PNP confirms move to unmask identity of 'killed NPA rebels behind Prosperidad incident' buried in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 22): PNP confirms move to unmask identity of 'killed NPA rebels behind Prosperidad incident' buried in SurSur

Surigao del Sur Officer-In-Charge (OIC) provincial director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero admitted that his office is trying to exert efforts to unmask the identities of buried New People’s Army (NPA) rebels slain in botched attack on July 15 in Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur.

Verdadero said that he was tipped by intelligence agents that some nine dead bodies believed to have been among those who participated during the attack in Prosperidad, have been buried, particularly, in San Miguel and Tago towns.

The provincial chief PNP indicated that such matter is a police concern that requires a thorough investigation.

It will be recalled that right after what happened, Army 401st Brigade Commander Col. Gregory Cayetano appealed on the relatives of the slain rebels to coordinate with barangay local government units (LGUs) in their respective localities in order to give their “dead” a decent burial.

Besides, the army officer also wanted all injured NPA rebels to be brought to hospitals for medical treatment.

Cayetano bared that the rebels who attacked the house of Datu Calpit Egua in Prosperidad, including those who were ordered to set up blockades, with estimated combined strength of four platoons, were groups coming from various guerilla fronts (GFs) whose other members hail from several towns in Surigao del Sur, citing San Miguel and Tago, aside from other rebel-influenced areas in the province, hence he was confident that these people will return to their places of abode.

During the incident, 18 were confirmed killed, 13 of which were NPA rebels, four were baganis or Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) warriors, while one was an army soldier.

Reportedly, there were also a lot who were believed to have been fatally wounded on the side of the enemy forces.

Meanwhile, Verdadero added that his order to all police units to be in full alert status stays until revoked.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1741406000763

NDF in northeast Mindanao declares truce to pave way for cops' release

From InterAksyon (Jul 23): NDF in northeast Mindanao declares truce to pave way for cops' release



Communist rebels in northeast Mindanao have declared an 11-day ceasefire to pave the way for the release of four policemen they captured earlier this month in Surigao del Norte province.

However, Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Northeast Mindanao Region, said the rebel truce, which came into effect Tuesday noon and is supposed to last until noon of August 2, “can only be effective when there is a corresponding formal declaration and an actual suspension of offensive military operations” by government forces.

The rebel declaration ordered all NPA units operating within Surigao del Norte and the Agusan del Norte towns of Kitcharao, Jabongga and Santiago, “to suspend all offensive operations.”

Earlier, the rebels said they are set to free “prisoners of war” Police Officer 3 Vice Calubag Concon, PO1s Rey O’niel Morales, Joen B. Zabala and Edito F. Roquino on Friday, July 25, as a “goodwill gesture” towards resumption of peace talks with the government.

The four were captured on July 10 by a rebel blocking force during a New People’s Army raid on the police station of Alegria town.

Malaya warned that any refusal by government forces to reciprocate the ceasefire “will mean the continuity of counter-offensive and active-defensive military actions of the NPA.”

Earlier, Major General Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Army's 4th infantry Division, rejected rebel overtures for a truce to pave the way for the policemen's release.

She ordered NPA units “concerned with the security of the area must report immediately to their higher command any and all developments in the field in order to help enable the NDFP-NEMR to make correct and timely appraisals and directives based on the situation.”

The rebel ceasefire declaration also ordered NPA units “to maintain their active-defense posture within the given timeframe of the ceasefire, and … not hesitate to defend its own forces and the masses within its area of responsibility.”

“It is ordered further that after the release of the four POWs, all NPA units must move to a more secure location to prepare themselves and the masses in the area against another wave of brutal attacks by enemy forces,” the statement added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/91784/ndf-in-northeast-mindanao-declares-truce-to-pave-way-for-cops-release

Suspected CPP-NPA-NDF leader arrested in Negros Occidental —police

From GMA News (Jul 22): Suspected CPP-NPA-NDF leader arrested in Negros Occidental —police

A suspected leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was arrested in a checkpoint operation at Barangay Dancalan in Ilog town, Negros Occidental on Sunday, a police official said on Tuesday.

 

In a statement, Police Chief Supt. Josephus G. Angan, Police Regional Office 6 regional director, identified the suspect as Abraham Delejero Villanueva, 51, who is the alleged secretary of the South West Front (SWF) of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

 

It added that Villanueva has a standing arrest warrant for violation of Presidential Decree 1613 (Amending the Law on Arson) dated December 22, 2008, with no bail bond recommended.

 

The statement said Villanueva was a back rider on board a red Kawasaki motorcycle with plate number FZ-8868, which was driven by a certain Wilmar Mullon, when they were flagged down at the checkpoint.

 

Recovered from Villanueva were: a Samsung laptop, a Liteon DVD Rewritable Drive, an Aitkenson AM/FM radio, flashlight, battery charger, four pieces AA-size chargeable batteries, and other personal belongings and documents, it said.

 

It added that recovered from Mullon was a 9-inch bladed weapon.

 

Villanueva and the recovered items are now under the custody of the Ilog Municipal Police Station, it said.

 

In March, President Benigno Aquino III was quoted as saying the resumption of peace talks depends on the willingness of the CPP-NPA-NDF to cooperate with the government.

 

He issued the statement after authorities arrested CPP chair Benito Tiamzon and his wife, the party's secretary general Wilma Tiamzon.

 

Aside from the Tiamzons, another suspected communist leader, Andrea Rosal, daughter of the late rebel spokesperson Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, was arrested on March 27.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/371431/news/regions/suspected-cpp-npa-ndf-leader-arrested-in-negros-occidental-police

DND chief, Canadian trade minister discuss defense cooperation, $105M chopper deal

From GMA News (Jul 23): DND chief, Canadian trade minister discuss defense cooperation, $105M chopper deal

Visiting Canadian Trade Minister Edward Fast met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin this week to discuss increased defense cooperation between the two countries.

Fast said that Canada had "continuing interest" in helping the Philippines advance its "defense and security agenda," according to a news release from the Canadian government.

He also highlighted Canadian capabilities in the defense and security sector, according to Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.

Both officials also highlighted the recent signing of a $105-million contract in which Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. will supply the Philippines eight specialized helicopters.

"This contract is an outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the (DND) of the Philippines," Canada said.

Fast led a trade mission to the Philippines on July 21 and 22, focusing on opportunities in the agriculture, defense, information and communications technologies and sustainable technologies sectors.

The mission also sought to "promote greater trade, job creation and prosperity both at home and abroad."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/371546/news/nation/dnd-chief-canadian-trade-minister-discuss-defense-cooperation-105m-chopper-deal

State-of-the-art frigates specification awaiting Navy chief approval

From AngMalaya (Jul 22): State-of-the-art frigates specification awaiting Navy chief approval

The Philippine Navy said specifications of two state-of-the-art frigates with allocated budget of PhP18.9 billion will be unveiled this month.

As confirmed to PNA by Philippine Navy technical working group Commodore Roland Mercado, these warships will befitted with variety of weapon systems capable of dealing with surface, sub-surface and air threats.

“It (frigates’ specifications) might be released by July. I’ll just have to present it to the PN leadership to get their comments and approval,” Commodore Roland Mercado stated. Due to pending approval from Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan, the commodore did not reveal any information regarding the said frigates’ specification.

Six firms including Navantia Sepi of Spain, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding of South Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. of South Kores, Hyundai Heavy Industries Inc. of South Korea, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India, and STX France SA are bidding for the said project.

Meanwhile, Subic is being prepared to house the said upcoming state-of-art frigates. “Subic is considered very strategic because (it is) only 120 miles from the flashpoint which is the Bajo de Masinloc. So it is very important that Subic is ready to respond,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia said earlier this year.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/22/2481-state-of-the-art-frigates-specification-awaiting-navy-chief-approval

MILF: “The meeting is over but many issues were not settled”: Chairman Iqbal

Posted to the MILF Website (Jul 23): “The meeting is over but many issues were not settled”: Chairman Iqbal



“Tapos na at maraming issues na hindi settled” (The meeting is over but many issues were not settled), Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the peace panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said in a text message, in response to MindaNews’ query if the meeting between the GPH-MILF Peace Panels in Manila was over and if they had accomplished anything. Iqbal did not mention what issues were not settled.
  

He declined to say what issues were not settled, MindaNews said in its report.

With Iqbal’s statement and the previous meeting between the GPH-MILF Peace Panels in Kuala Lumpur from July 8-11, 2014 yielded “modest progress”, a mutually-acceptable draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has become uncertain.

In their four-day meeting in Manila that ended on Monday, July 21, there were no major issues resolved, no joint statement issued and no next meeting scheduled, according to MindaNews.

Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer in a statement posted on OPAPP website said, “There continue to be significant points of differences between the Parties” in their review of the draft BBL. Ferrer, however did not elaborate on what were those “significant points of differences”.

But she said government “stands firm that we want a Bangsamoro Basic Law that can withstand political and legal scrutiny and be acceptable to various stakeholders, and the nation as a whole.”

Atty. Marvic Leonen, now Supreme Court Associate Justice during his stint as chair of the GPH Peace Panel had repeatedly said that the asymmetrical relationship that the MILF had put forward for the future Bangsamoro can be worked out “within the flexibility of the 1987 Constitution.”

Hopes for submission of the draft BBL to congress before President Aquino deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of the two chambers is fading away.(Source:MindaNews)
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1099-“the-meeting-is-over-but-many-issues-were-not-settled”-chairman-iqbal

CPP/Ang Bayan: 34 soldiers killed in ICR

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): 34 soldiers killed in ICR

Thirty-four soldiers were killed and at least three wounded in four tactical offensives launched by the Antonio Licawen Command (ALC) at the Benguet-Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur (BAMPIS) quadri-boundary from April to June against a massive attack by the 50th IB in the area. BAMPIS is part of the Ilocos-Cordillera Region (ICR).

Twenty-three of the casualties were killed between Dilong, Tubo, Abra and Malideg, Quirino, Ilocos Sur when the KM450 truck they were riding fell into a ravine after the NPA rained bullets on it on May 2. It was the biggest casualty suffered by the 50th IB in any gunbattle. Earlier, five soldiers had also been killed in another NPA ambush in Remedios, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur on May 1.

The NPA operation was successful despite the ambush site’s proximity to the 50th IB’s headquarters. Out of extreme embarrassment, Lt. Col. Richard Sibayan, 50th IB chief, admitted a casualty count of only one dead and a few wounded.

In the latest NPA tactical offensive in the area, five troopers were killed and at least two wounded when Red fighters waylaid the 50th IB at Mt. Layaban in Tubo, Abra on June 28.

One other soldier was killed and another wounded in a harassment operation by the ALC against the 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company near Baclingayan, Tubo, Abra on April 5.

BAMPIS is on the 5th ID’s list of priority guerrilla fronts to be dismantled in the second phase of Oplan Bayanihan this year. The reactionary state had already tried but failed twice to “neutralize” or “crush” BAMPIS (in 2009 and 2011).
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/34-soldiers-killed-in-icr

CPP/Ang Bayan: 25th IB ambushed twice in ComVal; 84th IB waylaid in Davao City

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): 25th IB ambushed twice in ComVal; 84th IB waylaid in Davao City

Two ambushes were mounted by Red fighters under the Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Subregional Command on fascist troops of the 25th IB on the night of July 14 in Laak, Compostela Valley.

At around 8:15 a.m., five NPA Red fighters in Barangay Mabuhay positioned themselves some five meters away from an approaching Kennedy military truck. Two of the ten soldiers aboard were killed on the spot and fell off the vehicle when the NPA opened fire. Three more soldiers were likewise killed later.

At exactly 8:16 p.m. of the same day, another NPA unit used command-detonated explosives (CDX) and destroyed the second of two KM40 military trucks traveling with 25th IB troops on board. The fascist soldiers had just returned from their operation in Barangay Ampawid.

Earlier, a member of a Reengineered Special Operations Team (RSOT) of the Philippine Army was wounded in an NPA sniping operation on July 9.
The RSOT had then been occupying the barangay hall for a month. The soldiers threatened the residents, accusing tahem of being communists and conducted other forms of psywar.

The 25th IB is also responsibe for the arrest and torture of civilian Rodino Diner, a resident of Purok 9, Barangay Mabuhay, Laak. Fascist soldiers seized Diner at around 1 p.m. of July 15 and released him only after 12 hours of interrogation. Diner’s head was wrapped with plastic sheet and a knife was aimed at his neck during the interrogation.

Meanwhile, six fascist soldiers were killed on the spot and six others wounded in an ambush by Red fighters under the Mt. Apo Subregional Command at 1:30 p.m. of July 8.

The company-size troop under the 84th IB was first lured into entering Purok 1, Baracatan, Toril District, Davao City. When the soldiers came in, the Red fighters sidestepped and took ambush positions. After an hour-long gunbattle, the NPA seized a stag ARM Bushmaster M4 rifle and an M203 grenade launcher, two backpacks, two vests, two ammunition chains for K3 machine guns and a GPS.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/25th-ib-ambushed-twice-in-comval-84th-ib-waylaid-in-davao-city

CPP/Ang Bayan: Policeman killed, 8 others wounded in Palawan and Quezon

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): Policeman killed, 8 others wounded in Palawan and Quezon

A policeman was killed and eight enemy elements wounded in three military actions by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Palawan and Quezon in May and June.

Four elements of the 44th Marine Company were wounded in a raid by Red fighters under the NPA Bienvenido Valleber Command in Barangay Pancol, Taytay, Palawan on June 4.

Earlier, on May 12, a policeman was killed and another one wounded when the NPA warded off an attack by the PNP in the same town. The guerrillas seized five pistols.

Meanwhile, in Quezon, three soldiers of the 1st IB were wounded in an encounter with a unit under the NPA Mario Corpus Command in Sitio Sulog, Barangay San Marcelino, General Nakar on July 12.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/policeman-killed-8-others-wounded-in-palawan-and-quezon

CPP/Ang Bayan: 2 BULIF elements punished

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): 2 BULIF elements punished

Two punitive operations were launched by the Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur Subregional Command in Butuan City on July 13 against Loloy Odioma and Eddie Cagat, both rabid elements of the paramilitary Bungkatol Liberation Front (BULIF).

Two civilians were killed by Odioma, a resident of Stanpoler, Barangay Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City. Among his murder victims was a seven-year old child from KM 1, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City. Odioma is likewise a smuggler of illegal drugs. The revolutionary people’s court ordered the NPA to arrest Odioma but he resisted.

Meanwhile, Cagat, a resident of Tul-od, Barangay Tungao faced major cases against the revolutionary movement. Aside from being an active element of BULIF, he organized criminal elements in order to use them against the revolutionary movement in the barrio. He also seized land from two families. Cagat also led a raid against the NPA in Davao that resulted in the death of a Red fighter.

At around 5 p.m. of July 13, Cagat was ambushed and killed by an NPA team.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/2-bulif-elements-punished

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA disarms retired PNP colonel

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): NPA disarms retired PNP colonel

The Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur (WANAS) Subregional Command of the New People’s Army seized a cal .45 pistol, ten rifle grenades, ammunition for an AK47, an ammunition link for an M60 machine gun and a box of TNT powder for making explosives in a raid on the house of a retired colonel of the Philippine National Police in Barangay San Vicente, Butuan City on the morning of June 26.

The target, ex-Col. Leon Viajar, has several cases pending before the people’s court, among them leading a bandit group and raping three housemaids. Two of them remain missing to date. Viajar is also a notorious drug lord whose operations extend beyond Butuan City. He currently works at the National Bureau of Investigation.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/npa-disarms-retired-pnp-colonel

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA mounts simultaneous raids on 3 private armies in NEMR

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): NPA mounts simultaneous raids on 3 private armies in NEMR

Three groups of private armies were simultaneously raided on July 15 by the New People’s Army-Northeastern Mindanao Region (NPA-NEMR) in two towns in Agusan del Sur to dismantle them completely and put a stop to their antipeople activities.

The targets were an armed group under Lumad Calpet Egua based in Sta. Irene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; another Lumad group armed by Egua in Sitio Inagawan, La Purisima, Prosperidad; and a bandit group in Bitan-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. The NPA conducted the simultaneous raids at dawn.

In La Purisima, Prosperidad, an NPA unit successfully raided a Lumad private army supplied with about 20 firearms by Egua. The NPA seized seven M16s, an M14 and two pistols. Some of the armed men ran away, but one of them opened fire, killing a Red fighter. A number of the bandits have criminal liabilities.

In San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, bandit leader Renato Villaverde was killed in the raid mounted by a platoon of NPA guerrillas. The Red fighters also seized a carbine, a cal .45 pistol and a 9 mm KG. A guerrilla was wounded in the fighting. The other bandits ran away. The group is responsible for several cases of highway robbery in San Francisco and adjacent towns.

In Sta. Irene, Prosperidad, an NPA platoon raided Egua’s compound which served as his private army’s stronghold at exactly 5:50 a.m. The raid was a failure and resulted in ten Red fighters killed and some wounded. On the other hand, four elements of Egua’s private army were killed, including his brother who, like him, was also a murderer. A civilian driver was caught in the crossfire and killed.

The NPA incurred still another casualty when the military attacked the NPA blocking force in Barangay Hamugaway, Bayugan City. The other NPA blocking force in San Salvador, Prosperidad also engaged in a firefight with the military, but it was the AFP that suffered one dead and one wounded. There were no casualties on the NPA side.

Egua’s private army was organized with the help of the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police and the local government to enable Egua to control the mining areas in Manhulayan and make money for his handlers. When Egua became a powerful warlord, he seized areas held by other Lumad, including those of other mining businessmen. He was quickly able to expand his private army to more than 60 armed men, enhancing his control over mining and logging areas along the Agusan del Sur-Surigao del Sur border. Egua’s private army is responsible for many crimes like massacres, extrajudicial killings, rape and the ambush-slays of even his Lumad relatives. Aside from making money for his military and police handlers, the AFP also used him for counterrevolutionary activities. In a statement, National Democratic Front-NEMR spokesperson Ka Maria Malaya said that the attack on Egua was a blow for justice.

The NPA’s simultaneous attacks on three private armies in Agusan del Sur forms part of the New People’s Army’s main task of dismantling all armed instruments of the reactionary state being used to defend the interests of landlords, big comprador bourgeoisie and US imperialists. This latest endeavor by the NPA to dismantle private armies cost the lives of 14 Red fighters, including a civilian driver. Nonetheless, said Malaya, this will not diminish the NPA’s determination to dismantle private armies that threaten the interests of the broad masses of the people.

She hailed the heroism of the martyred Red fighters who gave up their lives to liberate the broad masses from exploitation and oppression. She called on the relatives, friends and comrades of the slain Red fighters to turn their collective grief to revolutionary courage in order to advance the aspirations begun and left behind by the revolutionary martyrs.

Meanwhile, Malaya also apologized to the family of the driver who was caught in the crossfire and killed in the incident, and said that they would try their best to extend financial assistance. She also apologized to the owners of vehicles rented by the NPA for the raid and promised to find ways of fulfilling their financial obligations to them.

She also explained to the general public that there was an ongoing civil war, where the people’s army—the NPA—launches tactical offensives to dismantle the armed instruments of exploitation and oppression, and gradually gain strength in order to raise its capability to demolish the armed strength of the ruling classes.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/npa-mounts-simultaneous-raids-on-3-private-armies-in-nemr

CPP/Ang Bayan: 2 Bukidnon detachments harassed

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): 2 Bukidnon detachments harassed

Two successive harassment operations were launched by units under the South-Central Bukidnon Subregional Command (SCBSC) against the 1st Special Forces Battalion and CAA in July.

On July 8, at around 12 midnight, a unit under the SCBSC harassed the 1st SF Battalion-CAA detachment in Sitio Binungkasan, Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, wounding a fascist trooper. On the other hand, the comrades were able to make a quick and organized withdrawal without suffering any casualties.

Only minutes earlier, a team of Red fighters used command-detonated explosives on a detachment of reactionary soldiers in Sitio Malilong, Barangay Zamboangita, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on July 7 at around 11:45 p.m. The explosive’s massive impact prevented the soldiers from returning fire at once and made it difficult for them to use their weapons. The comrades safely withdrew after the harassment operation. Because it was pitch dark, it was not known how many casualties were incurred by the AFP.

Amid the SCBSC’s widespread and intense guerrilla actions, the reactionary soldiers have been resorting to mounting fake surrenders of civilians in a feeble attempt to show that they are reaping “victories” under Oplan Bayanihan.

Three fake surrender ceremonies have already been held in Cabanglasan and San Fernando this year. The latest was held last July 9 at the 403rd Brigade headquarters in Malaybalay City where 53 civilians were sworn in. In fact, the “balik-baril program” where each person who turns in a firearm is paid ₱5,000 is nothing but a milch cow for officer-thieves. Only a small amount is given to the fake surrenderees, with the bulk of the money stolen by military officers.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/2-bukidnon-detachments-harassed

CPP/Ang Bayan: 17 firearms seized from Bukidnon plantation

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): 17 firearms seized from Bukidnon plantation

Red fighters under the South-Central Bukidnon Subregional Command seized 17 firearms in a raid on an outgrower compound of Del Monte Phils. Pineapple Plantation in Sitio Kiantig, Barangay San Jose, Quezon, Bukidnon on July 15.

The raid was successful despite the compound’s proximity to the 23rd IB’s headquarters in Maramag, the Quezon town police station and the 1st Special Forces command post in Salawagan. The NPA guerrillas, who arrived aboard a forward truck and a ten-wheeler truck mounted a quick and furtive raid on the compound at 10:30 a.m.

The Red fighters confiscated six M16 rifles, three carbines, six shotguns and a pistol from the compound guards. They also carted away five VHF radios and rounds of ammunition. Meanwhile, the guerrillas destroyed the chemicals bunker, the security bunker, a tractor, several motorcycles and other plantation machinery.

For a number of minutes, the Red fighters exchanged fire with some company guards who resisted, resulting in the death of two of the guards.
Del Monte was punished because its contract grower Pablo “Poling” Lorenzo is a landgrabber. Using his goons, he harasses legitimate owners of lands targeted for the plantation’s expansion. Even nuns, students and the farmers’ supporters have been victimized in several strafing incidents involving his goons.

Second, Lorenzo violates several labor laws. Almost all of his workers are not regular even if they have been working for him for a long time. Instead of making them regulars, he requires them to join a “labor cooperative”—the Kiantig Services Multipurpose Cooperative (KISMUCO). Through Lorenzo’s control over the cooperative, he has managed to depress the workers’ wages. The workers are also required to meet a quota before receiving their wages. They do not receive any benefits and SSS and Philhealth contributions deducted from their pay are not regularly remitted. The company fired workers who protested in 2011 without bothering to address their grievances.

Third, there has been frequent flooding in San Jose and nearby localities, with a number of houses swept away since the Del Monte plantation began its operations. Luwan-luwan Spring, from which Quezon residents source their fresh water has also been polluted by chemicals from the company.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/17-firearms-seized-from-bukidnon-plantation

CPP/Ang Bayan: CAPIZ: 3 firearms confiscated

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): CAPIZ: 3 firearms confiscated

Three firearms were confiscated by a unit under the Nonito Aguirre Command in Eastern Panay in a disarming operation against a drug lord in Barangay Carataya, Cuartero, Capiz on May 19.

The target was Darwin Celiz, who deals illegal drugs and seizes firearms which he uses to harass people. Confiscated from Celiz’s group was an M16 Baby Armalite equipped with an aiming scope, a KG9 machine pistol and a handgun with magazines and ammunition.

It was after 2 p.m. when Celiz’s Toyota Vios passed by a checkpoint set up by the NPA. The vehicle was stopped and Celiz and his two companions ordered to alight. A search of the car yielded the firearms and ammunition.
The NPA warned Celiz regarding his drug dealing activities, his despotic treatment of people who owe him money and his seizure of firearms which he uses to intimidate and at times fire at other people.

On the other hand, the military exposed itself as a protector of criminal elements within its jurisdiction after Maj. Ray Tiongson of the 3rd Infantry Division condemned the NPA’s disarming operation against Celiz.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/capiz-3-firearms-confiscated

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA seizes 24 firearms; captures 4 policemen in Surigao del Sur

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 21): NPA seizes 24 firearms; captures 4 policemen in Surigao del Sur

Red fighters under Front 16 of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northeastern Mindanao Region (NEMR) seized 24 firearms of various caliber in a raid on the Philippine National Police (PNP) station in Alegria town, Surigao del Sur on July 10.

After a ten-minute firefight, two wounded policemen surrendered. Carted away from the station were four M16s, an M14, an M4, five shotguns and six handguns. A Red fighter was wounded and eventually died in this gunbattle. Two of the NPA’s rifles—an M16 and an AK47—were also damaged in the fighting.

Meanwhile, four policemen aboard a jeep were disarmed and arrested by the NPA blocking force. The policemen who have been declared prisoners of war are PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino. Seized from them were three M16s and four pistols.

The vehicle the retreating NPA troop was riding stalled between Kitcharao and Alegria towns, forcing the Red fighters to alight. They were then fired upon by five policemen who mingled with students nearby, preventing the guerrillas from returning fire. Another Red fighter was killed at this point. The retreating guerrillas had to leave behind the bodies of the two fallen comrades, the damaged rifles and some backpacks.

In a statement, Ka Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-NEMR congratulated the Red fighters on the successful raid. She also assured the relatives and friends of the captured policemen that the prisoners are in good condition. Malaya said they were being treated well in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the NPA’s rules and the international rules of war.

She added that the prisoners would be investigated on their possible involvement in crimes against the people and the revolutionary movement. Those proven to have no serious violations may be released and those culpable will be tried by the People’s Court. To facilitate the investigation process, Malaya called for a temporary cessation of offensive operations by the AFP, PNP and CAFGU in the entire province of Surigao del Norte and adjacent towns in Agusan del Norte.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140721/npa-seizes-24-firearms-captures-4-policemen-in-surigao-del-sur

CPP/Sison: Replies to questions from Senior Colonel Executive Participants, National Defense College, through their Professor General Fermin de Leon, Jr.

NDF/Sison propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 21): Replies to questions from Senior Colonel Executive Participants, National Defense College, through their Professor General Fermin de Leon, Jr.

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

 

By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairman, Communist Party of the Philippines
Chief Political Consultant, National Democratic Front of the Philippines
July 21, 2014

 

1) What is your greatest motivation in deeply pursuing your cause?

 

JMS: To serve the Filipino people, especially the toiling masses of workers and peasants, along the line of national liberation and democracy against foreign monopoly capitalism, domestic feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, and thus to pave the way for a fundamentally new and better future.

2) Socialist countries around the world have already collapsed (except North Korea and Cuba) and have since embraced Capitalism proving that Marxism is a failed experiment (and that it does not work ). If the world has abandoned Marxism, why are you insisting on continuing your armed struggle to pursue your objective of taking over power and establishing a communist rule in the Philippines?

 

JMS: The people’s democratic revolution is the current stage of the Philippine revolution, which is important enough and beneficial to the people; going on to the next stage of socialist revolution will certainly involve learning lessons from the positive and negative experiences of the working class, including the previous victories and the revisionist betrayal of socialism and restoration of capitalism.

3) Are you willing to lay down your arms for the sake of peace and for the Filipino people?

 

JMS: A just and lasting peace is possible so long as the conflicting parties (GPH and NDFP) use the national and democratic rights and interests of the Filipino people as the common frame of reference and aim for full national independence, democracy, empowerment of the workers and peasants, development through genuine land reform and national industrialization, a national, scientific and mass culture and international solidarity for peace and development.

4) Why can’t we end the “conflict” without any or so much preconditions?

 

JMS: The basic and inalienable rights of the Filipino people are not onesided preconditions but involve two-sided obligations; ab initio the negotiating parties agreed in The Hague Joint Declaration to be guided by the mutually acceptable principles of national sovereignty, democracy and social justice.

5) For the sake of unity of Filipinos, how would you like the idea of coming home and spearhead true reconciliation?

 

JMS: I like the idea of coming home and working with others to realize reconciliation. This is in line with the standing proposal of the NDFP (which I have reiterated to Aquino since February 2011) that immediate truce and cooperation can be agreed upon on the basis of a general declaration of common intent to achieve national unity, peace and development, while the negotiating panels work comprehensively and in detail on the remaining three items in the substantive agenda.

6) Why are you there in other country? In revolutionary war, leaders must be with his men.

 

JMS: I have never proclaimed myself as the operational leader of the revolutionary forces since my arrest in November 1977 and I have been asked by comrades and even by certain friends in the GPH to stay abroad in order to help in peace negotiations in a foreign neutral venue that avoids the complications and risks of security operations on both sides during formal peace talks.

7) When are you coming back to the Philippines?

 

JMS: As soon as there is a truce and cooperation agreement between GPH and NDFP or best of all when there is already a final and complete peace agreement.

8) If you will be voted as President of the Republic of the Philippines, what will be your vision?

 

JMS: With the participation and support of the people, I will uphold, defend and enhance the national sovereignty of the people and Philippine territorial integrity, respect democratic rights, empower the workers and peasants through certain institutions and mechanisms, develop the economy through genuine land reform and national industrialization, promote a patriotic and progressive cultural and educational system and engage in friendly diplomatic and trade relations with all countries and peoples on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference, cooperation and mutual benefit.

9) If you’re given the chance to govern the Philippines, what will be your National Security Policy and political platform?

 

JMS: To promote national unity in accordance with the national sovereignty of the people and territorial integrity, uphold human rights in an all-round way, avail of the people’s capabilities and the rich natural resources to carry out economic development through national industrialization and land reform, realize social harmony through full employment, use the industrial capability not only to respond to the basic needs of the people but also to manufacture the means for self-reliant development and self-defense (including machine tools, planes and ships), heighten the patriotic and progressive or revolutionary will of the people and use diplomacy to make friends abroad, to negotiate problems or litigate issues and to oppose and avoid war but to be prepared against any war of aggression against us.

10) If you will become the President of the country, how will you engage the CPP/NPA?

 

JMS: The CPP can be engaged at any time in a national council and movement of national unity, peace and development and the NPA can be assigned certain tasks under conditions of truce (like serving temporarily as environmental guards and guards or productive units for industrial projects) and can be integrated in a national army under conditions of a final peace agreement.

11) What would be your best alternative in solving the current national security issue in the WPS (West Philippine Sea)?

 

JMS: The best immediate legal and political move as already done is to bring up the maritime dispute before the ITLOS and invoke the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, particularly with regard to the exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf, and thus counter immediately according to law the arrogant China claim of undisputed sovereignty over 90 per cent of the South China Sea, including 80 per cent of EEZ and 100 per cent of ECS in the West Philippine Sea; and the best long-term policy of the Philippines is to develop its own economic, political and military strength and not to depend on unequal military agreements (like the Mutual Defense Pact, Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) with an imperialist power like the US which has an extended history of aggression, intervention and plunder against the Filipino people.

12) Do you see the possibility of ending the insurgency problem in our country before 2016?

 

JMS: There is no such possibility for ending the armed revolution in view of the extreme reactionary character, narrow mindedness, shortsightedness and intransigence of Aquino and Deles; but in terms of available time there is still a mathematical possibility for accomplishing the Comprehensive Agreement for Social and Economic Reforms and a Truce and Cooperation Agreement.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140721_replies-to-questions-from-senior-colonel-executive-participants-national-defense-college-through-their-professor-general-fermin-de-leon-jr

CPP/NDF: An order to suspend all offensive operations of NPA units in Surigao del Norte and parts of Agusan del Norte

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 21): An order to suspend all offensive operations of NPA units in Surigao del Norte and parts of Agusan del Norte

Maria Malaya
Spokesperson
NDFP Northeast Mindanao Chapter

 

In order to ensure the safety and security of the Prisoners of War (POW), Third Party Facilitators, the NPA custodial unit and all those who will attend the release of the 4 POWs , the NDFP-NEMR hereby orders all units of the New People’s Army whose area of responsibility covers mainland Surigao del Norte, including Surigao City and the municipalities of Kitcharao, Jabongga and Santiago all of Agusan del Norte to suspend all offensive operations, which will commence noon (1200h) of July 22, 2014 until noon (1200h) of August 2, 2014.

However, this order can only be effective when there is a corresponding formal declaration and an actual suspension of offensive military operations on the part of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU in the abovementioned areas. Should the AFP-PNP-CAFGU fail to reciprocate, this will mean the continuity of counter-offensive and active-defense military actions of the NPA. In relation to this, all responsible units concerned with the security of the area must report immediately to their higher command any and all developments in the field in order to help enable the NDFP-NEMR to make correct and timely appraisals and directives based on the situation.

This ceasefire order to all responsible units means the temporary cessation of any military actions by concerned NPA units against whatever unit or individual members of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU. All concerned NPA units, however, must maintain their active-defense posture within the given timeframe of the ceasefire, and must not hesitate to defend its own forces and the masses within its area of responsibility.

It is ordered further that after the release of the 4 POWs, all NPA units must move to a more secure location to prepare themselves and the masses in the area against another wave of brutal attacks by enemy forces. We must sustain our revolutionary daringness and will to fight to frustrate the fascist military offensives of the enemy.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140721_an-order-to-suspend-all-offensive-operations-of-npa-units-in-surigao-del-norte-and-parts-of-agusan-del-norte

CPP/NDF: 73rd IB gisilotan sa NPA sa Davao del Sur

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 20): 73rd IB gisilotan sa NPA sa Davao del Sur

Ka Efren Aksasato
Spokesperson
NDFP Far South Mindanao Chapter

 

Mainitong gitimbaya sa National Democratic Front – FarSouth Mindanao Region (NDF-FSMR) ang mga Pulang manggugubat ug kumander sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan – Larangang Gerilya 75 sa ilang gilunsad nga malampusong taktikal nga opensiba batok sa mga tropa sa 73rd IB niadtong Hulyo 16, 2014 didto sa Sityo Kitolali, Brgy. Kelalag sa lungsod sa Malita, Davao del Sur.

Maayong pagkaigo sa KM450 nga gisakyan sa mga tropa sa 73rd IB dihang gipabuthan kini sa BHB og command detonated explosive nga miresulta sa pagkamatay sa tulo ug grabeng pagkasamad sa lain pang duha ka mga pwersa sa pasistang AFP. Usa sa mga nakabsan sa kinabuhi nailhan nga si Lt. Gary Magburan.

Ang maong tropa sa 73rd IB nga gipamunuan ni Lt. Magburan padulong unta sa Brgy. Demolok aron gukdon ang mga pwersang gerilya sa BHB nga miaresto kay Henry Dasal, 50 anyos usa ka lunod-patay nga espiya sa AFP ug molupyo sa Brgy. Pinalpalan. Nahitabo ang pag-aresto kay Dasal usa ka adlaw ayha ang atake.

Tungod sa pagkasirok ug pag-understimate sa 73rd IB sa BHB nga naglihok sa maong lugar, wala nila damha ang atake nga gigamitan og command detonated explosive batok sa nagalihok nga mga pasistang tropa nga kasagarang moagi sa mga kadalanan padulong sa mga interyor nga baryo.

Ang maong atake usa ka aksyong pagsilot sa NPA batok sa notoryos nga 73rd IB nga tigpatuman sa bangis, malinglahon ug kontra-katawhan nga Oplan Bayanihan sa rehimeng US-Noynoy Aquino. Ingonman, ang 73rd IB sad-an sa daghang mga krimen batok sa katawhan sama sa paturagas nga pagpamatay, pagpangharas ug pagpanghadlok, pagpangdaut og mga pananom, hayop ug uban pang mga kabtangan sa masa, pagpangilad ug uban pa.

Ang 73rd IB tigpanalipod sa tigpangawkaw nga mga dagkung lokal ug langyawng kompanya sama sa San Miguel Energy Corporation (SMEC) nga dunay ginatukod nga coal-fired power plant sa lungsod sa Malita, Glencore-Xstrata naga-opereyt sa Tampakan gold-copper project, Looc Mining nga nag-opereyt sa Malapatan ug ang agribisnes nga Itucho-Dole sa Malungon, Sarangani Province.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140720_73rd-ib-gisilotan-sa-npa-sa-davao-del-sur

CPP/NDF: Dili madayon ang pagbuhi sa POW tungod sa pagdumili sa local “crisis” committee

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 22): Dili madayon ang pagbuhi sa POW tungod sa pagdumili sa local “crisis” committee

Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris)
Spokesperson
NDFP Mindanao Chapter

 

Gikasubo namong ipahibalo ngadto sa mga pamilya sa 4 ka POW, Third Party Facilitators ug sa tibuok publiko nga natapos na ang gitakda nga oras, udto sa Hulyo 22, nga gipaabot sa NDFP-Mindanao nga magdeklara og ceasefire ang gobyerno alang sa luwas nga pagbuhi sa POW. Nagkahulogan kini nga dili na madayon ang pagbuhi sa 4 ka POW.

Ang “crisis” committee naglangkob sa mga opisyales sa sibilyan nga kagamhanan, militar ug pulis. Nagsugyot sila nga usa ka adlaw ra ang ceasefire o kaha ibilin na lang daw sa usa ka lugar ang mga POW ug biyaan sa BHB custodial force, ug pahibaloon lang daw ang Third Party Facilitator pinaagi sa cellphone kung asa ibutang aron didto sundoon kini sa mga hingtungdan. Usa kini ka iresponsable nga sugyot, dili maki-tawhanon ug walay pagpakabana sa mga POW ug ilang pamilya.

Ang normal nga procedure sa pagdumala sa POW mao ang paghimo’g pormal nga imbistigasyon kanila aron pagdetermina kung duna bay ilang seryosong kriminal nga tulobagon sa katawhan ug sa rebolusyonaryong kalihokan. Kung si kinsa man kanila ang dunay tulobagong kriminal, mahimong itaral kini sa Hukumang Bayan subay sa proseso sa rebolusyonaryong hustisya. Himoon kini sa lugar nga relatibong luwas aron dili maapektohan ang maong proseso busa sa kahimtang nga nagapadayon ang kusog nga operasyon militar dili kini mahimo. Apan aron makatabang gyud pagmugna sa paborableng kahimtang alang sa pagpahibalik sa panghinabi alang sa kalinaw ug alang sa tawhanong konsiderasyon sa POW ug sa ilang pamilya gitangtang na lang ang normal nga proseso ug nadesisyonan nga buhian sila kung luwas ang kahimtang.

Tulo ka adlaw ang gipangayo aron luwas nga dalhon ang POW sa lugar nga himoan sa pagbuhi, ug lugwayan sa 5 ka adlaw gikan sa aktwal nga pagbuhi aron dili mameligro ang BHB custodial force sa pagsibog paingon sa luwas nga lugar. Dili kini bug-at nga butang nga masayon himoon sa gobyerno ug militar kung tinuod nga nagpakabana sila sa kinabuhi sa upat ka pulis.

Sa pikas bahin nag-awhag usab ang NDFP-Mindanao nga langkobon sa ceasefire ang tanang kalungsuran sa mainland Surigao del Norte, apil Surigao City ug tulo ka kalungsuran sa Agusan del Norte nga mao ang Kitcharao, Jabonga ug Santiago. Kun nganong lapad ang langkobon? Buot natong likayan nga diha-diha mapunting dayon sa militar ang itakdang lugar sa pagbuhi sa POW aron dili mameligro ang seguridad sa tanang malambigit sa pagbuhi. Dili usab kini bug-at nga hangyo, ilabi na kay kapin usa ka semana man lang ang gidugayon sa pagsuspindi sa operasyon sa militar. Human sa maong gitakda nga panahon pwede na silang magapakatagbaw sa ilang bangis nga mga operasyon.

Alang sa kasayuran sa publiko, tungod ning pagdumili sa gobyerno ug militar nga magdeklara og ceasefire, 8 na ka panagsangka tali sa militar ug BHB ang nahitabo kun diin ubay-ubay na ang kaswalti sa militar apan wala pay kaswalti sa NPA. Nahitabo ang maong mga panagsangka sa mga lungsod sa Kitcharao, Jabonga, Claver, Alegria, ug Surigao City. Kini nga mga lugar langkob sa gihangyo sa NDF nga ceasefire.

Mogawas nga ang kapakyas sa pagbuhi sa upat ka POW tulobagon sa local “crisis” committee tungod kay nagdumili kini sa pagrekomenda ngadto sa Malakanyang nga magdeklara ug ceasefire. Masabtan nato kini tungod kay ang local “crisis” committee dominado sa mga utok pulbora nga mga opsiyal sa pulis ug militar, nga gipangulohan sa usa ka gobernador nga ignorante sa mahimong sangputan sa ilang iresponsableng desisyon. Tungod sa aroganteng posisyon sa local “crisis” committee wala na nila igsapayan ang kasegurohan ug kagawasan sa ilang mga pulis ug wala na nila ikonsidera ang mga pamilya sa upat ka POW.

Isip pagkonsidera sa panghinabi sa kalinaw ug sa tawhanong konsiderasyon sa mga POW ug ilang pamilya, paabuton namo hangtud karong hapon ang desisyon sa Malakanyang kung ilang i-aproba o tul-iron ang hiwi nga rekomendasyon sa local “crisis” committee.

Ug isip dugang paghatag konsiderasyon among isugyot nga kunhoran ang langkobon sa ceasefire nga mao ang mga lungsod sa Claver, Gigaquit, Bacuag, Placer, Tubod ug Alegria, ug tulo ka lungsod sa Agusan del Norte nga mao ang Kitcharao, Jabonga ug Santiago. Dugang gisugyot nga magsugod ang ceasefire sa 00:00 oras sa tungang gabii sa Hulyo 23 ug matapos sa 11:59 sa tungang gabii sa Hulyo 29.

Kung mapakyas pa gyud ang gobyerno, gikasubo namo nga dili na idayon ang pagbuhi ug i-implementar na ang normal nga proseso sa pagdumala sa POW. Bisan pa man kung dili madayon ang pagbuhi sa mga POW, among ipasalig sa mga pamilya nga padayon namong respetohan ang mga katungod sa ilang mga mahal ug moagi sila sa hustong proseso sa rebolusyonaryong hustisya. Kalambigit niini, among hangyoon ang si bisan kinsa nga magpadangat sa ilang mga reklamo batok sa bisan kinsa sa upat ka POW aron magamit sa pasiunang imbistigasyon.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140722_dili-madayon-ang-pagbuhi-sa-pow-tungod-sa-pagdumili-sa-local-crisis-committee

NPA offer to free 4 captive cops as 'goodwill' toward peace talks' resumption

From InterAksyon (Jul 22): NPA offer to free 4 captive cops as 'goodwill' toward peace talks' resumption



NDF Mindanao spokesman Jorge Madlos (InterAksyon.com file photo by Alex Baluyut)

Communist rebels in Mindanao who captured four policemen in Surigao del Norte earlier this month have offered to release them on July 25 as a “goodwill gesture” towards the resumption of peace talks with the government.

A statement issued Tuesday by Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, spokesman of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao, said the rebels also “intentionally skipped the preliminary investigation and possible trial” of Police Officer 3 Vice Calubag Concon, PO1s Rey O’niel Morales, Joen B. Zabala and Edito F. Roquino as part of the gesture.

The NDF is the umbrella organization of underground groups led by the Communist Party of the Philippines and represents the rebels in peace talks.

The policemen were captured by a rebel “blocking force” on July 10 as the New People’s Army raided the police station in Alegria town. Two guerrillas died and two policemen were wounded in the incident, which netted the rebels several firearms.

However, Madlos said the release of the captives, who the rebels consider "prisoners of war," hinges on security forces’ suspending offensive operations “from noon of 22 July until one week after the actual date of release, in the mainland towns of Surigao del Norte, including Surigao City, and the municipalities Kitcharao, Jabonga, and Santiago of Agusan del Norte, and that all evacuees from these areas are able to return safely to their respective barangays.”

Earlier, Major General Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, rejected rebel calls for a ceasefire to facilitate the policemen’s release.

Madlos explained that the cessation of government operations is necessary for the NPA unit holding the captives “to safely fulfill the requirements for the release of the POWs” and warned that, “should there be continued military operations three days before the actual release, these preparations cannot effectively be undertaken, and therefore, we will cancel their release to protect the safety of the POWs and the NPA custodial force.”

This, he added, would pave the way for the policemen’s “preliminary investigations and possible judicial trial.”

Once the military declares a suspension of military operations “and other forms of military activities, including civic-military operations in the area,” the rebels would declare their own temporary truce, Madlos added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/91692/npa-offer-to-free-4-captive-cops-as-goodwill-toward-peace-talks-resumption

Army general assumes post as gov't CCCH chief

From the Philippine Star (Jul 22): Army general assumes post as gov't CCCH chief



Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez, the new chairman of the government's Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (left), shakes hand with one of more than 30 officers in the Army's 6th Infantry Division during their symbolic arrival honor for him on Monday at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez on Monday assumed as new chairman of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities  (CCCH) which helps in the enforcement of the July 1997 interim truce between the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Galvez took over the post from Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, who has been installed as commander of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division. Pangilinan had served as chairman of the government’s ceasefire committee prior to his assumption as 6th ID's commanding general two months ago.

Galvez graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1985.

The symbolic turnover of the CCCH chairmanship by Pangilinan to Galvez was held at Camp Siongco in Maguindanao’s Datu Odin Sinsuat town on Monday afternoon, in the presence of representatives of different local and foreign organizations helping push the government-MILF peace efforts forward.

Pangilinan, also a graduate of PMA, was concurrent government CCCH chairman and deputy commander for the peace process of the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City before he took over the 6th ID’s leadership from Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, now retired.

Galvez said he will emulate the good examples of Pangilinan and all other CCCH chairmen that had served before him.

Also present at Camp Siongco during the arrival honors for Galvez was the division’s former assistant commander, Major Gen. Ariel Bernardo, who had also acted as CCCH chairman.

Bernardo, now outgoing commander of the 10th Infantry Division based in Compostela Valley, thanked the 6th ID’s rank-and-file personnel, during a traditional “talk to the men” message for supporting his peace efforts while he was their assistant division commander and CCCH chairman for about two years.

The government and the MILF’s respective ceasefire committees are helping each other maintain law and order, in coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in flashpoint areas in the south that are covered by the ceasefire accord.

Galvez, who will hold office in Zamboanga City, was commander of an Army brigade in Basilan, before his designation as new CCCH chairman.

The MILF has several camps in Basilan, mostly scattered in the adjoining towns of Al-Barka, Sumisip and Tipo-Tipo in the eastern part of the island province.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/22/1349055/army-general-assumes-post-govt-ccch-chief

Bangsamoro gov’t expected in place by 2016 – MILF negotiator

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 22): Bangsamoro gov’t expected in place by 2016 – MILF negotiator
While no draft Bangsamoro Basic Law would be sent to Congress as it opens next week, a Bangsamoro government should still be in place before President Benigno Aquino III steps down in June 2016, Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said Tuesday.

“Our timeline is still the Bangsamoro government shall be delivered within the term of (President) Aquino. That is the commitment of the President and we see it as the best situation that would happen,” Iqbal told the Inquirer in an interview.

Both the government and MILF panels have been working on an “agreed version” of the Bangsamoro Basic Law after the Office of the President practically left nothing in the original version of the draft untouched by its comments and proposed revisions.

The Office of the President’s comments rankled not a few members of the MILF negotiating panel and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, which drafted the law. Iqbal himself chaired the BTC.

The BTC signed a resolution elevating the review of the BBL draft to the peace panels.

The panels had special meetings in Kuala Lumpur two weeks ago and in Manila, which ended on Monday.

An Inquirer source said the MILF was not aware that Monday’s meeting had already ended before noon, as Iqbal and the rest of the negotiators waited for the government panel to return after what was supposed to be a brief break.

The source said it was not clear to the MILF panel when they would hold another special meeting with the government to finally complete the BBL draft.

Iqbal declined to comment on the allegedly abrupt ending of Monday’s meeting. Instead, he said, he was willing to work on the draft law, even if it would take both panel days, and even while all the Muslims involved in the special meeting were fasting during Ramadan.

Iqbal, however, stressed the non-negotiables for the MILF at the special meetings to fine-tune the draft law.

“We registered our position in Kuala Lumpur: First, that all the issues that have been settled and signed documents will no longer be the subject of renegotiation… Second, all those languages that are settled in the signed documents will no longer be the subject of renegotiation,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal said that while both panels want to fast-track the completion of the agreed version of the draft BBL and submit it “immediately” after President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address, the MILF maintained that both panels would not “sacrifice the quality” of the draft law.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/622384/bangsamoro-govt-expected-in-place-by-2016-milf-negotiator

MILF chief negotiator hurt by revisions of draft Bangsamoro charter

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 22): MILF chief negotiator hurt by revisions of draft Bangsamoro charter

Mohagher Iqbal. AFP FILE PHOTO

Professor Mohagher Iqbal, the stoic and often inscrutable chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, admitted on Tuesday he felt hurt and offended after seeing what he described as the “diluted” version of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“As a human being, I have feelings but I manage that emotion. But deep inside, I felt it,” Iqbal told the Inquirer when asked if he was hurt by how the Office of the President practically re-wrote the work done by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, which he chairs.

Without mentioning details, Iqbal said that the Palace review of the draft BBL was a “conservative interpretation of the Constitution.”

“You cannot find the flexibility of the Constitution in their interpretation, although we respect their views. That is no problem. But I cannot discuss details; please emphasize that I have to stick to the confidentiality of documents,” Iqbal said.

Among all those who have participated one way or another in the peace talks, it is Iqbal who mostly likely intimately knows what went on throughout the entire negotiation process. He has been the MILF’s chief negotiator for over a decade, throughout the starts and stops of the peace talks with the government.

On the other hand, the government replaced its chief negotiator with every change in administration. Moreover, there have been on average two chief negotiators for every administration.

Iqbal acknowledged that the Palace’s review was part of the process in putting together the Bangsamoro Basic Law that would form the basis for the creation of a Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Iqbal reiterated what he had said before—that if a new BBL would be drafted based on the comments of the Office of the President, “then you will create a law” even lesser than Republic Act 9054, the law which created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that the MILF seeks to replace with a more meaningful form of autonomy.

The BBL, once passed by Congress, will repeal RA 9054.

Iqbal defended the draft law put together by the BTC. He said that the commission was “faithful” to the peace agreement, especially the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

“The (annex on) transitional arrangements and modalities says that the basis of crafting the basic law is the FAB and the annexes. So when we wrote the BBL, the BTC believes that we were faithful to the FAB,” Iqbal said, adding there were five lawyers on the commission, and around five more on their staff to help them keep to the legality of the draft law.

Iqbal remains proud of the work of the transition commission, calling the BBL it drafted a “historic document.”

“We will value that document throughout our lives and the next generation that would come would still look at that document as something that is part of our history,” Iqbal said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/622391/milf-chief-negotiator-hurt-by-revisions-of-draft-bangsamoro-charter