MILF: BTC receives Turkish delegation

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 27): BTC receives Turkish delegation



Chairman Mohagher Iqbal and several commissioners of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission gladly received a high-level delegation from Turkey on Thursday (June 25) at the BTC office in Cotabato City.

Leading the delegation was Kerim Yildiz who is executive-director of Democratic Progress Institute (DPI), an independent non-governmental organization which seeks “to provide expertise, combining research and practicable approaches to broaden bases for wider public involvement in promoting peace and democracy building.”

The comparative study visit was made to explore knowledge and insights from the Southern Philippines peace process.

In the conversation that lasted four hours, issues on constitutional accommodations, art of negotiation and the protection for minority groups became prominent.

Chairman Iqbal told the delegates that foremost for any negotiator is to have solid control over his or her emotions.

Iqbal narrated how the MILF and GPH have reached the current achievements of the peace process, and expressed hope that the delegation would find insights that can be useful if they face a similar situation.

The 15-person delegation included Members of Parliament from Turkey’s main political parties; as well as policy makers; renowned journalists and media personalities; senior academics and members of Turkey’s Wise Persons Commissio
In the DPI official website, Director Kerim Yildiz stated that ‘this is an important and timely visit which comes at a critical point in the Philippines’ process, in particular in relation to the recent decommissioning of weapons’.

Other BTC commissioners present in the dialogue were Atty. Raisa Jajurie, Timway Melanio Ulama, Froilyn Mendoza, Talib Benito and Ustadz Ibrahim Ali.

Turkey has been active in the GPH-MILF peace process. It sits in the International Contact Group (ICG) together with the governments of United Kingdom, Japan, and Saudi Arabia and four international NGOs.

An international NGO from Turkey is also represented in the Third Party Monitoring Team which monitors compliance of the government and MILF to all signed agreements.

Turkey is also represented in the Independent Decommissioning Body which is chaired by its former diplomat to NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] Ambassador Haydar Berk. The IDB is tasked to oversee the decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons.

The study visit was made possible also by facilitation of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) whose Country Representative Mr. Ali Saleem accompanied the delegation.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/456-btc-receives-turkish-delegation

MILF: JICA conducts preparatory orientation for study mission in Tokyo, Japan

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 28): JICA conducts preparatory orientation for study mission in Tokyo, Japan



The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted preparatory orientation training on the Local Government Code and Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines in cooperation with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) held at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites, Davao City on June 22-24, 2015.

The orientation was aimed to familiarize participants on local government system and election code and preparation of research study in findings best theories, practices and nuances in other developed countries relevant for the enactment of a Bangsamoro Local Government Code and Election Code by the Bangsamoro Parliament. 

The training participants were selected by MILF Central Committee from different provinces/region of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Davao region including four participants from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The activity was facilitated by Ms. Tomoko Yasunaga, Project Coordinator, JICA Cotabato Project Office, Cristina Santiago, Samrah Karon and Nor-enn Sungan.
Ms. Maricris R. Valte, Program Manager of ARMM/Bangsamoro Program Office, DAP; Mr. Alih Sakaluran Aiyub, Project Coordinator for Institutional and Organizational Development, BTC Socio-Economic Office were also part of the facilitators.

The Inspirational message was given by Engr. Mohajirin Ali, Project Director, Comprehensive Capacity Development Program for the Bangsamoro, BTC. He emphasized the importance of this study trip in Japan for a comprehensive preparation and implementation of the commitment of both parties to the peace process with the signing of the implementation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Resource Mobilization and Development is very important component for the Bangsamoro Legislative Body in a parliamentary form of government and in the enactment of relevant various codes. “Ali said“

Resource persons were BTC Commissioner Atty. Raisa Jajurie who presented the overview of Republic Act (RA) 7160, “The 1991 Local Government Code of the Philippines; Upi Mayor Ramon A. Piang, Sr., lectured on Local Governance: The Municipality of Upi Experience.

Atty. Nazir H. Ynawat presented the proposed Bangsamoro Electoral System.  A combination of lecture discussions and workshops were undertaken. The output of the study mission will be used as reference materials for the future Bangsamoro Parliament.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/458-jica-conducts-preparatory-orientation-for-study-mission-in-tokyo-japan

MILF: Moro youth group reasserts Bangsamoro’s exclusive power for protection of Lake Lanao

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 28): Moro youth group reasserts Bangsamoro’s exclusive power for protection of Lake Lanao



A Moro youth group based in Lanao del Sur reasserts the retention of exclusive power of the proposed Bangsamoro government as stipulated in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for the protection and management of inland bodies of water like Lake Lanao.

Drieza Lininding of Bangsamoro of National Movement for Peace and Development (BMNPD) said, “We want to have an Exclusive power on Inland waters that includes Lake Lanao purposely for Protection and Management of our beloved Lake.”

In his facebook account posting, Lininding again aired their advocacy in reaction to Senator Marcos’ plan to delete the provision in the proposed Bangsamoro law that would give the Bangsamoro government control and supervision over Lake Lanao despite the group’s thrice appearance to BBL hearing at the Senate to discuss the issues surrounding Lake Lanao.

In a news item at Manila Bulletin, it said that the Senate Committee on Local Government (chaired by Senator Bongbong Marcos) is poised to delete a provision in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that would give the Bangsamoro government control and supervision over Lake Lanao as this could affect energy security in Mindanao and the entire country as well.

“Lake Lanao is a critical water resource for the entire Mindanao that provides over 50 percent of the energy supply of Mindanao generated from six power plants on the lake’s outlet, Agus River,” Marcos said.

“Thrice I was invited to speak in his committee and thought I explained to him (Marcos) very well the issues surrounding Lake Lanao at least from our perspective, his recent statement showed his ignorance on the draft BBL submitted to Senate,” Lininding said.

He added, “Even the BBL clearly provides in Article 5, section 3 on exclusive powers that when it comes to power generations connected to national transmission grid, the National Government and Bangsamoro shall coordinate and cooperate through the Inter-Governmental Body to be set up.”

Lininding said, “The Bangsamoro government clearly has no control or supervision over the Agus Complex utilizing Lake Lanao contrary to his claim.”

The advocate group chair pointed out, “But we want to have an exclusive power on inland waters that includes Lake Lanao purposely for protection and management of our beloved Lake.”



.....“For decades, control and management of Lake Lanao was under National Power Corporation and national ngencies based in Manila and Cagayan De Oro City, but look what have they done for Lake Lanao? According to experts in 50 years the lake may dry up if this present utilization of Lake Lanao continues.”

Wikipedia stated that Lake Lanao is home to 18 endemic species of cyprinid fish and 42 endemic freshwater crabs.

The lake has an area of 350-square kilometre. It lies between Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

The government had built six hydroelectricity dams along the lake’s only outlet–Agus River.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/457-moro-youth-group-reasserts-bangsamoro-s-exclusive-power-for-protection-of-lake-lanao

Video: Kumander Parago is dead

You Tube video (Jun 28): Kumander Parago is dead



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Uf90CaWr0

Video: NPA Commander Parago Killed in Encounter

From the 5th Civil Relations Group Facebook page (Jun 28): Video: NPA Commander Parago Killed in Encounter

NPA COMMANDER PARAGO KILLED IN ENCOUNTER

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Leoncio Pitao alias Parago, commander of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command (PBC 1) SMRC and one unidentified female rebel were killed in an encounter at Purok 9, Brgy Pañalum, Paquibato District, Davao City around 2:30 this afternoon.

Combined elements of 10ID’s Task Force Minion formed several months ago to capture one of the country’s most notorious NPA leader caught up with Parago’s group triggering a twent...y-minute firefight. Recovered from the encounter site were two (2) M16 Rifles, three (3) backpacks and several rounds of Rifle grenades. The still unidentified slain female rebel is believed to be Parago’s medical aide.

Leoncio Pitao has several standing warrant of arrests for various crimes ranging from murder, multiple frustrated murder and robbery. He gained notoriety as an NPA Leader in Southern Mindanao since late 80’s.

These development came barely two weeks after Pitao’s group encountered government troops in the house of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas – Southern Mindanao Region (KMP-SMR) Secretary General Aida Seisa at Purok 7, Barangay Paradise Embac, Paquibato District, this City where three (3) of his security elements were killed. Militant groups have since claimed that what transpired was a massacre.

Two more NPA Rebels were also killed in a pursuit operation on June 17 in Purok Mangga in the same village.

“After these two encounters with PBC 1, information from local villagers started pouring in which allowed us to track down their movement and activities particularly that of Parago” says Major General Eduardo M Año, Commander of 10th Infantry Agila Division who personally oversees Task Force Minion. “Apparently, the people have been fed up with the group’s banditry and terrorism,” General Año added.
With Parago’s death, NPA Bandits operating in Southern Mindanao is expected to further plunge in a serious leadership crisis following the neutralization of other top NPA leaders early this year.

General Año lauded the combined troops of 1003rd Brigade, 69th Infantry Battalion, 10th Military Intelligence Battalion and Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) for successfully neutralizing one of the country’s most notorious NPA leaders. He further thanked the local community whose information they provided led to the neutralization of Parago.

“Leoncio Pitao alias Parago may have eluded arrest several times but eventually the long arms of the law caught up with him. We hope that with his death, the communities especially in Paquibato District which he has terrorized for a very long time will now experience true and lasting peace.” General Año concluded.

 

https://www.facebook.com/5thcrg/videos/vb.264067300284740/991215587569904/?type=2&theater

NPA Commander Parago Killed in Encounter (Includes photos)

From the 5th Civil Relations Group Website (Jun 28): NPA Commander Parago Killed in Encounter (Includes photos)

Leoncio Pitao alias Parago, commander of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command (PBC 1) SMRC and one unidentified female rebel were killed in an encounter at Purok 9, Brgy Pañalum, Paquibato District, Davao City around 2:30 this afternoon.

Combined elements of 10ID’s Task Force Minion formed several months ago to capture one of the country’s most notorious NPA leader caught up with Parago’s group triggering a twenty-minute firefight. Recovered from the encounter site were two (2) M16 Rifles, three (3) backpacks and several rounds of Rifle grenades. The still unidentified slain female rebel is believed to be Parago’s medical aide.

Leoncio Pitao has several standing warrant of arrests for various crimes ranging from murder, multiple frustrated murder and robbery. He gained notoriety as an NPA Leader in Southern Mindanao since late 80’s.

These development came barely two weeks after Pitao’s group encountered government troops in the house of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas – Southern Mindanao Region (KMP-SMR) Secretary General Aida Seisa at Purok 7, Barangay Paradise Embac, Paquibato District, this City where three (3) of his security elements were killed. Militant groups have since claimed that what transpired was a massacre.

Two more NPA Rebels were also killed in a pursuit operation on June 17 in Purok Mangga in the same village.

“After these two encounters with PBC 1, information from local villagers started pouring in which allowed us to track down their movement and activities particularly that of Parago” says Major General Eduardo M Año , Commander of 10^th Infantry Agila Division who personally oversees Task Force Minion. “Apparently, the people have been fed up with the group’s banditry and terrorism,” General Año added.

With Parago’s death, NPA Bandits operating in Southern Mindanao is expected to further plunge in a serious leadership crisis following the neutralization of other top NPA leaders early this year.

General Año lauded the combined troops of 1003^rd Brigade, 69^th Infantry Battalion, 10^th Military Intelligence Battalion and Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) for successfully neutralizing one of the country’s most notorious NPA leaders. He further thanked the local community whose information they provided led to the neutralization of Parago.

“Leoncio Pitao alias Parago may have eluded arrest several times but eventually the long arms of the law caught up with him. We hope that with his death, the communities especially in Paquibato District which he has terrorized for a very long time will now experience true and lasting peace.” General Año concluded.











https://5crgcrsafp.wordpress.com/tag/kumander-parago/

New madrasah delights Maguindanao villagers observing Ramadan

From the Philippine Star (Jun 28): New madrasah delights Maguindanao villagers observing Ramadan



Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu (2nd from left), Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan and village leaders officiate a symbolic turn over to villagers of a new madrasah in Barangay Kulasi, Gen. S.K. Pendatun town. Philstar.com/John Unson

Villagers in Barangay Kulasi in Gen. S.K. Pendatun town see as providential the turnover to them on a Friday of a newly-built madrasah, just before their second jumu'ah prayer since the June 18 start of Ramadan.

The jumu'ah prayer is the mandatory Islamic Friday congregational worship rite in mosques.

The newly-established Madrasah Tarbiya Al-Islamiya, an Islamic school, in Barangay Kulasi was turned over to barangay folks last Friday by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division.

The school was built by soldiers from 6th ID's component units—the 33rd Infantry Battalion and the 601st Brigade—using grants from the office of Mangudadatu.

"The barangay people are sure this school will provide their children a thick layer of protection from indoctrination by extremists," Pangilinan said, citing feedback from community elders.

Pangilinan said villagers were elated with the turnover rite's having been held on a Friday, the day they go to mosques to perform obligatory noontime prayers.

"And the June 26 jumu'ah prayer was something not ordinary because it's Ramadan," Pangilinan said.

Muslims abstain from food and drinks at daytime during the Ramadan, which last for one lunar cycle, about 28 to 29 days, both as a religious obligation and as atonement for wrongdoings. They focus on acts of piety during the period.

The involvement of soldiers in the construction of the madrasah corrected many bad notions about the military among villagers, according to community elder Mamison Akoy.

"We had always thought that soldiers are enemies of the Moro people. When they stayed in our barangay to build this school, we eventually learned that just like us, they want peace too and that they detest armed conflicts," Akoy said.

Mangudadatu, in a brief huddle with Kulasi residents at the sideline of the Madrasah turn over program, again offered graduating high school students in the area to avail of his administration's Maguindanao Program for Educational Assistance and Community Empowerment (MagPEACE).

The MagPEACE now bankrolls the schooling of more than 5,000 college scholars from far-flung areas in Maguindanao's 36 towns.

"The easiest way to address religious extremism and build unity among the Muslim, Christian and lumad communities in Maguindanao is to provide children access to schools," Mangudadatu said.

Friday's school turnover event was capped off with the dispersal of hundreds of Peking duck pairs for breeding purposes to farmers in Barangay Kulasi by the provincial government's chief budget officer Lynette Estandarte and her subordinates.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/28/1470942/new-madrasah-delights-maguindanao-villagers-observing-ramadan

US to China: Prove your claim

From the Philippine Star (Jun 29): US to China: Prove your claim



Deputy US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US made it clear during a US-China strategic and economic dialogue in Washington last week that it did not have a position on any of the merits of conflicting claims in the South China Sea, “but how the claims are pursued makes a big difference.” AP photo

If China can prove indisputably it owns the islets, shoals and reefs that are at the heart of a dispute with the Philippines and other neighbors, the US will support it 100 percent, Deputy US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Blinken said the US made it clear during a US-China strategic and economic dialogue in Washington last week that it did not have a position on any of the merits of conflicting claims in the South China Sea, “but how the claims are pursued makes a big difference.”

“The Chinese say that their claims are clear and undisputed – they’re not even claims, they’re just facts. And we’ve said, ‘great, if you demonstrate that, we’ll back you 100 percent.’ But you can’t expect other countries to engage in some kind of diplomatic process that goes nowhere where you create what are, in effect, facts on the sea,” he said in a speech on Friday at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank.

Pentagon and State Department officials see the situation in the South China Sea as fraught with danger because of rising tensions between China and five of its neighbors over ownership of disputed maritime features.

The claimants have been building new artificial islands on submerged features of the sea and then claiming them for their own but China is building faster and more aggressively than anyone else and has recently put military hardware and a runway on reclaimed land.

Blinken said “we’re witnessing efforts to unilaterally and coercively change the status quo – transgressions that the United States and our allies and partners stand united against.”

He called on all of the claimants to maritime territories in the sea to freeze their reclamation activities, the construction that goes on the artificial islands and any militarization, whether for defensive or other purposes.

“If you do that, you create the time and space to actually resolve the differences that exist through peaceful means, whether it’s arbitration, whether it’s adjudication, whether it’s by bilateral means,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/06/29/1471185/us-china-prove-your-claim

Informant working for both AFP, MILF claiming $1-M Usman bounty

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 29): Informant working for both AFP, MILF claiming $1-M Usman bounty

Somewhat breaking the “script” presented by the Aquino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which boasted that it will not allow its members to get the bounty, an informant has applied to claim the more than $1-million reward for the killing of terrorist bomber Basit Usman.

Military sources said the application to claim the $1-million and P1-million rewards offered by the United States and Philippine governments, respectively, is now undergoing assessment.

“An informant has applied to claim the reward for the killing of Basit Usman…the application is now being assessed at the lower level,” one of the sources said.

“Usman’s killing was really a part of an intelligence project by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he added.

A source from the intelligence community supported the first official, stressing “there was really an informant, a civilian informant. ”

“The operation was really an intelligence project,” the second source said.

Asked of the Aquino government and MILF claims that Usman was killed by MILF fighters, the first source replied “that’s the official line.” The claimant was described as a “civilian informant working for the AFP and at the same time the MILF.”

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has earlier said the killing of Usman was part of the final push for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by the Aquino government and the MILF.

Usman was killed last May 3 in his lair in Maguindanao province.

Initially, the AFP said Usman was killed by MILF fighters in a firefight in the outskirts of Guindulungan town.

But security sources then intimated that Usman’s killing was a part of an intelligence project.

They said a government agent took the opportunity to shoot at Usman and five of his companions while they were hooked on the radio monitoring the boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

But one of Usman’s companions – a minor child of slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, escaped.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has his own version of the incident, saying Usman was killed as a result of an internal squabble among his companions for the reward on his head.

According to Catapang, Usman’s group was composed of eight persons and the gun battle resulted in the killing of six – including Usman.

The MILF, however, came out with its own version – following the initial claim of the AFP that Usman was killed in a firefight with its fighters.

According to Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs, elements of the MILF’s 118th Base Command were escorting Usman to Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat when he became suspicious and shot it out with the MILF fighters.

Jaafar said Usman was with a small group of men during the incident, who dragged him away after the clash.

But a photograph of the slain Usman quickly circulated after he was reported killed in Maguindanao –which made Jaafar’s claims far-fetched as Usman’s men would not spread the photograph of his body.

Jaafar even vowed that the MILF leadership will not allow its members to claim the reward money for Usman.

Usman, former leader of the MILF’s Special Operations Group (SOG), was tagged as one of the most wanted terrorists by both the Philippine and US governments for his involvement in high-profile bombings in southern Philippines during the past years.

He was among the three primary targets of Oplan “Exodus” by the Special Action Force (SAF) last January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao – along with Marwan and fellow Malaysian Amin Baco, alias Jihad. Usman and Baco escaped and became the subjects of military all-out offensives in Central Mindanao.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/informant-working-for-both-afp-milf-claiming-1-m-usman-bounty

Lumad leader killed in Baganga

From MindaNews (Jun 28): Lumad leader killed in Baganga

A Lumad member of Barug Katawhan, an organization of Typhoon Pablo survivors, was shot dead Thursday evening (June 25) in the veranda of his house.

In a statement, Karapatan Southern Mindanao said Ricky Basig, a Mandaya from Sitio Kaputian, Barangay Mahan-ub, became the “45th victim of extrajudicial-killings in Southern Mindanao region under the Aquino administration.”

Hanimay Suazo, secretary-general of Karapatan-Southern Mindanao said Basig was sitting in his veranda at around 6 p.m. of June 25 when elements of the 67th Infantry Battalion led by a certain Pfc Maca shot him several times.

Suazo said Basig was interviewed by human rights groups during a humanitarian peace mission conducted last May 29 to June 1 in Sitio Kasunugan, Brgy. Mahan-ub in Baganga.

She said Basig “reported three series of incidents where he was vilified by the military,” and that “he was accused as a member of the New People’s Army.”

Suazo added that Basig was accused by members of the Armys’ 67th IB as the one who notified the NPA about the military’s combat operations in the area, which led to an ambush by the NPA last May 22, leaving two casualties on the side of 67th IB.

Basig, she siad, was “repeatedly warned by elements of the 67th IB to watch out, because if they were to be ambushed one more time, he (Basig) would be hurt, as form of retaliation.”

“Handler”

But Lt. Col. Norman Zuniega, spokersperson of the 10^th Infantry Division told MindaNews that Felix Basig alias Ricky was a member of the NPA who surrendered to the 67^th IB on February 26, 2011, “with his M60 machine gune.”

Zuniega blamed the NPA for Basig’s death. He said Maca could not have killed Basig because he was his handler.

“Hindi po pwede gawin ni Maca kay Basig kasi siya ang handler o liaison kay Basig. Si Maca nakikita kasi na kausap lagi si Basig at siya tinuturo ng mga taga-kaliwa para ma-cover mukha po nila. Marami kasi nagsusurender sa Davao oriental at yan counter action nila” (Maca could not have done that to Basig because Maca is the handler of Basig. Maca is often seen talking with Basig and he was pinpointed by the left to cover their tracks. Many have surrendered in Davao Oriental so that is their coujnter move)l,” Zuniega said.

He added that charges are being filed “against the NPA perpetrators.”

Suazo said that the fact-finding report drafted after the mission by Karapatan-SMR showed that residents are facing difficulties due to the presence of military forces within their communities.

Suazo said the mission team documented cases of “hamletting, different forms of harassments, coercion, vilification, military encampments and attacks on IP-community schools.”

In a statement, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate blamed “the continuing state of impunity in the country” as the culprit behind the killing of Basig.

“Bayan Muna strongly condemns the cowardly killing  of Basig. The typhoon Pablo survivors have already suffered hunger, homelessness, and poverty at the wake of the disaster. It is pure cruelty for the military to take away the lives they have managed to keep despite government neglect and ineptness,” Zarate said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/06/28/lumad-leader-killed-in-baganga/

NPA’s Parago, female medic killed in Paquibato encounter

From MindaNews (Jun 28): NPA’s Parago, female medic killed in Paquibato encounter

Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago Sandoval of the New People’s Army and an “unidenfitied female rebel” believed to be a medic were killed in an encounter with government troops in Paquibato district at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, the 10th Infantry Division said in a press release.



File photo of Leoncio Pitao aka Commander Parago taken on March 8, 2009 in the hinterlands of Paquibato District, Davao City. Mindanews File Photo by Keith Bacongco

It said Parago,  57,  chief of the Pulang Bagani Command 1 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command was killed in Purok 9, Barangay Panalum in Paquibato district.

The report said combined elements of 10th ID’s Task Force Minion formed several months ago to capture Parago caught up with the latter’s group, triggering a 20-minute firefight.  Parago’s group clashed with troops from the  6th Scout Ranger Company, 1003rd Brigade, 69IB and 10th MIB.

Recovered from the encounter site were two M16 Rifles,  three backpacks and several rounds of Rifle Grenades, the press release said.

“The still unidentified slain female rebel is believed to be Parago’s medical aide,” it added.

Parago has been a commander of the NPA since the 1980s and had several standing warrants of arrests for murder, robbery and multiple frustrated murder, the most recent filed this month.

Two weeks ago, police filed a complaint for murder and frustrated murder against Parago and 11 other suspected members of the NPA who clashed with Army troops in Sitio Isilid, Barangay Daladag in Calinan district on May 6. Four soldiers were  killed and eight others were injured in that clash.

Sunday’s encounter, the 10th ID report said, came barely two weeks after Parago’s group clashed with government troops in Purok 7 Brgy Paradise Embac where three of his security elements were killed. “Two more NPA rebels were also killed after pursuing troops caught up with Parago’s group in Purok Mangga of same village,” the report added.

The report quoted Major General Eduardo M Año, commander of the 10th Infantry Agila Division, as saying that information from residents in the area “started pouring in which allowed us to track down enemy movement and activities particularly that of the group of Parago.”

“Apparently,  the people are tired of CPP-NPA banditry and terrorism,” Año said.

The report added that with Parago’s death, the NPA in Southern Mindanao “is expected to be further plunged in a serious leadership crisis following the neutralization of other top NPA leaders early this year.”

Before Sunday’s encounter, Parago had been reported killed several times.

Parago played a key role in several releases of  soldiers held captive by the NPA. He was  head of the custodial force that carried out the safe and ordelry release of Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo and Capt. Eduardo Montealto in February 1999.

He was arrested in late 1999 and released in 2001 as part of the confidence and goodwill building measures for the resumption  of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front. 

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/06/28/npas-parago-female-medic-killed-in-paquibato-encounter/

Photo: Commander Parago

From MindaNews (Jun 28): Photo: Commander Parago



File photo of Leoncio Pitao aka Commander Parago taken on March 8, 2009 in the hinterlands of Paquibato District, Davao City. Mindanews File Photo by Keith Bacongco

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2015/06/28/commander-parago/

Top NPA rebel commander killed by troops in fierce clashes in Davao City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 29): Top NPA rebel commander killed by troops in fierce clashes in Davao City

A top communist rebel leader and his female medical aide were both killed in fierce clashes with government soldiers on Sunday in Davao City in southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials announced the news of killing of Leoncio Pitao, alias Ka Parago, before midnight after troops recovered his body in Paquibato District, a known stronghold of the New People’s Army.

First Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra, a spokesman for the 10^th Infantry Division, said the body of Pitao’s aide was also recovered by soldiers in the area following a 20-minute gunbattle in the village of Pañalum.

Pitao was the commander of the fierce Pulang Bagani Command blamed by the army for the spate of deadly attacks on military and police targets in Davao and nearby areas.

Lacambra said troops – from the army’s Task Force Minion formed several months ago to capture the rebel leader – tracked down Pitao’s group and engaged the gunmen in running gunbattle until he was eventually killed.

He said troops also recovered two M16 automatic rifles, three backpacks and several rounds of rifle grenades.

“Leoncio Pitao has several standing warrant of arrests for various crimes ranging from murder, multiple frustrated murder and robbery. He gained notoriety as an NPA Leader in Southern Mindanao since late 1980’s,” Lacambra said.

He said troops managed to track down Pitao following a series of clashes this month in Paquibato where several rebels had died.

Major General Eduardo Año, the army division commander, said the killing of Pitao is a big blow to the NPA.

“Leoncio Pitao had eluded arrest several times, but eventually the long arms of the law caught up with him. We hope that with his death, the communities especially in Paquibato District which he had terrorized for a very long time will now experience true and lasting peace.” Año said.

While the military branded Pitao as “notorious and ruthless,” many villagers looked at him as their modern-day Robin Hood, who stole from the rich to feed the poor.

Pitao in the past had urged government soldiers to resign from the military service and join the struggle against state tyranny.

“The NPA exhorts them to join the people’s struggle against imperialism, feudalism and state tyranny. As fascism and exploitation continues, the people and the revolutionary forces aspire to raise the level of armed resistance, wage agrarian revolution and strengthen themselves to advance the people’s war and defeat the enemy,” Pitao said when he was still living.

In March 2009, Pitao’s daughter Rebelyn, was abducted in Davao City and her naked body was found floating in a shallow creek in the village of San Isidro in Davao del Norte’s Carmen town.

Her body bore torture marks and was believed raped before she was stabbed in the chest and Pitao tagged 11 military agents as behind the murder.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA about Pitao’s death.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a separate state in the country.

Government peace talks with the rebels have been on and off with both accusing each other reneging on many agreements, including demands by the communist group for Manila to release all political prisoners languishing in jails across the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/top-npa-rebel-commander-killed-by-troops-in-fierce-clashes-in-davao-city/

Top NPA leader falls in Davao City firefight

From GMA News (Jun 28): Top NPA leader falls in Davao City firefight

A high-ranking official of the New People's Army was killed in a military operation in Davao City, the Army 10th Infantry Division said Sunday.

 

According to Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, Leonardo Pitao, also known as Kumander Parago, was killed in a firefight with a military task force in Barangay Panyalom in the city's Paquibato district on Sunday afternoon.

 

He said Pitao was the commander of the Pulang Bagani Command 1. 

 

"Ito yung pinakamatigas, pinakasikat na PBC sa buong Davao region na nago-operate sa bundok ng Davao City at saka kaunting part ng Davao Norte," he said.

 

Año said Pitao and a female NPA fighter were killed after a series of encounters over the past two weeks. He said the task force, which included infantry and special forces, had been going after Pitao.

Pitao was with around 10 others, including members of his security detail and other NPA officers, Año said.

 

"Talagang ito yung ginawan natin ng focus, kasi 17 warrants ito e. Si Parago, very notorious talaga," he said.

 

He added that Pitao's death "is the end of the NPA here in the Davao region, particularly in the area of Davao City and Davao Norte". He said there are around 650 to 700 NPA members in the Davao region, of whom around 100 are with Pulang Bagani Command 1.

 

He said Pitao was behind the abduction of Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo of the the 55th Engineering Brigade, who was seized by NPA fighters in Davao City in 1999, and behind attacks and killings since then.

Obillo and his aide were released after two weeks of negotiations.
 

The military recovered two M16 rifles and three rifle grenades after the encounter.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/512126/news/regions/top-npa-leader-falls-in-davao-city-firefight

AFP: Troops recover high-powered firearms after clash with NPA in Agusan Sur

From GMA News (Jun 28): AFP: Troops recover high-powered firearms after clash with NPA in Agusan Sur

Government troops recovered four high-powered firearms from the communist New People's Army guerrillas after a clash in Agusan del Sur on Saturday, the military said Sunday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs unit head Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion figured in the clash with the rebels at 11 a.m. in Sitio Tagbulete, Brgy. Del Monte Veruela town.
No one was harmed from the government side, he said.

According to 26th IB commander Lt. Col. Rolando Dumawa, the military conducted a combat operation in the area after being informed by residents that there were rebels in the area.
Dumawa added that the troops were able secure a better position against at least 20 members of Front Committee 3, who he said fired the first shots. The firefight lasted about 20 minutes. "We are not certain how many of them were killed or injured," he said about the insurgents.

Cabunoc said the military's Eastern Mindanao Command has so far confiscated 77 high-powered firearms from the NPA since January 1, 2015.

Following the clash, EastMinCom head Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad directed the Army's 4th Infantry Division to intensify its patrols to protect indigenous people communities against the NPA, Cabunoc said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/512002/news/regions/afp-troops-recover-high-powered-firearms-after-clash-with-npa-in-agusan-sur

Leyte police arrest Army man, 2 others for gunrunning

From GMA News (Jun 28): Leyte police arrest Army man, 2 others for gunrunning

Leyte police arrested an Army soldier and two other suspects for gunrunning on Saturday.

 

According to C./Insp Elizabeth Jasmin, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested PFC Dennis Cardenas of the Army 19th Infantry Battalion, Roel Fumar, and Lenelito Liporada in sting operations in Jaro and Palo towns before noon on Saturday.

 

The suspects had been under police surveillance for two weeks.  

 

According to reports from regional police, the CIDG recovered nine cal.45 pistols, three .38 caliber revolvers, and a .357 revolver.

 

Supt. Bowenn Joey Masauding, chief of the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, said Cardenas had been acting as a middleman with prospective gun buyers, most of whom are members of private armed groups in the area.

 

The three face charges for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/512026/news/regions/leyte-police-arrest-army-man-2-others-for-gunrunning

Envoy: PH helped preserve Korean freedom

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 28): Envoy: PH helped preserve Korean freedom

SOUTH Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Jae-Shin cited the bravery and heroism of the 7,420-man Philippine Expedition Force to Korea that fought in the Korean War, saying the Filipino combat troops “preserved the freedom of my people.”

Kim Jae-Shin

Kim made the statement in a speech during the 65th anniversary of the invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces on June 25, 1950 last Thursday at the Philippines-Korea Friendship Center in Taguig City.

Kim also said the bravery of the Filipino soldiers during the Korean War will never be forgotten by the South Korean government.

The affair, which was attended by defense and military officials from both countries and surviving Peftok veterans, coincided with the unveiling of the historical marker containing the names of the 112 Filipino soldiers killed in action during the war.

The Korean War lasted for three years from 1950 to July 1953, but armed stalemate continues at the 38th Parallel between the two countries.

The Philippines was the first allied country that sent combat troops to Korea on Sept. 19, 1950, barely three months after the war broke out.

Peftok was composed of five Battalion Combat Teams – the 10th, 20th, 19th, 14th and the 2nd.
The 10th BCT had the most number of casualties. Of the 1,400 officers and men, 100 were killed in action, followed by the 19th BCT with 32 KIA, the 20th BCT with 15 KIA, and 14th BCT with five KIA. The 2nd BCT did not suffer any KIA.

The most decorated Filipino Korean War hero was Capt. Conrado Yap who was awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest military award of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for his gallantry and intrepidity during the Battle of Yultong in North Korea on April 22-23, 1951.

The Battle of Yultong was a battle between the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army 44th Division and the Filipino 10th Battalion Combat Team, north of Yeoncheon. The Filipino BCT was part of the United States’ 65th Infantry Regiment,  which was trapped at the Yultong.

Although the 10th BCT had lost all contacts with the outside world, the Filipinos held their position until the Chinese stopped their attacks. The 10th BCT’s action at Yultong allowed the US 3rd Infantry Division to successfully withdraw from the battlefield.

Another decorated PEFTOK officer was then Lt. Fidel V. Ramos who successfully led his troops in the capture of the strategic Eerie Hill after a daylong gun battle.

Ramos, who later became the Philippine Constabulary chief, AFP chief of staff, and defense secretary, was elected the 12th President of the Republic of the Philippines in 1992.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/28/envoy-ph-helped-preserve-korean-freedom/

AFP chief ready to face class suit against him

From the Philippine Star (Jun 28): AFP chief ready to face class suit against him



Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. is seen in this 2015 photo praying at a thanksgiving Mass. About 200 farmers in Nueva Ecija sued Catapang and two other military officers for allegedly seizing parts of their farm lands two years ago. Armed Forces/File

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. is ready to answer the class suit filed by farmers who have accused him of land grabbing.

About 200 farmers in Nueva Ecija sued Catapang and two other military officers for allegedly seizing parts of their farm lands two years ago.

A civil case for forcible entry has also been filed against Catapang and Lt. Cols. Benito Doniego Jr. and Alfredo Patarata. Catapang was the commander of the Army's 7th division based in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija when the alleged land grabbing took place.

The farmers claimed they have been tilling the 200-hectare farm land in Caballero and Ganaderia for years. The petitioners, however, were later on informed that the farm lands are part of a military reservation by authority of a proclamation issued by then President Ramon Magsaysay in 1955.

In 2006, the Arroyo administration issued another proclamation that included the 200 hectares among the areas for a housing project for soldiers.

Farmers claimed that in 2013, Catapang instructed Doniego and Ganaderia to enter their farm land and inform them that they would be ejected because of a plan to build a detachment for government militias.

Some petitioners want President Benigno Aquino III to defer the release of Catapang's retirement benefits until the case is resolved. Catapang will bow out of the service on July 11.

The military, however, is unfazed by the farmers' petitions.

"The AFP Chief of Staff is ready to face the class suit that would be filed against him related to the conflict between the AFP and a group of farmers who claimed a 200-hectare military reservation in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija," AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said in a statement issued Sunday.

"Gen. Catapang is ready to sacrifice his retirement benefits just to fight for the AFP and the soldiers who will benefit from the off-base housing facilities to be put up on the said land," he added.

Cabunoc called on the farmers to respect the decision of the Palayan City Regional Trial Court Branch 40, which ordered them to vacate the military reservation area.

The farmers got a favorable ruling from the municipal trial court when they filed a civil case for forcible entry in 2013. The Palayan City RTC, however, reversed the MTC ruling the following year.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/06/28/1470944/afp-chief-ready-face-class-suit-against-him

Outgoing AFP chief now an adopted son of Palawan

From the Philippine Star (Jun 28): Outgoing AFP chief now an adopted son of Palawan



Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr.. AFP-PIO

For showing determination in challenging China’s provocations in the West Philippine Sea, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has been named “an adopted illustrious son of Palawan.”

In bestowing on Catapang the honors, the Palawan Provincial Council cited his personally leading a group of local and foreign media last month to Pag-Asa island – seat of the Kalayaan island town in Palawan – to brief them on the real situation and send a message to China that the Philippines is serious about asserting its sovereignty over its territory.

Catapang retires from the service next month upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

“He was declared an adopted illustrious son of Palawan through Provincial Resolution No. 12050 dated May 19, 2015,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez signed the resolution adopted by the provincial council headed by Palawan Vice Gov. Victorino Dennis Santos.

The province, through the council, expressed its appreciation for Catapang’s concern as well as his reassurance of protection for the country’s maritime borders.

While in Pag-Asa, Catapang announced his plan to build a vacation house in Kalayaan after his retirement. He said he plans to rent out the house to tourists occasionally, in line with the tourism program of Kalayaan town Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon Jr.

“Gen. Catapang’s initiative in pooling the resources and efforts of the AFP in visiting Pag-Asa Island was also appreciated by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,” Cabunoc said.

Pag-Asa island is one of the nine areas in the region occupied by Filipino troops.

Local help

Meanwhile, Angkla party-list Rep. Jesulito Manalo said yesterday the local maritime industry can help secure the country’s territorial waters by building vessels for the Coast Guard and the Navy.

“With what’s happening in the West Philippine Sea, we can – if we all work together – ourselves build our own ships for the Coast Guard, for the Navy and merchant vessels,” Manalo said.

He added public funds should be invested in building and developing national shipyards instead of acquiring used vessels from foreign powers.

Manalo noted the country’s weak or zero deterrent capability in the face of China’s continued reclamation and military construction activities in the West Philippine Sea, as well as piracy and poaching along the country’s extensive coastline.

“We can actually become a peaceful maritime power in the region, and can provide stability. One day, we’ll be shipping fleet owners. We have the manpower, experience and expertise. Let’s believe in ourselves and have a bigger vision for our country,” he said.

He said the Philippines ranks first in Southeast Asia and fourth in the world in terms of ship building, after China, South Korea and Japan. However, most of the major shipyards in the country are foreign-owned.

A paper from the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) of the House of Representatives said the construction of a 320,000-deadweight tonnage commercial ship “shows that the Philippines can build world-class ocean-going vessels.”

The CPBRD also said in 2013, a total of 90 international vessels were ordered from the Philippines, almost double the 48 booked orders in the previous year.

According to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), there are 12 licensed shipyards in the country, with eight having facilities for the construction and repair of big ships.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/06/28/1470831/outgoing-afp-chief-now-adopted-son-palawan

Gov't troops foil NPA attacks in Agusan del Sur

From ABS-CBN (Jun 28): Gov't troops foil NPA attacks in Agusan del Sur

Government forces foiled planned attacks by the New People's Army (NPA) in Veruela town in Agusan del Sur after a firefight Saturday.

The fighting broke out past 11 p.m. in Sitio Tagbulete in Barangay Del Monte, where members of the 26th Infantry Battalion are securing the construction of a farm-to-market road.

Prior to the incident, concerned residents reported the presence of NPA rebels in the area. The rebels were allegedly planning an attack against the military, after which they will burn heavy equipment used in the construction.

"The residents informed us that they saw NPA rebels in the area so we conducted a combat operation," 26th IB commander Lt. Col. Rolando Dumawa said in a phone interview.

Dumawa added that upon locating the whereabouts of the rebels, the military went in stop the planned attack of members of the Front Committee 3, numbering at least 20 men.

"Based on the account of the troops, they were still on their way to surround the rebels. However, they were seen by the rebels who fired the first shots," said Dumawa.

"But the troops were on the vantage position, they were on the better position. When they returned fire, many of the rebels fell down... We are not certain how many of them were killed or injured," he added.

The official said the troops were not able to recover any of the slain rebels or take custody of the wounded after the 20-minute firefight.

"I am confident many of them were killed because the troops saw the rebels falling to the ground. We were not able to recover any body because they (rebels) were so fast in their movement to recover their dead and wounded," he said.

During clearing operation, the troops recovered at the scene an M653 rifle, an AK-47 rifle, two M16 rifles, "subversive" documents and personal belongings of the insurgents, said Dumawa.

According to Col. Alexander Macario, commander of the Army's 401st Brigade, the rebels are trying to sabotage government projects in the area in order to pursue their recruitment activities.

"They are deliberately depriving our people of these projects to maintain the status quo in the area of lack of government interventions so that they can easily recruit and deceive new members," said Macario.

"We will protect the people in my area and will never let these NPAs pursue their selfish interests," he added.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/28/15/govt-troops-foil-npa-attacks-agusan-del-sur

PH halts repairs on Spratlys airstrip ahead of UN suit

Posted to ABS-CBN (Jun 28): PH halts repairs on Spratlys airstrip ahead of UN suit

The Philippines has halted the repair of its airstrip in the disputed Spratly islands due to its pending suit at The Hague challenging China's claim over the waters, a presidential spokesman said Sunday.

The work on the airstrip on Thitu island, which the Philippines calls Pagasa and which hosts a small community, comes as China builds up outcroppings in the waters into islands that can host military facilities.

"The repair has been stopped because we uphold the principle of keeping the status quo in the areas involved," said President Benigno Aquino's spokesman Herminio Coloma.

"This is part of our strategy for a rules-based and diplomatic approach where we have filed an arbitration case with the UN tribunal," he added.

The tiny airstrip on Pagasa had been largely used to bring in supplies for the small town that the Philippine government established there to stake its claim over part of the Spratlys.

However the airstrip has deteriorated over the years, forcing the government to rely on ships which must go through a gauntlet of Chinese vessels to reach the island.

China claims almost all of the Spratlys and the South China Sea, even areas close to the coasts of its neighbors. Its claim is disputed by the Philippines as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The waters are a crucial sea lane and rich fishing ground also believed to hold large mineral resources.

In 2013 the Philippines asked The Hague, based in the Netherlands, to declare China's claim invalid and in violation of international law.

Hearings -- looking at whether Manila's complaint has legal merit as well as whether the court has jurisdiction over the case -- are set to begin next month.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/28/15/ph-halts-repairs-spratlys-airstrip-ahead-un-suit

NPA commander killed in firefight

From ABS-CBN (Jun 29): NPA commander killed in firefight

A high-ranking member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a firefight with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 10th Infantry Division in Davao City Saturday afternoon, a military official said.

Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said Leonardo Pitao, alias Commander Parago, commander of the Pulang Bagani Command 1, along with a cohort, were slain by composite military elements, including the elite Army Scout Ranger soldiers, infantry soldiers and intelligence personnel, during a combat operation in Purok 9, barangay Panalum in Pacquibato district following a 20-minute firefight that broke out around 2:30 p.m.

"We just killed Parago," Año said in a phone interview.

The official described Pitao's command as the "fiercest" among the NPA units operating in the Davao region.

Pitao was tagged for numerous atrocities in the Davao region, including the kidnapping of Army Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo, commander of the Army’s 55th Engineering Brigade, and his aide, Maj. Eduardo Montealto, in Pacquibato District in Davao City in February 1999.

"This is the end of the NPA here in the Davao region, particularly in the area of Davao City and Davao del Norte," said Año.

Pitao's command is composed of around 80 to 100 men and is operating in Davao City and Davao del Norte.

"He is idolized by the NPAs here. Now, they just saw that their leader cannot run and escape the fold of the law. The long arm of the law has finally caught him. This is a big setback on them, not just a setback but this is going to be what you call the fall of the NPA in the Davao region," said Año.

The military recovered the bodies of Pitao and the other member at the encounter site. Also recovered were two M-16 rifles, three rifle grenades, and the rebels' personal belongings.

Año said the military launched a "special" operation against Pitao two weeks ago. Saturday's incident was the fourth time the military clashed with Pitao's group.

"He was our focus. Parago has 17 (arrest) warrants, he is really very notorious," said Año, referring to the slain NPA leader. "Almost all rebel attacks, ambuscades, killing of civilians were done by the rebels upon his orders," he also said.

http://rp1.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/28/15/npa-commander-killed-firefight

Army intel officer shot dead

From Tempo (Jun 27): Army intel officer shot dead

An Army’s intelligence operative was killed Thursday by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on a road in Sitio Patkik, Barangay Binablayan, Tinoc, Ifugao province.

Senior Superintendent John Colinio, Ifugao provincial police director, identified the victim as Corporal Felix M. Pico, Jr., 32, a member of the Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Butigue, Paracelis, Mountain Province.

It was reported that before the shooting incident, the victim and his unidentified companion were riding a motorcycle when six unidentified men ordered him to stop.

The suspects then asked him to surrender his firearm but he resisted and tried to flee, prompting the armed men to shoot him.

The suspects brought the victim’s body to the old Kiangan Nursery where the soldiers recovered it.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/06/27/army-intel-officer-shot-dead/#.VY_j6cbbL3g

Jalandoni declines Duterte’s offer to join government

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 27): Jalandoni declines Duterte’s offer to join government



Luis Jalandoni, peace panel chair of National Democratic Front of the Philippines, speaks during a Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines forum in Manila in September 2011. AFP PHOTO
A top communist leader has rejected proposals for the movement for become part of the government, even in a Duterte presidency.

“We believe that there are sufficient number of outstanding persons in the legal democratic movement that could perform important functions in a patriotic and propeople government,” Luis Jalandoni, peace panel chair of the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), said via email on Friday.

Jalandoni added: “The NDFP officials do not have to join the patriotic and propeople government, while having relations of cooperation and truce with it.”

Jalandoni issued his reaction in response to the declaration made by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in Mindanao recently where he disclosed to reporters his plan to invite the communist leader to join his administration if he becomes president.

Duterte, a self-declared socialist, also disclosed in the interview that he would give communists three Cabinet positions under his presidency—agrarian reform, social welfare and environment and natural resources.

The tough talking local chief executive declared his administration would not engage in a coalition scheme with the rebel movement but would instead directly absorb the communist party into the government.

The NDFP had brought up the proposal for a coalition government in August 2005. But both past and present administrations had rejected the idea.

Jalandoni said the rebel movement “welcomes the positive statements” of Duterte on the NDFP, Communist Party of the Philippines and its military wing, the New People’s Army.

Jalandoni maintained the NDFP “is willing to have relations of cooperation with a patriotic and progressive government that will carry out land reform, national industrialization and stand firmly for the independence and national sovereignty of the Filipino people.”

“With such a patriotic and progressive government, the NDFP will be willing to have cooperation and truce,” Jalandoni said.

Jalandoni also expressed appreciation for Duterte’s “positive actions” in his participation in the release of government security forces that were captured by the NPA.

Duterte’s popularity continued to gain followers among Filipinos who are frustrated with the nation’s peace and order problems and government’s perceived inability to deal with them decisively.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted this June, Duterte, despite his questionable human rights policy, placed third with 15 percent behind Sen. Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

But on Thursday, Duterte once more reiterated before the country’s business executives at the Asia CEO forum in Makati that he would not join the presidential race in the May 2016 elections.

But for his legions of supporters, Duterte’s style of on and off declarations of his presidential ambition is just part of an elaborate political strategy to bring him to Malacañang after the 2016 polls.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/701134/jalandoni-declines-dutertes-offer-to-join-government