New People's Army (NPA) propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDF) Website (May 5): DALAWANG PAG-ATAKE INILUNSAD NG BHB LABAN SA PWERSANG PANSEGURIDAD NG PROYEKTONG MEGA DAM SA ILOG PAN-AY (The NPA launches two attacks against security forces protecting the Mega Dam in Ilog Pan-ay)
Jose Percival Estocada Command
Matagumpay na inilunsad ng dalawang yunit ng BHB sa ilalim ng JPEC, NPA-Central Panay ang dalawang magkasunod na harassment operations laban sa dalawang detatsment ng Philippine Army at Cafgu na bahagi ng pwersang panseguridad sa itatayong proyektong mega dam sa Ilog Pan-ay.
Batay sa panimulang ulat, ang unang pag-atake ay inilunsad laban sa PA-Cafgu detatsment sa Bgy. Abangay, Tapaz, Capiz, bandang alas otso ng gabi ng Mayo 4, 2016. Ang pangalawang pag-atake ay ipinatupad laban sa PA-Cafgu detatsment sa Bgy. Daan Sur, Tapaz, Capiz, bandang alas kwatro ng umaga ng Mayo 5, 2016. Ligtas na nakaatras ang mga yunit ng BHB matapos ang mga pag-atake.
Ang huling dalawang aksyon ay pangalawang bugso at pang-apat nang mga pag-atakeng inilunsad ng JPEC sa loob ng dalawang linggo. Ang unang bugso ay kinabibilangan ng harassment operation laban sa detatsment ng 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion ng PNP sa Bgy. Agcalaga, Calinog, Iloilo noong Abril 18, 2016 at ng ambus gamit ang command-detonated explosive laban sa 15-man operating troops ng 31st Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC), Philippine Army, noong Abril 21, 2016 kung saan hindi bababa sa lima ang kaswalti sa tropang militar.
http://www.ndfp.org/dalawang-pag-atake-inilunsad-ng-bhb-laban-sa-pwersang-panseguridad-ng-proyektong-mega-dam-sa-ilog-pan-ay/
Monday, May 9, 2016
CPP/NDF: On Duterte’s promise of truce, peace talks
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDF) Website (May 5): On Duterte’s promise of truce, peace talks
Communist Party of the Philippines
May 4, 2016
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) acknowledges with keen interest Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to immediately declare a ceasefire in order to pave the way for peace negotiations if ever he wins the upcoming presidential elections.
Duterte’s promise, indeed, strikes a chord with the Filipino people who have long aspired for substantial progress in NDFP-GRP peace negotiations after more than 15 years of being stalled by GRP and AFP obstructionism.
Since 2001, the Arroyo and Aquino regimes prevented the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations to prosper. More than 20 peace consultants and personnel of the NDFP were imprisoned in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). The Aquino regime has firmly shut the doors to peace negotiations by refusing to discuss such fundamental issues as land reform and
national industrialization which it summarily dismissed as “ideologically charged” in adamant refusal to recognize these as basic demands of the Filipino people.
Both regimes sought to defeat the revolutionary forces in the battlefield through military campaigns of suppression Oplan Bantay Laya I and II and Oplan Bayanihan. Arroyo and Aquino both miserably failed to stymie, much less defeat, the people’s armed struggle.
A Duterte presidency can push forward peace negotiations by upholding all previous agreements from the foundational The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law(CARHRIHL) of 1998 and complying with the GRP obligations under the JASIG by ordering the release of all NDFP consultants and political detainees.
On Duterte’s intention to be RP’s first Left President
Speaking before NPA Red fighters last week, Duterte declared he will be the first “Left President” of the Philippines if he wins the elections. In the hope of boosting his chances of gaining popular support, he issues radical soundbytes about destroying the government and setting-up a new one.
Talk is cheap, however, especially during the electoral campaign. If he ever wins, he will still have to prove himself in practice: Will he be like Venezuela’s Chavez who stood up to the bullying of the US government and promoted nationalization, a social welfare state and the arming of the people in Venezuela? Or will he be like Greece’s Tsipras who defended the welfare state in political debate but who later acceded to IMF and EU austerity policy-impositions?
Despite his “radicalisms”, Duterte has, in fact, yet to espouse any fundamental shift from the general run of neoliberal economic policy of the past 30 or so years. On the contrary, he has promised to expand privatization and deregulation and declared plans to provide state funds to Lucio Tan and his ilk of big bourgeois compradors; and liberalization of trade by allowing the dumping of surplus steel from China.
The US government, through its ambassador, has expressed displeasure with Duterte over a joke he made at the expense of a rape and murder victim in 2009 recently exposed in social media. Such a remark, in fact, expresses the anxiety of US officials over Duterte who, with his shoot-from-the-hip statements, might prove a bit too unwieldy and unpredictable for the US.
It is also a not so subtle advise for Duterte to more firmly toe the US line, especially with regard establishing US military bases and expanding presence in the Philippines through the EDCA, and containing the expansion of China.
Aware that US control over the elections propelled Benigno Aquino III to the presidency in 2010, Duterte may be compelled to secure his ties with the US. Or he can choose to make a break and seek support elsewhere.
http://www.ndfp.org/dutertes-promise-truce-peace-talks/
Communist Party of the Philippines
May 4, 2016
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) acknowledges with keen interest Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to immediately declare a ceasefire in order to pave the way for peace negotiations if ever he wins the upcoming presidential elections.
Duterte’s promise, indeed, strikes a chord with the Filipino people who have long aspired for substantial progress in NDFP-GRP peace negotiations after more than 15 years of being stalled by GRP and AFP obstructionism.
Since 2001, the Arroyo and Aquino regimes prevented the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations to prosper. More than 20 peace consultants and personnel of the NDFP were imprisoned in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). The Aquino regime has firmly shut the doors to peace negotiations by refusing to discuss such fundamental issues as land reform and
national industrialization which it summarily dismissed as “ideologically charged” in adamant refusal to recognize these as basic demands of the Filipino people.
Both regimes sought to defeat the revolutionary forces in the battlefield through military campaigns of suppression Oplan Bantay Laya I and II and Oplan Bayanihan. Arroyo and Aquino both miserably failed to stymie, much less defeat, the people’s armed struggle.
A Duterte presidency can push forward peace negotiations by upholding all previous agreements from the foundational The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law(CARHRIHL) of 1998 and complying with the GRP obligations under the JASIG by ordering the release of all NDFP consultants and political detainees.
On Duterte’s intention to be RP’s first Left President
Speaking before NPA Red fighters last week, Duterte declared he will be the first “Left President” of the Philippines if he wins the elections. In the hope of boosting his chances of gaining popular support, he issues radical soundbytes about destroying the government and setting-up a new one.
Talk is cheap, however, especially during the electoral campaign. If he ever wins, he will still have to prove himself in practice: Will he be like Venezuela’s Chavez who stood up to the bullying of the US government and promoted nationalization, a social welfare state and the arming of the people in Venezuela? Or will he be like Greece’s Tsipras who defended the welfare state in political debate but who later acceded to IMF and EU austerity policy-impositions?
Despite his “radicalisms”, Duterte has, in fact, yet to espouse any fundamental shift from the general run of neoliberal economic policy of the past 30 or so years. On the contrary, he has promised to expand privatization and deregulation and declared plans to provide state funds to Lucio Tan and his ilk of big bourgeois compradors; and liberalization of trade by allowing the dumping of surplus steel from China.
The US government, through its ambassador, has expressed displeasure with Duterte over a joke he made at the expense of a rape and murder victim in 2009 recently exposed in social media. Such a remark, in fact, expresses the anxiety of US officials over Duterte who, with his shoot-from-the-hip statements, might prove a bit too unwieldy and unpredictable for the US.
It is also a not so subtle advise for Duterte to more firmly toe the US line, especially with regard establishing US military bases and expanding presence in the Philippines through the EDCA, and containing the expansion of China.
Aware that US control over the elections propelled Benigno Aquino III to the presidency in 2010, Duterte may be compelled to secure his ties with the US. Or he can choose to make a break and seek support elsewhere.
http://www.ndfp.org/dutertes-promise-truce-peace-talks/
NDF/NPA: LT. COL PEÑA — WALANG ALAM SA KASAYSAYAN NG 61ST IB
New People's Army (NPA) propaganda anti-military (61st Infantry Battalion) statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDF) Website (May 5): LT. COL PEÑA — WALANG ALAM SA KASAYSAYAN NG 61ST IB (LTC Pena doesn't know the history of the 61st IB)
Jose Percival Estocada Command
(Pahayag sa Pilipino at Hiligaynon)
Mahigit na sa anim na buwan, mula Oktubre 19, 2015, ng nanungkulan si Lt. Col. Leonardo Peña bilang commanding officer ng 61st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army pero hanggang sa ngayon ay wala pa ring itong alam sa kasaysayan ng kanyang pinamumuang bataljon.
Sa isang pagtitipon ng mga mamamayan ng Bgy. Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz na pinatawag ni Lt Col. Peña noong Abril 6, 2016 ipinagkaila nito ang mga karahasan at mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mamamayan na kagagawan ng militarya laluna ng 61st IB, PA. Ayon kay Lt. Col. Peña na sa kapanahunan pa ng Philippine Constabulary (PC) nangyari ang mga karahasan at paglabag sa karapatang pantao na ipinaparatang ng mga mamamayan at hindi na raw nangyayari ito sa kasalukuyan dahil nagbago na at naging propesyunal na daw ang militära.
Para sa kaalaman ni Lt. Col. Peña, ang 61st IB, PA ay inilipat sa isla ng Panay mula sa isla ng Negros noong Nobyembre 2010 sa dahilang pinapalayas na ito ng mamamayang Negrense bunga ng kanyang mahabang listahan ng mga krimen laluna ang kasong pagpatay sa kay Benjamin Bayles, isang lider-manggagawa, sa Himamaylan City, noong Hunyo 14, 2010. Pinatunayan mismo ni Col. Edilberto Surante, Adjutant General ng Philippine Army, na ang dalawang suspek, si Pfc Rafael Cordova at Pfc Reygine Luas, ay pawang mga kasapi ng 61st IB, PA na pinamumunuan noon ni Lt. Col. Ricardo Bayhon.
Sa mahigit limang taon nang pananatili ng bedugong batalyong ito dito sa isla ng Panay nagpatuloy ang mga karahasan nito na lalong nagpahaba sa listahan ng kanyang mga krimen. Narito ang listahan ng mga malalaking krimen ng 61st IB, PA, laban sa mamamayang Negrense at Panayanon:
1. Nobyembre 11, 2002. Pagbihag at pagtortyur sa mga magsasaka na sina Moises Arcadeña, 62 taong gulang; ang kanyang mga anak na sina Eddie, Ely at Moreto; at sina Marcelito Romano at Demetrio Bitongga pagkatapos ng isang engkwentro sa pagitan ng NPA at Philippine Army sa Barangay Manlocahoc, Sipalay City.
Kasabay ng nabanggit na insidente ang pagharas sa mag-asawang sina Rodolfo at Gina Baylosis. Hinalughog ang tahanan ni Moreto Paborada at pinunit ang importanteng mga papeles kalakip na ang mga birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma at mga dokumento ng kalabaw at motorsiklo. Ninakaw pa ang P500 nga nakatago sa aparador ng pamilya.
2. 2004: Pinatunayan ng isang fact-finding mission ng mga militanteng organisasyon at mga taong-simbahan ang 36 na mga kaso ng paglabag ng 61st IB sa karapatang pantao sa mga baryo ng Siaton, Negros Oriental.
3. Pebrero 2, 2004. Arbitraryo dinakip, pinailaim sa interogasyon at pagpreso sina Isabel Necesario, Julia Tabat at Medardo Sayosa, mga kasapi ng Bayan Muna at Anakbayan sa Bgy Molobolo, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Pinagbintangan silang mga kasapi ng NPA matapos taniman ng bala at mga documento.
4. Mayo 28, 2006. Pagdukot sa kay Roberto Marapo at Dionelo Borres sa Bgy Andulaan, Ilog, Negros Occidental. Kinilala ang dalawang nagdukot na mga operatiba sa paniktik ng 61st IB.
5. 2006. Pamomomba, pag-istraping a ptaglikha ng iban pang karahasan, kasama sa 11th IB at 3rd Scout Ranger Company, sa 6 na barangay ng Calatrava, Negros Occidental na nagresulta sa pagbakwet ng 2,497 na mamamayan. Kasabay nito ang pagdakip at pagtortyur ng tatlong menor de-edad nga taga-Bgy Malanog, Calatrava at 2 pang sibilyan na sina Nathaniel Alesgar at Ruel Tapio.
6. Pebrero 22, 2010. Pagbaril sa kay Ronald Capitanea, public information officer ng Camindangan Small Farmers Association, sa Hacienda Mabuhay, Brgy Gil Montilla, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
7. Hunyo 14, 2010. Pagpatay sa kay Benjamin Bayles isang lider-manggagawa sa Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
8. Enero 11, 2011 – pananakot sa pamamagitan ng pagtutok ng baril sa kay Anabelle Loreno at sa apat nitong mga batang babae na mula tatlo hanggang 14 na taong gulang, sa Bgy Binolusan Grande, Calinog, Iloilo. Resulta nito, nasiraan ng pag-iisip ang 14-taong gulang na bata.
9. 2011 – 2012 – pagposisyon ng mga PDT units sa mga sentro ng baryo sa Tapaz at Calinog na naglagay sa panganib sa buhay ng mga mamamayan at gumambala sa kanilang pamumuhay. Sa panahong ito lumaganap ang pagkawala ng mga kalabaw at iba pang hayop ng magsasaka, dumami ang mga kaso ng pamomolestya at pagbuntis ng mga dalaga, lumaganap ang pornograpiya at pagdadala ng mga bayarang babae sa kanilang mga detatsment.
10. Marso 11, 2012 – pagpaputok ng M203 grenade launcher sa bahay ni Odloy Aguirre sa Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz na nagresulta sa pagkapatay ng kanyang 6-taong gulang na bata na si Rodelyn Aguirre at pagkasugat ng 4-taong gulang na kapatid nito.
11. Oktubre 7, 2013 – pinaulanan ng putok ang bahay ni Kagawad Abelardo Diaz sa Nayawan, Tapaz, Capiz na ikinamatay ni Pastor Mirasol at pagkasugat ni Rolando Diaz, Sr..
12. 2013 hanggang sa kasalukuyan – Pananakot sa mga sibilyan laluna sa mga lider ng militanteng organisasyon ng katutubong Tumandok na mariing tumututol sa patuloy na pangangamkam ng 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army sa kanilang lupaing ninuno, lumalaban sa itatayong mapaminsalang proyektong mega dam sa Ilog Jalaur at Ilog Pan-ay, at sa mga nagpapatupad ng programa sa rehabilitasyon sa mga biktima ng superbagyong Yolanda.
13. 2010 hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Pamiminsala sang mga paray sa kaingin at iba pang pananim ng magsasaka sa panahon ng kanilang mga combat operations.
Ang nabanggit na mga pangyayari nagpapakita na sagad sa buto ng doktrina ng karahasan laban sa mamamayan ang mga opisyal at tauhan ng 61st IB, PA. Ang mga nakaraangg commanding officers nito, katulad kay Ret. Lt. Gen. Cabuay, ay mga bantog na pasistang ginantimpalaan ng matataas na posisyon dahil sa kanilang papel sa mga extrajudicial killings sa mga legal na lider-masa at progresibo na nagresulta daw sa pagpahina ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.
Nagpapakita rin ito na “propesyunal” na sinungaling si Lt. Col. Peña. Hindi kataka-taka na wala ni kahit isang pumalakpak sa mga pinagyayabang ni Lt. Col. Peña pero napakalakas ang palakpak ng mga mamamayan ng Bgy Katipunan tuwing may magsalita at maglahad ng kanilang karanasan sa mga karahasang militar. Hindi rin kataka-taka na pinapalayas na ng taga-baryo ang 61st IB sa kanilang komunidad.
Ka Jurie Guerrero
Tagapagsalita
JPEC, NPA-Central Panay
http://www.ndfp.org/lt-col-pena-walang-alam-sa-kasaysayan-ng-61st-ib/
Jose Percival Estocada Command
(Pahayag sa Pilipino at Hiligaynon)
Mahigit na sa anim na buwan, mula Oktubre 19, 2015, ng nanungkulan si Lt. Col. Leonardo Peña bilang commanding officer ng 61st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army pero hanggang sa ngayon ay wala pa ring itong alam sa kasaysayan ng kanyang pinamumuang bataljon.
Sa isang pagtitipon ng mga mamamayan ng Bgy. Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz na pinatawag ni Lt Col. Peña noong Abril 6, 2016 ipinagkaila nito ang mga karahasan at mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mamamayan na kagagawan ng militarya laluna ng 61st IB, PA. Ayon kay Lt. Col. Peña na sa kapanahunan pa ng Philippine Constabulary (PC) nangyari ang mga karahasan at paglabag sa karapatang pantao na ipinaparatang ng mga mamamayan at hindi na raw nangyayari ito sa kasalukuyan dahil nagbago na at naging propesyunal na daw ang militära.
Para sa kaalaman ni Lt. Col. Peña, ang 61st IB, PA ay inilipat sa isla ng Panay mula sa isla ng Negros noong Nobyembre 2010 sa dahilang pinapalayas na ito ng mamamayang Negrense bunga ng kanyang mahabang listahan ng mga krimen laluna ang kasong pagpatay sa kay Benjamin Bayles, isang lider-manggagawa, sa Himamaylan City, noong Hunyo 14, 2010. Pinatunayan mismo ni Col. Edilberto Surante, Adjutant General ng Philippine Army, na ang dalawang suspek, si Pfc Rafael Cordova at Pfc Reygine Luas, ay pawang mga kasapi ng 61st IB, PA na pinamumunuan noon ni Lt. Col. Ricardo Bayhon.
Sa mahigit limang taon nang pananatili ng bedugong batalyong ito dito sa isla ng Panay nagpatuloy ang mga karahasan nito na lalong nagpahaba sa listahan ng kanyang mga krimen. Narito ang listahan ng mga malalaking krimen ng 61st IB, PA, laban sa mamamayang Negrense at Panayanon:
1. Nobyembre 11, 2002. Pagbihag at pagtortyur sa mga magsasaka na sina Moises Arcadeña, 62 taong gulang; ang kanyang mga anak na sina Eddie, Ely at Moreto; at sina Marcelito Romano at Demetrio Bitongga pagkatapos ng isang engkwentro sa pagitan ng NPA at Philippine Army sa Barangay Manlocahoc, Sipalay City.
Kasabay ng nabanggit na insidente ang pagharas sa mag-asawang sina Rodolfo at Gina Baylosis. Hinalughog ang tahanan ni Moreto Paborada at pinunit ang importanteng mga papeles kalakip na ang mga birth certificate, marriage certificate, diploma at mga dokumento ng kalabaw at motorsiklo. Ninakaw pa ang P500 nga nakatago sa aparador ng pamilya.
2. 2004: Pinatunayan ng isang fact-finding mission ng mga militanteng organisasyon at mga taong-simbahan ang 36 na mga kaso ng paglabag ng 61st IB sa karapatang pantao sa mga baryo ng Siaton, Negros Oriental.
3. Pebrero 2, 2004. Arbitraryo dinakip, pinailaim sa interogasyon at pagpreso sina Isabel Necesario, Julia Tabat at Medardo Sayosa, mga kasapi ng Bayan Muna at Anakbayan sa Bgy Molobolo, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Pinagbintangan silang mga kasapi ng NPA matapos taniman ng bala at mga documento.
4. Mayo 28, 2006. Pagdukot sa kay Roberto Marapo at Dionelo Borres sa Bgy Andulaan, Ilog, Negros Occidental. Kinilala ang dalawang nagdukot na mga operatiba sa paniktik ng 61st IB.
5. 2006. Pamomomba, pag-istraping a ptaglikha ng iban pang karahasan, kasama sa 11th IB at 3rd Scout Ranger Company, sa 6 na barangay ng Calatrava, Negros Occidental na nagresulta sa pagbakwet ng 2,497 na mamamayan. Kasabay nito ang pagdakip at pagtortyur ng tatlong menor de-edad nga taga-Bgy Malanog, Calatrava at 2 pang sibilyan na sina Nathaniel Alesgar at Ruel Tapio.
6. Pebrero 22, 2010. Pagbaril sa kay Ronald Capitanea, public information officer ng Camindangan Small Farmers Association, sa Hacienda Mabuhay, Brgy Gil Montilla, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
7. Hunyo 14, 2010. Pagpatay sa kay Benjamin Bayles isang lider-manggagawa sa Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
8. Enero 11, 2011 – pananakot sa pamamagitan ng pagtutok ng baril sa kay Anabelle Loreno at sa apat nitong mga batang babae na mula tatlo hanggang 14 na taong gulang, sa Bgy Binolusan Grande, Calinog, Iloilo. Resulta nito, nasiraan ng pag-iisip ang 14-taong gulang na bata.
9. 2011 – 2012 – pagposisyon ng mga PDT units sa mga sentro ng baryo sa Tapaz at Calinog na naglagay sa panganib sa buhay ng mga mamamayan at gumambala sa kanilang pamumuhay. Sa panahong ito lumaganap ang pagkawala ng mga kalabaw at iba pang hayop ng magsasaka, dumami ang mga kaso ng pamomolestya at pagbuntis ng mga dalaga, lumaganap ang pornograpiya at pagdadala ng mga bayarang babae sa kanilang mga detatsment.
10. Marso 11, 2012 – pagpaputok ng M203 grenade launcher sa bahay ni Odloy Aguirre sa Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz na nagresulta sa pagkapatay ng kanyang 6-taong gulang na bata na si Rodelyn Aguirre at pagkasugat ng 4-taong gulang na kapatid nito.
11. Oktubre 7, 2013 – pinaulanan ng putok ang bahay ni Kagawad Abelardo Diaz sa Nayawan, Tapaz, Capiz na ikinamatay ni Pastor Mirasol at pagkasugat ni Rolando Diaz, Sr..
12. 2013 hanggang sa kasalukuyan – Pananakot sa mga sibilyan laluna sa mga lider ng militanteng organisasyon ng katutubong Tumandok na mariing tumututol sa patuloy na pangangamkam ng 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army sa kanilang lupaing ninuno, lumalaban sa itatayong mapaminsalang proyektong mega dam sa Ilog Jalaur at Ilog Pan-ay, at sa mga nagpapatupad ng programa sa rehabilitasyon sa mga biktima ng superbagyong Yolanda.
13. 2010 hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Pamiminsala sang mga paray sa kaingin at iba pang pananim ng magsasaka sa panahon ng kanilang mga combat operations.
Ang nabanggit na mga pangyayari nagpapakita na sagad sa buto ng doktrina ng karahasan laban sa mamamayan ang mga opisyal at tauhan ng 61st IB, PA. Ang mga nakaraangg commanding officers nito, katulad kay Ret. Lt. Gen. Cabuay, ay mga bantog na pasistang ginantimpalaan ng matataas na posisyon dahil sa kanilang papel sa mga extrajudicial killings sa mga legal na lider-masa at progresibo na nagresulta daw sa pagpahina ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.
Nagpapakita rin ito na “propesyunal” na sinungaling si Lt. Col. Peña. Hindi kataka-taka na wala ni kahit isang pumalakpak sa mga pinagyayabang ni Lt. Col. Peña pero napakalakas ang palakpak ng mga mamamayan ng Bgy Katipunan tuwing may magsalita at maglahad ng kanilang karanasan sa mga karahasang militar. Hindi rin kataka-taka na pinapalayas na ng taga-baryo ang 61st IB sa kanilang komunidad.
Ka Jurie Guerrero
Tagapagsalita
JPEC, NPA-Central Panay
http://www.ndfp.org/lt-col-pena-walang-alam-sa-kasaysayan-ng-61st-ib/
CPP/NDF: CPP to Miriam: NPA does not support Duterte nor any other candidate
Excerpts from Communist Party of the Philippines propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front websites (May 6): CPP to Miriam: NPA does not support Duterte nor any other candidate
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) reiterated today that it does not participate in the elections of the Government of the Republic of the Philippine (GRP) nor does it endorse or support any of the presidential candidate.
The CPP issued this clarification in reaction to statements yesterday by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago that presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is the “official candidate” of the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Contrary to Senator Santiago’s claims yesterday, Mayor Duterte is not being endorsed nor supported by the Party or NPA,” said the CPP.
The CPP also dismissed reports by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that NPA members in Samar are campaigning for Duterte. “These are pure lies.”
“Indeed, Mayor Duterte has espoused certain advocacies that strike a chord among the Filipino people and their national democratic forces, including calling for peace negotiations to address the roots of the armed conflict,” pointed out the CPP.
“Duterte has mostly styled himself an anti-crime crusader, a socialist and radical in an effort to win over the people who long have been disillusioned with the rotten ruling system,” notes the CPP.
“However, Duterte has also advocated such counter-progressive neoliberal economic policies as expanding the public-private partnership program, prohibiting unions and strikes, providing big bourgeois compradors with state-guaranteed profits, liberalizing trade and providing foreign investors with even more incentives,” added the CPP.
http://www.ndfp.org/cpp-miriam-npa-not-support-duterte-candidate/
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) reiterated today that it does not participate in the elections of the Government of the Republic of the Philippine (GRP) nor does it endorse or support any of the presidential candidate.
The CPP issued this clarification in reaction to statements yesterday by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago that presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is the “official candidate” of the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Contrary to Senator Santiago’s claims yesterday, Mayor Duterte is not being endorsed nor supported by the Party or NPA,” said the CPP.
The CPP also dismissed reports by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that NPA members in Samar are campaigning for Duterte. “These are pure lies.”
“Indeed, Mayor Duterte has espoused certain advocacies that strike a chord among the Filipino people and their national democratic forces, including calling for peace negotiations to address the roots of the armed conflict,” pointed out the CPP.
“Duterte has mostly styled himself an anti-crime crusader, a socialist and radical in an effort to win over the people who long have been disillusioned with the rotten ruling system,” notes the CPP.
“However, Duterte has also advocated such counter-progressive neoliberal economic policies as expanding the public-private partnership program, prohibiting unions and strikes, providing big bourgeois compradors with state-guaranteed profits, liberalizing trade and providing foreign investors with even more incentives,” added the CPP.
http://www.ndfp.org/cpp-miriam-npa-not-support-duterte-candidate/
South China Sea watch: China starts drills, showcases isles
From the Philippine Star (May 10): South China Sea watch: China starts drills, showcases isles
FILE - In this April 5, 2016 file photo, Adm. John M. Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, fourth from left, and Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant of the Coast Guard, fifth from left, attend a meeting with President Barack Obama, left, in the Cabinet Room in Washington. Others are from second left: National Security Adviser Susan Rice, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan, and Gen. Joseph L. Votel, Commander, United States Central Command. Zukunft, the U.S. Coast Guard commander said the Chinese coast guard is on the front line provoking the U.S. Navy. AP/Carolyn Kaster, File
A look at some recent key developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in territorial disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters rich in fish and potential gas and oil reserves:
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Editor's note: This is a weekly look at the latest key developments in the South China Sea, home to several territorial conflicts that have raised tensions in the region.
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The exercises include simulations for breaking an enemy blockade and reconnaissance drills with submarine forces. Five other guided-missile destroyers, a frigate and a supply ship of the South Sea Fleet based in Sanya on Hainan Island, home to a major naval and air force base, are taking part.
According to the official Xinhua News Agency, the ships will be joined by forces based in the Spratly and Paracel islands, where China has embarked on massive island-building to expand and reinforce the reefs it controls in the disputed region.
Also last week, China sent famed singer of patriotic anthems Song Zuying on a tour of its man-made islands in the Spratlys to entertain troops and underscore confidence in asserting its claim in the contested area.
Among the songs performed: "Ode to the South Sea Defenders," whose lyrics speak of "troops of stout men with guns in their hands who battle the wind and fight the waves to guard the nation's door."
Photos of the performances also offered a rare glimpse of the extensive work China has been carrying out at Fiery Cross Reef, showing lighthouses, harbors and buildings. In the background of some can be seen one of the navy's massive Type 071 amphibious dock ships, capable of carrying four helicopters and as many as 800 troops.
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Several ASEAN members, including Vietnam and the Philippines, have claims in the South China Sea.
The drills include a land-storming exercise. The U.S. is participating with a P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, the destroyer USS Stethem and Army units.
"Our crew will be able to see firsthand how other navies operate and we can learn from them while sharing our own operational tactics and procedures," said Cmdr. Harry Marsh, commanding officer of the Stethem.
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Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin spoke Friday in China's financial hub of Shanghai after the docking of the USS Blue Ridge, the fleet's command ship, whose visit he said indicated the durability of the China-U.S. military-to-military relationship.
The U.S. State Department said last month that China recently denied a request for the USS John C. Stennis to visit Hong Kong, in an apparent sign of mounting tension in the disputed South China Sea. China hasn't explained the reason for the cancellation, but previous cancellations have been linked to tensions over Taiwan or other political and military disputes.
Aucoin said he didn't know why the visit was denied, although Defense Secretary Ash Carter and his Philippine counterpart had visited the carrier in the South China Sea two weeks earlier, irking Beijing. The reason "would probably be a good question for the government of China," he said.
"But the very fact that we're on this pier, that our two navies, our two countries, don't let that minor hurdle get in the way of our relationships. Our, the relationship between our two countries is much too important for a port visit to get in the way of that," Aucoin told reporters.
___
"We are seeing Chinese fishing trawlers provoking the United States Navy, carrying out sovereign acts, but just over the horizon is the PLA," said Adm. Paul Zukunft, referring to the People's Liberation Army.
"So our biggest concern is about a miscalculation. But their coast guard has not been transparent in terms of what their intent is," he said at a discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations.
He said the U.S. was working with its Chinese counterparts on a code of conduct for armed planned encounters at sea "so they won't take these actions against our Navy and other forces as well."
"Our sense is that China does not want to be a global hegemon, but they clearly want to be recognized as the regional leader in this area," he said.
Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, said at the same forum that the Navy's freedom of navigation operations — sailing warships close to Chinese man-made islands — are working. Their aim is to advocate for an international set of rules that ensures the free flow of goods and services in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, he said.
"They don't extend beyond that. There's just a pure advocacy for that system. So we design those very carefully. It's a policy decision that is made, interwoven with those other elements of power. So I think both aircraft, ships are ready to execute those as they fit into the plan," he said.
China has criticized Washington, saying it is trying to provoke conflict with such maneuvers. But Beijing also says it won't impede free navigation.
___
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/10/1581789/south-china-sea-watch-china-starts-drills-showcases-isles
FILE - In this April 5, 2016 file photo, Adm. John M. Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, fourth from left, and Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant of the Coast Guard, fifth from left, attend a meeting with President Barack Obama, left, in the Cabinet Room in Washington. Others are from second left: National Security Adviser Susan Rice, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan, and Gen. Joseph L. Votel, Commander, United States Central Command. Zukunft, the U.S. Coast Guard commander said the Chinese coast guard is on the front line provoking the U.S. Navy. AP/Carolyn Kaster, File
A look at some recent key developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in territorial disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters rich in fish and potential gas and oil reserves:
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Editor's note: This is a weekly look at the latest key developments in the South China Sea, home to several territorial conflicts that have raised tensions in the region.
___
Singing to the troops
China's navy has launched annual war drills in the South China Sea with one of its most advanced warships, the missile destroyer Hefei.The exercises include simulations for breaking an enemy blockade and reconnaissance drills with submarine forces. Five other guided-missile destroyers, a frigate and a supply ship of the South Sea Fleet based in Sanya on Hainan Island, home to a major naval and air force base, are taking part.
Also last week, China sent famed singer of patriotic anthems Song Zuying on a tour of its man-made islands in the Spratlys to entertain troops and underscore confidence in asserting its claim in the contested area.
Among the songs performed: "Ode to the South Sea Defenders," whose lyrics speak of "troops of stout men with guns in their hands who battle the wind and fight the waves to guard the nation's door."
Photos of the performances also offered a rare glimpse of the extensive work China has been carrying out at Fiery Cross Reef, showing lighthouses, harbors and buildings. In the background of some can be seen one of the navy's massive Type 071 amphibious dock ships, capable of carrying four helicopters and as many as 800 troops.
___
Rivals in joint exercises
Beijing has also sent the Lanzhou missile-guided destroyer that took part in Beijing's South China Sea drills for a multinational exercise that started last week off the waters of Brunei and Singapore. It joined the navies of the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, along with those of the U.S., India and six other dialogue partners for a maritime security and counterterrorism exercise.Several ASEAN members, including Vietnam and the Philippines, have claims in the South China Sea.
The drills include a land-storming exercise. The U.S. is participating with a P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, the destroyer USS Stethem and Army units.
"Our crew will be able to see firsthand how other navies operate and we can learn from them while sharing our own operational tactics and procedures," said Cmdr. Harry Marsh, commanding officer of the Stethem.
___
Port visit denial a 'minor hurdle'
The commander of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet says the cancellation of a planned port visit to Hong Kong by an American aircraft carrier is just a "minor hurdle" in relations between the two militaries.Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin spoke Friday in China's financial hub of Shanghai after the docking of the USS Blue Ridge, the fleet's command ship, whose visit he said indicated the durability of the China-U.S. military-to-military relationship.
The U.S. State Department said last month that China recently denied a request for the USS John C. Stennis to visit Hong Kong, in an apparent sign of mounting tension in the disputed South China Sea. China hasn't explained the reason for the cancellation, but previous cancellations have been linked to tensions over Taiwan or other political and military disputes.
Aucoin said he didn't know why the visit was denied, although Defense Secretary Ash Carter and his Philippine counterpart had visited the carrier in the South China Sea two weeks earlier, irking Beijing. The reason "would probably be a good question for the government of China," he said.
"But the very fact that we're on this pier, that our two navies, our two countries, don't let that minor hurdle get in the way of our relationships. Our, the relationship between our two countries is much too important for a port visit to get in the way of that," Aucoin told reporters.
___
U.S. worry: 'A miscalculation'
The U.S. Coast Guard commandant said the Chinese coast guard is on the front line provoking the U.S. Navy."We are seeing Chinese fishing trawlers provoking the United States Navy, carrying out sovereign acts, but just over the horizon is the PLA," said Adm. Paul Zukunft, referring to the People's Liberation Army.
"So our biggest concern is about a miscalculation. But their coast guard has not been transparent in terms of what their intent is," he said at a discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations.
He said the U.S. was working with its Chinese counterparts on a code of conduct for armed planned encounters at sea "so they won't take these actions against our Navy and other forces as well."
"Our sense is that China does not want to be a global hegemon, but they clearly want to be recognized as the regional leader in this area," he said.
Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, said at the same forum that the Navy's freedom of navigation operations — sailing warships close to Chinese man-made islands — are working. Their aim is to advocate for an international set of rules that ensures the free flow of goods and services in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, he said.
"They don't extend beyond that. There's just a pure advocacy for that system. So we design those very carefully. It's a policy decision that is made, interwoven with those other elements of power. So I think both aircraft, ships are ready to execute those as they fit into the plan," he said.
China has criticized Washington, saying it is trying to provoke conflict with such maneuvers. But Beijing also says it won't impede free navigation.
___
Last word
"The case brought by the Philippines is nothing but a political farce under the cloak of law. ... It is a grave threat to regional peace and stability." — Ouyang Yujing, the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs, referring to the case filed at the U.N. Court of Arbitration.http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/10/1581789/south-china-sea-watch-china-starts-drills-showcases-isles
Joma to ‘President Duterte’: Let’s talk peace
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 10): Joma to ‘President Duterte’: Let’s talk peace
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. FILE PHOTOS
Barely an hour after polling precincts closed on Monday, exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison addressed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as “President” and invited him to talk peace.
“I now look forward to further conversations with President Duterte to arrange an immediate ceasefire, release of all the political prisoners, my return home and acceleration of the peace negotiations. Let us have as goal a government of national unity, peace and development,” Sison, who is based in The Netherlands, said in an online interview on Monday night.
“I hope the trend in favor of Duterte can no longer be reversed by cheating. So, I convey to him my warmest congratulations,” Sison said.
He said Duterte’s victory should be credited to how the tough-talking Davao mayor handled his campaign.
“[Duterte] adopted the winning campaign line against the Aquino [administration], corruption and criminality and for his common tao, street level campaign style,” Sison said.
He said Duterte did not need his endorsement or the endorsement of the CPP, the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to win the presidency because the rebel forces “opposed election as tool of the ruling system.”
“But the revolutionary forces and I have always welcomed and applauded Duterte’s offer to have a just and lasting peace by addressing the roots of the armed conflict,” Sison said.
Duterte had vowed to order an immediate ceasefire with communist rebels to pave the way for the resumption of peace talks.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/784686/joma-to-president-duterte-lets-talk-peace
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. FILE PHOTOS
Barely an hour after polling precincts closed on Monday, exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison addressed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as “President” and invited him to talk peace.
“I now look forward to further conversations with President Duterte to arrange an immediate ceasefire, release of all the political prisoners, my return home and acceleration of the peace negotiations. Let us have as goal a government of national unity, peace and development,” Sison, who is based in The Netherlands, said in an online interview on Monday night.
“I hope the trend in favor of Duterte can no longer be reversed by cheating. So, I convey to him my warmest congratulations,” Sison said.
He said Duterte’s victory should be credited to how the tough-talking Davao mayor handled his campaign.
“[Duterte] adopted the winning campaign line against the Aquino [administration], corruption and criminality and for his common tao, street level campaign style,” Sison said.
He said Duterte did not need his endorsement or the endorsement of the CPP, the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to win the presidency because the rebel forces “opposed election as tool of the ruling system.”
“But the revolutionary forces and I have always welcomed and applauded Duterte’s offer to have a just and lasting peace by addressing the roots of the armed conflict,” Sison said.
Duterte had vowed to order an immediate ceasefire with communist rebels to pave the way for the resumption of peace talks.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/784686/joma-to-president-duterte-lets-talk-peace
Mamasapano grenade blast wounds four
From The Standard (May 10): Mamasapano grenade blast wounds four
Four persons, including three members of a family, were wounded after an M79 grenade projectile landed near the Manungkaling Elementary School in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, shortly before noon on Monday.
The Manungkaling school is one of 10 other public schools in the locality utilized for today’s synchronized national and local polls.
Those injured and rushed to a local infirmary were identified as Johaira Mohammad, 23; and also Saela, 17; Paetra, 42; and Ibrahim, 23; all surnamed Usop. Reports said the Usops reside near the back portion of the public school.
Voting resumed after Army and police augmentation forces arrived in the area.
Authorities have yet to identify the culprits behind the incident.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/205243/mamasapano-grenade-blast-wounds-four.html
Four persons, including three members of a family, were wounded after an M79 grenade projectile landed near the Manungkaling Elementary School in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, shortly before noon on Monday.
The Manungkaling school is one of 10 other public schools in the locality utilized for today’s synchronized national and local polls.
Those injured and rushed to a local infirmary were identified as Johaira Mohammad, 23; and also Saela, 17; Paetra, 42; and Ibrahim, 23; all surnamed Usop. Reports said the Usops reside near the back portion of the public school.
Voting resumed after Army and police augmentation forces arrived in the area.
Authorities have yet to identify the culprits behind the incident.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/205243/mamasapano-grenade-blast-wounds-four.html
AFP says PHL elections generally peaceful and orderly despite ERVIs
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 10): AFP says PHL elections generally peaceful and orderly despite ERVIs
Despite 22 cases of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) during Monday's polls, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that the Monday's polls were conducted in a generally peaceful and orderly manner.
This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla during a news briefing.
"Considering that we have 92,000 polling precincts nationwide, the number (ERVIs) have not reached (even) one percent, so overall, the conduct of the elections today is still generally peaceful and orderly and what is important is that our citizens are able to get to the polling places even when polling precincts opened late due to some incidents," he added in Filipino.
These 22 ERVIs translated to 10 deaths and three wounded with most of the incident being recorded in the Western Mindanao Command area-of-responsibility.
This is from midnight to 2:00 p.m. Monday.
"What is important is that we (managed) to maintain the general peacefulness and orderliness of the elections," Padilla stressed.
This is of paramount importance considering that the entire world is observing the Philippine electoral process.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141462790024/afp-says-phl-elections-generally-peaceful-and-orderly-despite-ervis
Despite 22 cases of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) during Monday's polls, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that the Monday's polls were conducted in a generally peaceful and orderly manner.
This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla during a news briefing.
"Considering that we have 92,000 polling precincts nationwide, the number (ERVIs) have not reached (even) one percent, so overall, the conduct of the elections today is still generally peaceful and orderly and what is important is that our citizens are able to get to the polling places even when polling precincts opened late due to some incidents," he added in Filipino.
These 22 ERVIs translated to 10 deaths and three wounded with most of the incident being recorded in the Western Mindanao Command area-of-responsibility.
This is from midnight to 2:00 p.m. Monday.
"What is important is that we (managed) to maintain the general peacefulness and orderliness of the elections," Padilla stressed.
This is of paramount importance considering that the entire world is observing the Philippine electoral process.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141462790024/afp-says-phl-elections-generally-peaceful-and-orderly-despite-ervis
Nur Misuari bats for Duterte, Marcos — report
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 9): Nur Misuari bats for Duterte, Marcos — report
Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari has weighed in on the national elections, revealing his choices for president and vice president.
Misuari, who is considered a fugitive after being charged for the Zamboanga City siege in 2013, told US-based Vice News in an exclusive interview that he wants Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to win as president and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as vice
The interview, released last May 6, showed the ageing rebel leader in a remote MNLF camp in Jolo, Sulu.
Surrounded by around 50 MNLF fighters, Misuari told the female reporter that he is supporting Duterte.
“I am only concerned for the moment with the peace here, in our homeland,” he explained.
READ: Misuari: Duterte best bet for peace
“I want Duterte. If you don’t like Duterte put Dureza,” he said, referring to former presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza.
Asked why, the former University of the Philippines professor said, “Because they are Mindanaoans. They know the problem and the biggest problem of this country is peace.”
Duterte, the frontrunner in the electoral surveys, is expected to get majority of votes in Mindanao.
Son of his number one enemy
Misuari earlier declared his support for Duterte. But what was new was his choice for vice president — the son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
“Who’s your VP?” the reporter asked. “Bongbong Marcos,” Misuari immediately answered.
The reporter, surprised at the answer, asked the MNLF founder why he would support the son of the former president who allegedly ordered the Jabidah massacre, an event that supposedly sparked the Moro revolt.
“He was my number one enemy. His father,” Misuari admitted. However, he explained that, “The fault of the father cannot be inherited by the son.”
He did not elaborate but merely said “No” when Marcos’ ties to the Jabidah massacre was mentioned. “I am a Muslim,” he further said.
Classmate Binay
Misuari also talked about other presidential candidates. He revealed that Vice President Jejomar Binay was his former classmate in UP College of Law.
“I know him (Binay). He’s’ a nice person. The only problem is there are so many tsismis (rumors) about his administration,” said Misuari, who ended up dropping from law school and pursuing a master’s degree also in UP.
He said he used to consider Binay a “legitimate president” before all the controversies about him were revealed.
As for Senator Grace Poe, Misuari said he cannot trust someone “whose identity is not even known.”
“I’m not stupid to trust the future of this nation, including our people, to a lady whose identity is not even known and who’s married to a foreigner whose sons are like this,” he said, without elaborating.
“I am not stupid. I am not a madman,” Misuari said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/784298/nur-misuari-bats-for-duterte-marcos-report
Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari has weighed in on the national elections, revealing his choices for president and vice president.
Misuari, who is considered a fugitive after being charged for the Zamboanga City siege in 2013, told US-based Vice News in an exclusive interview that he wants Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to win as president and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as vice
The interview, released last May 6, showed the ageing rebel leader in a remote MNLF camp in Jolo, Sulu.
Surrounded by around 50 MNLF fighters, Misuari told the female reporter that he is supporting Duterte.
“I am only concerned for the moment with the peace here, in our homeland,” he explained.
READ: Misuari: Duterte best bet for peace
“I want Duterte. If you don’t like Duterte put Dureza,” he said, referring to former presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza.
Asked why, the former University of the Philippines professor said, “Because they are Mindanaoans. They know the problem and the biggest problem of this country is peace.”
Duterte, the frontrunner in the electoral surveys, is expected to get majority of votes in Mindanao.
Son of his number one enemy
Misuari earlier declared his support for Duterte. But what was new was his choice for vice president — the son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
“Who’s your VP?” the reporter asked. “Bongbong Marcos,” Misuari immediately answered.
The reporter, surprised at the answer, asked the MNLF founder why he would support the son of the former president who allegedly ordered the Jabidah massacre, an event that supposedly sparked the Moro revolt.
“He was my number one enemy. His father,” Misuari admitted. However, he explained that, “The fault of the father cannot be inherited by the son.”
He did not elaborate but merely said “No” when Marcos’ ties to the Jabidah massacre was mentioned. “I am a Muslim,” he further said.
Classmate Binay
Misuari also talked about other presidential candidates. He revealed that Vice President Jejomar Binay was his former classmate in UP College of Law.
“I know him (Binay). He’s’ a nice person. The only problem is there are so many tsismis (rumors) about his administration,” said Misuari, who ended up dropping from law school and pursuing a master’s degree also in UP.
He said he used to consider Binay a “legitimate president” before all the controversies about him were revealed.
As for Senator Grace Poe, Misuari said he cannot trust someone “whose identity is not even known.”
“I’m not stupid to trust the future of this nation, including our people, to a lady whose identity is not even known and who’s married to a foreigner whose sons are like this,” he said, without elaborating.
“I am not stupid. I am not a madman,” Misuari said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/784298/nur-misuari-bats-for-duterte-marcos-report
Military operation vs ASG continues
From the Manila Times (May 9): Military operation vs ASG continues
COMBAT operation against members of the al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will not be affected by the military’s security preparations for the May 9 elections, according to a military spokesman.
“We will not give them [ASG terrorists] any reason or chance to score points or escape, our troops will not stop in running after them,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman on Monday said during a joint police and military news briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padillla explained that they have a separate unit that is in charge in pursuing the Abu Sayyaf bandits.
“We have enough forces that are in charge of manning security during the electoral process,” Padilla said.
The AFP spokesman added that military personnel have been tapped to serve in the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in conflict-torn areas, such as Basilan and Sulu provinces, known havens of the ASG terrorists.
PNP personnel, according to Padilla, are “mostly tapped for support role” to the BEIs.
http://www.manilatimes.net/military-operation-vs-asg-continues/261071/
COMBAT operation against members of the al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will not be affected by the military’s security preparations for the May 9 elections, according to a military spokesman.
“We will not give them [ASG terrorists] any reason or chance to score points or escape, our troops will not stop in running after them,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman on Monday said during a joint police and military news briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padillla explained that they have a separate unit that is in charge in pursuing the Abu Sayyaf bandits.
“We have enough forces that are in charge of manning security during the electoral process,” Padilla said.
The AFP spokesman added that military personnel have been tapped to serve in the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in conflict-torn areas, such as Basilan and Sulu provinces, known havens of the ASG terrorists.
PNP personnel, according to Padilla, are “mostly tapped for support role” to the BEIs.
http://www.manilatimes.net/military-operation-vs-asg-continues/261071/
NPA Samar attack on escorts for VCM delivery courier
From InterAksyon (May 8): NPA Samar attack on escorts for VCM delivery courier
Illustration by the Philippine Army shows the impact of an NPA landmine. The military denounced the rebels for planting landmines on the route of an Army-PNP convoy that escorted a courier's vehicle carrying vote counting machines in Northern Samar. Three civilians were hit by the IED, which exploded as soldiers traded fire with some 30 rebels.
CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Philippines - One soldier was killed and another one wounded in an ambush Saturday afternoon by suspected members of the New People's Army of an Army convoy on its way back to barracks after escorting a private courier's vehicle that delivered Vote Counting Machines (VCM) to be used for Monday's elections.
Three civilians were hit and wounded after an improvised explosive device (IEDs) exploded at So. Mamhot, Barangay Manaybanay, Mapanas near the boundary of Mapanas and Gamay towns.
Capt. Bard Caesar Mazo, civil military operations officer of the 803rd infantry division, Philippine Army based in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar, said the military truck and PNP patrol car were traveling back to the headquarters of the Army's 20th IB based in Gamay town from Mapanas after escorting a vehicle that delivered VCMs, when they came under attack from rebels.
The firefight lasted more than 30 minutes.
In the course of the attack, an IED exploded, hitting three civilians who were riding a motorcycle, but only two were identified: Marlon Balitos and Bryan Obrar. The three were brought toGamay
District Hospital
Mazo said the NPA planted five IEDs along the Palapag-Mapanas-Gamay-Lapinig road with approximately 50-meter intervals.
Lt Col Hilarion Palma, battalion commander of the 20th IB, denounced what he called an apparent campaign by the rebels to sow terror to disrupt the May 9 elections.
Col. Mario Lacurom, 803rd brigade commander, said the use of IEDs, inflicting harm on civilians, is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law where the NPA-CPP is a signatory.
Lacurom said the NPA also violated the United Nations Convention against the use of Landmines.
Eastern Visayas police director Chief
Superintendent Jose Erwin Villacorte said troops from the 20th Infantry
Battalion and personnel of the Mapanas police station were partly hit by the
landmines planted on the right shoulder of the highway.
The landmine explosion was immediately followed by the gunfire from some 30 NPA members, which resulted in the death of one soldier identified as Private LouiedenQuebec , 20, and a resident of Barangay
Lokilokon, Paranas, Samar .
Also wounded during the attack was Private First Class Michael P. Cagata, 27, a resident ofLucena
City
Insp. Lope Cebreros III, the town police chief, said the VCMs are secure. “The rebels withdrew carrying undetermined casualties,” Cebreros said.
Second ambush
At about 4:25 p.m., reinforcements from the 20th IB led by First Lieutenant Alge Oronon, who is on mission to extract the dead and wounded soldiers, were also ambushed by the NPA blocking force in the vicinity of Barangay Maragano, in Palapag town.
http://interaksyon.com/article/127461/soldier-killed-4-people-wounded-in-npa-samar-attack-on-escorts-for-vcm-delivery-courier
Illustration by the Philippine Army shows the impact of an NPA landmine. The military denounced the rebels for planting landmines on the route of an Army-PNP convoy that escorted a courier's vehicle carrying vote counting machines in Northern Samar. Three civilians were hit by the IED, which exploded as soldiers traded fire with some 30 rebels.
CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Philippines - One soldier was killed and another one wounded in an ambush Saturday afternoon by suspected members of the New People's Army of an Army convoy on its way back to barracks after escorting a private courier's vehicle that delivered Vote Counting Machines (VCM) to be used for Monday's elections.
Three civilians were hit and wounded after an improvised explosive device (IEDs) exploded at So. Mamhot, Barangay Manaybanay, Mapanas near the boundary of Mapanas and Gamay towns.
Capt. Bard Caesar Mazo, civil military operations officer of the 803rd infantry division, Philippine Army based in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar, said the military truck and PNP patrol car were traveling back to the headquarters of the Army's 20th IB based in Gamay town from Mapanas after escorting a vehicle that delivered VCMs, when they came under attack from rebels.
The firefight lasted more than 30 minutes.
In the course of the attack, an IED exploded, hitting three civilians who were riding a motorcycle, but only two were identified: Marlon Balitos and Bryan Obrar. The three were brought to
Mazo said the NPA planted five IEDs along the Palapag-Mapanas-Gamay-Lapinig road with approximately 50-meter intervals.
Lt Col Hilarion Palma, battalion commander of the 20th IB, denounced what he called an apparent campaign by the rebels to sow terror to disrupt the May 9 elections.
Col. Mario Lacurom, 803rd brigade commander, said the use of IEDs, inflicting harm on civilians, is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law where the NPA-CPP is a signatory.
Lacurom said the NPA also violated the United Nations Convention against the use of Landmines.
The landmine explosion was immediately followed by the gunfire from some 30 NPA members, which resulted in the death of one soldier identified as Private Louieden
Also wounded during the attack was Private First Class Michael P. Cagata, 27, a resident of
Insp. Lope Cebreros III, the town police chief, said the VCMs are secure. “The rebels withdrew carrying undetermined casualties,” Cebreros said.
Second ambush
At about 4:25 p.m., reinforcements from the 20th IB led by First Lieutenant Alge Oronon, who is on mission to extract the dead and wounded soldiers, were also ambushed by the NPA blocking force in the vicinity of Barangay Maragano, in Palapag town.
The second ambush resulted in another firefight - lasting
about three minutes, with no casualties - between the army and the rebels.
Recovered from the first ambush site was a plastic container, four white
gallons covered by a black cloth, a hundred meter blasting wires and a banner
with markings “Justice for Emil Go.”
Police said Go is a Makabayan activist and SB secretary of Palapag town slain by gunmen last April 29 in front of his residence in Palapag.
Fr. Santiago Salas, spokesman of the National Democratic Front in Eastern Visayas, condemned the killing of Go and tagged the military and an influential political dynasty inNorthern Samar as behind
the killing.
Police said Go is a Makabayan activist and SB secretary of Palapag town slain by gunmen last April 29 in front of his residence in Palapag.
Fr. Santiago Salas, spokesman of the National Democratic Front in Eastern Visayas, condemned the killing of Go and tagged the military and an influential political dynasty in
http://interaksyon.com/article/127461/soldier-killed-4-people-wounded-in-npa-samar-attack-on-escorts-for-vcm-delivery-courier
Nascent peace deal at risk amid Philippines' political uncertainty
From The Guardian (May 9): Nascent peace deal at risk amid Philippines' political uncertainty
An accord with moderates to end a Muslim insurgency that has claimed 150,000 lives may not survive in looming power vacuum
Residents walk past a tank outside a polling station in the town of Pantar, in Mindanao, on 9 May as people vote in the Philippines’ presidential election. Photograph: Richel Umel/AFP/Getty Images
Political uncertainty in the Philippines – which is likely to continue through the summer months whoever wins Monday’s controversial national elections – risks wrecking efforts to end one of the world’s longest-running Muslim insurgencies that has claimed 150,000 lives, regional analysts warn.
Benigno Aquino, the outgoing president, staked his reputation on a comprehensive peace accord signed in 2014 with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The deal envisaged an autonomous entity, known as the Bangsamoro, in the predominantly Muslim Mindanao region of the southern Philippines.
But opposition from nationalist, conservative and Catholic factions in the Philippines congress, which intensified after a shootout in MILF territory in January last year in which 44 policemen died, has delayed ratification of key legislation known as the Bangsamoro basic law. With Aquino soon to be replaced and a new congress yet to convene, work to keep the peace deal alive is on hold until at least July.
Even then, it is unclear whether the next president or a majority in congress will support it. If Rodrigo Duterte, the maverick law-and-order candidate who led in pre-election polls, wins, nobody truly knows what may happen. Nor do the other presidential candidates share Aquino’s passionate commitment to the peace process, modelled in part on Northern Ireland’s Good Friday accords.
The looming power vacuum in Manila has led security analysts to predict that the MILF’s moderate leaders, who forswore their bid for independence in 2003 and have opted for negotiations over continued armed struggle, could be supplanted by a younger generation of Mindanao militants impatient for change.
Last month’s killing in a remote south-western archipelago of a Canadian hostage, John Ridsdel, was seen as a possible portent of worse to come. The Islamist group responsible for the murder Abu Sayyaf, meaning “bearer of the sword”, split from the MILF in 1991 and swore allegiance to al-Qaida. More recently it has been linked to Islamic State.
While Abu Sayyaf is currently considered a marginal, largely criminal outfit, more immediately worrying is the emergence of another militant MILF offshoot, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). According to the army, this group of several hundred young men appears to enjoy significant clandestine support in impoverished municipalities in southern Maguindanao province.
“There’s one village where I’d say 95% of the men are BIFF,” Jimmy Amolay, a captain in the Philippine army, told Irin news agency. “In the daytime they’re in plainclothes, but at night they turn into BIFF.”
The group’s aims resemble those of their predecessors: freedom from military and official abuses, self-determination and an end to endemic poverty in mineral and resource-rich Mindanao. The difference is that they espouse armed force to achieve their objectives.
“In the near term, the failure to pass the basic law will heighten the risk of violence as various groups recalibrate advantage amid the uncertainty,” a Stratfor analysis warned. “The delay will halt efforts to disarm MILF fighters – an already tenuous process.
MILF leaders warn that if they cannot demonstrate the tangible benefits of the peace process, they will lose the ability to prevent disaffected younger generations from taking up arms.”
There are also concerns that international terrorist groups such as Isis could move in to exploit the vacuum. The BIFF has already pledged allegiance to Isis. “We consider them brothers, but we are not part of them,” said Abu Misry Mama, a BIFF spokesman.
Another worry, analysts say, is that a resumed insurgency will distract the Philippines’ armed forces from growing external threats posed by Chinese military expansionism in the South China Sea (known in Manila as the West Philippine Sea) and maritime piracy across south-east Asia. Indonesia called a regional summit and imposed a temporary ban on unescorted shipping to the Philippines last month after a spate of kidnappings of seamen by Abu Sayyaf.
Teresita Quintos Deles, a senior presidential adviser, argues that sustaining the Bangsamoro peace process is a matter of crucial symbolic importance for the Philippines and for the international community as a whole.
“Success can help us arrest the spread of extremism around the globe by showing clearly that an Islamic movement can address its grievances and pursue its interests through a legitimate mode of democratic political engagement while still remaining within the country’s territorial and constitutional framework, and without losing their culture and identity,” she said.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/09/nascent-peace-deal-at-risk-amid-philippines-political-uncertainty
An accord with moderates to end a Muslim insurgency that has claimed 150,000 lives may not survive in looming power vacuum
Residents walk past a tank outside a polling station in the town of Pantar, in Mindanao, on 9 May as people vote in the Philippines’ presidential election. Photograph: Richel Umel/AFP/Getty Images
Political uncertainty in the Philippines – which is likely to continue through the summer months whoever wins Monday’s controversial national elections – risks wrecking efforts to end one of the world’s longest-running Muslim insurgencies that has claimed 150,000 lives, regional analysts warn.
Benigno Aquino, the outgoing president, staked his reputation on a comprehensive peace accord signed in 2014 with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The deal envisaged an autonomous entity, known as the Bangsamoro, in the predominantly Muslim Mindanao region of the southern Philippines.
But opposition from nationalist, conservative and Catholic factions in the Philippines congress, which intensified after a shootout in MILF territory in January last year in which 44 policemen died, has delayed ratification of key legislation known as the Bangsamoro basic law. With Aquino soon to be replaced and a new congress yet to convene, work to keep the peace deal alive is on hold until at least July.
Even then, it is unclear whether the next president or a majority in congress will support it. If Rodrigo Duterte, the maverick law-and-order candidate who led in pre-election polls, wins, nobody truly knows what may happen. Nor do the other presidential candidates share Aquino’s passionate commitment to the peace process, modelled in part on Northern Ireland’s Good Friday accords.
The looming power vacuum in Manila has led security analysts to predict that the MILF’s moderate leaders, who forswore their bid for independence in 2003 and have opted for negotiations over continued armed struggle, could be supplanted by a younger generation of Mindanao militants impatient for change.
Last month’s killing in a remote south-western archipelago of a Canadian hostage, John Ridsdel, was seen as a possible portent of worse to come. The Islamist group responsible for the murder Abu Sayyaf, meaning “bearer of the sword”, split from the MILF in 1991 and swore allegiance to al-Qaida. More recently it has been linked to Islamic State.
While Abu Sayyaf is currently considered a marginal, largely criminal outfit, more immediately worrying is the emergence of another militant MILF offshoot, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). According to the army, this group of several hundred young men appears to enjoy significant clandestine support in impoverished municipalities in southern Maguindanao province.
“There’s one village where I’d say 95% of the men are BIFF,” Jimmy Amolay, a captain in the Philippine army, told Irin news agency. “In the daytime they’re in plainclothes, but at night they turn into BIFF.”
The group’s aims resemble those of their predecessors: freedom from military and official abuses, self-determination and an end to endemic poverty in mineral and resource-rich Mindanao. The difference is that they espouse armed force to achieve their objectives.
“In the near term, the failure to pass the basic law will heighten the risk of violence as various groups recalibrate advantage amid the uncertainty,” a Stratfor analysis warned. “The delay will halt efforts to disarm MILF fighters – an already tenuous process.
MILF leaders warn that if they cannot demonstrate the tangible benefits of the peace process, they will lose the ability to prevent disaffected younger generations from taking up arms.”
There are also concerns that international terrorist groups such as Isis could move in to exploit the vacuum. The BIFF has already pledged allegiance to Isis. “We consider them brothers, but we are not part of them,” said Abu Misry Mama, a BIFF spokesman.
Another worry, analysts say, is that a resumed insurgency will distract the Philippines’ armed forces from growing external threats posed by Chinese military expansionism in the South China Sea (known in Manila as the West Philippine Sea) and maritime piracy across south-east Asia. Indonesia called a regional summit and imposed a temporary ban on unescorted shipping to the Philippines last month after a spate of kidnappings of seamen by Abu Sayyaf.
Teresita Quintos Deles, a senior presidential adviser, argues that sustaining the Bangsamoro peace process is a matter of crucial symbolic importance for the Philippines and for the international community as a whole.
“Success can help us arrest the spread of extremism around the globe by showing clearly that an Islamic movement can address its grievances and pursue its interests through a legitimate mode of democratic political engagement while still remaining within the country’s territorial and constitutional framework, and without losing their culture and identity,” she said.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/09/nascent-peace-deal-at-risk-amid-philippines-political-uncertainty
BCDA remits P4B to national government
From GMA News (May 9): BCDA remits P4B to national government
The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has remitted P4 billion to the national treasury, largely representing the national government's share of dividend from last year's revenue.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/565588/money/companies/bcda-remits-p4b-to-national-government
The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has remitted P4 billion to the national treasury, largely representing the national government's share of dividend from last year's revenue.
In an emailed statement Monday, the BCDA said the money largely came from proceeds from asset dispositions. It also included other obligations of the BCDA to the national government.
The P4 billion reflects a 25-percent increase from the P3.2 billion the BCDA remitted last year representing the national government's dividend share from the revenue in 2014.
"The increase was due to successful business ventures, resolution of some problematic accounts with the private sector, more efficient collection and management of contracts, as well as good financial housekeeping. In effect, it's good governance translating to good economics," BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said.
Casanova noted P3.470 billion was the share of several government beneficiaries from the proceeds from existing joint venture and lease agreements and assets disposed in 2015.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines got the lion's share of P3.392 billion, other government beneficiary agencies got P71.905 million, and the remaining P6.936 million went to the local government units of Taguig, Pateros, and Makati.
Casanova noted P3.470 billion was the share of several government beneficiaries from the proceeds from existing joint venture and lease agreements and assets disposed in 2015.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines got the lion's share of P3.392 billion, other government beneficiary agencies got P71.905 million, and the remaining P6.936 million went to the local government units of Taguig, Pateros, and Makati.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/565588/money/companies/bcda-remits-p4b-to-national-government
CPP clarifies stand on Duterte
From Business World (May 8): CPP clarifies stand on Duterte
THE COMMUNIST PARTY of the Philippines (CPP) issued separate statements last week, one of them addressed to Senator and presidential candidate Miriam Defensor-Santiago, saying it does not “endorse or support any of the presidential candidates in this year’s general elections.
“Speaking before NPA Red fighters last week,” the CPP said, evidently referring to the May 3 release of two soldiers held hostage by the NPA, “Duterte declared he will be the first ‘Left President’ of the Philippines if he wins the elections.
“In the hope of boosting his chances of gaining popular support, he issues radical soundbytes about destroying the government and setting-up a new one,” the party said.
“Talk is cheap, however, especially during the electoral campaign. If he ever wins, he will still have to prove himself in practice: Will he be likeVenezuela ’s Chavez who stood up to the bullying
of the US government and
promoted nationalization, a social welfare state and the arming of the people
in Venezuela Greece
The CPP said Mr. Duterte “has, in fact, yet to espouse any fundamental shift from the general run of neoliberal economic policy of the past 30 or so years. On the contrary, he has promised to expand privatization and deregulation and declared plans to provide state funds to Lucio Tan and his ilk of big bourgeois compradors; and liberalization of trade by allowing the dumping of surplus steel fromChina
Sought for comment, University of the Philippines political science professor Clarita R. Carlos said there is “nothing wrong” with being labeled “left,” as “left means reforms and seeking change.”
“This campaign is so dirty... we have miseducated the public voters by recklessly throwing words like socialism, fascism, communism, and dictatorship,” the professor said.
“Mayor Duterte is a walking satire of our politics. Maybe he has seen all the faults in our [political] system.”
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=cpp-clarifies-stand-on-duterte&id=127187
THE COMMUNIST PARTY of the Philippines (CPP) issued separate statements last week, one of them addressed to Senator and presidential candidate Miriam Defensor-Santiago, saying it does not “endorse or support any of the presidential candidates in this year’s general elections.
The CCP, however, also said it “acknowledges with keen
interest [Davao City
“[The CPP] does not participate in the elections of the Government of the
Republic of the Philippines nor does it endorse or support any of the
presidential candidate,” a statement by the CPP dated May 6 said in response to
Ms. Santiago’s statements on May 5 that Mr. Duterte is the “official candidate”
of the New People’s Army (NPA), the military wing of the underground communist
movement.
In another statement dated May 4, the CPP said: “Duterte’s promise [on peace tals], indeed, strikes a chord with the Filipino people who have long aspired for substantial progress in NDFP-GRP [National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Government of the Republic of the Philippines] peace negotiations after more than 15 years of being stalled by GRP and AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] obstructionism.”
In that statement, the party noted efforts by the “regimes” of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno S.C. Aquino III to block the peace negotiations.
“A Duterte presidency can push forward peace negotiations by upholding all previous agreements from the foundational The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law...of 1998 and complying with the GRP obligations under the JASIG [Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees]by ordering the release of all NDFP consultants and political detainees,” the May 4 statement also said.
‘RADICAL SOUNDBYTES’
In another statement dated May 4, the CPP said: “Duterte’s promise [on peace tals], indeed, strikes a chord with the Filipino people who have long aspired for substantial progress in NDFP-GRP [National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Government of the Republic of the Philippines] peace negotiations after more than 15 years of being stalled by GRP and AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] obstructionism.”
In that statement, the party noted efforts by the “regimes” of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno S.C. Aquino III to block the peace negotiations.
“A Duterte presidency can push forward peace negotiations by upholding all previous agreements from the foundational The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law...of 1998 and complying with the GRP obligations under the JASIG [Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees]by ordering the release of all NDFP consultants and political detainees,” the May 4 statement also said.
‘RADICAL SOUNDBYTES’
“Speaking before NPA Red fighters last week,” the CPP said, evidently referring to the May 3 release of two soldiers held hostage by the NPA, “Duterte declared he will be the first ‘Left President’ of the Philippines if he wins the elections.
“In the hope of boosting his chances of gaining popular support, he issues radical soundbytes about destroying the government and setting-up a new one,” the party said.
“Talk is cheap, however, especially during the electoral campaign. If he ever wins, he will still have to prove himself in practice: Will he be like
The CPP said Mr. Duterte “has, in fact, yet to espouse any fundamental shift from the general run of neoliberal economic policy of the past 30 or so years. On the contrary, he has promised to expand privatization and deregulation and declared plans to provide state funds to Lucio Tan and his ilk of big bourgeois compradors; and liberalization of trade by allowing the dumping of surplus steel from
In its statement to Ms. Santiago, the CPP said Mr. Duterte “has also advocated
such counter-progressive neoliberal economic policies as expanding the
public-private partnership program, prohibiting unions and strikes, providing
big bourgeois compradors with state-guaranteed profits, liberalizing trade and
providing foreign investors with even more incentives.”
“Duterte has mostly styled himself an anti-crime crusader, a socialist and radical in an effort to win over the people who long have been disillusioned with the rotten ruling system.”
The party also noted the US “ambassador[’s]...displeasure with Duterte over a joke he made at the expense of a rape and murder victim in 2009 recently exposed in social media.”
“Such a remark, in fact, expresses the anxiety of US officials over Duterte who, with his shoot-from-the-hip statements, might prove a bit too unwieldy and unpredictable for theUS
Both Mr. Duterte and CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, who is on exile in The Netherlands, have been rather openly flaunting their claimed ties, including showing a recent video chat of theirs.
But in a recent forum withMakati
‘WALKING SATIRE’
“Duterte has mostly styled himself an anti-crime crusader, a socialist and radical in an effort to win over the people who long have been disillusioned with the rotten ruling system.”
The party also noted the US “ambassador[’s]...displeasure with Duterte over a joke he made at the expense of a rape and murder victim in 2009 recently exposed in social media.”
“Such a remark, in fact, expresses the anxiety of US officials over Duterte who, with his shoot-from-the-hip statements, might prove a bit too unwieldy and unpredictable for the
Both Mr. Duterte and CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, who is on exile in The Netherlands, have been rather openly flaunting their claimed ties, including showing a recent video chat of theirs.
But in a recent forum with
‘WALKING SATIRE’
Sought for comment, University of the Philippines political science professor Clarita R. Carlos said there is “nothing wrong” with being labeled “left,” as “left means reforms and seeking change.”
“This campaign is so dirty... we have miseducated the public voters by recklessly throwing words like socialism, fascism, communism, and dictatorship,” the professor said.
“Mayor Duterte is a walking satire of our politics. Maybe he has seen all the faults in our [political] system.”
Ms. Carlos also said Mr. Duterte “is a breakaway with oligarchs.”
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=cpp-clarifies-stand-on-duterte&id=127187
Man killed, son wounded in Basilan 'rido'
From ABS-CBN (May 9): Man killed, son wounded in Basilan 'rido'
A paralyzed former civilian volunteer organization member was killed while his 15-year-old son was badly wounded when armed men strafed their house in the village of Tubigan, Maluso, Basilan on Monday.
Police identified the fatality as Aga Masdal, 36 years old. Masdal's son was wounded in the attack.
Masdal sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body, but he was able to fight back using his own firearm.
Case investigator PO3 Kamar Tayabas said at least 6 fully armed men swooped down on Masdal's house and shot the victims.
Tayabas said the attack against the Masdals stemmed from a long-time feud, known as ''rido'', with another family clan in Maluso.
The feud between the two families started over a land dispute in the area.
Tayabas said one of the suspects in the recent attack has links with the Abu Sayyaf Group and has a standing arrest warrant.
First Lieutenant Archie Aranas, operation officer of 4th Special Forces Batallion, said the attack against the Masdals had nothing to do with Monday's election since both families are not into politics.
He said the suspects attacked the Masdal's residence while most of their family members went to the polling centers to cast their votes.
Aranas said they tried to pursue the suspects but failed.
The police have filed murder and frustrated murder charges against the suspects.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/05/09/16/man-killed-son-wounded-in-basilan-rido
A paralyzed former civilian volunteer organization member was killed while his 15-year-old son was badly wounded when armed men strafed their house in the village of Tubigan, Maluso, Basilan on Monday.
Police identified the fatality as Aga Masdal, 36 years old. Masdal's son was wounded in the attack.
Masdal sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body, but he was able to fight back using his own firearm.
Case investigator PO3 Kamar Tayabas said at least 6 fully armed men swooped down on Masdal's house and shot the victims.
Tayabas said the attack against the Masdals stemmed from a long-time feud, known as ''rido'', with another family clan in Maluso.
The feud between the two families started over a land dispute in the area.
Tayabas said one of the suspects in the recent attack has links with the Abu Sayyaf Group and has a standing arrest warrant.
First Lieutenant Archie Aranas, operation officer of 4th Special Forces Batallion, said the attack against the Masdals had nothing to do with Monday's election since both families are not into politics.
He said the suspects attacked the Masdal's residence while most of their family members went to the polling centers to cast their votes.
Aranas said they tried to pursue the suspects but failed.
The police have filed murder and frustrated murder charges against the suspects.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/05/09/16/man-killed-son-wounded-in-basilan-rido
Red alert to be lifted once new leaders elected -- AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Red alert to be lifted once new leaders elected -- AFP
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=883631
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it
will lift the red alert status once the country's new leaders are formally
elected.
This was stressed by Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Monday.
"The full (red) alert status will be lifted (once) our
new leaders are elected," he added.
Pending that, full security measures will be implemented.
Effective Friday midnight, all units of the 125,000-strong
AFP has been placed on red alert for the coming May 9 elections.
It is implemented to ensure that the maximum number of
troops is available for possible contingencies.
Padilla said all units must be on stand-by on their military
camps for possible deployment.
He added that the AFP will be routinely conducting mustering
its troops in line with the "red alert" announcement.
This will be in effect until AFP high command and area
commanders have assessed otherwise.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=883631
Troops in election duty attacked by NPAs with IED in Compostela Valley
From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Troops in election duty attacked by NPAs with IED in Compostela Valley
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=883700
Troopers of the 66th Infantry Battalion securing the
elections in Compostela
Valley
The incident took place 1 p.m., said 10th Infantry Division
public affairs office chief Capt. Rhyan Batchar.
This took place at Sitio Ambawan, Brgy. Osmeña, Compostela Municipality ,
Compostela Valley
No soldier was killed nor hurt in the IED explosion.
The NPAs quickly fled leaving behind a 50-meter electrical
wire and eight dry cell batteries.
Pursuit operations are now ongoing as of this posting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=883700
2 Army men clearing way for election personnel hurt in bomb blast
From Update.Ph (May 9): 2 Army men clearing way for election personnel hurt in bomb blast
Two Army officers were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on Monday, hitting the military truck they were riding along the road in Barangay Pangi, Matnog town in Sorsogon, an official of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) said.
Hit by shrapnel during the explosion were 2nd Lt. Ariel Cayton and Army Sgt. Joventico Cerafica, Army Lieutenant Col. Angelo Guzman, Solocom spokesperson, said.
In a phone interview, Guzman said the landmine that was planted by members of the New People Army (NPA) was intended for the Army Quick Reaction Force who were clearing the road for the safe passage of transport vehicles of various Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) that would bring the election paraphernalia and vote counting machines once the elections end at 5 p.m. Monday to the Matnog town hall.
The explosion, which occurred at about 3:45 p.m Monday at sitio Colonia, Barangay Pangi, in Matnog, was followed by a four-minute firefight between the Army soldiers and the NPA rebels who later fled towards the mountainous area of the village.
The two Army officer, who sustained shrapnel wounds, were rushed to the Sorsogon Doctors Hospital in Sorsogon City for treatment, Guzman said.
Reinforcing soldiers were still in hot pursuit operation as of press time.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/2-army-men-clearing-way-for-election-personnel-hurt-in-bomb-blast/5319
Two Army officers were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on Monday, hitting the military truck they were riding along the road in Barangay Pangi, Matnog town in Sorsogon, an official of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) said.
Hit by shrapnel during the explosion were 2nd Lt. Ariel Cayton and Army Sgt. Joventico Cerafica, Army Lieutenant Col. Angelo Guzman, Solocom spokesperson, said.
In a phone interview, Guzman said the landmine that was planted by members of the New People Army (NPA) was intended for the Army Quick Reaction Force who were clearing the road for the safe passage of transport vehicles of various Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) that would bring the election paraphernalia and vote counting machines once the elections end at 5 p.m. Monday to the Matnog town hall.
The explosion, which occurred at about 3:45 p.m Monday at sitio Colonia, Barangay Pangi, in Matnog, was followed by a four-minute firefight between the Army soldiers and the NPA rebels who later fled towards the mountainous area of the village.
The two Army officer, who sustained shrapnel wounds, were rushed to the Sorsogon Doctors Hospital in Sorsogon City for treatment, Guzman said.
Reinforcing soldiers were still in hot pursuit operation as of press time.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/2-army-men-clearing-way-for-election-personnel-hurt-in-bomb-blast/5319
Duterte to appoint military men: ‘I want military men’
From Update.Ph (May 9): Duterte to appoint military men: ‘I want military men’
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who is leading in the presidential election said he wants the transmission of election returns would be finished in coming days so he could start deciding on who to appoint in major government positions specially the finance, transportation, and foreign affairs heads.
“I hope the elections will be over in about two or three days. Kung malaman ko na panalo na ako, then I will think about maybe [deciding on] the Cabinet members,” Duterte said in an interview on GMA Network’s evening news program 24 Oras.
In a report from Inquirer.net, Duterte said he will appoint military men. “Do not be surprised if others are military people,” he said. “I want military men. Most of them will occupy lower echelons.”
He also mentioned Jesus Dureza, presidential peace adviser of former presidents Gloria Arroyo and Fidel Ramos. Another personality he mentioned was Carlos Dominguez, owner of Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City and former Cabinet Secretary of Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos. Dominguez was also a former president of Philippine Airlines and Manila Hotel.
As of 9:46 pm today, partial and unofficial results show that Duterte has 11,735,419 votes out of 31,605,581 votes from 64,072 (67.96%) of 94,276 Election Returns. Expected total votes to be shared by all presidential candidates is 55,735,757.
He was followed by Grace Poe with 6,653,180; Mar Roxas with 6,611,821; Jojo Binay with 3,974,246; and Miriam Santiago with 1,191,603.
However, proclamation of winning president and vice-president could be at the last week of May or early June. The Senate and House of Representatives are expected to convene as National Board of Canvassers (NBC) a day or two after the session resumes on May 23. The NBC (Congress) is the body mandated to canvass and declare winners in presidential and vice-presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBC) has convened today and will reconvene Tuesday, May 10 to canvass votes in the senatorial and party-list elections. NBC (Comelec) eyes to declare winners within one week.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/duterte-to-appoint-military-men-i-want-military-men/5326
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who is leading in the presidential election said he wants the transmission of election returns would be finished in coming days so he could start deciding on who to appoint in major government positions specially the finance, transportation, and foreign affairs heads.
“I hope the elections will be over in about two or three days. Kung malaman ko na panalo na ako, then I will think about maybe [deciding on] the Cabinet members,” Duterte said in an interview on GMA Network’s evening news program 24 Oras.
In a report from Inquirer.net, Duterte said he will appoint military men. “Do not be surprised if others are military people,” he said. “I want military men. Most of them will occupy lower echelons.”
He also mentioned Jesus Dureza, presidential peace adviser of former presidents Gloria Arroyo and Fidel Ramos. Another personality he mentioned was Carlos Dominguez, owner of Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City and former Cabinet Secretary of Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos. Dominguez was also a former president of Philippine Airlines and Manila Hotel.
As of 9:46 pm today, partial and unofficial results show that Duterte has 11,735,419 votes out of 31,605,581 votes from 64,072 (67.96%) of 94,276 Election Returns. Expected total votes to be shared by all presidential candidates is 55,735,757.
He was followed by Grace Poe with 6,653,180; Mar Roxas with 6,611,821; Jojo Binay with 3,974,246; and Miriam Santiago with 1,191,603.
However, proclamation of winning president and vice-president could be at the last week of May or early June. The Senate and House of Representatives are expected to convene as National Board of Canvassers (NBC) a day or two after the session resumes on May 23. The NBC (Congress) is the body mandated to canvass and declare winners in presidential and vice-presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBC) has convened today and will reconvene Tuesday, May 10 to canvass votes in the senatorial and party-list elections. NBC (Comelec) eyes to declare winners within one week.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/duterte-to-appoint-military-men-i-want-military-men/5326
Duterte: US military must follow guidelines prescribed by AFP under EDCA
From Update.Ph (May 9): Duterte: US military must follow guidelines prescribed by AFP under EDCA
The United States should follow the Philippines’s lead when it comes to the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), this was the statement of presidential election front-runner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte according to report from ABS-CBN News.
“EDCA must follow the guidelines prescribed by our Armed Forces,” Duterte told reporters. “They (US military) could not use any other place without the knowledge or until there is advice from the Armed Forces.”
As of 9:46 pm today, partial and unofficial results show that Duterte has 11,735,419 votes out of 31,605,581 votes from 64,072 (67.96%) of 94,276 Election Returns. Expected total votes to be shared by all presidential candidates is 55,735,757.
EDCA is a ten-year accord signed April 28, 2014 by Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg in Manila.
The Agreement is a 10-year deal that will allow increased US military rotation and storing of US military equipment in agreed locations in the Philippines.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines declared EDCA constitutional January 2016
.
Agreed locations, as of April 2015, includes Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu. The US forces can construct facilities in agreed locations, however, the Philippines retains ownership.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/duterte-us-military-must-follow-guidelines-prescribed-by-afp-under-edca/5331
The United States should follow the Philippines’s lead when it comes to the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), this was the statement of presidential election front-runner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte according to report from ABS-CBN News.
“EDCA must follow the guidelines prescribed by our Armed Forces,” Duterte told reporters. “They (US military) could not use any other place without the knowledge or until there is advice from the Armed Forces.”
As of 9:46 pm today, partial and unofficial results show that Duterte has 11,735,419 votes out of 31,605,581 votes from 64,072 (67.96%) of 94,276 Election Returns. Expected total votes to be shared by all presidential candidates is 55,735,757.
EDCA is a ten-year accord signed April 28, 2014 by Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg in Manila.
The Agreement is a 10-year deal that will allow increased US military rotation and storing of US military equipment in agreed locations in the Philippines.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines declared EDCA constitutional January 2016
.
Agreed locations, as of April 2015, includes Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu. The US forces can construct facilities in agreed locations, however, the Philippines retains ownership.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/duterte-us-military-must-follow-guidelines-prescribed-by-afp-under-edca/5331
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