News Analysis: Case against American serviceman new irritant in Phl-US relations

From the Philippine Star (Oct 16): News Analysis: Case against American serviceman new irritant in Phl-US relations

The alleged killing by an American serviceman of Filipino transgender Jeffry Laude has triggered a new wave of anti-American rhetoric in the Philippines and calls for the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

The incident also strengthened the arguments raised by militant groups against the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that Manila and Washington signed in April.

EDCA, whose legality is being questioned in the country's Supreme Court, would allow access by US forces to Philippine military facilities.

On Wednesday, a murder complaint was formally filed against US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton for Laude's death. The case was filed at the Prosecutor' Office in Olongapo City in the province of Zambales, some 150 km north of Manila.

Pemberton is reportedly now in the custody of his superiors on the USS Peleliu docked in Subic Bay in Olongapo City. Pemberton was part of the 3,500-member US contingent taking part in amphibious drills with Filipino counterparts that ended Friday.

The exercises were held in several areas of the Philippines, including training sites near Olongapo from September 29 to October 10.

Laude was found dead inside the toilet of a room in Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City almost an hour after he and Pemberton checked in on Saturday night. The two met at a nearby disco bar.

Police said the suspect was identified by witnesses from a photo line-up provided by the US Navy's National Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, has initiated a senate probe into the murder incident. She also called for the immediate abrogation of the VFA because of its lopsided provision on custody of errant US personnel.

"The disparity is very clear. The Philippines has jurisdiction but, upon mere request by the US, our law enforcement is required to immediately turn over the custody of the American military personnel to the US," Santiago said.

Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs have indicated that Manila can always request custody of the suspect, but that the US side can reject such request.

Santiago said the United States should immediately turn over the soldier to the Philippine authorities now that he has already been identified as a suspect.

Santiago argued that custody should automatically be with the Philippine authorities since the suspect has been properly identified and charged.

The VFA is a Philippine-American pact that lays down terms covering the conduct of American forces while in the Philippines.

Section 1 (a) of the pact's Article V, which lays down provisions on criminal jurisdiction, grants the Philippines " jurisdiction over United States personnel with respect to offenses committed within the Philippines and punishable under the law of the Philippines ... "

But Section 6 of the same article states that custody will remain with US authorities "if they so request, from the commission of the offense until completion of all judicial proceedings."

At the House of Representatives, Rep. Terry Ridon of Kabataan (Youth) Party has also called for a congressional investigation of Laude's murder.
"One death is one too many. Congress must again open the debates on the abrogation of the VFA and the junking of the EDCA," he said.

The recent incident involving Pemberton is similar to the rape case filed in 2005 by a Filipino woman identified only as "Nicole" against US Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith and three others.

Smith was not detained during the trial process, but was briefly held at the Makati City jail after being found guilty on Dec. 4, 2006. Through manoeuvring by then US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, Smith was whisked to the US Embassy late at night on Dec. 29, 2006 and held there while his conviction was on appeal.

Smith was never returned to Philippine custody as he was eventually acquitted in April 2009, after the woman recanted her accusations. He was immediately flown back to the Unite States.

Renato Reyes, secretary general of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Nationalist Alliance), warned that more cases involving visiting American servicemen might happen with the implementation of EDCA.

"EDCA will definitely multiply such cases since US troops will be allowed to base in our country. Their permanent presence will make our countrymen more vulnerable to abuse," Reyes said.

The alliance, along with other civil society groups, has accused Philippine President Benigno Aquino III of committing culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust in pushing for EDCA. They said the agreement violates the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/10/16/1381032/news-analysis-case-against-american-serviceman-new-irritant-phl-us

Palace backs VFA review

From the Philippine Star (Oct 17): Palace backs VFA review



Malacañang is in favor of having the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) reviewed as proposed by some lawmakers in the light of the killing of a 26-year-old Filipino transgender allegedly by a US Marine, who is in US custody.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. pointed this out yesterday as he admitted that a review of the VFA following the 2005 rape case involving another US serviceman and a Filipina called Nicole did not settle ticklish provisions in the agreement.

Coloma said the death of Jeffrey Laude was saddening and unacceptable and “gave stronger basis to re-evaluate the prevailing provision in the agreement to ensure that national interest will be upheld and justice is served to our people.”

The suspect in the killing of Laude, US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, is in the custody of his superiors on the Navy ship USS Peleliu, which is docked in Subic Bay.

The US Navy is likely to keep Pemberton for the duration of his trial in local courts – possibly for murder – despite calls that he be turned over to Philippine authorities.

In 2005, US Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith and three other Marines stayed in the US embassy while being tried for raping “Nicole” also in Olongapo City.

Coloma said the government is determined to serve justice to the family of Laude and that “the Philippine government is working closely with the US government” to achieve this end.

He said the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice and concerned officials were working on the processes leading to the prosecution of the case and the issue of custody.

The DFA had announced the Philippine government would insist on taking custody of Pemberton.

Coloma said a review of the VFA provisions was done in coordination with the US but that no formal agreement was reached on having some provisions modified or dropped altogether.

“And the reality is that this recent incident caught up with (the unfinished review),” he said.

“It (custody issue) was addressed and it’s still being addressed because of the new development that has arisen,” Coloma said.

He said the DFA would state the position of the government before the US and “our position is that justice must be served and we would like to be able to protect the interest, the national interest of the Philippines and its citizens.”

On calls for the abrogation of the VFA, Coloma said: “We recognize the right of Congress to pursue such initiative as the legislature is a separate and co-equal branch.”

Coloma said the VFA is part of the government’s defense initiative taken for the sake of national interest.

Abrogate now

For militant lawmakers belonging to the Makabayan bloc, the killing of Laude was enough justification for the abrogation of the VFA.

Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna, Fernando Hicap of Anakpawis, Antonio Tinio of Alliance of Concerned Teachers, and Terry Ridon of Kabataan signed a resolution demanding the repeal of the agreement.

Colmenares and his colleagues said the failure of the government to arrest Pemberton and detain him was “a big slap on the face of the Filipino nation and downright revolting.”

“This incident proves once again the one-sided, pro-US and anti-Filipino character of the VFA and highlighted the patently onerous provisions of the VFA on the custody of erring US troops, prescription of criminal prosecution and waiver of jurisdiction that essentially grant immunity from prosecution to US military personnel who commit crimes against Filipinos, effectively denying justice for the victims and all Filipinos,” they said.

They said that aside from the Laude killing and the Nicole case, US soldiers’ involvement in combat operations against Islamic terrorists had highlighted flaws in the VFA.

“The VFA has been widely and rightfully criticized as an onerous agreement that has paved the way for the permanent presence of US troops in the country under the guise of year-round military exercises and training,” they added.

They pointed out that the VFA is not valid and binding on the US since the US Senate has not ratified it, despite its ratification by the Philippine Senate in 1999.

There is thus a need for Congress to ask President Aquino to terminate the VFA.

The agreement provides that it will expire 180 days after either party serves a notice of termination in writing.

At least two senators – Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Francis Escudero – called separately for a review of the VFA after Laude’s killing.

Santiago, chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, said she would conduct an inquiry into the case on Oct. 22, two days after the resumption of Senate session next week.

The senator said the timing of the alleged crime was horrendous, because it came just after the joint military exercises between the two countries, and just before American and Filipino military leaders met last Tuesday for discussions on the new EDCA.

She also acknowledged that a review of the VFA might not be easy at this time for the Philippines, which is currently locked in a territorial dispute with China.

Santiago warned the Aquino administration to brace for tough negotiations with US officials on the matter, especially if it wanted to insist on automatic jurisdiction of criminal cases committed in the Philippines.

Not so fast

While Santiago was pushing for the abrogation of the VFA, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV was calling on his colleagues to give it another try, citing national interest.

“I will support the initiative (to investigate the case) so that the Filipino would see that we are out to protect the rights of our countrymen and we’re out for justice also for the victim,” said Trillanes, vice chairman of the legislative oversight committee on the VFA.

Trillanes said that based on his understanding, the objective of the Oct. 22 hearing is to look into the circumstances that led to the death of Laude.

Trillanes said that the provisions of the treaty were clear as far as jurisdiction and custody in criminal cases involving American troops are concerned.

He pointed out that the Philippine government can request the Americans for custody of the suspect as part of the VFA.

However, he said the VFA also provides that the detention facility where the suspect would be placed should be acceptable to both the US and the Philippines.

Trillanes said that this is where the problem lies because there is no facility in the country right now that would live up to the standards of the United States.

Overall, he said the VFA has been beneficial to the country and should be retained.

“I believe it is in the best interests of the country that we continue with the VFA. However, we must still look after the rights of our fellowmen who are victims in such incidents,” he said.

Keep VFA, DFA says

For the DFA, Laude’s death was no justification for the abrogation of the VFA.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose also denied allegations that the Philippine government is going “soft” on Pemberton.

He said the defense pact is not a failure because it gives the Philippines criminal jurisdiction over cases involving US military personnel.

“We’re pursuing justice in accordance with the provisions of the VFA and the provision of the VFA is the US has physical custody while we have criminal jurisdiction,” Jose told reporters.

The DFA earlier said the Philippines would insist on getting custody of Pemberton after the filing of charges against the American serviceman.

He said what’s important is the US should make Pemberton available whenever he is needed for “investigative and judicial proceedings.”

“We’re clear about criminal jurisdiction. He will be tried under Philippine laws in a Philippine court,” he added.

He said that while the DFA respects the views against the VFA as well as calls for its scrapping, the public should realize that the agreement did not fail in the case of Smith, who was tried and convicted under Philippine laws.

He said the victim recanted her statements that Smith raped her. “So it’s not the failure of the VFA,” he said.

“We should bear in mind that if there’s no VFA maybe we won’t even have jurisdiction over this case,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/10/17/1381094/palace-backs-vfa-review

NPAs harass soldiers on peace mission in NorCot village

From the Manila Times (Oct 16): NPAs harass soldiers on peace mission in NorCot village

Communist rebels fired rifle grenade near the barangay hall of a remote village of Magpet, North Cotabato in a futile effort to drive away government forces on peace and development mission, a ranking Army official Thursday said.

According to Colonel Nilo Vinluan, 57th Infantry Battalion commander, the grenade attack occurred at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the village of Balete where the military is conducting peace and development outreach program.

Nobody was hurt among the civilians and military personnel.

The grenade, fired from M-79 grenade launcher, landed in an old basketball court beside the barangay hall.

“It was a clear sabotage against the military’s peace and development outreach program,” Vinluan said. “They do not want the soldiers in the area,” he added.

Vinluan appealed to the local residents of Balete not to fear military personnel in their communities for they remain with the government and will protect the people.

“Fear the communist New Peoples Army because they are not the armed forces of the government, they are making your life miserable by extortion, forced taxation and harassment,” Vinluan told the residents.

The Magpet police have joined the military in investigating the grenade attack.

Three days ago, a soldier was wounded when NPA snipers, fired at a platoon of 57th IB elements conducting patrol in the village of Batac, also in Magpet, a town situated at the foot of the country’s highest peak where the rebels operate.

Two days earlier, a couple member of the NPA yielded to government operatives after a year of fighting the government in the hinterlands of Magpet.

They accused the NPA of lies after they were promised compensation if they join the movement. The monthly compensation did not materialize.

http://www.manilatimes.net/npas-harass-soldiers-on-peace-mission-in-norcot-village/134705/

Islamist extremists determined to kill pope

From the Manila Times (Oct 16): Islamist extremists determined to kill pope

The arrest of a leader of the extremist Abu Sayyaf last June has not deterred groups sympathetic to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) from their plot to assassinate Pope Francis during his visit to the country in January, a reliable source from the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

The source, who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak on the matter, said the Islamist groups are pushing through with the plot against the Pope despite the arrest of Khair Mundos last June.

The source earlier provided information on the efforts of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) to recruit young Filipino Muslims for ISIS.

The JI, Abu Sayyaf, Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are among the groups that have pledged allegiance to the jihadist ISIS.

Mundos was nabbed in his hideout in Parañaque City by a team from the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) with the assistance of military intelligence units.

“Mundos was checking out the Pope’s possible routes,” the source said.

The Abu Sayyaf leader had photographs taken by his cellphone camera of the Pope’s likely routes and the US embassy in Manila, the source said.

The Abu Sayyaf who has been in the US list of terrorist organizations for several years.

Mundos was initially arrested in 2004 on murder charges and detained in Kidapawan, in Southern Mindanao.

He escaped in 2007, but was rearrested last June.

The US had offered a $500,000 bounty for Mundos.

He is said to be Abu Sayyaf’s finance officer and has direct links with the Al-Qaeda network of Osama Bin Laden.

The police source said that even with the capture of Mundos, the extremist groups are determined to carry out the plot to kill the Pope.

The PNP had said earlier it has not monitored any threat against Francis.
While in the Philippines, he will be guarded by members of the Filipino peacekeeping force that was deployed in the Golan Heights.

Some Catholic bishops have voiced concern for the safety of the Pope amid threats by the ISIS to kill him.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumuad said the government should not take ISIS’ threat lightly.

The Pope will arrive on January 15 and will stay for five days. While his schedule has not been disclosed, he is expected to spend time with the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City, Leyte.

Jumuad said photos of supposedly ISIS recruits in Mindanao in southern Philippines that have been circulating online were “extremely alarming.”

President Benigno Aquino 3rd said Iraq’s ambassador to the Vatican, Habeeb Al Sadr, warned him that the ISIS was planning to assassinate the Pope during one of his overseas trips.

http://www.manilatimes.net/islamist-extremists-determined-kill-pope/134860/

TJRC: Independent body to generate initiatives for transitional justice and Reconciliation for Bangsamoro

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 16): TJRC: Independent body to generate initiatives for transitional justice and Reconciliation for Bangsamoro



The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), a body created by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to recommend measures to correct historical injustices and address legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people, is set to conduct public consultations from now until June next year to come up with their report.
  

The Commission will approach its work by considering the culture of the people, multiple narratives of history and ensuring inclusivity among the different stakeholders, TJRC chairperson Mo Bleeker said during the Commission's Manila launch this Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Shangri-la Hotel. Last Oct. 4, the TJRC was officially introduced to the public in Cotabato City.

Joining Bleeker in the TJRC are its members, Atty. Cecilia Jimenez (as GPH representative) and Atty. Ishak Mastura (as MILF representative) as well as Jonathan Sisson who serves as senior adviser. The commission’s work is part of the normalization process specified in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

GPH panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that TJRC’s greatest contribution could be in pointing out how the country can effectively have sustainable justice and reconciliation in healing the internal conflict in the south. “The work of the TJRC and its outcome must set off a process that does not control, formalize, bureaucratize nor narrow down the avenues, but rather generates, in addition to the state’s, people-driven initiatives to do transitional justice and reconciliation.”

Saying that “justice is political and it is also personal,” Coronel-Ferrer underscored that “our efforts must produce the needed state policies and institutions that would be responsive. It must make us more human, with faith and trust in the humanity that is in each one of us, knowing that this is what will unite us whoever we are, whatever identity we self-ascribe to or are other-ascribed. It must produce a norm-change, change the hate to love, convert the distrust to trust, ensconce the sense of personal and collective accountability and strengthen the desire to build peace.”

MILF peace panel chair and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chair Mohagher Iqbal, in his message during the launch of TJRC, said that “achieving accountability (of human rights violators), achieving justice and restoration (after conflict) is a tedious process for all.” However, he said that other paradigms have to be examined, beyond judicial approach or courts, to realize the goal of healing wounds of conflict towards reconciliation, to not repeat the state-sponsored human rights violations in the past, and lead to the “eventual vanishing of discrimination.”

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, also present at the TJRC launch, said that as a people, “we sometimes have a tendency to say ‘Huwag nang ungkatin pa and natapos na’ (‘Don’t try to dig up the past’). That’s why we tend to repeat historical injustices and tragedies. I am so glad that we are deliberately doing this now to ensure that the wrongdoings in the past… will not be repeated.”

Deles also underscored that while rights of victims are important, it is also crucial to provide space for the right to forgive and right to embrace one’s enemy.

Also present at the TJRC Manila launch were members of the diplomatic community including Swiss deputy chief of mission Raoul Imbach (who represented Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber), UK Ambassador Asif Ahmed, Brunei Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof; GPH panel members Senen Bacani and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos chair Yasmin Busran-Lao; BTC Commissioners; Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Regional Human Rights Commission head Algamar Latiph; international non-governmental organizations, Mindanao historian Prof. Rudy Rodil, among others.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1278-tjrc-independent-body-to-generate-initiatives-for-transitional-justice-and-reconciliation-for-bangsamoro

CPP/NDF: NPA punishes Itucho-Dole in Allah Valley

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 14)): NPA punishes Itucho-Dole in Allah Valley

Ka Efren Aksasato
Spokesperson
NDFP Far South Mindanao Chapter

 

The burning up of a Dole-Stanfilco-owned boomspray unit in Allah Valley Area in South Cotabato last October 6, 2014 is a punitive action meted out by the New People’s Army – FarSouth Mindanao against the multinational giant Itucho-Dole.

The operation that was effectively executed by the operatives of the Julito Banda Command – Front 73 (JBC-F73) was carried out in a Dole-Stanfilco banana plantation in sitio El Bantong, Brgy. Rang-ay, Banga, South Cotabato. It took place at early evening, the plantation’s spraying schedule.

The said company was punished for the serious infringements and destructions it caused to the people and the environment. Since Dole started its encroachment in Allah Valley more than ten years ago, thousands of peasants and their families have already lost their lands and means of living to the aggressive expansion of the company’s pineapple and banana plantations. The massive conversion of rice fields and farmlands into mono-crop plantations resulted to a huge threat in food security.

The plantation system and the use of poisonous agrichemicals cause grave damages to the environment and the people. Massive floods and siltation are becoming rampant in Allah Valley, and the increasing chemical contamination in the air, water systems and food sources cause serious health problems to more and more people.

Dole employs the mercenary 27th IB-PA in suppressing the people’s resistance and in ensuring their unimpeded land grabbing. The 27th IB is also the company’s instrument in quashing the farm workers’ movement and subduing the labor leaders.

A widely organized mass movement in Allah Valley forced the company to stop aerial spraying. Farmers living near the plantation areas have carried out spontaneous actions to express their disapproval of the plantation, such as lobbing stones at a passing boomspray.

The complaints and grievances against Dole remonstrated by the people were categorically investigated and proven by the revolutionary movement. Adhering to its policy in protecting the people’s security and welfare, the revolutionary mass organizations and the People’s army make certain that the people’s legitimate demands are properly addressed.

The burning of the farm equipment abides by the revolutionary movement’s policy to punish and expel environmentally destructive multinational businesses plundering the country’s resources.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141014_npa-punishes-itucho-dole-in-allah-valley

CPP/NDF: Padayong Combat Operation sa AFP Dugang Makalangan sa Pag-release kang Pfc. Marnel Cinches ug Pfc. Jerrel Yorong

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 14): Padayong Combat Operation sa AFP Dugang Makalangan sa Pag-release kang Pfc. Marnel Cinches ug Pfc. Jerrel Yorong

Cesar Renerio
Spokesperson
NDFP North Central Mindanao Chapter

 

Ang nagapadayong combat operation sa 8th IB ug 58th IB tataw nga pagpamatuod sa kawalay pagpakabana sa 4th ID sa hangyo sa mga pamilya sa duha, paningkamot sa mga peace initiators, local crisis committee sa Bukidon ug uban pang nagpakabanang mga upisyal sa gobyerno sa Pilipinas o GPH. Ang maong kahimtang, dugang nagapalangan sa luwas nga pag-release sa duha ka Prisoners of War (POW) sa New People’s Army (NPA) nga anaa na karon sa ika-54 ka adlaw.

Niadtong Oktubre 9, 12:30 sa udto, gi-harass sa usa ka tim sa New People’s Army ang mga naga-operasyong tropa sa CAA-AFP sa Kagahuman, San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon, kung asa ang membro sa SCAA nga si Racion Libayon ang nahimong kaswalti.

Pagka-petsa 11 sa Oktubre 2014, sa alas 5:30 sa hapon, gi-harass sa laing team sa NPA ang mga tropa sa 8th IB sa sityo Calampigan, Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon kung asa nahimong kaswalidad si Pfc William Salimbaga, membro sa 8th IB ug pagkaangol sa duha ka CAFGU nga gikuha sa Huey helikopter petsa 12 sa udto.

Hangtud karon anaa ang mga naga-operasyong tropa sa 8th IB sa Kalabugao complex sa Impasug-ong nga nagmontar og duha ka 105 kanyon sa barangay Hagpa, Impasug-ong. Sa samang higayon, sa Palo, Hindangon, Gingoog City, padayon ang combat operation sa 58th IB nga nagmontar gihapon og 2 ka 105 kanyon.

Kining nagatunhay nga kahimtang, nagabutang sa kawalay kaseguruhan sa kaluwasan sa mga POW mismo, sa ilang mga pamilya ug sa tibuok panon sa mga peace advocates nga mosugat sa duha. Gikasubo namo pagpahibalo sa ginikanan ni Pfc Cinches nga anaa karon sa tambalanan nga ang kahimtang sa padayong military operation sa AFP mao ang nagapugong sa pagpauli sa iyang anak. Ipasalig namo nga mas maseguro pa ang ilang kaluwasan kung ipabilin silang anaa sa hingtungdan custodial force nga nag-atiman kanila.

Gipakita sa rehimeng U.S.-B.S. Aquino ngadto sa katawhang Pilipino nga ulog-ulog lang ang iyang mga pamulong mahitungod sa tinuod nga kalinaw. Samtang gipasigarbo niya ang pagkab-ot kuno sa kalinaw sa Mindanao nianang gitughong nga Bangsamoro Basic law, walay lipod-lipod usab ang pagbale-wala niini sa paghatag og kahigayunan sa kalinaw alang sa mas dakung mga dili-Moro nga lumulupyo sa Pilipinas nga anaa sulod sa teritoryo sa National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Ang dili malalis nga pagka-insensitibo sa rehimen, tin-aw nga nagahukas sa pakaaron-ingnong tinguha niini sa pagkab-ot tinuod nga kalinaw ug kalamboan. Ang kalinaw nga tanyag sa NDFP sa pagbuhi sa mga POW, gitubag sa militaristang mga lakang. Sama sa mga rehimeng iyang gisundan, wala sila’y laing gidamgo kundili ang pagdugmok sa nagaabanteng nasudnong-demokratikong rebolusyonaryong pakigbisog sa katawhan nga may sosyalistang kapadulngan.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141014_padayong-combat-operation-sa-afp-dugang-makalangan-sa-pag-release-kang-pfc-marnel-cinches-ug-pfc-jerrel-yorong

CPP/NDF/KM:Ibayong palawakin at palakasin ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng magbubukid at kabataan!

NDF/KM propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 16): Ibayong palawakin at palakasin ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng magbubukid at kabataan!

Rizalina Bonifacio (Ka Iza)
Spokesperson
KM Laguna Chapter (Kabataang Makabayan - Laguna)

 

Nakikiisa ang Kabataang Makabayan (KM) sa malawakang pagkilos ng mamamayan sa okasyon ng Linggo ng Magbubukid. Kasabay nito, salubungin at ipagdiwang natin ang ika-50 taong anibersaryo ng pagtatatag ng KM at ang ginintuang kasaysayan ng kabataan bilang tunay na pag-asa ng ating bayan.

Bukod sa tagapagmana ng kinabukasan, ang kabataan ay tagapagpatuloy ng rebolusyon. Ayon sa dakilang Mao, ang kabataan ay rebolusyonaryo kapag “siya’y kusang sumasanib sa malawak na masa ng magsasaka’t manggagawa at ginagawa ito sa praktika”.

Mula Nobyembre 30, 1964, itinayo ang KM sa hanay ng magsasaka, mangingisda, manggagawa, maralita, out-of-school youth, estudyante’t propesyunal sa buong kapuluan. Inspirasyon nito ang Katipunan at limampung taong karanasan sa puspusang pagmumulat, pagoorganisa at pagpapakilos sa mamamayan para wakasan ang Imperyalismong United States (US), Pyudalismo’t Burukrata Kapitalismo. Patuloy nitong pinapanday ang mga bagong usbong na mandirigma at rebolusyonaryo sa daluyong ng kilusang masa’t aksyong protesta.

Binabati natin ang masang magbubukid at kabataan sa tagumpay na kanilang nakakamit sa pagsusulong ng Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan. Bigyan natin ng pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang mga martir na nagbuwis ng buhay sa paglilingkod sa sambayanan.

Noynoy Aquino: salot sa magbubukid at kabataan

Dito sa Laguna, halos isang milyon ang tinatayang bilang ng kabataang may edad na 15 hanggang 34 taon.

Pasanin nila ang napakalubhang kawalan ng lupa, trabaho, dagdag na sahod, pabahay, edukasyon at kalusugan sa gitna ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin at serbisyo. Problema nila ang kolonyal, komersyalisado’t mapaniil na sistema ng edukasyong kontrolado ng mga ganid na kapitalistang edukador. Biktima rin sila ng surveillance, tortyur, panggagahasa, pagdukot at pagpaslang.

Wala pang sandaang araw sa pagkapangulo ang hasyenderong si Aquino, dinahas ng kapulisan ang mga magsasakang tumututol sa kumbersyon ng 560-ektaryang lupa sa Sityo Buntog sa Canlubang, Calamba sa pangunguna ng sabwatang Yulo-Ayala.

Bukod sa kontra-mamamayang kapit-tuko sa poder, si Aquino ay sagad-saring papet ng US nang lagdaan niya ang Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) na tahasang yumuyurak sa pambansang soberanya, integridad sa teritoryo at karapatan ng mga Pilipino. Katunayan, planong gawing base militar na ala-“mini-Subic” ang Oyster Bay sa Palawan. Patitindihin ng EDCA ang panghihimasok ng militar ng US at brutal na panunupil nito sa adhikain ng mamamayan para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya.

Habang di napapanagot si Aquino at mga alipores niya sa pagnanakaw sa bilyun-bilyong pisong pondo ng pork barrel at Disbursement Allocation Program (DAP), milyun-milyong pamilyang may anim na miyembro ang nabubuhay sa mas mababa sa sanlibong piso kada araw, at higit na marami ang nabubuhay sa mas mababa sa sandaang piso kada araw.

Maghimagsik ay makatarungan

Sa halip na mangibabaw ang takot, lalo pang umiigting ang pagkakaisa’t pakikibaka ng masang magbubukid at kabataan, sa kanayunan man o kalunsuran, sa anupamang paraan o anyo. Walang ibang solusyon sa krisis, pambubusabos at kaapihan kundi ang isulong ang digmang bayan sa pangunguna ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) na pinamumunuan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo).

Kabaligtaran sa inaasahan ng bulok at reaksyunaryong estado, sunod-sunod ang matatagumpay na armadong opensiba ng BHB laban sa pasistang kapulisan at militar sa kabila ng pananalasa ng Oplan Bayanihan.

Lipos ng hangaring paglingkuran ang sambayanan, masiglang tinutupad ng KM ang gawaing propaganda, edukasyon, pangkultura, pagpapalawak at pagkokonsolida. Aktibong isinasagawa ang programa ng panghihikayat na boluntaryong sumapi sa BHB at sumuporta sa armadong pakikibaka upang tuluy-tuloy na naipapasa sa susunod na henerasyon ang sulo ng rebolusyon at itaas ang antas ng digmang bayan patungo sa tagumpay.


Magbubukid at kabataan, sumapi sa tunay na hukbo ng mamamayan, ang BHB!
Isulong ang rebolusyong agraryo!
Ibagsak ang diktaduryang US-Aquino!
Mabuhay ang KM at Rebolusyong Pilipino!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141016_ibayong-palawakin-at-palakasin-ang-rebolusyonaryong-pakikibaka-ng-magbubukid-at-kabataan

Hishammuddin: Regional cooperation vital to combat IS threat

From The Star Online (Oct 17): Hishammuddin: Regional cooperation vital to combat IS threat

KUALA LUMPUR: Cooperation among regional powers is vital to combat the Islamic State (IS) threat, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

“Close collaboration between neighbouring countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei, requires us to work together not just in the context of asset deployment but also in sharing of information, intelligence and coordination for any counterattack, if necessary,” he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

He said air strikes in Syria by the United States and its allies did not appear to be effective for now and Malaysia had to consider its own approaches.

Hishammuddin, however, said Malaysia was keeping a close eye on the methods used by western powers in combating IS.

“It is important for us to monitor what is right and what is wrong, what are the pros and cons and then translate it to our capabilities here in this region.

“We cannot work in isolation. We need to work with our friends and our neighbours. The silence from Arab states is quite deafening when it comes to the issue of the Islamic State. We do not want that to happen here,” he said.

Hishamuddin said while the situation in Malaysia was not dire, military intervention would not be ruled out if the threat worsened to a critical level.

“All options are open to us. However, I think it is better to strengthen our working arrangements with our neighbours, look at our assets and take proactive measures first before directly engaging with groups that are shadowy, not easily identifiable and those who use modern tools to recruit members,” he added.

Hishamuddin said that while Malaysians had travelled to the Middle East to assist in IS activities, the country was not a target by the international militant group.

He added that allegations of IS’s involvement in a purported plan to attack a brewery in Malaysia was merely speculation.

Among regional militant groups that have indicated support for IS are the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf and the Moro National Liberation Front.

“These statements are something that we cannot take lightly even though the threat level is still low,” said Hishammuddin.

He said the threat was taken seriously by the Federal Government as reflected in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s significant Budget 2015 allocation to beef up defence in Sabah’s east coast.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/10/17/Hishammuddin-Regional-cooperation-vital-to-combat-IS-threat/

NPA couple surrenders

From Tempo (Oct 16): NPA couple surrenders

A New People’s Army (NPA) couple surrendered to the elements of 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Imamaling in Magpet town, North Cotabato last Monday, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here reported.

Captain Alberto Caber, EastMinCom chief information officer, said the NPA couple, identified as Marco Engay Via, 39, and his wife Gina Calimpitan Via, 34, willingly turned themselves back to the folds of the law to live normal lives as a family.

Both husband and wife are now undergoing interviews at the headquarters of the 57th IB in North Cotabato, Captain Caber added.

Lt. Col. Nilo Vinluan, commander of 57th IB, said the couple decided to leave the rebel movement after it failed to give them the promises they made.

One of which, he said, was the P4,000 salary they would receive monthly from the group.

“They only received the salary once. And after that, there was none. So they decided to give up the movement,” the military official said. The couple admitted they were involved in the attack on the police station in President Rojas town, also in North Cotabato, on May 20, which resulted in the killing of their commander and five other members of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

The Army, Vinluan said, is set to rescue the couple’s son.

“This is a second chance for us to redeem our normal lives that were denied to us by the NPAs”, the couple said in the statement.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2014/10/npa-couple-surrenders-2/#.VEBU7MZ0yAI

Rifle grenade fired at Army’s outreach drive in North Cotabato village

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 16): Rifle grenade fired at Army’s outreach drive in North Cotabato village

Suspected communist rebels on Wednesday night fired a rifle grenade near the barangay hall of a remote village of Magpet, North Cotabato, in a futile effort to drive away government forces.

Colonel Nilo Vinluan, 57th Infantry Battalion commander, said the attack occurred at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay (village) Balete where the military has been conducting a peace and development outreach program.

Nobody was hurt among civilians and military personnel.

The grenade, fired from an M-79 grenade launcher, landed on an old basketball court beside the barangay hall.

“It was a clear sabotage against the military’s peace and development outreach program,” Vinluan said.

“They do not want the soldiers in the area,” Vinluan added.

Vinluan has appealed to residents of Balete not to fear military personnel in their communities for they remain with the government and will protect the people.

“Fear the communist New People’s Army because they are not the armed forces of the government, they are making your life miserable by extortion, forced taxation and harassment,” Vinluan said.

The Magpet police have joined the military in investigating the grenade attack.

Three days ago, a soldier was wounded when NPA snipers fired at a platoon of 57th IB elements conducting patrol in the village of Batac, also in Magpet, a town situated on the foot of the country’s highest peak where the rebels operate.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/645223/rifle-grenade-fired-at-armys-outreach-drive-in-north-cotabato-village

Suspected NPA rebel escapes from CIDG custody in Davao Occidental town

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 16): Suspected NPA rebel escapes from CIDG custody in Davao Occidental town

One of the suspected New People’s Army rebels captured during Tuesday’s clash in Malita in Davao Occidental escaped from police custody on Wednesday evening.

Supt. Ed Leonardo, deputy director of the police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Southern Mindanao, told reporters here on Thursday that Ritchie Abrenica, 26, stabbed a personnel of the CIDG Davao del Sur with a shard of glass from a broken soda bottle before running away.

Abrenica and fellow suspected rebel Evelyn Magpatoc were being fed around 7:40 p.m. Wednesday at the CIDG Davao del Sur headquarters here.

After finishing his dinner, Leonardo said the rebel smashed the softdrink bottle he was holding and stabbed PO2 Bernard Meñoza at the back and ran away.

Chief Insp. Dave Mejia, CIDG provincial team leader, said Abrenica also stabbed himself with the same soda bottle.

He said the CIDG operatives, backed by Army personnel, could not directly fire at the fleeing rebel for fear of hitting civilians.

“We did fire warning shots, which he ignored,” Mejia said.

Police and military personnel conducted pursuit operation to recapture Abrenica but failed to find him, Supt. Querubin Manalang, the city police chief, said.

Manalang said the manhunt has continued, as of Thursday.

“I will lead the internal investigation on this matter to determine what really transpired the night Abrenica slipped out from the hands of his security escorts. At this point, we don’t know yet who committed lapses in handling the detainee,” Leonardo said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/645227/suspected-npa-rebel-escapes-from-cidg-custody-in-davao-occidental-town

Abducted Cafgu man freed in Quezon

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 16): Abducted Cafgu man freed in Quezon

The paramilitary man who was abducted Wednesday has been freed by his abductors believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, the military said.

Riquery Neo was released by the NPA rebels around noon on Thursday (Oct. 16), 24 hours after he was taken at gunpoint from his village in the town of Ragay in Camarines Sur, said Maj. Angelo Guzman, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) spokesman, in a statement.

He said Neo was released by the rebels into the custody of barangay tanods (village watchmen) in the villages of Patalunan and Cawayan, both in Ragay.

The freed militia was brought to Ragay Mayor Ricky Aquino at the municipal hall and is now undergoing stress debriefing, according to Guzman.

The military was grateful for Neo’s release but it would not stop the government forces from hunting down the abductors, Guzman said.

Neo, a member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) unit based in Cawayan, was driving a motorcycle at the village around 11 a.m. on Wednesday with his wife and three children on board when they were stopped and he was taken by the suspected rebels.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/645236/abducted-cafgu-man-freed-in-quezon

Rebels warn of attacks vs dams in Sierra Madre

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 17): Rebels warn of attacks vs dams in Sierra Madre

Communist rebels threatened to disrupt the construction of at least two controversial dam projects on the Sierra Madre mountain range, which tribal leaders and project critics said would lead to massive environmental damage and displacement of tribal communities.

Armando “Ka Mando” Jacinto, spokesperson of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Rosemarie Lodronio Rosal Command operating in the Sierra Madre section of Southern Tagalog, said rebels would launch attacks to stop the projects.

The two dam projects—Kaliwa Dam and Laiban Dam—are under the P18.7-billion New Centennial Water Source projects of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

The projects are designed to tap the Agos River on Sierra Madre to supply Metro Manila with potable water.

“The dam projects will be stopped and the ancestral lands of the Dumagat and Remontado tribe will be free from environmental destruction,” Jacinto said in the NPA statement.

According to Jacinto, soldiers are now based in several mountain villages in General Nakar and Tanay towns, Rizal province, to quell opposition against the dam projects.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/645270/rebels-warn-of-attacks-vs-dams-in-sierra-madre

Suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb explodes in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner Website (Oct 17): Suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb explodes in Philippines

BASILAN PROVINCE – An improvised explosive went off inside the residential compound of a senior government official in Isabela City in Basilan, one of five provinces under the troubled Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, police said Thursday.

Police said the Abu Sayyaf was likely behind the attack on the house owned by Engineer Soler Undug, of the Department of Public Works and Highways. No one was killed or hurt in the blast which occurred late Wednesday.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but police said the Abu Sayyaf was allegedly extorting money from the official.

Police said the explosive used in the bombing was ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil or AN/FO.

The province is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf which recently pledged allegiance to the jihadist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20141016112656

M'sia views seriously IS threat in South Philippines, says Hishammuddin

The Sun Daily (Oct 17): M'sia views seriously IS threat in South Philippines, says Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia views seriously the ideological infiltration of the militant group of Islamic State (IS) in south Philippines as a threat to national security.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said this, following an open declaration of support by several militant groups in south Philippines such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf group and the Moro National Liberation Front.

"Even though the threat is still at a low level, the security forces do not view it lightly and will seriously monitor and take the necessary action to ensure the ideology founded by the IS supporters does not spread to this country," he said in a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat sitting here today.

Replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), Hishammuddin said increase in defence and security assets in Sabah, especially the Eastern Sabah Security Command, was a pro-active move by the government to curtail the IS threat.

He said various measures to improve defence assets in Sabah had been and would be taken for this purpose.

This included extending the airport runway in Lahad Datu to accommodate landings by the military aircraft C-130, improving the air force base in Labuan for the Hawk fighter jet and acquiring high-capability control radar.

Hishammuddin said the government had also built two Forward Operational Bases in the form of sea bases – intended to fight off threats, especially at sea exit points – but also functioning as command centres, intercepting and blocking routes, surveillance, inspection points and enforcement for control.

The Sea Basing concept also provides a static and mobile platform location which extends the reach and response time of the security forces.

The Forward Operational Bases are expected to be fully operational by April next year.

Speaking to reporters later, Hishammuddin said the government was monitoring the United States-led airstrike on IS to learn how they handled the threat.

"The threat is something new, that's why it is quite difficult even for President (Barack) Obama to find out how to deal with the IS at the moment.

"But, we have an advantage of looking at it, to see how it is developed, whether it is effective and try to relate that to our situation here in Malaysia," he said.

He added the government was also strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries, especially the Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei, and taking other proactive measures before looking at the possibility of engaging groups which were not easily identifiable.

Asked whether the 39 Malaysians identified as having links with militant groups, including the IS, could pose a threat to the country, he believed that they were not targeting Malaysia.

"I don't see them targeting us. They are Malaysians and they travel to Syria to support IS ... but I don't think they have intention to target Malaysia," he said.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1201699

The Islamic State and Southeast Asia

From Foreign Policy Blog (Oct 16): The Islamic State and Southeast Asia



A photo posted on Facebook showing a gathering of ISIS militants from Malaysia and Indonesia in Syria. The page has since been closed, the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict says. — PHOTO: FACEBOOK

The threat the Islamic State (IS) poses to Western nations is very real — witness in recent weeks the thwarting of a public beheading in Sydney, the raids on terrorist cells in Melbourne, raids in The Hague and Brussels, possible threats to subways in Paris and New York, and the recent averting of a terrorist plot in London. As nations continue to come out with support for the aerial bombing of IS targets in Iraq and Syria, concern is these nations and their citizens will also be targeted as enemies of the Islamic State. To date, many of these threats are conceived by homegrown terrorists with claimed links to terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.

A more serious threat, however, comes from those fighters returning home from battle with new fighting skills, radical ideologies and extensive networks. The U.K. government estimates some 500 of its citizens have joined the Islamic State group to fight in Syria and Iraq, and 103 of its citizens have been arrested after returning from Syria. Canada believes 80 of its citizens returning from war zones were planning to carry out terrorist activities in Canada. Some analysts and governments are downplaying the seriousness of the threat of returnees, believing that IS fighters will have their hands full in Iraq and Syria and are incapable of mounting attacks across multiple fronts. Yet as witnessed in recent weeks, IS does not need large forces to inspire terror — small cells or individuals are capable of spreading fear among governments and citizens.

While much of the media attention is focused on the U.S., Europe and Australia, less attention is being paid to the nations of Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia is home to about 15 percent of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims, many of whom have gone to fight in Iraq and Syria under the banner of IS, or have been radicalized while at home. A recent statement on the website of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) highlighted their concern, “Asean denounces all acts of destruction, violence and terror in all its forms.” The ASEAN grouping comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Brunei.

Indeed, actions are already underway in much of Southeast Asia, as governments from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines actively monitor social websites and online chat rooms used by radicals to post inflammatory content, recruit followers and even plot terror attacks. The fear of governments in Southeast Asia is of radicalized Muslims from around the region becoming inspired by the group’s declaration of an Islamic caliphate, and taking up arms after the call to jihad on July 4 by IS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, “Your brothers all over the world are waiting for your rescue, and are anticipating your brigades”. While the call to jihad is assumed to focused on the nations taking part in the bombings in Iraq and Syria, how real is the threat of IS in Southeast Asia to those nations who are not participating in the bombing?

In Malaysia, authorities announced this week the arrest of 14 suspected militants, three of which are accused of being the main recruiters for IS in the country. The three recruiters evidently used Facebook to attract supporters and paid for their journey to Syria. Malaysia bans the practice of Shia and other non-Sunni forms of Islam outright, and under its Security Offences Special Measures Act of 2012, authorities may detain potential jihadists. Malaysia claims at least 30 of its citizens have gone to Syria to fight for IS, while at home, 37 suspects have been arrested for links to the terror group since April. Among those arrested were terrorists plotting to attack a disco and pubs in Kuala Lumpur, and a Carlsberg factory in a suburb outside of Kuala Lumpur.

Another high-profile threat comes from the Philippines, where Abu-Sayyaf militants are threatening to kill one of two German hostages. The Abu Sayyaf group, which earlier claimed links with al Qaeda, is demanding $5.6 million in ransom and for Germany to halt its support for the U.S.-led bombing campaign by October 17.

Islam is the oldest recorded monotheistic religion in the Philippines, yet Muslims only account for between 5 and 11 percent of the predominantly Roman Catholic population. Two militant Islamic groups from the south of the Philippines, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Abu Sayyaf rebels, recently pledged their allegiance to the Islamic State in clips uploaded on YouTube. Abu Misry Mama, a BIFF spokesman, confirmed the authenticity of one of the videos, saying “We have an alliance with the Islamic State and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi…if they need our help, why not?” The BIFF claims that it has sent 200 fighters to join IS in Iraq.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, banned support for Islamic State and warned its citizens against joining IS back in August. Indonesian nationalism is founded on the doctrine of Pancasila, which stresses pluralism and diversity, and strongly opposes the establishment of an Islamic state. According to Indonesia’s National Agency for Combating Terrorism (BNPT), at least 56 Indonesians have become Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq, and three have died. To date, a number of Indonesian suspects have been found in possession of IS paraphernalia and seven suspected militants have been arrested, including four members of China’s ethnic Uighur minority community who are suspected of trying to meet Indonesia’s most wanted extremist, Santoso, also known as Abu Wardah.

The leader of the country’s al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), Abu Bakar Bashir, pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State from his jail cell in August (JI was behind the Bali bombings in 2002 that killed 202 people). Earlier this month, BNPT announced the arrest of Afif Abdul Majid for allegedly declaring support for the IS and for contributing to the funding of a terror training camp in Aceh province in 2010. Last month, Indonesian authorities increased security in central Java at Borobodur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after an apparent bomb threat by IS-affiliated Islamists.

In Thailand, still under martial law following the seizure of power by the military, police are actively heightening security measures for embassies, hotels, restaurants, and churches – indeed, any place frequented by Westerners. Thailand’s actions highlight not only how the threat of returning IS militants threatens a country’s citizens, but how the threat will also effect tourism across Southeast Asia, as foreign governments issue travel warnings for their citizens. Tourism accounts for almost 10 percent of GDP in Thailand and tourism revenues have fallen since the imposition of martial law.

While Southeast Asian nations are not actively supporting the airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, they should nonetheless take heed of events worldwide and tighten security. Many of their citizens have homegrown grievances and are likely to be emboldened by the success of IS and declare ties to the terrorist organization, and potentially carry out terrorist actions. Further, battle-hardened militants returning from Iraq and Syria will bring both skills and networks with which to join forces with locals and threaten their home country. Malaysian authorities are already expressing concern over networks forming between Malay-speaking militants from Malaysia and Indonesia, who have formed a combined unit in Syria, and whom may join forces once home. The potential of IS to threaten Southeast Asia is real and should not be dismissed – after all, returning militants from the Afghan war against the Soviet Union from 1979–1989 were responsible for the founding of both Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines and JI in Indonesia, both of which are still active today.

http://foreignpolicyblogs.com/2014/10/16/the-islamic-state-and-southeast-asia/

Militant solons file joint resolution asking PNoy to end VFA

From GMA News (Oct 16): Militant solons file joint resolution asking PNoy to end VFA

Progressive lawmakers on Thursday filed a joint resolution calling for the swift termination of the country's Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States following the killing of a Filipino transgender woman in Olongapo City allegedly by an American soldier.

Joint Resolution No. 17 filed Wednesday by party-list Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna, Fernando Hicap of Anakpawis, Antonio Tinio of ACT-Teachers and Terry Ridon of Kabataan — collectively known as the Makabayan bloc — also calls on President Benigno Aquino III to inform the US of the VFA’s immediate abrogation.

The measure was filed in response to the death of Jeffrey Laude late Saturday night. The victim, also known as Jennifer, was found lifeless inside a lodge after being seen with a foreigner believed to be Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.

A murder charge has been filed against Pemberton in connection with the incident. He remains in custody of the US military and detained on board the USS Peleliu in Subic Bay in Zambales.

The lawmakers said the incident proves the “one-sided, pro-US and anti-Filipino” nature of the VFA since there is no guarantee yet that the Philippines will gain custody over Pemberton.

“It is a big slap on the face of the Filipino nation and downright revolting that the government failed to arrest and take custody of the suspected assailant Pemberton and the US authority and custody prevailed over the American suspect of killing a Filipino on Philippine soil,” they said.

The legislators said the VFA “makes a mockery of the [Philippine] justice system since its provisions on the prescription of criminal prosecution and waiver of jurisdiction essentially grants immunity from prosecution of US military personnel who commit crimes against Filipinos.”

Unconstitutional agreement

The Makabayan bloc, which has been vocal of its opposition of the VFA, said the treaty can be terminated by virtue of Article IX of VFA I, which states: “This [agreement] shall remain in force until the expiration of 180 days from the date on which either party gives the other party notice in writing that it desires to terminate the agreement.”

And despite being ratified by the Senate in 1999, the lawmakers say the VFA is unconstitutional and invalid since it was not ratified as a treaty by the US as a contracting State, in accordance with their Constitution.

“Foreign relations in domestic law are the prerogative of both the President and the Congress—Congress through its plenary lawmaking power and the President through the residual or personal prerogatives. One cannot be compelled by the other but neither will an act have force and effect without the other’s concurrence,” they said.

For the lawmakers, Laude’s death cannot be considered an isolated case of abuse by US military forces since they have been implicated in other crimes, such as the rape of a Filipina in Subic in 2005 by Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, who was convicted but later on cleared by the Court of Appeals; the shooting of farmer Buyong-Buyong Isnijal in Tuburan, Basilan, in 2002 involving American soldier Reggie Lane; and the shooting of Arsid Baharon in Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City on June 21, 2004 by an American soldier whose identity US authorities had withheld.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has also called on Malacañang to repeal the VFA in the aftermath of Laude’s death since debates over Pemberton’s custody shows the treaty is skewed in favor of visiting American troops.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/383805/news/nation/militant-solons-file-joint-resolution-asking-pnoy-to-end-vfa

Palace: PHL reviewed VFA but failed to amend treaty

From GMA News (Oct 16): Palace: PHL reviewed VFA but failed to amend treaty

The Philippines reviewed the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US as early during the first year of the Aquino administration but failed to get any change done in its provisions until the death of a over the weekend of Filipino transgender woman allegedly in the hands of an American soldier, Malacañang said on Thursday.

At a press briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government was able to finish the VFA review and convey its results to US officials.

"Naisagawa ang review na iyon. Nakipag-ugnayan ang ating pamahalaan sa pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos, at sa pagsasagawa nito ay hindi humantong sa anumang pormal na kasunduan hinggil sa pagbabago ng anumang probisyon at ang reyalidad ay inabutan po ito nitong kasalukuyang kaganapan.," Coloma told reporters.

 

Coloma, however, said that he did not have specific details on the VFA review and on the discussions with US authorities.

The review was conducted by the Presidential Commission on the VFA, chaired by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Undersecretary Edilberto Adan.

 

Asked if the VFA provision on custody of US soldiers who commit crime on the Philippine soil was tackled, Coloma replied, "It was addressed and it is still being addressed because of the new development that has arisen."

 

The communications secretary was referring to the killing of 26-year-old Filipina transgender Jeffrey Laude, who also used the name Jennifer. 

 

A US Marine, identified as Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, is now the subject of a murder complaint in connection with the incident.

 

Early on in his presidency, Aquino said the VFA needed to be reevaluated so that the Philippine government would get "the most out of" the controversial agreement.
 

The VFA, signed by the Philippines with the US in 1998, provided for the resumption of  bilateral military exercises between the two parties and their enhanced defense cooperation. 

 

The agreement also stated that a US soldier participating in military exercises who committed a crime on Philippine soil will be under the jurisdiction of the Philippines, but will be kept under the custody of the US.

 

Back in 2011, presidential spokesman Secretary Edwin Lacierda said the administration was reviewing the jurisdiction provision of the VFA.

 

Several lawmakers have called for the renegotiation or the complete termination of the VFA following Laude's killing.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/383839/news/nation/palace-phl-reviewed-vfa-but-failed-to-amend-treaty

MILF, MNLF activate coordination mechanism on Bangsamoro

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 16): MILF, MNLF activate coordination mechanism on Bangsamoro

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) formally activated and operationalized the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF). This was announced by Ambassador Sayyid Kassim El-Masri, Organization on Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Special Envoy during a meeting today with government representatives headed by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles.

The meeting was attended by Egyptian Ambassador Mahmoud Mostafa who currently chairs the OIC-Peace Committee on Southern Philippines (PCSP), Hassan Alabdein, Charge d' Affaires of Saudi Arabia and vice chair of the OIC-PCSP, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Undersecretary Jose Lorena, National Security Council Deputy Director General Zenonida Brosas and Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Julius Torres.

El-Masry officially furnished Deles in the meeting with copies of the meeting report and terms of reference of the BCF which were signed by him as OIC envoy, Mohagher Iqbal as representative of the MILF and Randolph Parcasio as representative of the MNLF.

According to the meeting report, the BCF shall serve as the mechanism for the MNLF and MILF to "coordinate their movements toward achieving the aspiration of the Bangsamoro people towards just and lasting peace, and peaceful resolution of their problems."

In said report, the Parties reiterated their "firm belief that unity is indispensable to the success of the Bangsamoro struggle and that there are no basic differences between their fronts as both are seeking to achieve peace, justice and fair solution to the problem facing the Bangsamoro people."

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles expressed her thanks to the OIC and welcomed the activation of the coordination mechanism between the two Moro fronts.

"This is a positive and very welcome development especially at this juncture of the peace process when the Bangsamoro Basic Law is being deliberated in Congress. We are talking of the same territory and the same people, as such it is good to know that the MILF and MNLF have agreed to consolidate their efforts for peace and development so that all of these can be integrated in the BBL."

"We look forward to the participation of both the MILF and MNLF in the establishment of the Bangsamoro," Deles said.

"We are appreciative of the efforts of the OIC in making this possible."

Functions of the BCFAs per the terms of reference signed by the Parties, the BCF shall perform the following functions:

1) Provide the venue to discuss issues and concerns confronting the Bangsamoro people, including finding common grounds between the 1976 Tripoli Agreement - 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in order to harmonize the two peace tracks and preserve the gains contained in these agreements which the MNLF and MILF mutually recognize and respect;

2) Coordinate the efforts of the MILF and MNLF in order to consolidate their efforts towards achieving the Bangsamoro people’s aspiration for just political solution and lasting peace and inclusive development; and

3) Conduct consultations with other sectors of the Bangsamoro society including the Ulama.

It shall be composed of 20 members, with equal representation of ten members each coming from the MILF and MNLF.

They are expected to meet every three months, with the first meeting scheduled onOctober 26-27, to be presided by the OIC Secretary General or his representative or the chair of the OIC-PCSP.

A joint secretariat for the BCF will also be created for administrative and coordinative tasks, composed of three members each from the MILF and MNLF.

Technical and legal working groups may also be organized as necessary.

The meeting on the activation of the BCF was convened Monday, October 13 by El-Masri upon the instruction of OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani.

Aside from Iqbal, the MILF delegation included Abhoud Syed Lingga, Abdullah Camlian and Jun Mantawil. Meanwhile, aside from Parcasio, the MNLF delegation included Muslimin Sema, Mujahab Hashim, Alvarez Isnaji and Utto Salem Cutan. Mostafa and Alabdein also joined the meeting.

The Parties signed the meeting report and terms of reference the following day, October 14.

The creation of the BCF has initially been agreed upon in a meeting between MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and MNLF Founding Chair Nur Misuari in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on May 18, 2010 through the invitation of the OIC Secretary General.

Succeeding meetings of the Parties on the establishment of the BCF were held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 6-7, 2011 andJune 12this year.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1751413376490

Army to conduct own probe on ‘accidental’ shooting of 2 civilians in ComVal

From GMA News (Oct 16): Army to conduct own probe on ‘accidental’ shooting of 2 civilians in ComVal

The Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command has ordered the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division to probe soldiers implicated in the fatal shooting of two civilians who were allegedly mistaken for communist rebels in Compostela Valley over the weekend.

In a statement released Thursday, Captain Alberto Caber, EastMinCom's public information office chief, identified the victims as Lando Sabado Dangasan, 40 years old, and son Felix, 16 years old.

 

Caber said the soldiers of the 66th Infantry Battalion were patrolling along barangays Andap and Manurigao in New Bataan town when the two victims were shot.

 

While he did not elaborate further on the incident, Caber, quoting 66th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Michael G. Logico, said they have already extended intial assistance to the Dangasan family, and will cooperate in the investigation on the incident.

 

Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, EastMinCom's chief, said the Philippine National Police will conduct a joint investigation on the incident.

 

"We enlisted the support of the PNP in the conduct of investigation to ensure transparency and credibility of the result of the investigation," Baladad said.

An earlier report quoted Logico as saying that the soldiers mistook the two victims for New People's Army rebels, saying the area was dark and the two shone a flashlight at the soldiers and cried, "Sundalo! Sundalo!" and startled the soldiers.

 

"Yung lead element natin, nabulag sa along the trail nang biglang silang flinashlight, dalawang flashlight, sabay nakarinig siya ng sigaw na sundalo-sunalo. So upon his immediate instinctive reaction, akala niya mga kalaban, nag-open fire siya doon sa general direction," Logico said.

 

The two soldiers were not immediately named. They have been since restricted to barracks.

 

Meanwhile, Balalad reminded all military commanders under his command on the "strict compliance to the Rules of Engagement (ROE), and Rule of Law (ROL), protection of human rights, and adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the conduct of combat and non-combat operations in line with Internal Peace Security Plan Bayanihan." 

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/383799/news/regions/army-to-conduct-own-probe-on-accidental-shooting-of-2-civilians-in-comval

IN GUIHULNGAN: Brgy captain, wife killed in ambush

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 16): IN GUIHULNGAN: Brgy captain, wife killed in ambush

A barangay chairman and his wife were killed in an ambush staged by suspected members of the New People’s Army Special Partisan Unit Monday in Sitio Tuba, Brgy. Tinayunan Hill, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.

The victims, identified as George Sadagnot, barangay chairman of Tinayunan Hill, and his wife, Glen, were on their way home on board a motorcycle, when they were ambushed by suspected NPA rebels.

Lt. Col. Paulito Idul, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said Sadagnot succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while his wife, was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Dumaguete City.

Ten empty shells of an M16 rifle and two spent shells of 9mm pistol were recovered at the scene of incident.

Idul, who condemned the killings, described the ambush as a desperate move to terrorize the peace-loving people of Guihulngan.

In previous years, the NPA also killed barangay captains Sebastian Tanoy, of Imelda in Guihulngan City, and Ledio Baylon, of Aya in La Libertad, all in Negros Oriental, military records show.

In killing the two civilians, Idul said the NPA also violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, to which the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the National Democratic Front are signatories.

Pursuit operations against the perpetrators are still being conducted by the 11th Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/October/16/negor1.htm

Visiting Forces Agreement should be repaired not junked

From Ang Malaya (Oct 16): Visiting Forces Agreement should be repaired not junked

The Philippine government requested custody over Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton of US Marines. Pemberton is the suspect on the killing of a Filipino transgender, Jeffrey Laude, in Olongapo. However, US government is not yet making a statement regarding the request. Philippines can only get custody of a US soldier upon the approval of US government.

Executive Director of Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement Commission Eduardo Oban said the government will insist for the custody and jurisdiction over the case of Pemberton.

Bayan Muna Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr. said VFA should be junked. “Any refusal by the United States government to turn over Private Pemberton to Philippine authorities should be considered as a ground for terminating the VFA.”

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc believes groups who want to junk US-PHL agreements have their own agenda. “They have their own agenda. I could not judge what exactly are the purpose of their actions.” He added that these group are not in favor of AFP modernization and US-PHL military exchanges.

Lt. Col. Cabunoc wonders why burn the whole house if only the corner of it has leak. “You repair it, that’s how we solve problems.”

“It was right after the exercise. He committed the offense when he was on passes and what happened to him was his own call,” the AFP public affairs officer said. Closing ceremony of PHIBLEX 15 was held Friday, October 10, while the killing of Laude happened Saturday night.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/10/16/5012-visiting-forces-agreement-should-be-repaired-not-junked

Killing of Filipino transgender won’t hurt US-PHL relations

From Ang Malaya (Oct 16): Killing of Filipino transgender won’t hurt US-PHL relations

“First of all, we regret the incident and we want to assure everybody we are supporting whatever the investigation would conclude upon,” Armed Forces Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang said. He then added that the killing of a Filipino transgender involving a US soldier will not hurt US-PHL relations.

He added that the incident is an isolated case which happened after Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 15. The joint military exercise closed one day before the incident on Saturday, October 11.

“We are bothered, we are hurt because this is a fellow Filipino who was killed, regardless of gender, he is still a Filipino and we have to fight for his rights and for justice,” General Catapang added.

A murder complaint was filed by the family of the victim at Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office against US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.

Presidential Commission for Visiting Forces Agreement Retired General Eduardo Oban said that the good time to ask for custody of Pemberton from US government is when a warrant of arrest is issued.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/10/16/5032-killing-of-filipino-transgender-wont-hurt-us-phl-relations

Coast Guard ready to protect West PHL Sea, 10 multi-role vessels arriving

From Ang Malaya (Oct 16): Coast Guard ready to protect West PHL Sea, 10 multi-role vessels arriving

The Philippine Coast Guard celebrates its 113th Anniversary today. President Benigno S. Aquino III led the celebration of PCG at its headquarters in Port Area, Manila.

Aquino said on his PCG anniversary speech that delivery of ten 40-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels from Japan will start October of next year. One unit will arrive next year, two more on March 2016, other two on September 2016, three more on April 2017 and the final two on September 2017. Acquisition of ten MRRVs is part of government’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.

The President added that delivery may be earlier than these dates.

On April next year the National Coast Watch Center will be finished. President Aquino said that this will operate as communication center of different government agencies to effectively monitor Philippine seas.

PCG Spokesperson Commander Armando Balilo said in the sidelines of the event that the coast guard is ready to protect West Philippine Sea. “We prepare our ships so in case there will be deployment, we’ll be ready.”

“We will complement whatever the National Government will ask us to do,” Commander Balilo added.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/10/16/5040-coast-guard-ready-to-protect-west-phl-sea-10-multi-role-vessels-arriving

MNLF, MILF start finding common ground

From Rappler (Oct 16): MNLF, MILF start finding common ground

Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani sends his special envoy to the Philippines to convene the meeting between the rival groups



Rival armed fronts in Mindanao have agreed to engage in a forum that will enable them to reconcile differences in a peaceful manner.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have reactivated the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said in a statement Wednesday, October 15.

 

The forum will serve as a venue for the MILF and MNLF to discuss their issues and find common ground between the peace accords they separately signed with the government.

 

The MILF and the MNLF met on Monday, October 13, under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an influential body which counts 56 Islamic states as members. The OIC brokered the 1996 peace accord between the government and the MNLF.

 

OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani sent OIC special envoy Ambassador Sayyid Kassim El-Masri to the Philippines to convene the meeting.

 

The MILF delegation, led by its chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, included Abhoud Syed Lingga, Abdullah Camlian and Jun Mantawil. MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari was not present at the meeting but was represented by lawyer Randolph Parcasio, who led the MNLF delegation. Also present from the MNLF were former Cotabato City mayor Muslimin Sema, Mujahab Hashim, Alvarez Isnaji and Utto Salem Cutan.

 

Misuari is facing charges over the bloody siege of Zamboanga in September 2013, which left over a hundred people dead and thousands homeless. His faction staged the siege to dramatize their opposition to the peace process.

 

Egyptian Ambassador Mahmoud Mostafa who chairs the OIC-Peace Committee on Southern Philippines (PCSP), and Hassan Abdein of the OIC Department of Minorities and Communities, were also in attendance.

 

During the meeting, the parties agreed on the terms of reference for the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum, which was signed on Tuesday, October 14.

 

Chief Peace Adviser Teresita Deles was furnished with copies of the terms and a report of the discussions in a meeting with the OIC, the two fronts, and government representatives on Wednesday.

 

The development comes as the Philippine Congress is in the midst of deliberating the proposed law seeking to create a new autonomous government in the South to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

 

A product of the final peace deal between the government and the MILF, the bill seeks to create an entity with wider political and fiscal powers than the ARMM in a bid to end 4 decades of conflict in Mindanao that has killed over 120,000 people.

 

To prepare for the creation of the Bangsamoro government, the MILF has created a political party to enable it to participate in the 2016 elections.

 

 

TOWARDS UNITY. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles and government representatives with with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front. Photo by OPAPP

 

Expectations from the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum

 

The first meeting of the MILF and the MNLF under the forum has been scheduled on October 26 to October 27. They are expected to meet every 3 months. The OIC will preside the meetings.

 

Under its terms of reference, the BCF will have the following functions:

• Provide the venue to discuss issues and concerns confronting the Bangsamoro people, including finding common grounds between the 1976 Tripoli Agreement-1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) to harmonize the two peace tracks and preserve the gains in these agreements which the MNLF and the MILF mutually recognize and respect;

• Coordinate and consolidate the efforts of the MILF and MNLF towards achieving the Bangsamoro people’s aspiration for just political solution and lasting peace and inclusive development; and

• Conduct consultations with other sectors of the Bangsamoro society including the Ulama.

It will have 20 members, with 10 members each from the MILF and the MNLF.

 

In 2010, the OIC convinced the two groups to create the BCF in a bid to unify them towards peace in Mindanao. No less than MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Misuari agreed to create ad-hoc groups for the body. But the developments reached a deadlock after Misuari asked the MILF to dissolve their organization and re-join the MNLF.

 

The MNLF led the rebel movement in the South in the 1970s but leadership differences forced the late Hashim Salamat to break away from the group and create the MILF.

 

The MNLF itself has since broken into different factions. Aside from the one led by Misuari, one faction is led by Habib Mujahab "Boghdadi" Hashim, chairman of an MNLF breakaway faction, the Islamic Command Council. Both are opposed to the government-MILF peace talks.

 

Another faction, led by Sema, is supportive of the peace process. Just days before the government-MILF peace agreement was signed, 35 of the 39 surviving members of the original MNLF central committee joined hands to elect Abul Khayr Alonto as their chairman. Alonto has called on Misuari to support the establishment of the Bangsamoro government.

 

The OIC still recognizes Misuari as the chairman of the MNLF.

 

More than a decade since the 1996 peace pact was signed, MNLF leaders say the government has yet to fully implement the deal. (READ: The MILF, the MNLF and 2 peace agreements)

 

Efforts to settle issues between the MILF and the MNLF gained ground after both sides agreed to reactivate the BFC in a meeting in Jeddah on June 16, 2014.

 

Deles welcomed the development.

 

"“This is a positive and very welcome development especially at this juncture of the peace process when the Bangsamoro Basic Law is being deliberated in Congress. We are talking of the same territory and the same people, as such it is good to know that the MILF and MNLF have agreed to consolidate their efforts for peace and development so that all of these can be integrated in the BBL" she said.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/peacetalks/72146-milf-mnlf-bangsamoro-coordination-forum