_ambus-laban-sa-pwersa-ng-201st-brigade-matagumpay-na-nailunsad-ng-isang-yunit-ng-apolonio-mendoza-command

CPP/NDF: In spite of the Tiamzon couple’s capture, the People’s Democratic Revolution will advance!

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 25): In spite of the Tiamzon couple’s capture, the People’s Democratic Revolution will advance!

Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris)
Spokesperson
NDFP Mindanao Chapter

 

We condemn in the strongest terms possible the arrest of the Tiamzon couple because as major consultants to the peace talks between the GPH and the NDFP, they are immune to arrest as clearly stipulated under a bilaterally signed agreement between the GPH and the NDFP, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). Wilma Austria is a certified JASIG holder with Identification ND 978826 under her real name, while Benito Tiamzon holds JASIG Identification ND 978227 under the name “Crising Banaag.” In compliance with said agreement between the GPH and the NDFP and as an act of sincerity on the part of the Aquino government in attaining peace, it is imperative that the Tiamzon couple and five of their companions be released without condition.

The arrest of Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Austria Tiamzon and five others, will not deter the People’s Democratic Revolution from continuing to advance nor will it dampen the resolve of the entire revolutionary forces to carry forward the interests of the people and the Revolution. Beyond having to frustrate the objectives of the brutal Oplan Bayanihan in its first three years, the Revolutionary movement is more than ever intent on frustrating the last three years of its implementation, because of the people’s continuing struggle against exploitation and oppression in the midst of an ever worsening crisis gripping the entire country and the world. While revolutionary forces in Mindanao are once again faced with the challenge of thwarting renewed attacks of the OPB, which deployed three new additional AFP brigades against the NPA in Mindanao, only presents itself as an opportune time for other regions in the Visayas and Luzon to advance further.

If we hark back to history, when CPP founding Chairman Prof. Jose Maria Sison and then NPA Commander Bernabe “Dante” Buscayno were arrested during Marcos’s Martial Law, the revolutionary movement has never ceased from expanding rapidly and has continuously strengthened on a nationwide scale. This was even followed with the capture of former CPP Chair Rudy Salas, including the former head of the NPA Romulo Kintanar and many other members of the Central Committee of the CPP, during the Corazon Aquino administration; the revolutionary movement only continued to gain greater strength. With these as precedence, there is absolutely no basis for the people’s revolutionary struggle to cease from advancing on account solely of the Tiamzon couple’s capture. The primary basis for the Revolutionary movement’s continuing and unstoppable advance does not rely solely on its leaders, but derives impetus with the ever worsening state of exploitation and oppression by imperialists and its local ruling classes towards the vast masses.

The principal reason for either the regression or advance of the revolutionary movement in the face of the continuing grave social crisis in the country is whether or not the movement follows the correct political line, and not because of certain personalities in its leadership. This means that if the revolutionary movement resolutely stands for the general interests of the vast majority of the people, particularly for their aspiration to attain genuine agrarian reform, national industrialization, genuine right to self-determination, democracy and social benefits, the people’s revolution will continue, and continue to struggle until socialism shall have been established.

Immediately release Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and their five companions!
Carry forward the struggle for peace based on social justice!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140325_in-spite-of-the-tiamzon-couple-s-capture-the-people-s-democratic-revolution-will-advance

CPP/PKM: Kagyat na palayain sina Kasamang Benito Tiamzon at Wilma Austria! Isulong ang Armadong Pakikibaka!

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 26): Kagyat na palayain sina Kasamang Benito Tiamzon at Wilma Austria! Isulong ang Armadong Pakikibaka!
Andres Agtalon
Spokesperson
Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid

Mariing kinukundena ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM), alyadong rebolusyonaryong organisasyon ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), ang iligal na pag-aresto at detensyon ng rehimeng US-Aquino kina Kasamang Benito Tiamzon at Wilma Austria, mga pangunahing lider ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) at lima (5) pang mga kasama.

Ang iligal na pag-aresto at detensyon ng rehimeng US-Aquino kina Kasamang Benito Tiamzon at Wilma Austria, mga konsultant ng NDFP sa usapang pangkapayapaan, ay tahasang paglabag sa Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) na nilagdaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at ng Gobyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas (GPH). Isa itong aksyon ng pananabotahe ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa usapang pangkapayapaan na inaayudahan at binabasbasan mismo ni Benigno Simeon Cojuangco-Aquino.

Bago ang iligal na pag-aresto sa kanila, gumagampan sina Kasamang Benito at Wilma ng direktang pagsisiyasat at konsultasyon sa mga magsasakang pangunahing mga nasalanta at biktima ng superbagyong Yolanda. Ang kanilang pag-alam sa kalagayan, pamumuno at pangunguna sa pagtulong sa gawaing relief at rehabilitasyon sa mga magsasakang naging biktima ay mga gawaing tuwirang may kinalaman sa kanilang ginagampanang papel bilang mga consultant sa usapang pangkapayapaan laluna sa usapin ng nakabinbing substantive agenda para sa isang Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). Ang substantive agenda hinggil sa CASER, na naglalaman ng tunay na repormang agraryo at pambansang industriyalisasyon – mga usaping ayaw pag-usapan ng GPH, ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit tusong sinasabotahe ng hacienderong rehimeng Aquino ang usapang pangkapayapaan.
Gayunpaman, ang pagkakadakip kina Kasamang Benito at Wilma ay hindi makakadiskaril sa pagsulong ng rebolusyong Pilipino. Hindi nilulutas ng iligal na pag-aresto sa kanila ang mga ugat ng armadong labanan. Sa halip, lalong titindi ang digmang bayan na pangunahin ay digmang magsasaka, bunga ng tumitinding pangangamkam ng lupa at monopolyo sa lupa ng uring panginoong maylupa, at ng matinding kahirapan at kagutuman na nararanasan ng sambayanang Pilipino.

Iginigiit ng mga rebolusyonaryong magsasaka sa ilalim ng PKM-NDFP sa rehimeng Aquino na igalang at tupdin ang JASIG at kagyat na palayain ng walang kundisyon sina Kasamang Benito at Wilma. Iginigiit din namin na kagyat na simulan ang usapang pangkapayapaan, laluna ang susunod na substantive agenda hinggil sa CASER na siyang lulutas sa mga ugat ng armadong labanan.

Kasabay nito, ipinapaabot ng PKM-NDFP ang aming pinakamarubdob na pagbati sa ika-45 na anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Mahigpit ninyong kaisa ang PKM-NDFP para paigtingin ang armadong pakikibaka at dalhin ang digmang bayan tungo sa bago at mas mataas na antas at sa layuning abutin ang estratehikong pagkakapatas sa malapit na hinaharap hanggang sa tagumpay.

Mabuhay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang uring magsasaka!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140326_kagyat-na-palayain-sina-kasamang-benito-tiamzon-at-wilma-austria-isulong-ang-armadong-pakikibaka

CPP/NDF: Pursue the peace talks and genuine post-Yolanda reconstruction, Free Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 26): Pursue the peace talks and genuine post-Yolanda reconstruction, Free Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria

Fr. Santiago Salas (Ka Sanny)
Spokesperson
NDFP Eastern Visayas Chapter

 

In behalf of the worst-hit region of the Supertyphoon Yolanda, we in the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Eastern Visayas express our strongest condemnation of the illegal arrest by the Aquino regime’s security forces of Comrade Benito Tiamzon and Comrade Wilma Austria, senior leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) , together with five other comrades last March 22. We join the peace advocates in demanding their immediate release in accordance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) between the NDFP and the Government of the Philippines (GPH). We condemn the Aquino regime for fabricating criminal charges against the married couple and their companions, and for falsely claiming that such common crimes will negate the JASIG, among other contemptible excuses to deny the comrades their freedom.

To refresh the public’s mind, after the supertyphoon hit last Nov. 8, the national leadership of the CPP declared a unilateral ceasefire in the affected regions in solidarity with the suffering people and for the facilitation of humanitarian aid. In Eastern Visayas, the NPA strictly observed a unilateral ceasefire that lasted for 60 days even while the Armed Forces of the Philippines carried out its brutal Oplan Bayanihan. The CPP leadership also directed the New People’s Army (NPA) and other revolutionary forces to carry out relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the affected regions. The NPA continues to help in the tilling of communal farms, promotion of quick-growing food and cash crops, rebuilding of ravaged communities, and other struggles to uplift the people’s conditions in the wake of Supertyphoon Yolanda.

It is therefore a gross insult to the survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda for the GPH to arrest Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria while they were performing their duties as CPP leaders overseeing how revolutionary work was helping the recovery in the storm-stricken areas in the Visayas. We are outraged at the depths that the Aquino regime can stoop to in bastardizing the peace process and the post-Yolanda reconstruction. While the NPA observed a unilateral ceasefire after the storm to concentrate on helping the people, the Aquino regime was sending armed troops to Tacloban City to quell the people’s dissatisfaction at the absence of immediate relief. Without any shred of sympathy for the plight of the people, the GPH also refused a reciprocal ceasefire with the NPA whom it scorned as the “enemy of the state.” The Aquino regime also used the calamity to give license to the violation of national sovereignty by thousands of foreign troops using the pretext of humanitarian aid, as well as justify the forging of a new military agreement with the US allowing the virtually permanent basing of the latter’s troops.

The Aquino regime also faces increasing criticisms, if not over the lack or wastage of relief goods, then over the distribution as well of rotten and worm-ridden goods in Eastern Visayas, among its other sins to the victims. The regime is engaged in high-level corruption with the private sector comprising the firms of the comprador big bourgeoisie and the imperialists that are monopolizing the post-Yolanda reconstruction. Even the so-called Reconstruction Assistance for Yolanda is a sell-out program diminishing, among others, the ₱75 billion damage to agri-fisheries, and thus denying the people’s economic well-being. Meanwhile, the high government officials, compradors and imperialists are happy with the government reconstruction program assuring them of fat public works contracts. Coastal communities are also banned from rebuilding, thus displacing hundreds of thousands of urban poor and fisherfolk in favor of big business. If the people were already suffering even before Supertyphoon Yolanda struck, they are certainly worse off today and not just because of the storm. Survivors of calamity, they are now victims of the Aquino regime’s anti-people reconstruction program.

The refusal to release Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria as NDFP peace consultants highlights the grim social conditions where the Aquino government’s fascism and criminal negligence oppress the Yolanda survivors and the Filipino people. Even while the Yolanda survivors struggle to rebuild their lives in Eastern Visayas, the Aquino government pursues widespread militarization through Oplan Bayanihan to oppress the struggling people and retain exploitative conditions. Furthermore, the Yolanda survivors will not truly recover when government reconstruction means the further entrenchment of the big landlords, compradors, foreign mining capitalists and other imperialist interests.

The arrival at an agreement for socio-economic reforms is long overdue in the peace talks between the NDFP and GPH. Thus, if the Aquino government is at all interested in genuine recovery for the Yolanda survivors, it should speedily release Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria along with other peace consultants to resume the peace talks and tackle the highly significant subject of post-Yolanda reconstruction, among other socio-economic reforms. All political prisoners must likewise be released as a matter of justice. The longer the Aquino regime refuses to resume the peace talks, the more indignant will the Yolanda survivors and the people become, and the more militant in advancing their interests through the revolutionary armed struggle and the revolutionary mass movement.#

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140326_pursue-the-peace-talks-and-genuine-post-yolanda-reconstruction-free-benito-tiamzon-and-wilma-austria

Soldiers, reservists re-enact American liberation forces landing in Talisay City

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Soldiers, reservists re-enact American liberation forces landing in Talisay City

Troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (Centcom) and Army reservists Wednesday morning re-enacted the landing of American liberation forces on the shores of Poblacion, Talisay in World War II.

The event marked the arrival of the Americal Division U.S. 8th Army led by Maj. Gen. William Arnold on March 26, 1945.

The landing paved the way for the liberation of Cebu from the Japanese.

Filipino guerrillas of 8th Military District led by Lt. Col. James Cushing assisted the American forces.

More than 400 American soldiers died while 1,700 more were wounded during the battle for the Talisay City beachhead.

About 500 Japanese soldiers died in that battle.

Cebuanos also observed a special working public holiday Wednesday by virtue of Republic Act No. 10359 which was signed by President Benigno Aquino III on January 9, 2013 to commemorate the event.

A park was established on the shores where the American liberation forces landed in Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City.

Life-size statues of American soldiers were installed in the park in 2009, with a stone marker of the historic event.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=629486

5 soldiers receive medals for gallantry in action

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): 5 soldiers receive medals for gallantry in action

The Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division has awarded medals to five soldiers for gallantry in action against the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Misamis Occidental, a military official announced Wednesday.

Army’s 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer-in-Charge Captain Jefferson Mamauag said the medals was pinned to the awardees by Assistant Division Command Col. Amadeo Azul during a simple ceremony held Tuesday afternoon at Kuta Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital in Labangan town.

The awardees who received Wounded Personnel Medals (WPM) are the following: Staff Sergeant (SSgt.) Rufeus Cabrido; Private First Class (PFC) Hope Paul Mendez; Private (Pvt.) Joerwin Cris Arriola; Pvt. Ronel Tabat; and, Pvt. Rosaldo Galisanao, Jr.

The awardees are assigned with the Army’s 15th Division Reconnaissance Company.

Mamauag said the awardees were wounded during a clash against NPA rebels last March 10 in the municipality of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental.

Mamauag added that the awardees have demonstrated tenacity and perseverance and even dedicated lives in accomplishing their mission to bring peace and development in the community they serve.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=629506

Philippine Air Force accepting new recruits

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Philippine Air Force accepting new recruits

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has announced that it is nowaccepting recruits to fill in vacancies, but first, they must hurdle the entrance examinations.

Air Woman First Class Jennifer Talamor said those interested to take the PAF battery of written tests set on April 4-5, 2014 can secure entry forms either fromthe ROTC office of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Lapaz district this city, or at the Technical Operations Group VI of the 2nd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force at Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo. Place of examinations is the West Visayas State University.

Talamor enumerated the qualifications needed to be admitted to the pre-qualifying examinations which are the following: For Candidate Soldiers, they should be naturalborn Filipinos, 18-23 years of age, single (having no illegitimate child), finishers of 72 units in college, standing not below 5 feet tall, well-reported in the community, and physically and mentally fit to stand military training.

For officer candidates, a 4-year course is required, and ages between 20-24 years old. Further requirements are authenticated NSO birth certificates, transcript of records, or a certificate attesting to units earned in college, or certificate of candidacy for graduation, and two copies of 2x2 ID pictures with white backdrop.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=629297

Palace doing last minute preparations for the signing of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro Thursday

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Palace doing last minute preparations for the signing of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro Thursday

Malacanang said it is finalizing the preparations for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Palace grounds on Thursday afternoon.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said a big tent will be erected at the Kalayaan grounds where the signing will take place.

“The reason for holding it there, outside of the Palace itself, is that we had to find a place within the grounds to accommodate over a thousand guests,” he told reporters.

During the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in October 2012, the event was held at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.

Lacierda said the signing will be at 4:00 p.m. Thursday and they expect the guests to start arriving around 2:00 p.m.

There will also be areas for the Muslim to say their prayers at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacanang.

Lacierda did not provide details about the ongoing security preparations but he said there will be a number of usherettes from different agencies who will help.

Among the agencies extending their assistance will be the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Presidential Management Staff, and the Protocol Office.

“There will also be a station where all the invited guests—some of them will be pre-cleared but there will be a station for some of the guests to undergo security check,” the Palace official said.

Officials who are expected to deliver their respective statements include Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Adjul Razak will witness the signing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629499

Rewards for Tiamzon couple upgraded to P10-M each

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Rewards for Tiamzon couple upgraded to P10-M each

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said on Wednesday that the reward for the Tiamzon couple has been upgraded to P10 million each, significantly higher than the P5.6 million earlier reported.

"The reward for Benito and Wilma Tiamzon was upgraded to P10 million each since November 2012. This is based on the Joint Committee (which is composed of the AFP and the Philippine National Police). This is because of their position as they are the chair and secretary general of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army, respectively," he added.

Tutaan said the reward for the Tiamzon couple falls under AFP-PNP Joint Circular Number 2006-1 which stipulates monetary rewards for people whose information can lead to the capture or neutralization of ranking rebel leaders.

The couple were arrested by government security forces last March 22 in Cebu.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629518

Naval Forces Western Mindanao units capture 3 rice smuggling launches

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Naval Forces Western Mindanao units capture 3 rice smuggling launches

Units from Naval Forces Western Mindanao intercepted and captured three motor launches carrying 11,300 sacks of smuggled rice on the coastal waters off Zamboanga City Tuesday night.

Rear Admiral Jesus C. Millan, Naval Forces Western Command head, identified the captured motor launches as M/L Fadzrimar-J, allegedly owned by Margani A. Jailani; M/L Fatima Nurwani, operated by one Ani Askan; and M/L MJT-II, owned by one Rayhana Taib.

He said that at the time of apprehension, the M/L Fadzrimar was carrying 2,500 sacks of smuggled rice; the M/L Fatima Nurwani, 6,000 sacks; and the M/L MJT-II, 2,800 sacks.

Millan said that the vessels were intercepted by the BRP Emilio Liwanag (PG-118) and MPAC BA-487 and a Special Boat UNit while conducting routine maritime patrols.

The smuggled rice has a market value of P8,125,000.

All apprehended watercraft and their cargoes were properly turned over to the Bureau of Customs Zamboanga City for proper documentation and filing of appropriate charges.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629511

Probe arrest of Tiamzons, Congress urged

From InterAksyon (Mar 26): Probe arrest of Tiamzons, Congress urged

Two party-list lawmakers on Tuesday filed a resolution seeking the investigation of the alleged illegal arrest and detention of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria.

House Resolution No. 991 of Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Isagani Zarate sought to find out if the incident was another violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) signed between the government and the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the communist movement.

"The arrest of the couple along with the series of arrests and detention against 10 other NDF peace consultants highlights the government’s reneging on its commitment to release most of the detained JASIG-protected consultants and personnel of the NDFP," the lawmakers said.

"The arrest and detention of the Tiamzon couple and their companions are blatant violations of JASIG and will further imperil the peace talks between the GPH and NDFP," they added.

Colmenares and Zarate said the incident showed bad faith on the part of the President, who declared he was still interested in pursuing peace negotiations, but at the same time, giving approval to the military and the police to "harass, arrest, detain and even neutralize: NDFP peace consultants and personnel."

"Peace and human rights advocates are asking Congress to look into the correctness of the Aquino administration’s virtual scuttling of the peace negotiations with the NDFP and concluding peace talks with the MILF which may be considered as a form of divide-and-rule tactic, as well as a pacification tactic instead of addressing the root causes of armed conflicts and pursuing just and lasting peace," they said.

Tiamzon and Austria, said to be top-ranking leaders of the CPP, were arrested on Saturday, March 22 in Barangay Zaragosa, Aloguinsan town, about 60 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, along with five others—Rex Villaflor, Nona Castillo, Joel Enano, Jeosi Nepa and Arlene Panea—whom the military described as “staff personnel” of the Tiamzon couple.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83465/probe-arrest-of-tiamzons-congress-urged

Govt, military have it all wrong, burden of proof is with prosecution - Tiamzon lawyers

From InterAksyon (Mar 26): Govt, military have it all wrong, burden of proof is with prosecution - Tiamzon lawyers

Lawyers of captured communist rebel leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria chided government for turning the prosecution process on its head by daring them to prove their claims that the weapons supposedly seized from the couple and their companions during their arrest were “planted.”

At the same time, the National Union of People’s Lawyers took to task Armed Forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala for insinuating that they were engaging in “propaganda” by speaking on their clients’ behalf.

NUPL members form part of the defense team of the Tiamzons and their four companions, who were arrested in Aloguinsan, Cebu Saturday.

After walking out of what she called “irregular” inquest proceedings at Camp Crame on Monday, one of the Tiamzons’ lawyers, Rachel Pastores, questioned the charge illegal possession of firearms and explosive devices raised against her clients by the Department of Justice.

She said it was only on Monday that they were informed that arms and ammunition were recovered during the arrest.

Responding to this, Malacanang Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. challenged the Tiamzons’ lawyers to prove their claim the weapons were planted.

But the NUPL, in a statement on Wednesday, said Coloma had turned procedure around.

“Last time we checked, it is the prosecution (and) government that should prove its case” and the “integrity and legal admissibility of the assailed firearms and explosives,” it said.

On Zagala’s “propaganda” remark, the NUPL said: “We lawyers are just exercising our profession and protecting the rights of our clients amidst vicious vilification and unmitigated demonization. We have no choice when queried but to explain the side of our clients amidst the barrage of government pronouncements. We cannot just take these sitting down without rectification.”

The human rights lawyers’ group also dismissed the assertion of Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Reuban Sindac that the arrest of the Tiamzons and their companions was “with presumption of regularity.”

“Abundant experience and long record of police operations has patently shown the reverse in actual practice,” it said. “In contemporary Philippine setting, this legal presumption is an anachronism. It has been exploited as a veneer for justifying shortcuts, blunders, missteps, rights violations and even coverups to escape accountability.”

The group claimed the norm has become the “denial/limitation of right to counsel, torture, trumped-up charges, demonization of dissenters, curtailment of basic rights, and alas, prohibition or intolerance against any form of speech contrary to the official government line.”

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83500/govt-military-have-it-all-wrong-burden-of-proof-is-with-prosecution---tiamzon-lawyers

Philippines: Bangsamoro peace pact a major contribution to country, world

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 26): Philippines: Bangsamoro peace pact a major contribution to country, world

Nine years after the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement signed a landmark peace deal which officially ended almost three decades of fighting in the Indonesian province of Aceh, the Philippines will follow with another peace deal that seeks to close one of the deadliest and longest-running armed conflicts in this part of Asia.

Following 17 years of hard negotiations, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will finally sign the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on Thursday.

GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer stressed that the CAB signing will benefit not only Filipinos.

“The sealing of the comprehensive agreement is important not only for the Bangsamoro, the people of Mindanao and all other Filipino citizens who have all to gain as one country pursuing its unfinished task of nation-building.”

“It is also our global contribution to the pursuit of peace in our immediate neighborhood, the Southeast Asian region, and the rest of the world,” the chief negotiator said during a press briefing on Tuesday in Malacañan.

“Many other countries continue to face similar troubles. Our experience, our mechanisms, our approaches have become a rich source of inspiration to these countries that remain challenged by their respective domestic conflicts,” she added.

On the same note, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said that the CAB “is going to be a major contribution for the peace and development of the entire country.”

“Our call really is to let the Bangsamoro have their chance for peaceful lives where there can be sustainable development,” added the peace adviser.

The five-page document will be signed in Malacañan by the GPH and MILF panel members in the presence of more than 1,000 guests from various sectors of society.

Deles, along with President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, MILF chief Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, and Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak will also witness the historic signing.

The CAB puts together all the agreements signed by both parties: the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the four Annexes and the Addendum, the Ceasefire Agreement of 1997, the Tripoli Agreement in 2001, among others.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/03/philippines-bangsamoro-peace-pact-major.html

Road Map to Peace

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 26): Road Map to Peace



http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/03/roadmap-to-peace.html

NPA ambush kills army officer in Agusan province

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 26): NPA ambush kills army officer in Agusan province

Communist rebels ambushed a military truck and killing an army officer and wounded four others in the southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Officials said the truck was traveling in the village of Los Arcos in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur province when New People’s Army rebels attacked the soldiers. The ambush sparked a firefight, but it was not immediately known if there were casualties on the enemy side.

An army lieutenant was killed in the attack, but his identity was withheld by the military. The attack came after rebels warned of more offensives in the country following the capture in Cebu province in central Philippines of communist chieftain Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma Austria, who is also a senior ranking rebel leader.

The rebels have been fighting for decades in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and replace it with the communist rule.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/03/npa-ambush-kills-army-officer-in-agusan.html