Monday, May 2, 2016

DND thanks Japan for TC-90 training aircraft lease deal

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): DND thanks Japan for TC-90 training aircraft lease deal
 
The Department of National Defense (DND) has expressed its gratitude to the Japanese government for going ahead with the lease deal of five TC-90 training aircraft which will help boost the country's rescue and maritime security capabilities.

"We are truly grateful for this reaffirmation by the Japanese government on the transfer of the TC-90 aircraft. We look forward to the eventual completion of this gracious collaboration. This will be a leap into our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maritime security awareness capabilities," Defense Spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said.

Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani confirmed the lease deal Monday.

The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29.

The TC-90's patrol range is double of small Philippine aircraft which only has a maximum range of 300 kilometers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881724

Japan strongly oppose unilateral actions in West Philippine Sea

From Update.Ph (May 3): Japan strongly oppose unilateral actions in West Philippine Sea  

Japan has reiterated its strong opposition on unilateral actions that changes the status quo in West Philippine Sea. China has created fake islands in Kalayaan (Spratly) Group of Islands.

“At the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which I hosted last month in Hiroshima, my home town, the importance of maintaining maritime order based on the principles of international law was reaffirmed, and strong opposition to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo in the South China Sea was demonstrated,” Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Fumio Kishida told an audience at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand May 2.

“We must establish a regional order whereby the principle of the “rule of law” is truly upheld and practiced. From this perspective, I would like to renew my call for the early conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC),” he added.

Kishida also highlighted three principles of the Rule of Law at Sea: (1) states shall make and clarify their claims based on international law, (2) states shall not use force or coercion in trying to drive their claims and (3) states shall seek to settle disputes by peaceful means.

http://www.update.ph/2016/05/japan-strongly-oppose-unilateral-actions-in-wps/4997

NPA commander ‘Joker’ nabbed

From Update.Ph (May 3): NPA commander ‘Joker’ nabbed

npa rebel

A top New People’s Army (NPA) commander and the 4th Most Wanted Person in Caraga region with a huge amount of reward money for his arrest was nabbed at a joint police-military and Comelec checkpoint at a border municipality between Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur on Monday afternoon.

Ricardo Andan Manili, 62, most known in the region as “Joker” the alleged commander of the Regional Operational Command, also known as the “Julito Tero Command,” and the Guerrilla Front 4 of the CPP-NPA-NDF which area of operation includes Butuan City and the municipalities of Buenavista and Carmen in Agusan del Norte and some areas in the neighboring Region 10, was arrested by the joint personnel from the 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion and the military manning a Comelec checkpoint at Brgy. Mat-i, Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Manili’s arrest was announced by Caraga PNP chief PCSupt. Rolando B. Felix during a press briefing held at the conference room of the regional police headquarters here at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, after the suspect was presented before the highest police official here in the region.

According to Felix, Manili was on board a Silver Starex van with an improvised plate number, the reason why they were flagged down by those manning the checkpoint. The suspect had a female and four other male companions at the vehicle who were also brought to the police regional headquarters here for questioning.

The authorities recovered from the suspect and his companions a Caliber .22 Rifle, a Caliber .45, a 9mm pistol, an improvised explosive device (IED), two blasting caps, a grenade, three magazines, ammunitions, three bolos, medical kits, subversive documents and personal belongings, Felix said.

Manili, who had a PHP4.9 million reward for his capture, has pending criminal cases in the local courts here which included: two counts of rebellion, two counts of murder, robbery with homicide, two counts of multiple murder and arson.

Felix also said that Manili disclosed during their initial investigation that he and his companions were to attend the release of the two abducted soldiers and three policemen, but they did not accordingly knew the venue of the release.

According to Felix, Manili and his companions were heading towards the direction of Esperanza town and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur during the time of their arrest. The suspect accordingly did not also disclose the place where they had been from.

Manili and his companions were in the custody of the police regional headquarters here and will soon be presented and return his arrest warrants to the courts who had issued it for proper disposition.

The top police official here commended the police and military personnel who had arrested Manili and company, saying that it was part of the routine implementation of the joint action of the police, the military and the Comelec to ensure a peaceful, orderly and successful national and local synchronized elections next week.

http://www.update.ph/2016/05/npa-commander-joker-nabbed/5005

Soldier shot dead in Toboso

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 3): Soldier shot dead in Toboso

The Army's 3rd Infantry Division vowed yesterday to exert all efforts to apprehend the suspects in the liquidation of Cpl. Nelskie Marino Sunday in Brgy. San Isidro, Toboso, Negros Occidental, using the full force of the law.

Marino died on the spot after he was shot by three armed suspects who shot him in the head, outside a cockpit in Sitio Mansigido, Brgy. San Isidro, Toboso, Senior Inspector Joevito Bose, Toboso police officer-in-charge, yesterday said.

But Bose said they cannot conclude yet if the three armed suspects, who were backed by those companions who served as look-outs, are members of the SPARU( Special Partisan Unit) of the New People's Army.

“The Army strongly condemns the treacherous killing, which was plain murder,” Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said.

Tiongson said they will file charges against the perpetrators.

Marino was a member of the 62nd Infantry Battalion deployed in northern Negros.

Bose said armed suspects told witnesses to the killing that they were only after Marino.

Meanwhile, the Leonardo Panaligan Command, issued a statement, claiming responsibility for the killing of retired Philippine Army Sgt. Armand Secuya on March 28 in Brgy. Guinapana-an, Moises Padilla.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, claimed that Secuya, although already retired from the military service, had been actively organizing BIN (Barangay Intelligence Network) and intelligence assets in Moises Padilla, La Castellana and Isabela.

Contrary to reports, Regalado said they did not get the personal belongings and valuables of Secuya, whom he called a legitimate military target.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/May/03/topstory7.htm

Better position for gov’t achieved in peace process under PNoy — Deles

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 3): Better position for gov’t achieved in peace process under PNoy — Deles

The Administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III will turn over to the next President a peace process that is better-positioned than it was six years ago, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said.

In her speech at the recently held UP Public Lectures on Philippine Presidency and Administration, Deles said the Aquino Administration scored major successes including the conclusion and signing of a major peace agreement to settle decades of conflict in Mindanao. She added that these were done despite the difficulties the government encountered in the past six years in its efforts to forge peace with rebel groups.

According to Deles, the Aquino government was also able to provide convergence under the Bangsamoro peace agreement for the two Moro peace tables, and provided closure to the peace table in the Cordilleras while it is close to completing another closure process to a Visayas-based peace table.

“There will still be major unfinished business that we will have to pass on…but we” will be able to turn over fewer and better-positioned peace tables to the next administration,” she said.

Deles noted that the peace process “was in disarray” when President Aquino III took over from the previous administration in 2010.

The Aquino Administration had inherited a seven-year impasse with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF); a failed Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); and a number of agreements pending further implementation, including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)’s 1996 Final Peace Agreement; the sipat or ceasefire agreement with Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) in 1986; and the interim agreement with the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/ABB) signed in 2000.

Deles said most of the challenges were hurdled in this administration’s six-year run. (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001462178616/better-position-for-gov-t-achieved-in-peace-process-under-pnoy-deles

NDFP sees end to insurgency under Duterte

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 3): NDFP sees end to insurgency under Duterte

27duterte ndf

DUTERTE CONNECTION Five police officers captured by the New People’s Army are turned over to presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during ceremonies in a rebel-influenced village in the city’s Paquibato District. Seated at right are two NPA members. BARRY OHAYLAN/CONTRIBUTOR
The chief peace negotiator of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is hopeful that the more than 40-year-old communist rebellion would end once Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte wins the presidential election next week.

“Because Mayor Duterte has consistently declared the necessity of peace dialogues with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) and the NDFP to solve the long-standing armed conflict, peace talks under his presidency, should he win and become the next President, will have a favorable basis to resume,” Luis Jalandoni said in an online interview on Sunday night.

“With the firm guidance of the principals of both sides, the two negotiating panels, following the stand of the leaderships of both sides, would have a good basis for finding ways and means to resume the peace talks, with a common respect and strong political will to move forward,” said Jalandoni, who is based in The Netherlands.

Duterte, the candidate of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), had declared that he would reopen peace negotiations with NDFP should he be elected President.

In the Inquirer’s “Agenda of the Next President” series published when the national campaign started in February, Duterte, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Grace Poe cited their positions on the peace negotiations with rebel groups.

Duterte, in that series, had said he would “reengage the peace process with rebel groups.”

The communist leadership has been demanding the release of detained rebels and leaders before the resumption of the negotiation, citing the provisions of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig) signed by both parties in 1995. The government, however, rejected this precondition.

Jalandoni hopes that under the prospect of a Duterte presidency, with the mutual willingness of both parties to reopen the peace negotiation, any misunderstanding could be resolved.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/782903/ndfp-sees-end-to-insurgency-under-duterte

CARAGA'S 4TH MOST WANTED | Top NPA leader captured at PNP-AFP checkpoint

From InterAksyon (May 3): CARAGA'S 4TH MOST WANTED | Top NPA leader captured at PNP-AFP checkpoint



File photo of New People's Army fighters in the Caraga region. (Erwin M. MascariƱas, InterAksyon.com)

The fourth most wanted person in the Caraga region, also known as commander Joker of the communist News People’s Army (NPA), was captured on Monday by elements of the Philippine National Police and the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion manning a Comelec checkpoint in the town of Las Nieves in Agusan Del Norte.

At around 1:00 in the afternoon our composite Comelec PNP and AFP checkpoint along barangay Mat-I in the town of Las Nieves in Agusan del Norte were able to apprehend Ricardo Manili, better known as commander Joker, one of the high ranking commanders of the NPA,” said Police Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix, Caraga regional police director. “He is on the number list of our most wanted and has a reward on his head for P4.9 million.”

Felix revealed that, “Commander Joker was inside a van without an authorized plate, that inside the van the police team were also able to get a homemade shotgun, a caliber .45 pistol, a 9mm pistol, an improvised explosive device, a grenade, two blasting caps, three bolos, several rounds of ammunitions, medical kit and other documents and personal belongings.

“There were also six individuals inside the van with him who are now under investigation to verify their real names and assess if they are together with commander Joker and members of the NPA,” Felix added.

Felix, who assumed his position as the regional police chief this January, considered the capture a big achievement for the region’s police force.

“This is an achievement not only for the police but also for our brothers in the army and a huge hit to the leadership of the NPA here in Caraga Region. Commander Joker is known to be an institution within the armed movement. I’m sure his capture will have an impact towards the NPA,” said Felix.

A police report from the field suggests that the vehicle was on its way to Bayugan City through the new roads along Esperanza town in Agusan del Sur. The vehicle was believed to have come from barangay Tungao in Butuan City.

Manili has an outstanding warrant for two counts of rebellion, two counts of murder and multiple murders, according to police data.

According to a report of the 4th Infantry Battalion in October 2011, Manili and four other guerrillas were killed in an encounter in Barangay Calabuan in Esperanza. The NPA refuted this report.

Manili was last seen on camera handing over the release of Corporal Adriano Bingil of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion in December 31, 2016 in the town of Las Nieves.

The Caraga region in northeastern Mindanao is composed of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands and the cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao, Tandag, Bislig and Bayugan.

http://interaksyon.com/article/127222/caragas-4th-most-wanted--top-npa-leader-captured-at-pnp-afp-checkpoint

Americans sued for Mindanao -Sulu autonomy

From the Zamboanga Today Online (May 2): Americans sued for Mindanao -Sulu autonomy

“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa  pinanggalingan, ay hindi makakarating sa  paroroonan.”-Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero. Is this the reason why the  Mindanao Crisis has remained insolvable for almost half a century now because of our deliberate avoidance of or aversion to its historical root-cause?
 
More than 15 years after the surprise occupation of Mindanao and Sulu by the American forces,  Gov. Frank Carpenter of the Moro Province  still considered Mindanao and Sulu as separate territories from the Philippine Islands when he officially issued the following statement:
 
“Any study of the matter, however, superficial, cannot but bring forth convincing arguments that it is to the material interest of the Philippines that Luzon and the Visayas make whatever of present sacrifice maybe necessary to extend such financial aid to the public services in Maguindanao-Sulu that the latter may quickly be made in fact a part of the Philippines.” Source: Peter Gordon Gowing, Mandate in Moroland, 1983, p. 267.
 
This is another corroborative written statement by the top American administrator of the Moro Province pointing to the fact that Mindanao and Sulu were not colonial possessions of Spain and were not political sub-divisions of Las Islas Filipinas or Philippine Islands. Frank Carpenter, a civilian, served not only  as the last Governor of the Moro Province from December 15, 1913- July 23, 1914 but also retained the governorship of the moroland when it was renamed Department of Mindanao and Sulu which included the whole of Mindanao but excluding Lanao.
 
Gregorio F. Zaide who is popularly recognized as the Father of Philippine History and internationally renowned and multi-awarded historian, researcher, and author, confirmed the fact that most of Mindanao and Sulu were excluded from the Philippine Islands during the Spanish colonial period when he clearly wrote the following narration:
 
“Most of Mindanao and Sulu were excluded from Philippine territory during the Spanish times. Spain claimed sovereignty over them, but only a few coastal areas were really under its control. The Moros were not conquered.” - Source: Philippine History and Government, authored by Gregorio F. Zaide, Copyright 2004, p. 63.
 
While it was very evident that Governor Carpenter wanted the quick incorporation of the Sultanates of Maguindanao and Sulu into the body politic of the Philippine Islands, taking an entirely opposite political proposition was the second  Governor of the Moro Province, Tasker H. Bliss who  ardently and forcefully advocated for the creation of a separate politico-military government for these two ancient sovereign states. Governor Bliss’ administration of the Moro Province was popularly dubbed as “The Velvet Glove,” 1906-1909.
 
Governor Bliss was so convinced that the emnity between the Moros and Filipinos constituted an insurmountable roadblock if the Moroland  would finally be incorporated into the body politic of the Philippine Islands. The conviction of General Bliss up to the present remains an incontestable security and socio- political reality since he was appointed and officially assumed the governorship of the Moro Province on April 16, 1906 more than a century ago. This must be one of the reasons why the  Governor- General of the Philippine Islands at that time, John F. Smith, recommended for the exclusion of the areas inhabited by Moros and other non-Christian tribes from participating in a popular election for the choice of delegates to the Philippine Assembly which was approved by then President Theodore Roosevelt at the White House on March 28, 1907.
 
The Philippine  Assembly  whose  members were chosen through popular election from the different areas not inhabited by Moros and other non-Christian tribes was the first Legislative body of the Philippine Islands created by the Philippine Organic Act of 1902  by the American Congress in the early years of the American occupation. The election was held on July 30, 1907 in compliance with the Proclamation issued by the Governor-General, James F. Smith about nine years  after  the Philippine Islands was sold  and ceded by Spain to the United States in Article III of the December 10, 1898 Treaty of Paris for $20-Million. Deductively, the Philippine Assembly was purely composed of delegates coming from areas inhabited by Christians in the Philippine Islands.
 
The other islands which were missed out in the technical description of the territorial limits of the Philippine Islands (Cagayan de Sulu and Sibutu groups of Islands)  were subsequently relinquished by Spain to the United States in another treaty signed in Washington, USA, on November 7, 1900 for an additional amount of $300,000.00  These groups of islands also historically belonged to the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. Mindanao and Sulu which were not colonial possessions  of the Spanish Crown and not parts of the Las Islas Filipinas or Philippine Islands, although not explicitly mentioned in Article III of the December 10, 1898 Treaty of Paris, were covertly included in the coordinates defining the territorial limits of the ceded territory (Philippine Islands), which in my opinion, is the primary root-cause of the more than four decades of armed struggle for self-determination  waged against the Republic of the Philippines by  the various liberation fronts because the cession of these two unconquered Sultanates was done without the knowledge and consent of their respective reigning Sultans, Councils of Elders, and adhrents. Here is what the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts, Vol. 11, 1994  wrote about this commercial and diplomatic transaction between Spain and the United States:
 
“The Muslims did not know that the treaty of Paris which had ceded the Philippine Archipelago to the Americans, included their land as well.”
 
Governor Bliss’ idea of Mindanao and Sulu as independent and separate territory from the Philippine Islands under the American Flag was vigorously endorsed favorably by the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce which  at that time was made up mostly of American businessmen. The Chamber presented   a Resolution to the Secretary of War, William Howard Taft and several visiting US Congressmen appealing that Mindanao and Sulu be formed into a territory  of the United States by act of Congress.
 
Based on  the historical accounts of Peter Gordon Gowing, noted American researcher and author of the book  entitled “Mandate in Moroland,”  in August, 1906, the Americans residing in Mindanao  expressed vigorously their collective desire not to be included in the government of the Philippine Islands. This was published in a strongly-worded editorial of “La Vida Filipino,” a Filipino newspaper in July 1906 which questioned the Americans for the creation of the Moro Province. Part of that editorial, is quoted as follows:
 
“ The Commission (Philippine Commission) in creating the Moro Province, evidently wanted Mindanao and Jolo considered separate and almost independent territories from Luzon and the Visayas. This has been accentuated by the passage of the Philippine Bill by Congress which specifically placed the affairs of the province outside the jurisdiction of the future assembly. Then there is this petition presented by the American residents of Mindanao to the members of Congress who visited the Philippines in August last, in which they ask for the creation in Moroland of a government independent from Manila.”
 
Although some contradicted the report that it was during the governorship of General Bliss that Mindanao and Sulu experienced relative peace, written accounts substantially pointed to the fact that it was only he who manifested extraordinary and determined effort to put an end to the bloody confrontations between the Moros and the Americans giving his biographer the justification and reason to confer upon him the honorific title as “The Peacemaker.”
 

Indonesian general helped sailors

From the Manila Times (May 2): Indonesian general helped sailors

FUGITIVE Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari and an Indonesian general who was on a “secret mission” to the Philippines were instrumental in securing the release of the 10 Indonesian sailors abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province.

A highly-reliable source of The Manila Times said the Indonesian government sent retired Army Maj. Gen. Kivlan Zein to meet with Misuari two weeks ago to discuss ways on how to secure the release of the captives.

“An Indonesian secret mission sent to Basilan has succeeded in getting the (ASG) to released the 10 Indonesian seamen it’s been holding for almost a month. The secret mission led by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kivlan Zein, the closest aide of Lt. Gen (Rtd) Prabowo Subianto. Zein has said that the effort on getting the release of the hostages had been much facilitated by Imam Nur Misuari whose influence in the Muslim regions in Southern Philippines is still huge,” the source said.

Zein, he said, was in Zamboanga City on Monday, a day after the sailors were flown back to Indonesia. His “mission” was coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, it was learned.

Zein worked with Misuari when the former led a military team sent by President Soeharto in 1995-1996 to Mindanao to help mitigate the worsening peace and order situation there. It was in 1996 that the MNLF signed a peace pact with the government that catapulted Misuari as autonomous region governor.

Misuari, who is facing rebellion charges over the deadly 2013 Zamboanga siege, was last sighted in Indanan, Sulu in February.

The Zamboanga crisis left more than 200 people dead and some P200 million worth of properties destroyed. The 20-day crisis started after Misuari’s followers tried to hoist their flag at the city hall and captured several people.

An arrest warrant was issued against Misuari and his followers in October 2013.

The hostages–Peter Tonsen Barahama, Julian Philip, Alfian Elvis, Repi Mahmud, Suriansyah Surianto, Wawan Saputka, Rilandi Bayu, Octaviayanto Wendy and Rakhadian–were abandoned near the house of Gov. Toto Tan of Sulu in the capital town of Jolo.

http://www.manilatimes.net/indonesian-general-helped-sailors/259828/

All-out offensive vs Abus to continue

From the Philippine Star (May 3): All-out offensive vs Abus to continue



President Aquino vowed to devote all of his energy towards “crushing” the Abu Sayyaf after Canadian hostage John Ridsdel’s beheading as he also bared the bandits’ other plots, including threats to his own life. The President said smashing the terrorist group was within grasp of authorities. File photo

The all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf will continue and will be relentless even after the release of 10 Indonesian hostages, President Aquino said yesterday.

“The Abu Sayyaf has been causing too much damage for a very long time now and they are really horrendous... this problem must be curbed,” Aquino said, noting the beheading of Canadian hostage John Ridsdel last week.

The Indonesian sailors were kidnapped from a Taiwanese-owned tugboat en route to Manila from Jakarta, Indonesia on March 26. The Abu Sayyaf was allegedly paid P50-million ransom for their release.

Ridsdel was taken from a resort in Samal Island in Davao along with another Canadian, a Norwegian and a Filipina. The bandits beheaded Ridsdel when the deadline for the payment of P300-million ransom lapsed.

Aquino vowed to devote all of his energy towards “crushing” the Abu Sayyaf after Ridsdel’s beheading as he also bared the bandits’ other plots, including threats to his own life. The President said smashing the terrorist group was within grasp of authorities.

In a media interview after a meeting with Iglesia ni Cristo executive minister Eduardo Manalo in the church’s central office in Quezon City, Aquino said his administration and the security sector would continue working towards bringing down the Abu Sayyaf.

“I just want to reiterate that we in this administration talk to everyone who wants to have a dialogue with us,” Aquino said.

“Those who only understand force or violence must also be shown force and ruthlessness of the state, but I am confident that our security sector is not relenting, the military and the police, to end this Abu Sayyaf problem,” he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) meanwhile welcomed the release of the Indonesians.
“The Philippine government is pleased at the positive developments resulting in the safe release of 10 Indonesian nationals,” the DFA said in a statement.

“While intensified operations continue on the ground, the DFA maintains close coordination with concerned foreign governments in ensuring the safe return of all the remaining hostages,” it added.

Philippine National Police spokesman Sr. Supt. Wilben Mayor said he had not received information on whether ransom was paid.

“We adhere to the government’s no-ransom policy,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/03/1579314/all-out-offensive-vs-abus-continue

PHOTOS | Thousands of workers march in Davao on Labor Day

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication Davao Today (May 3): PHOTOS | Thousands of workers march in Davao on Labor Day

 Labor groups under Kilusang Mayo Uno Southern Mindanao  set up inside the Magsaysay Park the pictures of the philosophers Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong during the 130th Commemoration of the International labor day.

Lumad farmers from Compostela Valley Province join the protest to support the workers' struggle.

Workers hold the flag of party-list Anakpawis, while waiting to start the march.

Banana workers from Compostela Valley Province are getting ready for the big mobilization.

Around 6,000 workers from different provinces of Southern Mindanao Region march the street of Davao City as they commemorate labor day.

Union members affiliated to the labor center, Kilusang Mayo Uno raise the red flags while they march the streets from Magsaysay Park to Rizal Park.

Union members affiliated to the labor center, Kilusang Mayo Uno raise the red flags while they march the streets from Magsaysay Park to Rizal Park.
 
Workers wear shirts with their calls to raise the national minimum wage to P750 for the private sector and P16,000 for the public sector.
 
Workers wear shirts with their calls to raise the national minimum wage to P750 for the private sector and P16,000 for the public sector.
 
 Manobo women raise their fists as they join the workers march in Davao City. They also called for the immediate release of the calamity funds for the El NiƱo affected area.
 
Manobo women raise their fists as they join the workers march in Davao City. They also called for the immediate release of the calamity funds for the El NiƱo affected area
 
A cultural group performs a dance depicting the situation of workers in the Philippines.
 
A cultural group performs a dance depicting the situation of workers in the Philippines
 
 A quote popularized by German philosopher, Karl Marx, lives today as one of the rallying calls of the workers.
 
A quote popularized by German philosopher, Karl Marx, lives today as one of the rallying calls of the workers
 
Carlo Olalo, spokesperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno challenges all the presidentiables to end contractualization in the country. On the background is a photo of the Russian leader, Joseph Stalin.
 
Carlo Olalo, spokesperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno challenges all the presidentiables to end contractualization in the country. On the background is a photo of the Russian leader, Joseph Stalin.
 

NDF declares suspension of offensives to free its prisoners in Mis Or

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Davao Today (May 1): NDF declares suspension of offensives to free its prisoners in Mis Or

OPENING CEREMONY. Before the program proper for the release of the POWs, the NPAs line up for the singing of the Internationale. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com file photo)

OPENING CEREMONY. Before the program proper for the release of the POWs, the NPAs line up for the singing of the Internationale. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com file photo)
 
The National Democratic Front on Saturday, April 30, declared a five-day suspension of all military offensives in the seven towns in Misamis Oriental from midnight of April 30 to midnight of May 5 to pave way for the release of three police officers it captured on April 3.
 
Cesar Renerio, spokesperson of the NDF-North Central Mindanao, said it ordered the suspension of offensive operations by the New People’s Army units in Balingasag, Lagonglong, Salay, Sugbungcogon, Kinoguitan, Balingoan and  Medina towns in Misamis Oriental; and in Cabanglasan, Impasug-ong, and Malaybalay City in Bukidnon Province.

On April 3, the NPAs put up checkpoints and captured three police officers and two soldiers.

Among the police officers who were taken were Senior Police Officer 1 Warren Hansol CoƱales from the Impasug-ong Police Station, PO3 Edwin Panis Castor from Wao, Lanao del Sur, and SPO4 Rene Rombo of Kinoguitan PNP Station.

Renerio said through the efforts of the local third party facilitators and the local crisis committee of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, the NDFP received the copy of the letter signed by the 403rd Brigade – Philippine Army commander Col. Jesse Alvarez to Misamis Oriental province Governor Yevgeny Vicente Emano and Bukidnon province Gov. Jose Maria Zubiri for the five-day “Stand Down Order”.

“Based on Col. Jesse Alvarez’ definition of the “stand down” the armed encounters will temporarily be stopped and the stand down order will be ordered to his troops who will remain in their positions,” said Renerio.

Renerio added that the Army still has an option to engage offensive actions against armed groups who will be entering within 2-kilometers from their base, camps, and locations.

Renerio said their order for ceasefire “means that the NPAs will suspend all military actions against a unit or any member of the Army, police and the militia in those areas for five days.”

However, Renerio clarified that NPA fighters should remain in “active posture for defense”.

The NPA units should always be on alert and should not hesitate to defend their own forces whenever the AFP, police, or paramilitary launch a secret attack or if there is any effort to launch violence against the people),” said Renerio.

The NPA in Southern Mindanao released six prisoners of war last week, including the five police officers taken in Paquibato district.

Meanwhile, the two Army soldiers Private First Class Glenn Austia and PFC Diven Abion Tawide of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, are still in NPA custody.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/ndf-declares-suspension-of-offensives-to-free-its-prisoners-in-mis-or/

MNLF worked for Indonesians’ release

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 3): MNLF worked for Indonesians’ release

Credit for the release of the 10 Indonesian hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf should go to Nur Misuari, founding chair of the Moro National Liberation Front, according to the MNLF itself.

Habib Mudjahab Hashim, MNLF Islamic Command Council chair, said that since the hostage crisis broke out on March 26, Misuari and his commanders had worked to secure the Indonesians’ release.

The kidnap victims—Peter Tonson, Julian Philip, Alvian Elvis Peti, Mahmud, Surian Syah, Surianto, Wawan Saputria, Bayu Oktavianto, Reynaldi and Wendi  Raknadian—were dropped off outside the home of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan II in  Jolo town at noon on Sunday.

The Indonesians, all crew members of a tugboat delivering coal to the Philippines from Borneo, were seized by armed men in the  waters of Sulu.

Hashim said the MNLF negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf were held clandestinely, and the military and police allowed it to happen because of the big chance all 10 Indonesian hostages would come out safely.

“Maas (Misuari) led the talks with elements of the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

Hashim said the Indonesians were released for purely humanitarian reasons, and if money was involved, no amount was specified but some Abu Sayyaf members wanted to be reimbursed for expenses. A ransom figure of P50 million was mentioned, but this was denied by the authorities.

From an undisclosed place, the 10 Indonesians were supposed to be brought to Misuari’s home in the mountains of Indanan town.

But since Misuari is facing charges for allegedly ordering the 2013 Zamboanga siege, they decided to bring the Indonesians to the governor’s house, Hashim said.

“We are grateful to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for giving way, even if they had operations against the Abu Sayyaf. We are also thankful to the governor for opening his home and feeding the Indonesians,” Hashim said.

Chief Supt. Miguel Antonio Jr., Western Mindanao police chief, said they did not know about any negotiations and learned only later about the release.

The former hostages were flown to Zamboanga where a private plane waited to take them to Indonesia, Antonio said.

“Negotiations? I think the Indonesians negotiated with them (Abu Sayyaf). We don’t talk about ransom here,” Antonio said.

Two Philippine Air Force Huey helicopters flew on Sunday afternoon from Jolo to Edwin Andrews Air Base in this city.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, also  denied any knowledge of the hostage release.

“Our attention has been focused on ongoing military operations,” he said.

Antonio said the police were readying charges against the abductors of the 10  Indonesians.

“We are going to pursue cases against the Abu Sayyaf. I don’t know if they  (Indonesians) will file their own,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said the government was doing all it could to obtain the immediate and safe release of all the 19 hostages still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf, following the terror group’s recent release of 10 Indonesian hostages.

“The Philippine government is pleased at the positive developments resulting in the safe release of 10 Indonesian nationals abducted by the Abu Sayyaf on March 26, 2016,” the DFA said in a statement on Monday.

At least 19 people remain in Abu Sayyaf hands in Mindanao—four of them Indonesian, four Malaysians, a Canadian, a Norwegian, a Dutch, a Chinese and seven Filipinos.

The statement said that “while intensified operations were continuing on the ground, the DFA is maintaining close coordination with the foreign governments concerned to ensure the safe return of all the remaining hostages.”

Foreign Secretary Jose Almendras said the government was doing all it could to facilitate the release of the hostages.

“The DFA team has been on top of the situation since Day 1,” Almendras said. “I can literally say that we have not been sleeping.”

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/139185/mnlf-worked-for-indonesians-release

Hostage tells of ordeal in hands of Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 3): Hostage tells of ordeal in hands of Abu Sayyaf

Indonesian sailor told on Monday how Islamic militants threatened to slit his throat during a terrifying kidnap ordeal, a day after he and nine other crew members were released.

The sailors were freed on Sunday in Sulu after more than a month in the hands of Abu Sayyaf militants, and flew back to Jakarta.

The Indonesians were among about 20 foreigners abducted in a recent Abu Sayyaf kidnapping spree, and their release came just days after the militants beheaded a Canadian hostage.
 
The sailors, who were taken hostage in late March from a tugboat transporting a coal barge, were reunited with their families on Monday after doctors confirmed they were in good health.

Crew member Julian Philip described how they were taken hostage by eight militants disguised in Philippine police uniforms, who boarded the tug from speedboats and tied up the sailors.

The barge was then abandoned, and the Indonesians were taken to an island and divided into two groups. They were moved every few days to avoid the military, which has launched an assault against Abu Sayyaf.

“We were all stressed out because they frequently threatened to slit our throats,” he told reporters after the 10 were reunited with their families at the foreign ministry.

However, Philip added the militants did not harm them and he thought that in reality “they did not want any of us to die as they would not get any money.” He said he did not know whether a ransom was paid for their release.

“We were just put in a car and sent on our way and told to look for the governor’s house,” he said.
The sailors turned up at the house of the governor in Jolo, a mountainous and jungle-clad island that is an Abu Sayyaf stronghold.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on Monday dodged questions about whether a ransom had been paid. The Abu Sayyaf does not normally free hostages unless ransom demands are met.

Authorities say the group is still holding at least 11 foreign hostages—four sailors from Indonesia and four others from Malaysia, a Canadian tourist, a Norwegian resort owner and a Dutch birdwatcher.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/139184/hostage-tells-ordeal-hands-abu-sayyaf

NPA frees 1st of 5 prisoners of war in Misamis Oriental (Photo)

From Rappler (May 3): NPA frees 1st of 5 prisoners of war in Misamis Oriental

Senior Police Officer 4 Renie Rombo was one of the policemen abducted by the rebels when they held simultaneous road blocks across Northern Mindanao   

FREED. Senior Police Officer 4 Renie Rombo arrives at the Banglay Basketball court escorted by the New People's Army -Custodial force on Monday, May 2, 2016 after being held for 29 days as prisoner of war by the rebels. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

FREED. Senior Police Officer 4 Renie Rombo arrives at the Banglay Basketball court escorted by the New People's Army -Custodial force on Monday, May 2, 2016 after being held for 29 days as prisoner of war by the rebels. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

The New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday, May 2, released the first of 5 prisoners of war (POW) abducted by the group in April when it staged road blocks in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Agusan del Norte.

Senior Police Officer 4 Renie Rombo was released by the NPA’s custodial force to a 3rd party facilitator, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), in Barangay Banglay, Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental.

Dressed in a white T-shirt with the words "Prisoner of War" on it, Rombo was brought to the barangay basketball court, 3 kilometers from the national highway.

Present during his release were Rombo's wife Vilma and daughter Nova, as well as Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano and Monsignor Elmer Abacahin.

After Rombo was turned over by the NPA to the PEPP, he was taken to the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol, where top police officials were waiting.

Rombo was also given medical checkup and was certified to be in good health.
He also shared that his captors took care of him.

“We have never hurt or tortured SPO4 Rombo, but instead we have taken great steps in assuring his health as a top priority, [since] he has hypertension,” Ka Nonoy, the leader of the NPA Custodial Force, said.

Rombo was one of the policemen abducted by the rebels when they held simultaneous road blocks across Northern Mindanao to implement its revolutionary election policies for local and national candidates.

The other prisoners of war held by the NPA – Private First Class Glen Austria, Diven Tawide of the 23rd Infantry battalion, Senior Police Officer 1 Warren Conales, and PO3 Edwin Castor – are also set to be released, according to Ka Sagi, of the NPA's Eastern Misamis Oriental-Northeastern Bukidnon command.

Rombo's release came after Emano convened the local crisis committee to facilitate talks, with Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente spearheading negotiations for the release.

Resume peace talks

As a 3rd party facilitator, the PEPP is pushing for the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines to return to the negotiating table and restart its long-stalled peace talks.

“These (peace talks) can be tackled, [and] that would lead to a peaceful and just society. That is why the PEPP supports this kind of advocacy,” Calang said.

The NPA also released a statement stating its willingness to negotiate in order to address the root cause of civil war, and pave the way for the pursuit of just and lasting peace.

“Whoever wins as president, we offer these release of POWs as proof of willingness and the wisdom of the NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) to negotiate for peace," the NPA said.

“It is also our hope that, in the continuation of the peace process, the government will also release the political prisoners, especially the NDFP consultants here in Northern Mindanao: Alfredo Mapano, Pedro Codaste, and Loida Magpatoc,” it added.

The NPA has suspended its operations in 7 towns in Misamis Oriental and 3 towns in Bukidnon, and has called for a suspension of police and military operations as well.

The military, through 403rd Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Jesse Alvarez, issued a 5-day stand-down order to his troops in these towns

http://www.rappler.com/nation/131553-npa-release-pow-misamis-oriental

Photo: Water from His Captors

Posted to MindaNews (May 2): Photo: Water from His Captors

release

Ka Pia, an NPA rebel, gives Senior Police Officer 4 Rene Rombo a bottle of water during his release in Barangay Banglay in Lagonglong town, Misamis Oriental on Monday, May 2, 2016. Rombo was captured by the NPA last April 3, after the rebels set up a roadblock in nearby Talisayan town. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2016/05/02/water-from-his-captors/

NDF releases cop in MisOr; says more captives to be freed this month

From MindaNews (May 2): NDF releases cop in MisOr; says more captives to be freed this month

The National Democratic Front on Monday released an ailing policeman to Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Emano and church leaders, nearly a month after he was captured by New People’s Army rebels.

The NDF said the release of Senior Police Officer 4 Rene Rombo is the first of a series of releases of soldiers and policemen captured by the NPA when it staged simultaneous roadblocks in five towns in three provinces in Northern Mindanao last month.

Ka Maya, of the NPA Eastern Misamis Oriental North Central Bukidnon Sub-regional Committee, said they are also releasing before the May 9 elections Privates First Class Diven Tawide and Glen Austria of the 23rd Infantry Battalion who were captured in Carmen town, Agusan del Norte last April 3.

Ka Maya said they have also scheduled for release Senior Police Officer 1 Warren Hansel Canales and Police Officer 1 Edwin Panis Cantor after the May 9 elections.

She said this is their “strong” message to whoever becomes the next President to resume peace talks with the communist rebels.

“We have to talk to end the war. The talks should focus on the roots of our rebellion,” she said.

Rombo appeared frail when he was met by his wife, Vilma, and their eldest daughter, Novarie, during a tearful reunion in Barangay Banglay, some 10 kilometers east of Lagonglong town.

Emano, Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Monsignor Elmer Abacahin of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese came to accept the release of Rombo from the NPA Eastern Misamis Oriental North Central Bukidnon Sub-regional Committee.

“I was treated well by my captors. At first, I thought the NPA rebels were bloodthirsty and very bad people. I was wrong, they even gave me more food than what they were subsisting,” Rombo told reporters.

“They treated me like a guest not their prisoner-of-war,” he added.

NPA rebels captured Rombo when they set up a roadblock along the Cagayan de Oro-Butuan highway in nearby Talisayan town last April 3.

Rombo said psychological stress and frequent long walks in the rugged mountain terrain caused his blood pressure to go up during his 29 days of captivity.

“His blood pressure went up to 170 over 60 especially on the second night of his captivity. Our medics were constantly watching his condition,” Ka Maya said.

She said their medics was able to stabilize Rombo’s health condition because they have ample medicines.

The release of Rombo came after Emano convened a local crisis group composed of Bishop Calang and the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese .

Emano said Rombo’s wife came to his office a day after the policeman was captured by the rebels.

For their part, Abacahin said they agreed to be the intermediary for humanitarian purposes.

“The government and the NPA are at war against each other. We felt there is a need for some group to stay neutral so peace can be pursued,” he said.

This is the third release of captured soldiers and policemen facilitated by the interfaith group in Cagayan de Oro.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/05/02/ndf-releases-cop-in-misor-says-more-captives-to-be-freed-this-month/

DND sets Php38.5-M for Lot 2 of C-295M add'l integrated logistics project

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): DND sets Php38.5-M for Lot 2 of C-295M add'l integrated logistics project

The Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have allocated Php38.5 million for Lot 2 of additional integrated logistics support project for its brand-new Airbus Military C-295M medium transport aircraft.

Money will be sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund.

Lot 2 refers to the procurement of 74 line items of aircraft spares as additional integrated logistics support for the C-295M aircraft.

While Lot 1 involves the procurement of 47 line items of aircraft ground support equipment as additional integrated logistics support for the aircraft costing Php40.2 million.

The guiding principles for this project shall be based on affordability and sustainability while conforming to the requirements of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in furtherance of accomplishing its mission.

Bidders are required to deliver the items within 60 days from the contract effectivity.

They should also have completed within five years before the date of submission and receipt of bids, at least two contracts similar to the project.

Pre-bid conference is on May 4, 10 a.m. at the DND Special Bids and Awards Committee at DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Contract for the three C-295M is worth Php5.3 billion.

PAF's Mactan-based 220th Airlift Wing is the unit tasked to operate and maintain the latter aircraft which is used for transport missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881426

AFP mobilizes all assets to aid transport of voting paraphernalia

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): AFP mobilizes all assets to aid transport of voting paraphernalia

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said its land, sea and air assets are now helping the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) transport the vote-counting machines and other paraphernalia needed for the coming May 9 polls.

This is especially true in far-flung areas not served by commercial and logistics compannies, said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato.

He added that COMELEC representatives are usually present in these missions which started late April.

"We will never do it on our own, (transport missions) are always done with the presence of COMELEC officials," Detoyato stressed.

He said that the transport role of the AFP is part of job description which comes from being a deputized agency of the COMELEC.

"As long as it is election and security related movement, we are deputized, we take orders from the COMELEC," Detoyato pointed out.

The AFP public affairs office chief said the military is always ready to support the poll body in its mandate.

As this develops, the COMELEC in Palawan has requested the AFP for three Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" missions to bring election paraphernalias to isolated areas in Palawan and Pagasa Island.

These flights will take place on May 3 and 8 with return flights scheduled on May 10 and 11.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881567

AFP not aware of ransom payment for release of 10 Indon sailors

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): AFP not aware of ransom payment for release of 10 Indon sailors

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it has no information on whether ransom was paid to secure the release of the 10 Indonesian sailors earlier kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits off Tawi-Tawi last March 26.

The 10 sailors, all crew members of the tugboat Brahma-12, were freed Sunday near the Jolo home of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan II on Sunday.

"The AFP has been fully focused on the conduct of military operations in the area for the past couple of weeks, we have devoted full attention for the rescue of the victims and the decimation of the kidnap-for-ransom groups (KFRGs) in the island, we are not aware of any ransom payments or negotiations to that effect," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

Padilla made the statement in wake of reports that a PHP50 million ransom has been paid for the release of the 10 Indonesian sailors.

"We are not also aware of the actual circumstances for their release, we do believe that the ongoing operations we have launched since the other week has had a profound effect on the ability of these groups to conduct their activities at will, we (insist) that we have made their world smaller and in due time we will come to a decisive engagement to force them to release the remaining hostages they current(ly) hold," Padilla stressed.

"As we have mentioned in the past we continually appeal to all concerned parties to desist in the payment of ransom, we want to end this series of criminal acts. The payment of ransom besides being against the government’s policy of no ransom and no negotiation with criminal and terrorist groups will only encourage further activities of the same nature," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881586

PHL govt pleased with safe release of Indon hostages

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): PHL govt pleased with safe release of Indon hostages

The Philippine government on Monday said it is pleased with the safe release of 10 Indonesian sailors abducted by the Abu Sayyaf last March 26 as it assured foreign governments that it continues to work for the freedom of their nationals still being held by the militants.

"While intensified operations continue on the ground, the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) maintains close coordination with concerned foreign governments in ensuring the safe return of all the remaining hostages," a Foreign Affairs statement said.

The Indonesians were seized at sea in March, sparking a regional maritime security concern.

They were released on Sunday afternoon and were dropped off in front of the house of Sulu province governor.

It was not known if ransom was paid.

The Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, which has been listed as a terrorist organization by the Philippines and United States, is notorious for beheading its hostages. It was also responsible for several terrorist attacks in the country and kidnapping of foreigners in the Southern Philippines.

The Abu Sayyaf on April 25 beheaded one of their two Canadian hostages after their US$ 6.5-million ransom demand was not met.

John Ridsel, 68, was executed by his captors, hours after the April 25 deadline for their demand to pay the ransom for each of the foreign hostages in their custody passed. His head, wrapped in a plastic bag, was dropped by two men on motorcycle near the Jolo city hall in Sulu.

Still being held by the group are Canadian Robert Hall and his partner, Filipina Marites Flor, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the manager of the Ocean View Samal Resort, where they were abducted on Sept. 21, 2015.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed outrage at the “cold-blooded murder” of Ridsel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881648

NPA rebels free Misamis Oriental cop

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): NPA rebels free Misamis Oriental cop

A police officer, assigned in Misamis Oriental, was released Tuesday to the provincial local crisis committee headed by Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano of Misamis Oriental.

Emano, together with religious leaders and Third Party Facilitators of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), formally accepted Senior Police Officer 4 Rene Rombo during a turnover in the remote village of Banglay in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental.

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) released Rombo, one of the three police officers, captured when the NPA rebels mounted a coordinated road blockade in some areas in the Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao last April 1.

Rombo, who was assigned at the Municipal Police Station of Medina in Misamis Oriental, was held by the NPA rebels in a roadblock in Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental.

The turnover last Tuesday was facilitated by a certain “Kumander Maya,” of the Eastern Misamis Oriental and Northeastern Bukidnon Command of the Maoist NPA.

Top officials of the military and the police in Northern Mindanao ordered a seven day “stand down” of all the law enforcers in some areas in Misamis Oriental and part of Bukidnon until May 5 in order to facilitate the safe release of Rombo.

Emano, together with the local government officials and the PEPP, headed by the Bishop Felixberto Calang, negotiated for the release of Rombo in coordination with the military and police.

Calang has expressed thanks to Emano, the local government officials, members of the local crisis committee, the military and the police, for the efforts that paved the way to a successful negotiation.

He said that aside from Rombo, the NPA is also expected to release the three other captives composed of a police officer and two government troopers on May 3.

Calang said that the three other law enforcers who remained in captivity were SPO1 Warren CoƱales, Private First Class Glenn Austia and Diven Abion Tawide.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=881667