Saturday, June 13, 2015

2 NPAs killed, 4 others wounded in Bukidnon

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 13): 2 NPAs killed, 4 others wounded in Bukidnon

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – Two communist-New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while four other rebels were reportedly wounded when a fierce gun battle erupted anew between government forces and communist insurgents in the mountainous area of Kitaotao town in Bukidnon province, a sketchy report reaching the advance command post of the Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4thInfantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID) here yesterday said.

It said that one of the fatalities was an amazon. Identities of the slain and wounded rebels were not immediately available.

As of press time, troops from the Eighth Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Lennon Babilonia, which is being closely supervise of their tactical movements by the 403rd Infantry Brigade, were still pursuing some 40 NPAs who fled towards the provincial borders of Bukidnon, Agusan and Davao.

These government troops were pursuing the regular fighters of the guerrilla-Front Committee 53 under certain “Commander Yudi” of the CPP-NPA North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The rebels were the same group that allegedly abandoned their temporary encampment after a fierce gun battle on Wednesday at Sitio Nabunturan, Barangay Sampaguita, in Kibawi town also where one Army soldier was killed while seven other soldiers were wounded.

“Our ground commanders are being directed by the 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao to step up their pursuit operations without let up against the fleeing rebels in the mountainous areas of Bukidnon,” said 4th ID Public Affairs Officer Capt. Joe Patrick Joe Martinez, on Friday.

Combat pilots of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Tactical Operations Group (TOG) have also been mobilized to extend air cover to the pursuing ground troops in Bukidnon province.

Meanwhile, Martinez claimed that the fleeing NPAs belonged the same group which had members with standing warrants of arrest for allegedly burning heavy construction equipments along the national highway in Quezon town, also in Bukidnon province last March 9, 2015.

http://www.mb.com.ph/2-npas-killed-4-others-wounded-in-bukidnon/

'Mountain of distrust hampers GRP-NDF peace talks'

From ABS-CBN (Jun 13): 'Mountain of distrust hampers GRP-NDF peace talks'



Norwegian Special Envoy to the Philippine peace process Elisabeth Slåttum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited the need for local intiatives on peacebuilding in a forum held in Oslo Photo by Macel Ingles

Norwegian Special Envoy to the Philippine peace process Elisabeth Slåttum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said civil society should put pressure on the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) to return to the negotiating table to address the substantive agenda in the peace process.

In a local peace forum on peace-building in the Philippines held in Oslo last June 5, Slåttum underscored the importance played by civil society, peace NGOs, civic and church organizations in pushing for the historic peace treaty signed in March 2014 between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"(The GRP-NDF peace talks) is a lonely process and civil society is what we need. There should be a formal mechanism between the (negotiating) table and the ground. This is important to pressure (negotiating) parties to stay on the table and feel ownership of the process," Slåttum said.

She cited the case of the Colombia peace process where three formal mechanisms were used to include civil society in the process: university-led people’s consultations were held where recommendations on land reform were submitted to the negotiating parties, a website was opened where the public could write their suggestions to the process, and sending of experts to the negotiating table in the Havana talks between the Colombian government and the guerrilla group, Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC).

"To have a sustainable peace, we need inclusion," Slåttum further said, but also warned that too much inclusion may also disrupt the process so "balance is needed".

She also admitted that the peace process involving the GRP and the NDF has more downs than ups in the last 15 years and has been bogged down by procedural questions such as terrorist listing, ceasefire conditions, and releases of political prisoners.

"On the substantive agenda, things have not progressed (and) that is where we want to have more progress," she pointed out.

She added the talks have also been hampered by the "mountain of distrust" between the two parties and that this needs to be addressed for the talks to move forward.

However, she expressed optimism that the talks will continue as Norway remains open to exploratory talks with both parties but also is not sure if the country "can get the parties back to the table and make that commitment" to move the process forward at this time.

"We should not lose faith, but it is important to be prepared when the time is right," she emphasized in the meeting and reminded everyone that "the peace process is a marathon and not a sprint".

NDF STILL OPEN TO TALKS

Meanwhile, NDF Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison, in an online interview told ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau that the NDF is still open to exploratory talks with the Philippine government.

"Ang NDFP handa pa rin makipag-usap sa GPH,” Sison wrote to this reporter. He also said that this will be communicated to the Norwegian envoy in a letter to be sent by Louie Jalandoni, head of the NDF Peace Negotiating Panel.

"(Jalandoni ) just recommended to the NDFP National Executive Committee that the exploratory talks be continued in Oslo between the NDFP and GPH teams," Sison added.

However, he also pointed out that "the filing of charges against Louie and the arrest of [NDFP consultant Adelberto] Silva and others in quick succession are all malicious and vicious and prejudice the continuance of the aforesaid exploratory talks."

He also warned that "they can push the NDFP National Executive Committee to stop or delay the holding of the exploratory talks. However, Louie and I have not withdrawn our recommendations to let the exploratory talks continues".

"These talks are still the way to discuss and agree on how to effect truce and cooperation and the compliance with existing agreements, especially JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) and CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law)," Sison added.

"In this regard, the NDFP panel and consultants fully agree with the desire of the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) as third party facilitator that exploratory talks continue. Elisabeth (Slåttum) is doing excellent work in encouraging the NDFP and the GPH to continue the talks," he further added.

The RNG has served as third party facilitator to the peace talks since 2001. The last formal talks was last held in 2011 where optimism was high after the Philippine government panel chief negotiator announced that a peace pact can be signed within 5 years. Since then, the process had been marred by ceasefire demands from the government panel and the arrests of NDF consultants.

The NDFP is the umbrella organization of several revolutionary groups in the Philippines including the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). It has been waging an armed communist struggle in the Philippines in the past four decades and is considered to be one of the longest running communist movements in the world.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/06/13/15/mountain-distrust-hampers-grp-npf-peace-talks

KFR groups using illegals as informers in ESSzone: Intelligence officer

From the Sun Daily (Jun 13): KFR groups using illegals as informers in ESSzone: Intelligence officer

Kidnapping for Ransom (KFR) groups are believed to be using illegals as informers to commit cross-border crimes in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), according to Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Intelligence assistant chief of staff Supt Che Aris Bakar.

He said all quarters, especially communities in the Esszone, must stand shoulder to shoulder to help the government clear illegals from the area.

The traditional KFR targets, he said, were those involved in cagefish rearing, fishing platforms and seaweed growing activities, fishermen, anglers besides people taking up sailing.

"What is worrying is that now the targets of the KFR groups, who are active in the southern Philippines, are those on land such as what took place at the Ocean King Restaurant, Sandakan.

"The kidnapping in Sandakan was masterminded by insiders who are had good knowledge of the situation in the area and the individuals to be targeted.

Clearly, Esscome is facing illegals who are already in Sabah and act as informants," he said.

Aris, who represented Esscom Commander, Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, said this at a question-and-answer session in an "ESSCom and the Kunak Fishing Community" programme at the Kunak Rest House, near here, today.

Aris also urged the fishing community to be alert when at sea as they were also the targets of KFR.
"Fishermen must be alert about their surroundings including abiding by the security forces' directives if there were any threats at sea.

They must also always have their identification documents with them to facilitate monitoring by the security forces," he said.

On the curfew enforced in six districts in Esszone, he said it was aimed at ensuring the waters in the districts were under control and secure.

Aris also urged the people not to question the appropriateness of the integrated operations which were coordinated by Esscom to hunt down illegals in Esszone, but to give their solid support to the security forces for the common good.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1458223

Accused in Burnham kidnapping released on Independence Day

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 14): Accused in Burnham kidnapping released on Independence Day

Martin and Gracia Burnham

US hostages Gracia Burnham (L) and her husband Martin Burnham (R) are seen in this video footage dated 25 November 2001 and shown on local GMA television 04 February 2002. AFP FILE PHOTO
One of the accused in the kidnapping of American couple Martin and Gracia Burnham was set free on Independence Day.

 Commissioner Edilwassif Baddiri of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) said Kudairi Paraja Abdulla, 35, of Lampinigan village in Isabela City, was officially discharged from the Special Intensive Care Area 1 of Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig on Friday.

 Baddiri said Abdulla’s release was ordered by the court handling the Burnham kidnapping case after witnesses failed to identify him as among Abu Sayyaf members involved in the 2002 Dos Palmas incident.

 Dozens of Abu Sayyaf gunmen raided the Palawan resort and snatched several people including the Burnhams.

 Martin would later die in a botched military operation aimed at rescuing him.

 “The witnesses could not say he was among the suspects,” Baddiri said.

 Abdulla was arrested by authorities in his village in Isabela City last year.

 He was briefly placed under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) here before being moved to Bicutan.

 He has maintained that he was an ordinary fisherman and had never had any link with the bandit group.

 Speaking to the Inquirer, Abdulla said his release was a cause for celebration.

 “This is the happiest day for me. I’m preparing apam apam (pancake) and coffee to celebrate,” he said.

 Abdulla said he could not understand to this day why he got implicated in the Burnham kidnapping.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/698322/accused-in-burnham-kidnapping-released-on-independence-day

MILF: “We welcome enhancement and improvement of BBL” : Chairman Iqbal

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 12): “We welcome enhancement and improvement of BBL” : Chairman Iqbal

“We welcome enhancement and improvement of BBL” : Chairman Iqbal

Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel in a news forum at Malate, Manila said yesterday, June 11 that “the position of the MILF is very clear. Knowing fully well the mandate of congress. . . its plenary powers, we welcome enhancement and improvement of the Bangsamor Basic Law (BBL). We leave to congress how to do that”.

He said that the secessionist group is open to moves of Congress to enhance or improve the proposed BBL but disagrees with the plan of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to just amend Republic Act No. 9054, the Organic Law of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), instead of pushing the proposed BBL.

Iqbal said the MILF leadership will decide whether to accept or reject the BBL after its enactment, but right now the MILF is leaving no stone unturned for its passage. “We have extensive engagements with legislators, so we cannot blame ourselves later on.”

 “Let Senator Bongbong Marcos do what makes him happy,” Iqbal stressed.

 Iqbal made it clear he has full respect for the Marcos scion, but beg to disagree with his plans to amend the ARMM Law.

“So, my personal view, is what makes Senator Bongbong Marcos happy, let him just do it,” Iqbal, a member of the MILF Central Committee and chairman of its Information Committee, said.

Iqbal also said that the proposed BBL is a product of 17 years of peace negotiations with the Philippine government (GPH), three major wars, so many battles, and thousands of deaths.

“Then, all of a sudden one man comes up and undo the work of many,” Iqbal said.

“This time I don’t believe that one man is better than many,” said Iqbal, alluding to the 15 members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), consisting of eight representatives from the MILF and seven from government; legal luminaries, Malacañang legal counsels, among others who went through the draft BBL.

He said there were many who crafted the BBL, so what can one man do, what would be his basis.
The MILF leader added that those who crafted the BBL knew what they were doing, adding the BTC has members from the Moro ethnic groups, Indigenous People (IP), a Christian, and some lawyers.

Iqbal reiterated that what has been said by MILF leaders on the BBL. “No BBL is better than a bad BBL. What Marcos is going to do just amend ARMM law is not acceptable,” he said.

Iqbal said a Supreme Court decision thumbed down the ARMM as only an administrative region, not autonomous.

So what is lacking in the ARMM, and the best in the ARMM were incorporated in the BBL when it was drafted.

Iqbal said he heard he was being invited by Marcos to join him in coming up with an amendatory law. However, Iqbal said he is not inclined to accept the invitation, though there is no official word yet from the senator, whose father is being blamed by Moros for the Mindanao conflict and many massacres of Moros at the height of the war.

Iqbal recalled that the primary objective of the peace talks between the Moro groups with the government, starting with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the 1970s, was to resolve the Mindanao conflict and address the aspiration of the Bangsamoro people for self-determination.
It means self-governance, said the MILF leader.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/417-we-welcome-enhancement-and-improvement-of-bbl-chairman-iqbal

MILF: MILF official hits Congress for deleting opt-in provision

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 12): MILF official hits Congress for deleting opt-in provision

MILF official hits Congress for deleting opt-in provision

An outspoken official member of the MILF central leadership has criticized the Lower House of Congress for deleting the opt-in provision in the original the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

Khaled Musa, deputy chair of the MILF information department, had told Luwaran that this act of the Lower House could trigger negative reactions, not only from the rank-and-file of the MILF but also from the Bangsamoro people themselves.

“Our people are not happy with the report of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Lower House,” he said, adding that over-all it is 50 percent bad.

He warned Congress of the dire consequences of their decision, which deprived of Moros and indigenous peoples in “contiguous and proximate” areas to become part of the Bangsamoro territory in the future.

He explained that even with that opt-in provision in the BBL, migrants’ cities and provinces in Mindanao do not stand the chance of being part of the Bangsamoro, because only Moros and indigenous peoples are extended such privilege.

He said Congress has given legitimate reason for those outside of the Bangsamoro to assert their rights in many ways, which he did not elaborate.

He also echoed the earlier statement of Sheikh Mohammad Muntassir, chair of the MILF Da’wah Committee, that the deletion of the original provision of the BBL on natural resources and it reclassified them as all “strategic minerals including all potential sources of energy”, and therefore, the Bangsamoro has no clear share in the revenues is a serious violation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“This is unacceptable,” he warned.

Musa appealed to Congress to restore the original provision of the BBL on fossil fuel and metallic minerals.

He also appealed to Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, and reportedly a lawyer of the energy sector in Mindanao, to be fair at all times.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/416-milf-official-hits-congress-for-deleting-opt-in-provision

China sending nuclear subs

From the Manila Times (Jun 13): China sending nuclear subs

Yes, Yes We Could be Wrong  Military historian Jose Antonio Custodio (left) gestures as he stresses a point to journalists at Saturday’s media forum in Quezon city as former Beijing bureau chief of ABC News Chito Sta. Romana listens. Photo By Mike De Juan

Yes, Yes We Could be Wrong
Military historian Jose Antonio Custodio (left) gestures as he stresses a point to journalists at Saturday’s media forum in Quezon city as former Beijing bureau chief of ABC News Chito Sta. Romana listens. Photo By Mike De Juan
 
Undersea patrols in West Philippine Sea may roll out by yearend
 
China is reportedly aiming to secure air superiority over the West Philippine Sea to enhance its ability to thwart military maneuvers, especially surveillance flights by the US Navy, in the disputed areas, a Japanese newspaper report quoting security experts say.

According to a Yomiuri Shimbun report quoting Hideaki Kaneda, director of the Okazaki Institute and a former admiral in the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), China will deploy at least two Jin-class nuclear-powered submarines on patrol missions to the West Philippine Sea from its base in the Hainan island in mainland China before the end of the year.

The Chinese submarines are armed with JL-2 ballistic missiles which are estimated to have a range of 7,000 kilometers.

Yoji Koda, a former commander in chief of the JMSDF, said: the US will try to contain the Chinese submarines within the West Philippine Sea but if the entire South China Sea totally comes under Chinese control, it will dramatically change the military balance in the area.

The Yomiuri Shimbun quoted security experts as saying China’s “covert purpose” is for it to be able to advance its nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines from the West Philippine Sea into the Pacific Ocean in the future.

“China will establish an ADIZ (air defense identification zone) along the area it claims as its territory and call for the aircraft of other countries to comply with its directives when flying in the ADIZ, as it does in the case of the East China Sea,” a Japanese defense ministry official said.

Raw nerve

 In a media forum in Quezon City in the Philippines on Saturday, a Filipino expert on China affairs said Beijing touched a “raw nerve” when it embarked on a massive island-building in occupied territories in the West Philippine Sea.

“China’s island-building was to just undermine the arbitration case filed by the Philippines and circumvent the future UN ruling, but they have now touched on a raw nerve, a strategic nerve that greatly affected the US,” Chito Sta. Romana told journalists.

“If they finish their various protective structures in the islands and put military facilities there, how will we drive them out even if we win the UN case?”

Sta. Romana, former chief of the Beijing bureau of the American network giant ABC news, said China “miscalculated” Washington’s reaction on the massive land reclamation.

He said the Chinese were only expecting another diplomatic protest from Manila – which they could easily brush aside — but the discovery of the massive land expansion sounded alarm bells in Washington.

“The were not expecting the US would react this way. So the Chinese made a tactical and strategic miscalculation,” Sta Romana said.

The Pentagon is expecting the Chinese to complete its island-building by 2017 or 2018. When completed, Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, which will feature a 3,000 meter runway, would serve as a forward operation and supply base of the Chinese military.

The Kagitingan installation could also serve as an air detachment where mid-to-long range bombers and fighter jets would be pre-positioned.

“Possessing a 3,000-meter-class runway in the vast South China Sea would be very significant. If operated in combination with port and fuel storage facilities, the runway could serve as an operation and supply base for bombers.

“The entire area of the South China Sea could be covered by operating China’s military mainstay Su-30 fighters and H-6 bombers, which have operational ranges of about 1,500 kilometers and 1,800 kilometers respectively. This would make it easier to secure air superiority. If the artificial island were to become a base for fighter jets, China would be able to increase pressure on the US military, among others,” the Yomiuri Shimbun report said.

Topographical reasons

 The report added that aside from being an important sea-lane, Beijing gives more importance to the West Philippine Sea because of topographical reasons, in addition to its interest in securing natural gas and other resources.

“The South China Sea is characterized by its depth. In contrast to the East China Sea, which has a depth of about 200 meters up to the Okinawa trough, the South China Sea has a complicated topographical formation with a maximum depth of about 4,000 meters. This helps enhance ‘the degree of freedom of action’ for submarines, indispensable for offshore military operations when seeking to evade the enemy,” the report said.

Hideaki Kaneda, director of the Okazaki Institute and a former admiral in the Japanese Self-Defense Maritime Force, said topographical conditions in the West Philippine Sea make it a ‘sanctuary’ from possible military attacks.

“Submarines on a mission can quickly submerge in deep waters,” he said.

The US Navy has been conducting surveillance missions in the West Philippine Sea using various means including the use of P-8A Poseidon aircraft which is equipped with state-of-the-art undersea detection systems. The aircraft gained prominence when it recently allowed a CNN news crew to join a surveillance mission that was repeatedly challenged by the Chinese navy. The same aircraft was spotted on a low-level flight when the Chinese coast guard attempted to block a Philippine supply boat with journalists on board that was on its way to the Ayungin Shoal to bring supplies and provisions to the nine Philippine Marine troopers stationed in a grounded navy ship in 2014
Both incidents escalated tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Security experts said that because of this, the Chinese aims to secure air superiority to interrupt aerial surveillance activities by US forces as well as resupply and reprovisioning flights conducted by the Philippine Air Force.

Caught in a bind

 Sta. Romana said the elevation of the dispute from a purely Manila-Beijing issue into a Washington-Beijing concern has made China furious.

“They are caught in a bind. China will continue with the reclamation but they might moderate their moves because if the Chinese would bring in anti-ship missiles or anti-air missiles, this would be a different story,” he said.

Sta. Romana said China is not seeking full-blown confrontation with the US because the Chinese —which is yet to attain a middle-income country status— does not have the capability to beat the Americans militarily.

“If China will go on a full-scale confrontation over the West Philippine Sea now, they will lose, and a defeat could take them another century to overcome. What they are really doing is like slicing salami in small pieces…a short and sharp conflict. But the problem is, they sliced it too big this time with an airstrip and huge infrastructure and the US was ready to retaliate,” he pointed out.

Military capabilities

 Jose Custodio, a military historian, agreed, noting that Chinese military would really be pale in comparison with that of the United States and that Beijing’s actions are only determined by its capabilities.

“China’s military is not really powerful. In fact, it’s so far from the US.

 We saw that they were building structures. They are making a push, but their military capabilities are not yet there. They won’t push it too hard.

 There are limitations on what they can do for the time being,” he said.

“There is only one country that gets confused with China’s military capabilities, and that is the Philippines. The Americans are battle tested, while China’s military reputation is just hype—a hype that could also be created by the Americans to justify their actions in the West Philippine Sea,” Custodio added.

http://www.manilatimes.net/china-sending-nuclear-subs/191651/

3ID says 9 provinces peaceful, ready for development

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 12): 3ID says 9 provinces  peaceful, ready for development

Nine provinces in the area of responsibility of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army have been declared peaceful and ready for further development.

The peace and order development was achieved after the province of Negros Occidental was declared peaceful and the Negrenses are ready for further development thru a resolution that was unanimously approved by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Negros Occidental last June 10.

The eight other provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Negros Oriental, Guimaras, Cebu and Siquijor have earlier manifested their desire for sustainable peace and development.

“These gains in peace and security efforts must be sustained and we can do this by working together in the spirit of Bayanihan,” said 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

The declaration is a manifestation that the peace and order situation of the province has significantly improved, the PPOC and the respective security measures are effectively functioning, and that its people has become aware and resilient, accepting their shared responsibility against threats and risks to public order and safety.

During the 3IDs founding anniversary celebration last May at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta, Jr. in Jamindan town, Philippine Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri said that when the provinces have been declared peaceful and ready for development, the threats on these areas have become inconsequential.

The top army official also noted that 3ID is one of the most accomplished Division of the Philippine Army which has fulfilled its commitment to secure its area of responsibility and clear the community of enemy influence.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1001434027770/3id-s-says-9-provinces-peaceful-ready-for-development

GPH, MILF set stage for start of normalization process

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 14): GPH, MILF set stage for start of normalization process

Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiators have expressed hope that Phase 1 of the decommissioning process scheduled on Tuesday, June  16 will be seen by all stakeholders as the beginning of genuine peace in Mindanao.

Government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer in a press conference on Thursday said the peace panel had sent out invitations for the ceremonial decommissioning of MILF weapons to everyone involved in the peace process, especially members of Congress.

“Although it’s a ceremonial program, it signals something that took a long time to prepare both the hearts and minds of the people who are involved in this process,” she added.

The decommissioning of 75 weapons and of 145 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) is part of the normalization program that were listed and to be implemented under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Ferrer stressed that Phase 1 of the decommissioning process is very important because the 145 MILF combatants who have agreed to undergo the initial stage will serve as pioneers and help gauge the success rate of the normalization process.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, who was also present during the press conference, assured that even if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is delayed, they will comply with the initial phase of the graduated decommissioning of MILF forces and their weapons.

“We will see to it that we will comply with our obligations. We have to undertake this whether the BBL is moving in Congress or not,” Iqbal said.

He added saying, “honestly there’s no other way but to have peace in Mindanao. (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1781434193350/gph-milf-set-stage-for-start-of-normalization-process

WSWS responds to Joma Sison and the Philippine Maoists

From the World Socialist Web Site (Jun 13): WSWS responds to Joma Sison and the Philippine Maoists
 
On June 5 the World Socialist Web Site published an article exposing how the Philippine Maoists were engaged in war-mongering against China and were “playing a vital role in the service of US imperialism.”

The context is Washington’s sharp escalation of pressure on Beijing over the South China Sea, including the threat to fly military aircraft within the 12-mile territorial limit around Chinese-controlled atolls. Philippine President Benigno Aquino has supported the US to the hilt, last week comparing China to Nazi Germany.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its legal front organizations, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), were stung by the WSWS analysis because it exposed their machinations on behalf of Washington to the Philippine working class.

On June 7, Renato Reyes, the secretary general of BAYAN, posted a link to the article on Facebook, announcing simply, “This article is stupid and ignorant.”

Within hours, Joma Sison, the head of the CPP, responded to Reyes on Facebook. “You need to immediately spread the position of P1NAS opposing the violations of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity by both the US and China.”

He continued, “The World Socialist web [sic] is Trotskyite. It is always anti-CPP and anti-communist. Prove to everyone that you are not one-sided for any interfering foreign power, but rather are for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in accordance with the UN Charter and UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea].”

On June 12, Renato Reyes wrote a brief response, repeating the defense that BAYAN was opposed to both the US and China in defense of national sovereignty. He then asks the World Socialist Web Site, “when are you going to oppose China’s violations of our sovereignty? Or do you think it is a non-issue?”

The responses of Sison and Reyes graphically expose the class orientation of the CPP. Neither makes any effort to deny that they are promoting a war against China in the name of national sovereignty and the UNCLOS. This is the preoccupation of the Philippine bourgeoisie.

The CPP is a bourgeois political party, staffed with petty-bourgeois operatives who work in the service of bourgeois interests. There is not the slightest trace of a socialist perspective in their politics. They have no concern for, and they make no reference to, the working class.

Socialists are not indifferent to the question of national sovereignty in relation to oppressed countries such as the Philippines, but it is entirely subordinate to the development of the international unity and independent organization of the working class.

The task of Philippine workers is the defense of the working class in every country against the war-drive of US imperialism and the predations of international finance capital. This is only possible through the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism, including the criminal Stalinist regime in Beijing.

The hostility of Sison and Reyes to Trotskyism and the WSWS underscores the fundamentally opposed class perspective of Maoism, which is based on nationalism and has always been oriented to the national bourgeoisie.

The CPP’s frothing support for national sovereignty is aimed at subordinating the working class and oppressed masses to the most right-wing sections of the Philippine bourgeoisie, who seek to advance their venal interests by embracing the former colonial ruler, calling for the return of US military bases and promoting the US war drive against China.

The CPP has all but abandoned its previous empty demagogy against US imperialism. BAYAN has stated that it is opposed to the US basing deal because there is no guarantee that the US will go to war on behalf of the Philippines in the South China Sea. In other words, if Washington provided such an assurance, they would welcome new American bases with open arms.

Moreover, the CPP and its front organizations have taken it upon themselves to provoke war. Sison has called for the modernization and expansion of the Philippine Armed Forces. At the same time, he has written, because the Philippines “cannot as yet wage naval, air and missile warfare,” other means of fighting China are needed.

Sison called for the “broad masses of the Filipino people” to “disable and dismantle the enterprises of any hostile imperialist power.” He added in an interview that “they only need to have a patriotic will, a lighter or match box and cans of petrol to disable or even destroy any unwanted enterprise.”

The CPP is threatening to target terrorist violence at the ethnic Chinese Filipino community, as an examination of the speeches of CPP front organization leaders makes clear.

In protests outside the Chinese embassy on June 4, Elmer Labog, the chair of the CPP labor union umbrella Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) delivered a speech in which he race-baited Filipino businessmen of Chinese ancestry, drawing attention to their surnames. “It’s no surprise that the largest Filipino-Chinese millionaire, last name Henry Sy, is colluding with those Chinese to exploit our labor power.”

Labog was followed by Tonying Flores, secretary general of the CPP’s peasant wing, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). His anti-Chinese racism was particularly vile. “Why are these Chinese here in the Philippines?” he asked. “From toothpick factories, corner bakeries ( panaderia ), and barbershops to the malls, we now see it’s almost all owned by Chinese.”

He denounced a string of Chinese surnames, and accused them of owning all of the country’s transportation and controlling all of the land, which should belong to the Filipino peasants. He concluded, “We need to kick the Chinese out of our country.”

The majority of Filipinos of Chinese ancestry are workers. Most were born and have lived their entire lives in the country. Throughout history, they have been marginalized and at times subjected to pogroms whipped up by the ruling class. The CPP has now taken on the role of fomenting violent chauvinism against this vulnerable population.

On June 12, Sison reiterated this call, threatening that “the patriotic and progressive forces of the Filipino” would undertake “a wide range of revolutionary punitive actions.”

The CPP is openly aligning itself with “patriotic” sections of the bourgeoisie—i.e., to the most reactionary, militarist layers.

On June 8, Bayan and several other CPP front organizations joined with a group of former Senators to establish a new political coalition, Pilipinong Nagkakaisa para sa Soberanya (P1NAS) [Filipinos United for Sovereignty]. On June 12, they staged rallies outside both the Chinese and US embassies.

Who are these people? They are headed by:

Rene Saguisag, the former Senator and defense attorney of former President Joseph Estrada. He called last year for the United States to place a military base in the disputed Spratly islands.

Ernesto Maceda, former executive secretary under Ferdinand Marcos and ambassador to the United States under President Joseph Estrada.

Leticia Ramos Shahani, sister of former President Fidel Ramos and a former senator. She voted in 1991 to extend the lease of US bases in the country.

These new allies of the CPP are the longstanding friends of US imperialism. P1NAS issued a statement announcing that they “vehemently oppose” China and are “wary” of the United States. This lopsided press statement reflects the politics of the organization and of the CPP itself.

The CPP is bent on mobilizing its social base behind the US drive to war against China in the name of national sovereignty, while attempting to maintain the appearance of independence from Washington.

For workers and the urban and rural poor of the Philippines, what is at stake is not a question of national sovereignty, but rather one of class. The only way in which the working class can stop the drive to war and the relentless attacks on its living standards is to establish its political independence from all factions of the bourgeoisie and mobilise the peasantry in the fight for political power. A workers’ and peasants’ government must be established to implement socialist policies as part of the struggle for socialism internationally.

The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) alone fights for this perspective and for the interests of the working class.

 http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2015/06/13/phil-j13.html

PH flags raised in disputed sea

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 13): PH flags raised in disputed sea

PHILIPPINE flags were raised in two territories in the contested waters of the South China Sea in observation of the country’s 117th  Independence Day and in defiance of China’s claim to the same islands.

Two separate flag raising ceremonies were held on the islet of Sierra Madre and Pagasa Island, both of which are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone near the Palawan frontier, said Armed Forces Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Harold Babunoc.

In Sierra Madre, Filipino troops manning the islet hoisted the flag, while local government officials led by Mayor Bitoonon led the ceremony on Pagasa Island.

“The raising of flags in both Philippine territories is a glaring display of the presence of our troops deployed in the area and to show ownership to both areas,” Cabunoc said.

He described the ceremony as a manifestation of nationalism of the troops despite the aggressive behavior of China in the South China Sea.

“Our soldiers are prepared to defend these territories from any armed aggression,” Cabunoc said.

Philippine flags were also raised in all Navy detachments facing the South China Sea.

China has claimed the entire disputed chain of islets, reefs and shoals believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits, and is extensively reclaiming land in these contested areas.

China had also enforced an air defense identification zone to prohibit any aircraft from hovering over the disputed areas.

China’s flexing of muscles in the South China Sea has prompted the US government to send surveillance planes to the area to monitor Beijing’s activities.

Last week the G7 countries also chided China for its reclamation operations in the disputed territories.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/13/ph-flags-raised-in-disputed-sea/

Photo: Security drill

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 14): Photo: Security drill

 

A number of Army soldiers were deployed to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on Saturday as part of a security drill. DANNY PATA

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/14/security-drill/

Video: 2 soldiers hurt in ambush by alleged NPA in North Cotabato

From GMA News (Jun 13): Video: 2 soldiers hurt in ambush by alleged NPA in North Cotabato

 Two soldiers were injured in an ambush by suspected members of the New People's Army in North Cotabato on Friday, a report from GMA's “News TV Live” said Saturday.
[Video report]

According to the report, the encounter happened in Barangay Noah in Magpet on Friday morning.
 
The Army said the 57th Infantry Battalion came from an outreach program prior to the encounter.
 
One of the injured soldiers is in critical condition. 

NPA raid on Catbalogan jail leaves inmate dead, 3 jail officers wounded

From GMA News (Jun 13): NPA raid on Catbalogan jail leaves inmate dead, 3 jail officers wounded

The New People's Army attacked an office of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Catbalogan City, Samar on Saturday morning, klilling an inmate and leaving three jail officers injured, provincial police said.
 
According to the Samar provincial police, the raid at the BJMP office in Barangay Lagundi happened at 3:30 a.m. was preceded by explosions from improvised bombs.
 
Citing a statement from Senior Jail Officer 3 Edwin Tolibas, the police said around 30 NPA fighters then entered the office.
 
"Yung pader mismo pinasabog nila, malaki ang butas. Doon sila pumasok. Maganda naman actually yung pader ng facility, hindi talaga basta-basta mapapasok, kaso ayun pinasabugan nila ng IED," S/Supt. Nolasco Bathan, Samar provincial police chief said.
 
Inmate Roy Yangzon was killed in the attack while Tolibas, JO1 Mark de Guzman and JO2 Ismael Palajos were injured. 
 
The NPA took an M16 rifle, a cal.38 pistol, a 9-mm pistol, and three shotguns, Bathan said.
 
Samar police and the Army 8th Infantry Division have sent personnel to go after the rebels, who withdrew to a mountainous area in the north, he also said.
 
Bathan said the NPA has been focusing hitting soft — or lightly secured — targets.
 

DND: West PHL Sea video to instill nationalism in defense of sovereignty

From GMA News (Jun 13): DND: West PHL Sea video to instill nationalism in defense of sovereignty

 Beijing may find Manila's video production on the West Philippine Sea offensive, but the Philippine Defense Department sees the documentary as a tool to instill nationalism among Filipinos and to raise their awareness of the issues surrounding disputed marine areas now under the shadow of China's ambitious ownership claim.

Commenting on the video aired last Friday on Philippine government-run television channel, the Department of National Defense on Saturday said the documentary would help Filipinos know more about their country.

In a text message to GMA News Online, DND spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said while he has yet to watch the film, he has heard about it.

"We believe the important thing for us today is for every Filipino to know more about our beloved country and the issues that we face," he said.

Also he said, "As the country's defense sector we continue to work hand in hand with our countrymen in resolving security issues and defending our sovereignty."

Aired by state-run PTV 4, the documentary appears designed to foster nationalism among Filipinos and drive home the urgency of the importance of defending its off-shore territories in the waters wholly claimed by China.

"Kalayaan" (Freedom) is a three-part series that tackles the economic, historical, and legal aspects of the country’s claims over a part of the resource-rich waters it calls West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety.

For his part, Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose allayed fears that the documentary would further antagonize China.

The launch of the first episode, entitled "Karapatan sa Karagatan" or Maritime Right coincided with the country’s observance of its 117th Independence Day. The second and third episodes will be aired in late June and early July, respectively.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/503418/news/nation/dnd-west-phl-sea-video-to-instill-nationalism-in-defense-of-sovereignty

Palace thankful to US commitment of support

From GMA News (Jun 13): Palace thankful to US commitment of support

Malacañang on Saturday said it is thankful to the United States for reaffirming its commitment of support for the Philippines.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte was referring to the statement by US State Secretary John Kerry issued on June 12 as Filipinos marked the Philippines' 117th Independence Day.

"We're very thankful for the reaffirmation of commitment of our longtime friend and strategic partner the United States, as we celebrate Independence Day," she said on state-run dzRB radio.

Kerry, in his message, sent Filipinos his best wishes as they celebrated Independence Day last Friday.

He said the friendship between the United States and the Philippines "continues due to our shared goals of spreading democracy and democratic values."

"As you celebrate across the archipelago, the United States stands with you as an unwavering ally, partner and friend. May the Philippines continue to teach the world lessons in resilience, accountability, and democracy," he said.

Kerry also said Friday was a "celebration of voices" – of those who died standing shoulder to shoulder with US troops in World War II protecting global freedom; victims of Typhoon Yolanda; and the "thousands of dedicated, hardworking, and resilient Filipinos living overseas, and the voices of our youth."

"These united voices, alongside our own, have created a proud history and an enduring alliance with the Philippines," he said.

Also, Kerry said the US applauds Philippine efforts in the fight against climate change, in raising awareness of the need for disaster preparation, and as host of APEC this year.

"We recognize the Philippines’ fight against violent extremism and efforts to strengthen further our economic ties. Our shared democratic values, growing trade and investment, and strong people-to-people ties will continue to unite our countries," he added.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/503422/news/nation/palace-thankful-to-us-commitment-of-support

MILF on House, Senate BBL drafts: ‘Not acceptable”

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 14): MILF on House, Senate BBL drafts: ‘Not acceptable”

By all indications, the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will reject both the Senate and House versions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) even as its officials indicated that the rebel group has not made a final decision on whether or not it will back the bill.

MILF chairman Mohagher Iqbal said in the MILF’s luwaran Web site that “the position of the MILF is very clear. Knowing fully well the mandate of Congress. . . its plenary powers, we welcome enhancement and improvement of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). We leave to Congress how to do that.”

He, nonetheless, said the secessionist group disagreed with the plan of Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., chairman of the Senate local governments committee which is deliberating on the BBL, to just amend Republic Act 9054 or the Organic Law of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as a substitute bill for the BBL.

Iqbal said the MILF leadership will decide whether to accept or reject the BBL after its enactment, but right now the MILF is leaving no stone unturned for its passage.

“We have extensive engagements with legislators, so we cannot blame ourselves later on,” he said.
“Let Senator Bongbong Marcos do what makes him happy,” Iqbal stressed.

An MILF leader also criticized the House version of the BBL or the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR) for deleting the opt-in provision in the Palace draft of the bill.

Khaled Musa, deputy chairman of the MILF information department, told luwaran that this act of the House could trigger negative reactions, not only from the rank-and-file of the MILF but also from the Bangsamoro people themselves.

“Our people are not happy with the report of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Lower House,” he said, adding that over-all “(the bill) is 50 percent bad.”

He warned Congress of the dire consequences of their decision, which deprived of Moros and indigenous peoples in “contiguous and proximate” areas to become part of the Bangsamoro territory in the future.

Iqbal made it clear he has full respect for Marcos but said he disagreed with his plans to amend the ARMM Law.

“So, my personal view, is what makes Senator Bongbong Marcos happy, let him just do it,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal added the proposed BBL is a product of 17 years of peace negotiations with the Philippine government (GPH), three major wars, so many battles, and thousands of deaths.

“Then, all of a sudden one man comes up and undo the work of many,” Iqbal said.

“This time I don’t believe that one man is better than many,” said Iqbal, alluding to the 15 members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), consisting of eight representatives from the MILF and seven from government; legal luminaries, Malacañang legal counsels, among others who went through the draft BBL.

Iqbal added that those who crafted the BBL knew what they were doing, adding the BTC has members from the Moro ethnic groups, Indigenous People (IP), a Christian, and some lawyers.

Iqbal reiterated that what has been said by MILF leaders on the BBL. “No BBL is better than a bad BBL. What Marcos is going to do just amend ARMM law is not acceptable,” he said.

Iqbal said a Supreme Court decision thumbed down the ARMM as only an administrative region, not autonomous.

So what is lacking in the ARMM, and the best in the ARMM were incorporated in the BBL when it was drafted.

Iqbal said he heard he was being invited by Marcos to join him in coming up with an amendatory law. However, Iqbal said he is not inclined to accept the invitation, though there is no official word yet from the senator, whose father is being blamed by Moros for the Mindanao conflict and many massacres of Moros at the height of the war.

Iqbal recalled that the primary objective of the peace talks between the Moro groups with the government, starting with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the 1970s, was to resolve the Mindanao conflict and address the aspiration of the Bangsamoro people for self-determination.
Only for Bangsamoro.

Musa said even with the opt-in provision in the BBL, migrants’ cities and provinces in Mindanao do not stand the chance of being part of the Bangsamoro, because only Moros and indigenous peoples are extended such privilege.

He said Congress has given legitimate reason for those outside of the Bangsamoro to assert their rights in many ways, which he did not elaborate.

He also echoed the earlier statement of Sheikh Mohammad Muntassir, chair of the MILF Da’wah Committee, that the deletion of the original provision of the BBL on natural resources and it reclassified them as all “strategic minerals including all potential sources of energy”, and therefore, the Bangsamoro has no clear share in the revenues is a serious violation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“This is unacceptable,” he warned.

Musa appealed to Congress to restore the original provision of the BBL on fossil fuel and metallic minerals.

He also appealed to Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, and reportedly a lawyer of the energy sector in Mindanao, to be fair at all times.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/milf-on-house-senate-bbl-drafts-not-acceptable

Delfin appeals for Negrenses help

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 13): Delfin appeals for Negrenses help

Col. Francisco Delfin, the newly-installed 303 rd Infantry Brigade commanding officer, yesterday asked for the support of Negrenses in achieving peace in the province.
 
Delfin said he will continue what have been started, particularly the programs implemented by his predecessor, Brig. Gen. Jon Aying.
 
The declaration of Negros Occidental as “Peaceful and Ready for Further Development” is appropriate for this year's theme of the 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration, Delfin said.
 
This year's theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot Kamay na ng Bayan (Triumphs through reforms, within the nation's reach).”
 
“Let us involve the stakeholders in all our activities and enhance everything for a ‘peaceful and ready for development' province,” he said.
 
Delfin said this can be achieved with the help of the leadership of Negros Occidental, especially under the newly-created Negros Island Region.
 
“I will be behind them to help them in their vision for the development of the whole Negros,” he said.
 
Meanwhile, Delfin, who was guest of honor and speaker at the 117 th Independence Day program at the BAYS Center, said “Bayanihan” among all sectors of society is the key to achieve lasting peace and progress in the country.
 
He said that, we, in the military believe that ‘Bayanihan' is the solution to achieve total independence, peace and progress for all Filipino people.
 
Delfin said there are still a few armed groups remaining in the province but they are more in the extortion business.
 
“I will make sure there will be no let up in our operation against them,” he said.
 
Delfin, a member of PMA Class 1985, served as Division Inspector General of the 3 rd Infantry Division before his assignment in Negros.
 
He joined city officials during the celebration of the 117 th Philippine Independence Day yesterday that started with a flag raising ceremony and wreath-laying activity at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
 
The activity was headed by acting Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, Secretary to the Mayor Ramonito Lastima, acting Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, OSCA head Catalino Alisbo and Federation of War Veterans Bacolod president Jerson Juarez.
 
Also present were Bacolod City Police Office Director Senior Supt. Melchor Coronel, representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, DepEd, and other sectors.
 
A civic military parade led by the city officials followed in the afternoon.
 

'Foreign alliances important in sea row with China'

From Rappler (Jun 13): 'Foreign alliances important in sea row with China'

Chanting 'China, go away!' an estimated 400 people from various groups converge in front of the Chinese embassy in Makati City to protest its reclamation in the South China Sea

ANTI-CHINA RALLY. Civil society groups converge in front of the Chinese embassy in Makati City to protest China's reclamation in the South China Sea on June 12, 2015. Photo by Janelle Paris/Rappler

ANTI-CHINA RALLY. Civil society groups converge in front of the Chinese embassy in Makati City to protest China's reclamation in the South China Sea on June 12, 2015. Photo by Janelle Paris/Rappler

Security experts emphasized the importance of the country's foreign alliances in its maritime dispute with China on Philippine Independence Day, June 12.

Rafael Alunan III, head convenor of the West Philippine Sea Coalition and former interior secretary; and Di Ka Pasisiil Movement head and former Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez made the statement at an anti-China rally organized by civil society groups.

Chanting “China, go away!” an estimated 400 people from various groups converged in front of the Chinese consulate in Makati to protest the Asian superpower’s reclamation in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The groups included the West Philippine Sea Coalition, Di Ka Pasisiil Movement, and Martsa Para sa Kalayaan Network.

Satellite images in early 2015 revealed China’s expanded construction of artificial islands in the disputed waters.

Alunan said the Philippines should welcome the support of allies in the regional maritime dispute.

The Philippines and Japan are set to begin discussions on a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which is expected to allow Japanese access to military bases in the Philippines. The Philippines has VFAs with the US and Australia.

Golez expressed support for such military agreements as China grows “more aggressive.” He said that sending foreign forces away would make it “easier for China to swallow us.”

Weak defense posture, strong legal case

Both Alunan and Golez agree that this vulnerability lies primarily in the country’s weak defense posture. “It takes 10 to 15 years to do [build credible deterrence], and we have to have a sense of urgency,” Alunan said.

ALLIANCES NEEDED.Former Parañaque Representative Roil Golez (right) joins the rally. Photo by Janelle Paris/Rappler

ALLIANCES NEEDED.Former Parañaque Representative Roil Golez (right) joins the rally. Photo by Janelle Paris/Rappler

The Philippines is ranked 40th in terms of military strength in Global Firepower’s 2015 Power Index; China is 3rd.

Golez, a former national security adviser, deemed necessary alliances with Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, and the US until the Armed Forces of the Philippines receives enough funding for its modernization.

Although dwarfed in terms of military power, the Philippines has a strong case against China in the legal arena, both advocates believe.

The Philippines filed a case over the disputed waters with the Permanent Arbitration Court in The Hague, The Nethelands, in 2013. The Philippines argues that China’s 9-dash line is groundless under international law, an argument that Vietnam supports.

Alunan said that some land masses being claimed by China are owned neither by China nor the Philippines. (READ: What's stake in our case vs China)

“They are owned by the world as part of the global commons, and [no one has] business trying to control that,” according to Alunan.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/96233-foreign-alliances-ph-china-sea-row

NPA releases 'prisoner of war' to Duterte

From Rappler (Jun 13): NPA releases 'prisoner of war' to Duterte

It is the first time that the New People's Army's Far South Mindanao command has freed a prisoner of war

FREED. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo chats with  Pfc Khen Subere after his release from captivity. All photos by Edwin Espejo/Rappler

FREED. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo chats with Pfc Khen Subere after his release from captivity. All photos by Edwin Espejo/Rappler

KIAMBA, Sarangani – Bad weather did not derail the release by the New People's Army (NPA) of Pfc Khen Subere to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, June 13, in a remote village south of Mindanao.

The 26-year-old Subere was held captive for two months by the communist rebel group. But Ka Dindo, head of the sub-regional committee of the Far South Mindanao Region-NPA command, said their investigation failed to establish Subere’s human rights violations.

The rebel leader said it took them a while to free Subere because of the military operations conducted by the 27th infantry Battalion.

It was the first time the NPA’s regional command has released a "prisoner of war."

Subere appeared to be in good health and in high spirits when he was turned over to Duterte.

Duterte said Subere's parents approached him for help. Subere had a tearful reunion with his parents and two other siblings before he boarded the helicopter with Duterte.

Duterte also served as an intermediary for the NPA and the families of their captives in previous occasions.

RELEASE PAPERS. Ka Dindo, head of the sub-regional committee of the Far South Mindanao Region-NPA command, signs Subere's release papers.

RELEASE PAPERS. Ka Dindo, head of the sub-regional committee of the Far South Mindanao Region-NPA command, signs Subere's release papers.

Turned over to the military

Subere asked that he be brought home, but Duterte said he would turn him over to the 10th Infantry Division. The military unit declared Subere absent without official leave (AWOL) a day after he was captured by the rebels.

“I don’t like idea that you will be declared AWOL (because you were held) hostage,” the mayor said.

Subere was on his way back to the camp after visiting his relatives in Tboli, South Cotabato when the NPA captured him.

He was dropped from the rolls of active enlisted men by 27th Infantry Battalion commander Lt Col Ronald Alcudia on April 23.

The last time the NPA command in the region held prisoners of war was in 2001. The NPA would eventually execute their 4 captives they accused as being government spies.

Peace talks with local communists have failed to end the communist insurgency, the longest in Asia, which has claimed about 30,000 lives by official estimates.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/96289-npa-releases-soldier-duterte

Pentagon again asks China to end island building, seeks more military contact

From InterAksyon (Jun 12): Pentagon again asks China to end island building, seeks more military contact



Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in this still image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft provided by the United States Navy May 21, 2015. REUTERS/US Navy/Handout via Reuters

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter met a top Chinese general on Thursday and repeated a US call for a halt to land reclamation in the South China Sea, while stressing that the Pentagon remained committed to expanding military contacts with China.

In the meeting with General Fan Changlong, a deputy head of China's powerful Central Military Commission, Carter stressed his commitment to developing "a sustained and substantive US-China military-to-military relationship", the Pentagon said.

It said this would be based on a shared desire to deepen cooperation in areas including humanitarian assistance, disaster response, peacekeeping, counter-piracy, as well as "constructive management of differences".

[Read related story: Pentagon chief urges end to island-building in South China Sea]

In reiterating US concerns about tensions in the South China Sea, Carter called on China and all rival claimants to halt land reclamation and militarization of disputed territory, and to pursue a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law, the Pentagon statement said.

Carter also reaffirmed his commitment to reach a consensus by September on a memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing the risk of accidents when the two countries' aircraft operate in close proximity, the statement said.

Fan told Carter that China's construction work in the South China Sea was mostly to improve living conditions in order to better protect its sovereignty. He also said China had a right to build on its own territory and deploy forces there, China's Defense Ministry said.

[Read related story: China rejects US criticism of sea reclamations]

Fan also urged the United States to stop its military activities in the South China Sea.

"The South China Sea issue is only an interlude in Sino-US ties and both sides should look further ahead and pay attention to more important and bigger international and regional issues," it paraphrased Fan as saying.

Fan's visit to the Pentagon was part of a week-long trip to the United States, which will include a meeting with US National Security Adviser Susan Rice at the White House on Friday. Earlier this week, Fan visited the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and US military bases.

Wu Xi, deputy chief of mission at the Chinese embassy in Washington, said on Wednesday that Fan's trip was aimed at preparing the way for a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September.

China protested to the United States last month after a US spy plane with a television crew aboard flew close to artificial islands China has been building in the South China Sea.

The need for an understanding on air operations was shown last year when the Pentagon accused a Chinese fighter pilot of conducting a "dangerous intercept" of a US Navy patrol plane by flying a few yards from the US jet and performing acrobatic maneuvers around it.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/112305/pentagon-again-asks-china-to-end-island-building-seeks-more-military-contact

Japan's involvement in S. China Sea harms improving ties -- China

From InterAksyon (Jun 13): Japan's involvement in S. China Sea harms improving ties -- China

China said that Japanese actions regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea threaten recent improvements in the bilateral relationship, which has begun to relax after several years of heightened tensions.

The comments were the sharpest tongue-lashing Beijing has delivered to Tokyo in months, following an effort by Japan to rally Group of Seven members against China's land reclamation projects and muscle-flexing in the South China Sea.

"The Chinese side expresses severe concerns and indignation about the negative moves taken by the Japanese side," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said during a regular press briefing Friday in response to a question from Chinese state media.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/112344/japans-involvement-in-s--china-sea-harms-improving-ties----china