From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 27): Passes for NDFP to be issued soon
PRESIDENT Duterte yesterday said government would soon start issuing safe conduct passes for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) who will directly participate in formal peace talks that will resume in Norway next month.
The President made the statement during his meeting with troops from the Army’s 7th Infantry Division in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, where he also explained his reasons for declaring a unilateral ceasefire with the communist group.
Duterte said he is still waiting for the group’s reply to his the ceasefire declaration which he announced in his State of the Nation Address last Monday. He has asked the NDFP to “respond accordingly” to the declaration.
NDF panel chairman Luis Jalandoni said Monday his group is prepared to answer with its own unilateral ceasefire and was just waiting for a copy of the government’s declaration.
The CPP yesterday said it will soon reciprocate the ceasefire declaration.
In a statement, the CPP said the truce is a “positive boost” to the peace negotiations scheduled on August 20 to 27 in Oslo.
“We expect that such a declaration will be complemented soon with the earlier declared plan to release all NDFP peace consultants and the rest of the 550 political prisoners,” it said.
It said it was still awaiting the release of the “operational details, schedules and specific orders” of Duterte’s declaration.
“The leadership of the CPP will soon issue its own unilateral ceasefire declaration as a reciprocal act to boost the peace talks,” the CPP added, without saying when the communist truce will be issued.
“In the interim, the CPP orders the New People’s Army to maintain an active defense mode. A more detailed order is set to be issued by the National Operations Command of the NPA,” the CPP also said.
Duterte told troops he does not want more casualties, whether on government or the communist side.
“I plead peace with everybody. I do not want any single loss… so I initiated sa Cabinet, talks about peace and this I have to start with releasing the leaders, not releasing anything, but safe conduct pass for Sison, Misuari,” said Duterte.
He was referring CPP founding chairman and NDF consultant Jose Maria Sison, and former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Nur Misuari who has a pending warrant of arrest for leading the siege in Zamboanga City in 2013.
The President said he wanted all peace initiatives to start or be resolved “towards end of the year.”
Duterte said he is a president who sees peace and not war and he counts on the military to support him and be always ready to guard the integrity of the country and to protect the people.
He said the conflict with the armed groups has gone on for too long. He said he hopes to have peace by the time he retires and steps down from office.
The CPP said the Duterte’s appeal for the NPA to cease ambuscades “can immediately be reciprocated.”
“However, to the people longing for peace, what is more important and urgent is for the operating troops of the AFP to withdraw from the civilian communities and homes, their community schools, barangay halls and health centers,” the CPP said.
It said people are hoping that Duterte would issue a “concomitant order” for the AFP to end its “Oplan Bayanihan war against the civilians.”
“Such attacks against civilians are often justified by the apologists of the US counter-insurgency dogma,” it said.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya has directed military commanders to observe the ceasefire effective Monday.
He said a suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) “covers the cessation of all military offensives against the CNN (CPP/NPA/NDF) particularly its armed group, the New People’s Army.”
Visaya said government troops shall also cease “combat maneuvers that may be construed as provocative acts that may be deemed violative of the SOMO.”
Aside from the peace talks with the NDF, Duterte would also pursue the implementation of the peace agreements with the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He asked the MNLF and MILF to say if they have ties with the Abu Sayyaf group.
He said if they are still connected with the Abu Sayyaf, “I don’t think there will be significant results.”
He said some of the firearms used by the Abu Sayyaf were owned by the MNLF and the MILF.
http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/passes-ndfp-be-issued-soon
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Guam Guard members rebuild classrooms in Bicol, Legazpi City
From the Guam Daily Post (Jul 26): Guam Guard members rebuild classrooms in Bicol, Legazpi City
Thanks to the efforts of soldiers from the Guam National Guard’s 1224th Engineer Support Company (1224ESC), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and active-duty members of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force, students at Kinawitan Elementary School in Bicol, Legazpi City, Philippines, will be able to attend classes indoors. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the school earlier this month to officially open and showcase the completed classrooms. Contributed photo
Students from the Kinawitan Elementary School in Bicol, Legazpi City, Philippines, will soon be able to attend classes indoors thanks to efforts by soldiers from the Guam National Guard’s 1224th Engineer Support Company (1224ESC), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and active-duty members of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force.
The school project was geared primarily to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command with subject matter expert exchanges through the Engineer Civic Action Project (ENCAP) outreach in Bicol, Legazpi City, Philippines, from June to July of this year.
The mission, under the National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP), also helps strengthen relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States. The Philippines is the state partner to the Guam and Hawaii National Guards.
Students lacked resources
Two teams of soldiers from the Guam Guard’s 1224ESC partnered to work on the project through completion.
“Three classrooms at Kinawitan Elementary School were renovated or rebuilt from the ground up; a bathroom installment was constructed and a water tower was put up for the students and staff who lack those vital resources,” said 1st Lt. Rachel Santos, officer-in-charge, 1224ESC Team 2.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the school earlier this month to officially open and showcase the completed classrooms.
Information was provided in a press release.
Duterte vows 'incremental' salary raise for soldiers by August
From Rappler (Jul 26): Duterte vows 'incremental' salary raise for soldiers by August
The President tells soldiers in Nueva Ecija that he has asked Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno to 'look for a way' to raise the money for the promised salary increase
President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Tuesday, July 26, that he would grant an "incremental" salary increase to soldiers by August.
The President tells soldiers in Nueva Ecija that he has asked Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno to 'look for a way' to raise the money for the promised salary increase
President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Tuesday, July 26, that he would grant an "incremental" salary increase to soldiers by August.
This, he said, is in partial fulfillment of his campaign promise to double the salaries of military and police in 3 years.
"Starting next month incremental increase suweldo 'nyo. Pangako ko doblado (I promise double), you will get it," the President told soldiers at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.
Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno had recently told media an increase in the salaries will have to be put on hold for at least a year due to other pressing financial matters.
Duterte, however, asked Diokno to find a way to make his promise a reality.
"Sabi ko kay Sec Diokno, mapahiya ako sa sundalo. Sabi ko, 'You have to look for a way,'" said Duterte, to applause and cheers from the rougly 500 soldiers listening to him.
(I told Secretary Diokno, I will lose face in front of the soldiers. I said, 'You have to look for a way.')
Though Duterte mentioned his target of doubling their salaries, he did not give a time frame for when he wants this done.
As in his previous visits to military camps, Duterte promised his all-out support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He said he wanted to add as many as 20,000 more soldiers and purchase more equipment such as fast boats and state-of-the-art guns.
"I assure you, I will give you everything you need to carry out your mandate," said Duterte.
The President also lightened the mood with a few jokes.
"Simple lang buhay sundalo. Hanap talaga ng inom 'yan at hahanap ng babae...na makausap (The soldier's life is simple. Just look for a drink and look for a woman...to talk to.)," he said, eliciting chuckles from the troops.
He ended his speech by assuring them, "I cannot make you happy but I can make your lives comfortable."
Duterte to military: Exercise ‘restraint’ amid ceasefire
From Rappler (Jul 26): Duterte to military: Exercise ‘restraint’ amid ceasefire
President Rodrigo Duterte also says that the ceasefire and the peace process with rebels won't keep the government from beefing up the military in preparation 'for any eventuality'
'STRENGTHEN AFP.' President Duterte wants 20,000 more soldiers for the Philippine military. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, July 26, called on the military to exercise “restraint” amidst the ceasefire with communist rebels.
President Rodrigo Duterte also says that the ceasefire and the peace process with rebels won't keep the government from beefing up the military in preparation 'for any eventuality'
'STRENGTHEN AFP.' President Duterte wants 20,000 more soldiers for the Philippine military. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, July 26, called on the military to exercise “restraint” amidst the ceasefire with communist rebels.
Duterte made the call a day after he announced a unilateral ceasefire with the New People's Army (NPA) in his State of the Nation Address, while addressing soldiers in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – his 3rd visit to a military camp in around a week.
“We’re in very delicate situation now and we’re now talking so tayo, whatever there is, issue public restraint. ‘Di tayo hanap away, at least, ‘di galing sa atin (Let’s not look for a fight, at least, it should not come from us),” he said.
But the ceasefire won’t stop Duterte from beefing up the military, especially in the event that the peace talks should fail.
“But we should be prepared for any eventuality. Just like any country in the world, we have to have a strong armed forces. We should have a military who can protect the people and integrity of this Republic,” he said.
To strengthen the military, Duterte said he intends to continue modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and adding “20,000 soldiers.”
“You’ll have everything you need para ‘di dehado sa bakbakan (so we aren’t on the losing end of a fight),” he said.
He plans to purchase more fast boats and state-of-the-art guns. Duterte also drew cheers from the soldiers when he announced an "incremental" increase in their salary in August.
'Ready for instant failure'
“We will be ready for an instant failure. Kung 'di nagkatuluyan, eh di sige, bakbakan, walang magawa (If the peace talks don’t prosper, there will be fighting),” Duterte said.
Duterte told the roughly 500 soldiers gathered at the military camp that the Philippines is in a “delicate situation” because the government is pursuing peace negotiations with both secessionists in Mindanao and communists.
He said the ceasefire declaration is not his sole decision, but was made in consultation with members of his Cabinet Security Cluster including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr, who stood behind him as he delivered his speech.
He said it is now up to the left to help uphold the ceasefire.
“There is always time to talk about war and talk about peace. Kung ginusto nila ‘yan, nasa kanila ‘yan (If they want it, it’s up to them). Ceasefire is ceasefire,” said Duterte.
He is now waiting for Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison’s next moves, following the government's ceasefire declaration.
“Sison, I’m waiting for his reply. Wait and see tayo (Let’s wait and see),” he said.
The National Democratic Front (NDF) had said that it would "soon" reciprocate the ceasefire declaration.
Duterte to MILF, MNLF: Cut ties with Abu Sayyaf
From Rappler (Jul 26): Duterte to MILF, MNLF: Cut ties with Abu Sayyaf
If the two Moro separatist groups choose to foster ties with the Abu Sayyaf, President Duterte won't have high hopes for the Mindanao peace process
TERROR GROUP. Members of the Abu Sayyaf pose with hostages, two of whom they have already killed.
If Moro separatist groups are sincere in their willingness to cooperate with the Duterte administration in the peace process, they should cut all ties with the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.
If the two Moro separatist groups choose to foster ties with the Abu Sayyaf, President Duterte won't have high hopes for the Mindanao peace process
TERROR GROUP. Members of the Abu Sayyaf pose with hostages, two of whom they have already killed.
If Moro separatist groups are sincere in their willingness to cooperate with the Duterte administration in the peace process, they should cut all ties with the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.
This was President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement on Tuesday, July 26, during a speech before around 500 soldiers in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
“Gusto ko marinig MI(LF) at MN(LF), ‘yang Abu Sayyaf na ‘yan, wala na connection sa kanila,” said Duterte.
(I want to hear the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front say that they no longer have a connection to the Abu Sayyaf.)
The Abu Sayyaf is a terrorist group operating in Mindanao that began as a breakaway group of Moro separatist groups. But while espousing religious fervor in their terror acts, they have been regarded by Philippine administrations as bandits responsible for kidnap-for-ransom, bank robberies, and other crimes.
Just last July 18, five Malaysian sailors were reportedly kidnapped by the group.
The connection of Moro separatist groups to terrorists has endangered the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), legislation meant to give a new Bangsamoro region more autonomy and powers.
In January 2015, the pursuit of top terrorists led to the deadly Mamasapano clash that killed 44 Special Action Forces troopers, 23 Moro rebels, and at least 7 civilians.
Duterte believes there are Abu Sayyaf sympathizers among Moro separatist groups. If the MILF or MNLF foster such a relationship, the new Bangsamoro Basic Law to be drafted may not get far.
“‘Pag ayaw nila bitawan o naka-connect pa rin sila sa Abu Sayyaf (If they don't want to let them go or they are still connected with the Abu Sayyaf), I don’t think there will be significant result,” said Duterte.
Last Thursday, July 21, Duterte called the Abu Sayyaf “criminals” who have “killed people unnecessarily.” (READ: Duterte pleads for peace in Mindanao, even with Abu Sayyaf)
This was a change in tune from a previous statement he gave, saying he did not include the terrorist group in his definition of criminality because they were driven to their situation by “desperation.”
In line with Duterte’s determination to bring peace and development to Mindanao, he has approved the Peace Roadmap proposed by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza.
In the roadmap, the Philippine government commits to implementing agreements it has signed with the MILF.
It also commits to the crafting of a new law to replace the failed BBL, but will still based on the historic Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Kerry arrives as biggest VIP to visit Duterte
From Rappler (Jul 27): Kerry arrives as biggest VIP to visit Duterte
US Secretary of State John Kerry visits the Philippines as he backs negotiations between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea
US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday evening, July 26, for an unprecedented meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
US Secretary of State John Kerry visits the Philippines as he backs negotiations between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea
US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday evening, July 26, for an unprecedented meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose confirmed this in a text message at 8:52 pm on Tuesday.
Kerry is the most prominent figure to meet with Duterte since the President took office on June 30. The top diplomat of the US is visiting the Philippines less than a month after Duterte became president.
During this overnight trip, he also scheduled to speak with his Philippine counterpart, Philippine Foreign Secretary Yasay Jr.
Kerry is set to attend at least two events aside from his meeting with Duterte.
On Wednesday, July 27, Kerry will speak at the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) Sea and Earth Advocate Camp (SEA Camp) Summit at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Pasay City.
On the same day, he will hold a joint press conference with Yasay at the Department of Foreign Affairs, also in Pasay City.
Kerry's visit comes days after the Philippines won a historic case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Earlier on Tuesday, Kerry said he is supporting negotiations between the Philippines and China. He said he agrees with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that it is time to "turn the page" on the two countries’ maritime dispute.
The Philippines said it is open to bilateral talks with China, but China said it will reject negotiations if based on the West Philippine Sea ruling. Manila asserts that the ruling will be the “baseline” for talks with Beijing.
Kerry hails PH's 'measured' stance on Hague ruling
From Rappler (Jul 27): Kerry hails PH's 'measured' stance on Hague ruling
Kerry says he praises 'the very responsible and measured way that the Philippine government has responded to the decision'
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday, July 27, hailed the Philippines' "measured" response to the historic ruling against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Kerry said he brought this up in a meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr, on Wednesday morning.
Kerry said he praised "the very responsible and measured way that the Philippine government has responded to the decision."
Kerry is set to meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. He is the first foreign minister scheduled to meet Duterte.
More to follow.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/141060-kerry-hails-ph-measured-stance-hague-ruling
Kerry says he praises 'the very responsible and measured way that the Philippine government has responded to the decision'
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday, July 27, hailed the Philippines' "measured" response to the historic ruling against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Kerry said he brought this up in a meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr, on Wednesday morning.
Kerry said he praised "the very responsible and measured way that the Philippine government has responded to the decision."
Kerry is set to meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. He is the first foreign minister scheduled to meet Duterte.
More to follow.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/141060-kerry-hails-ph-measured-stance-hague-ruling
NPA goes on active defense as PH Army stands down
From InterAksyon (Feb 26): NPA goes on active defense as PH Army stands down
The national operational command of the New People's Army (NPA) released a statement Tuesday indicating that they will stay on "active defensive mode" while waiting the final declaration of cease fire from the Communist Party of he Philippines (CPP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
"Under the direction of the CPP, the National Operational Command of the NPA (NPA-NOC) orders all territorial and unit commands of the NPA, including all units of the people's militias, to stay on active defense mode as we welcome the unilateral cease fire declaration yesterday by GRP President Rodrigo Duterte and await its operational details," said Ka Oris, Spokesperson, NPA-NOC.
Ka Oris or Jorge Madlos, explained the rationale of the order to all its units.
"By staying on active defense mode, the NPA prepares for a reciprocal unilateral cease fire declaration by the CPP and the NDFP, to be issued soon as a boost for the upcoming NDFP-GRP peace talks. An exchange of unilateral cease fire declarations will be one of the first items in the resumption of NDFP-GRP peace talks scheduled for August 20-27 with the aim of making these unilateral declarations effective," said Ka Oris.
The statement further added that "the NPA and all revolutionary forces will closely observe how President Duterte's declaration is carried out by the AFP and whether there will be a clear termination of military operations and offensives being carried out under the US-designed Oplan Bayanihan counter-insurgency war of suppression."
"As of this [Tuesday] morning, reports from the field indicate that units of the AFP have remained stationed in communities but have yet to withdraw from their offensive operations in Isabela, Cagayan, Bulacan, Quezon and Batangas, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Samar, Surigao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and other provinces," he added.
The statement of Ka Oris was collaborated by the Ka Sandara Sidlakan, spokesperson of the NPA's Guerilla Front 21 in Surigao del Sur.
"I haven't seen yet the statement of Ka Oris, but, so far, here in our area, we haven't seen any significant changes. Our teams have still observed several Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) operations under the guise of Bayanihan activities in the area, which the army is denying as a military operation. But these so-called peaceful development teams in full military uniforms are fully armed when they go to the hinterland communities," said Ka Sandara.
Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army explained that the order has been given out, but the pullout could not be carried out so fast.
"We will practice caution as we pull out our troops from the area, it is not like a magical moment when, in the blink of an eye we automatically withdraw all our operating troops from the far flung areas. The NPA is not the only threat group in the area. There are many lawless elements, and we cannot let our guard down just like that as we move out. But, rest assured we will follow the order of our commander in chief," said Martinez.
Maj. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, was quick to release a statement saying that "there will be no military operations against the NPA. However, we will continue peripheral prophylactic patrols to ensure the security of our troops and facilities. Likewise, this does not stop us from responding to terrorist attacks of NPAs targeting civilian and government facilities."
Madrigal added: "We will continue our support to law enforcement operations of the Philippine National Police, conduct checkpoints, secure vital installations and support to Bayanihan activities that are jointly undertaken by all stakeholders to help improve living conditions."
http://interaksyon.com/article/130796/npa-goes-on-active-defense-as-ph-army-stands-down
The national operational command of the New People's Army (NPA) released a statement Tuesday indicating that they will stay on "active defensive mode" while waiting the final declaration of cease fire from the Communist Party of he Philippines (CPP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
"Under the direction of the CPP, the National Operational Command of the NPA (NPA-NOC) orders all territorial and unit commands of the NPA, including all units of the people's militias, to stay on active defense mode as we welcome the unilateral cease fire declaration yesterday by GRP President Rodrigo Duterte and await its operational details," said Ka Oris, Spokesperson, NPA-NOC.
Ka Oris or Jorge Madlos, explained the rationale of the order to all its units.
"By staying on active defense mode, the NPA prepares for a reciprocal unilateral cease fire declaration by the CPP and the NDFP, to be issued soon as a boost for the upcoming NDFP-GRP peace talks. An exchange of unilateral cease fire declarations will be one of the first items in the resumption of NDFP-GRP peace talks scheduled for August 20-27 with the aim of making these unilateral declarations effective," said Ka Oris.
The statement further added that "the NPA and all revolutionary forces will closely observe how President Duterte's declaration is carried out by the AFP and whether there will be a clear termination of military operations and offensives being carried out under the US-designed Oplan Bayanihan counter-insurgency war of suppression."
"As of this [Tuesday] morning, reports from the field indicate that units of the AFP have remained stationed in communities but have yet to withdraw from their offensive operations in Isabela, Cagayan, Bulacan, Quezon and Batangas, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Samar, Surigao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and other provinces," he added.
The statement of Ka Oris was collaborated by the Ka Sandara Sidlakan, spokesperson of the NPA's Guerilla Front 21 in Surigao del Sur.
"I haven't seen yet the statement of Ka Oris, but, so far, here in our area, we haven't seen any significant changes. Our teams have still observed several Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) operations under the guise of Bayanihan activities in the area, which the army is denying as a military operation. But these so-called peaceful development teams in full military uniforms are fully armed when they go to the hinterland communities," said Ka Sandara.
Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army explained that the order has been given out, but the pullout could not be carried out so fast.
"We will practice caution as we pull out our troops from the area, it is not like a magical moment when, in the blink of an eye we automatically withdraw all our operating troops from the far flung areas. The NPA is not the only threat group in the area. There are many lawless elements, and we cannot let our guard down just like that as we move out. But, rest assured we will follow the order of our commander in chief," said Martinez.
Maj. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, was quick to release a statement saying that "there will be no military operations against the NPA. However, we will continue peripheral prophylactic patrols to ensure the security of our troops and facilities. Likewise, this does not stop us from responding to terrorist attacks of NPAs targeting civilian and government facilities."
Madrigal added: "We will continue our support to law enforcement operations of the Philippine National Police, conduct checkpoints, secure vital installations and support to Bayanihan activities that are jointly undertaken by all stakeholders to help improve living conditions."
http://interaksyon.com/article/130796/npa-goes-on-active-defense-as-ph-army-stands-down
China, Philippines should ‘turn page’on sea row: Kerry
From InterAksyon (Feb 26): China, Philippines should ‘turn page’on sea row: Kerry
The Philippines and China should "turn the page" and hold talks over contested areas of the South China Sea after a tribunal shot down Beijing's claims to the strategic waterway, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday.
Relations between China and the Philippines hit a nadir earlier this month after Beijing refused to recognise a UN-backed ruling invalidating its claims to much of the sea.
The Philippines, which says it owns areas claimed by China, took the case to a Hague-based tribunal for arbitration.
Kerry reiterated Washington's stance that the tribunal's decision to favor the Philippines was binding, but added that it was time to seek new ground.
"I would encourage President Duterte to engage in dialogue, in negotiations," Kerry told reporters in Laos, referring to the tough-talking new Philippine leader.
Kerry is due to fly to Manila for talks with Duterte later Tuesday.
Kerry's call for fresh talks between Manila and Beijing comes at the request of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
"The foreign minister said very clearly the time has come to move away from public tensions and turn the page," Kerry told reporters.
"And we agree with that... no claimant should be acting in a way that is provocative, no claimant should take steps that wind up raising tensions."
The two envoys met on the sidelines of a regional security forum of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that has been dogged by the issue of the South China Sea.
The Philippines had been expected to push for the bloc to support the tribunal ruling in a punchy joint-statement.
But the bloc shied away from a diplomatic confrontation with China.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay told reporters that he supported that approach, describing the tribunal case as a dispute just between Beijing and Manila.
"The other countries are not part of our filing of the case before the arbitral tribunal so why would we insist that it be put in the ASEAN statement," Yasay said.
ASEAN member-states span communist autocracies such as Laos and Vietnam, the tiny Islamic sultanate of Brunei and populous democracies like Indonesia and the Philippines.
It works on the basis of consensus diplomacy.
But critics have slammed the grouping for failing to present a strong front against China's aggressive divide and rule policy among its neighbors.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130795/china-philippines-should-turn-pageon-sea-row-kerry
The Philippines and China should "turn the page" and hold talks over contested areas of the South China Sea after a tribunal shot down Beijing's claims to the strategic waterway, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday.
Relations between China and the Philippines hit a nadir earlier this month after Beijing refused to recognise a UN-backed ruling invalidating its claims to much of the sea.
The Philippines, which says it owns areas claimed by China, took the case to a Hague-based tribunal for arbitration.
Kerry reiterated Washington's stance that the tribunal's decision to favor the Philippines was binding, but added that it was time to seek new ground.
"I would encourage President Duterte to engage in dialogue, in negotiations," Kerry told reporters in Laos, referring to the tough-talking new Philippine leader.
Kerry is due to fly to Manila for talks with Duterte later Tuesday.
Kerry's call for fresh talks between Manila and Beijing comes at the request of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
"The foreign minister said very clearly the time has come to move away from public tensions and turn the page," Kerry told reporters.
"And we agree with that... no claimant should be acting in a way that is provocative, no claimant should take steps that wind up raising tensions."
The two envoys met on the sidelines of a regional security forum of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that has been dogged by the issue of the South China Sea.
The Philippines had been expected to push for the bloc to support the tribunal ruling in a punchy joint-statement.
But the bloc shied away from a diplomatic confrontation with China.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay told reporters that he supported that approach, describing the tribunal case as a dispute just between Beijing and Manila.
"The other countries are not part of our filing of the case before the arbitral tribunal so why would we insist that it be put in the ASEAN statement," Yasay said.
ASEAN member-states span communist autocracies such as Laos and Vietnam, the tiny Islamic sultanate of Brunei and populous democracies like Indonesia and the Philippines.
It works on the basis of consensus diplomacy.
But critics have slammed the grouping for failing to present a strong front against China's aggressive divide and rule policy among its neighbors.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130795/china-philippines-should-turn-pageon-sea-row-kerry
AFP chief Visaya orders SOMO against NPA; pullout from lumad zones pressed
From InterAksyon (Jul 26): AFP chief Visaya orders SOMO against NPA; pullout from lumad zones pressed
AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya on Tuesday directed all unit commanders to enforce right away a suspension of military operations (SOMO) against the New People’s Army (NPA), following President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration Monday of a unilateral cease-fire.
Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force, unified commands, and Service Support Units are to implement a SOMO, said the Armed Forces chief.
The defense chief earlier urged the Left to respond accordingly to the gesture of peace and goodwill extended by President Duterte at his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In separate statements, however, the National Democratic Front and the Communist Party of the Philippines said they were awaiting operational details of the government's move, even as they welcomed Duterte's initiative.
Meanwhile, Visaya said there will be no pullout of troops in all areas where soldiers are urgently needed to deliver government social services to people, especially marginalized communities in far-flung areas.
Visaya said: “While there is a SOMO against the NPA, our troops will continue to support or provide forces for the Philippine National Police in law enforcement operations against lawless elements and criminal groups.”
It is also the AFP's mandate, he added, to protect communities from terrorism including economic sabotage against vital government facilities, infrastructure and projects.
Karapatan: pull out troops
The left-leaning Karapatan group hailed Duterte’s unilateral cease-fire but urged him to pull out soldiers and paramilitary groups from civilian communities.
Duterte had met with militant leaders at Malacañang after his SONA, and they took up, among others, the return of Lumad evacuees to their homelands.
“They (military troops) should be brought back to their barracks. That is the only way by which the Lumad evacuees can safely return to their homes. The declaration should also pave the way for the rescinding of Oplan Bayanihan, along with its deceptive Whole of Nation Initiative,” said Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay.
Palabay also urged Duterte to abandon the “US-driven counter-insurgency program that has resulted to numerous rights violations is a expression of a genuinely independent foreign policy.”
“The unilateral cease-fire declaration should also lead to the release of all political prisoners, via a general, omnibus and unconditional amnesty declaration,” Palabay said.
She also asked Duterte to stop extrajudicial killings, whether political or drug-related. On Monday, the PNP had reported that the number of people killed in the crackdown on illegal drugs was nearing the 300 mark.
“We call on President Duterte to strongly call for adherence to and live by the principle of one’s right to due process, most especially of those from the poor sectors.
Employment and livelihood programs are more comprehensive solutions which should be made available to all who may fall or have fallen prey to the drug trade having been pushed to do so by abject poverty. On the other hand, we support President Duterte’s campaign to arrest and prosecute high officials in the military, police and government agencies accountable for the drug menace,” Palabay said.
Prepping pullout from lumad sites
Major General Benjamin Madrigal, the 4th Infantry Division commander, meanwhile, said ground commanders were ordered to prepare to pull out their troops from operations in all areas, especially Lumad zones.
This, even as they await “guidelines from higher authorities regarding the mechanics of the ceasefire,” he said in a phone interview.
Madrigal said the military is ready to provide transportation for Lumad evacuees to return to their farms and homes, if ordered to do so.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130776/afp-chief--visaya-orders-somo-against-npa-pullout-from-lumad-zones-pressed
AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya on Tuesday directed all unit commanders to enforce right away a suspension of military operations (SOMO) against the New People’s Army (NPA), following President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration Monday of a unilateral cease-fire.
Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force, unified commands, and Service Support Units are to implement a SOMO, said the Armed Forces chief.
The defense chief earlier urged the Left to respond accordingly to the gesture of peace and goodwill extended by President Duterte at his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In separate statements, however, the National Democratic Front and the Communist Party of the Philippines said they were awaiting operational details of the government's move, even as they welcomed Duterte's initiative.
Meanwhile, Visaya said there will be no pullout of troops in all areas where soldiers are urgently needed to deliver government social services to people, especially marginalized communities in far-flung areas.
Visaya said: “While there is a SOMO against the NPA, our troops will continue to support or provide forces for the Philippine National Police in law enforcement operations against lawless elements and criminal groups.”
It is also the AFP's mandate, he added, to protect communities from terrorism including economic sabotage against vital government facilities, infrastructure and projects.
Karapatan: pull out troops
The left-leaning Karapatan group hailed Duterte’s unilateral cease-fire but urged him to pull out soldiers and paramilitary groups from civilian communities.
Duterte had met with militant leaders at Malacañang after his SONA, and they took up, among others, the return of Lumad evacuees to their homelands.
“They (military troops) should be brought back to their barracks. That is the only way by which the Lumad evacuees can safely return to their homes. The declaration should also pave the way for the rescinding of Oplan Bayanihan, along with its deceptive Whole of Nation Initiative,” said Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay.
Palabay also urged Duterte to abandon the “US-driven counter-insurgency program that has resulted to numerous rights violations is a expression of a genuinely independent foreign policy.”
“The unilateral cease-fire declaration should also lead to the release of all political prisoners, via a general, omnibus and unconditional amnesty declaration,” Palabay said.
She also asked Duterte to stop extrajudicial killings, whether political or drug-related. On Monday, the PNP had reported that the number of people killed in the crackdown on illegal drugs was nearing the 300 mark.
“We call on President Duterte to strongly call for adherence to and live by the principle of one’s right to due process, most especially of those from the poor sectors.
Employment and livelihood programs are more comprehensive solutions which should be made available to all who may fall or have fallen prey to the drug trade having been pushed to do so by abject poverty. On the other hand, we support President Duterte’s campaign to arrest and prosecute high officials in the military, police and government agencies accountable for the drug menace,” Palabay said.
Prepping pullout from lumad sites
Major General Benjamin Madrigal, the 4th Infantry Division commander, meanwhile, said ground commanders were ordered to prepare to pull out their troops from operations in all areas, especially Lumad zones.
This, even as they await “guidelines from higher authorities regarding the mechanics of the ceasefire,” he said in a phone interview.
Madrigal said the military is ready to provide transportation for Lumad evacuees to return to their farms and homes, if ordered to do so.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130776/afp-chief--visaya-orders-somo-against-npa-pullout-from-lumad-zones-pressed
Life terms for 9 Filipinos over 2013 Sabah standoff
From InterAksyon (Jul 26): Life terms for 9 Filipinos over 2013 Sabah standoff
A Malaysian court sentenced nine Filipinos to life in prison on Tuesday over an armed incursion in 2013 that left scores dead and paralysed a remote corner of Borneo for weeks, a defence lawyer said.
Eight others, including three Malaysians, received prison sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, said the attorney, N. Sivananthan.
The bloody incursion by some 200 Islamic militants from the southern Philippines was inspired by a self-proclaimed Filipino sultanate's claims of historical dominion over the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo island.
The assault, the most serious security crisis faced by Malaysia in years, led to a siege between the militants and Malaysian armed forces sent to root them out.
At least 70 people were killed, mostly militants, over the six-week ordeal.
Nine of the defendants had faced death for "waging war" against Malaysia's king, but were spared by the court in the Sabah state capital Kota Kinabalu.
"They could have been sentenced to death but the judge decided on the lower penalty because there was no evidence they pulled the triggers or committed any murders," N. Sivananthan said.
The others had faced various terrorism-related charges.
Earlier, 12 other Filipinos had been acquitted.
Among those sentenced to life was 53-year-old Amir Bahar Hushin Kiram, son of self-styled Sulu sultan Esmail Kiram.
Esmail, who died in 2015, was among a series of claimants to the Islamic sultanate of Sulu, which once controlled parts of the southern Philippines and part of Borneo.
The crisis embarrassed both Manila and Kuala Lumpur, shining a spotlight on weak Malaysian border protections, and lawlessness in the Philippines' predominantly Muslim south.
The episode eventually fizzled out when some of the militants fled the palm oil plantation where they had been holed up and returned to the Philippines. Scores were detained in Malaysia.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130780/life-terms-for-9-filipinos-over-2013-sabah-standoff
A Malaysian court sentenced nine Filipinos to life in prison on Tuesday over an armed incursion in 2013 that left scores dead and paralysed a remote corner of Borneo for weeks, a defence lawyer said.
Eight others, including three Malaysians, received prison sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, said the attorney, N. Sivananthan.
The bloody incursion by some 200 Islamic militants from the southern Philippines was inspired by a self-proclaimed Filipino sultanate's claims of historical dominion over the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo island.
The assault, the most serious security crisis faced by Malaysia in years, led to a siege between the militants and Malaysian armed forces sent to root them out.
At least 70 people were killed, mostly militants, over the six-week ordeal.
Nine of the defendants had faced death for "waging war" against Malaysia's king, but were spared by the court in the Sabah state capital Kota Kinabalu.
"They could have been sentenced to death but the judge decided on the lower penalty because there was no evidence they pulled the triggers or committed any murders," N. Sivananthan said.
The others had faced various terrorism-related charges.
Earlier, 12 other Filipinos had been acquitted.
Among those sentenced to life was 53-year-old Amir Bahar Hushin Kiram, son of self-styled Sulu sultan Esmail Kiram.
Esmail, who died in 2015, was among a series of claimants to the Islamic sultanate of Sulu, which once controlled parts of the southern Philippines and part of Borneo.
The crisis embarrassed both Manila and Kuala Lumpur, shining a spotlight on weak Malaysian border protections, and lawlessness in the Philippines' predominantly Muslim south.
The episode eventually fizzled out when some of the militants fled the palm oil plantation where they had been holed up and returned to the Philippines. Scores were detained in Malaysia.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130780/life-terms-for-9-filipinos-over-2013-sabah-standoff
3 soldiers wounded in fierce clashes with jihadists
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 26): 3 soldiers wounded in fierce clashes with jihadists
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/3-soldiers-wounded-in-fierce-clashes-with-jihadists/
At least 3 army soldiers were injured in fierce clashes that
erupted Tuesday between security forces and radical jihadists in the province of Maguindanao
in the restive Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines
The fighting was so fierce in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town
that the 6th Infantry Division radioed the air force for a pair of
MG-520 attack helicopters to support ground troops fighting the Bangsamoro
Islamic Freedom Fighters.
It described the clashes as “heavy” and it started at dawn
and continued until day time in the village
of Pamalian
The fighting erupted a day after President Rodrigo Duterte
vowed to grant wider autonomy to Muslims in the troubled region during a
national address on the state of the nation.
The army tagged an extremist rebel leader, Karalian, as
behind the attack on the soldiers. And the Major General Edmundo Pangilinan,
the regional army commander, has called on Karalian to “voluntarily surrender
to the government to avoid further bloodshed.”
“It would be best that they surrender so that they can avoid
more of the followers from getting killed and would also prevent more
displacement from taking place,” Pangilinan said.
There were no reports of enemy casualties, but many of the
BIFF members were former or still members of the larger Moro Islamic Liberation
Front which signed an interim peace deal with Manila
Both the BIFF and MILF were accused in the brutal killings
of 44 police commandos in Maguindanao’s Mamasapano town during a clandestine
operation called Oplan Exodus that targeted a Malaysian bomber, Zulkifli
Abdhir, who was coddled by the two groups in the remote Tukanalipao village.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/3-soldiers-wounded-in-fierce-clashes-with-jihadists/
Malaysia confirms sailors kidnapped by Sayyaf
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 26): Malaysia confirms sailors kidnapped by Sayyaf
Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday
confirmed that the radical jihadist group Abu Sayyaf was behind the kidnappings
of 5 Malaysian tugboat crewmen who disappeared in Sabah near the Philippines
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/malaysia-confirms-sailors-kidnapped-by-sayyaf/
Police Inspector-General Police Khalid Abu Bakar told
reporters in Malaysia
But the Borneo Post reported last week that suspected Abu
Sayyaf militants demanded P200 million in ransoms in exchange for the safe
release of the sailors.
It said that one of the hostages, Tayudin Anjut, 45, phoned
his employer to say that they are being held captive in Basilan, one of 5
provinces under the troubled Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines
Anjut said the kidnappers were demanding the ransoms for
their freedom, but Philippine military and police authorities could not
immediately confirm nor deny the reports.
The sailors – Abd Rahim Summas, 62, Fandy Bakran, 26, Mohd
Zumadil Rahim, 23 and Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32 – all crew members of the tugboat
Seruduna 3, disappeared at sea off Lahad Datu town on July 18.
Their tugboat was recovered by Sabah
authorities with its engine still running. The boat was set to return to
Semporna after its barge delivered a cargo of stones in Sandakan
City also in Sabah ,
according to the Malaysian media.
The Abu Sayyaf also seized 7 other Indonesian tugboat
crewmen on June 22 in the Sulu Sea near the Philippines border and the hostages
– Ferry Arifin, the tugboat skipper; M. Mahbrur Dahri, Edi Suryono, Ismail,
M.Nasir, M.Sofyan and Robin Piter – were last reported being sighted in Luuk
town, local military intelligence reports said.
The boat – owned by PT Rusianto Brothers – was heading to
Samarinda in East Kalimantan following a trip from the Philippines
The Abu Sayyaf previously kidnapped 14 Indonesian tugboat
crewmembers in separate attacks at sea off Sabah
and brought them to Sulu province and eventually released through the
intercession of the Moro National Liberation Front.
Raid
Just last week, Philippine Marines raided
a suspected Abu Sayyaf hideout in Tawi-Tawi and captured 3 people and three
speedboats in a daring operation near the Sabah
border.
Officials said members of the elite Amphibious Ready Group
(ARG) under Colonel Fernando Gomez launched the operation near Sitangkai Island
It was not immediately known whether the speedboats are
being used in kidnapping activities in Sabah in Malaysia
The capture of the trio coincided with the arrest July 21 of
an Abu Sayyaf militant – Bads Adjam alias Abu Jihad – in Santa
Maria village in Zamboanga
City Sipadan Island
off Sabah in 2000.
Officials did not say if Adjam’s arrest was connected to the
military operations in Tawi-Tawi, but both provinces are part of the Muslim
autonomous region.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/malaysia-confirms-sailors-kidnapped-by-sayyaf/
Army's 10ID orders line units to stop offensive operations as President Duterte declares ceasefire with rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): Army's 10ID orders line units to stop offensive operations as President Duterte declares ceasefire with rebels
Bello
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907271
The 10 Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army has ordered
all its line units to stop all offensive operations against the New People’s
Army (NPA) effective immediately.
“We have ordered our line units to stop all offensive
operations against the NPA effective immediately without sacrificing the
security and safety of our troops and the security of all vital facilities,
installations and population centers,” said a statement released by 10th ID
spokesperson Capt. Rhyan Batchar.
Batchar said they fully support President Rodrigo Duterte's
call for unity and peace.
In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday,
President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of
the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)
effective immediately.
But the President also called on the NDF to respond
accordingly, highlighting his commitment to bring permanent and lasting peace
before his term ends.
“I call on the Filipinos, let me make this appeal if we
cannot as yet love one another then in God’s name let us not hate each other
too much,” he said, urging the communist movement to put an end to ambuscades
as killings are going nowhere. “It is getting bloodier by the day,” he said.
Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire came a month
ahead of the formal peace talks in Oslo ,
Norway
It may be recalled that during a preliminary talk last June
in Oslo
Meanwhile, in an interview with Presidential Adviser on the
Peace Process Jesus Dureza, he said they are also working for the release of
about five to 11 members of the NDFP who will be participating in the talks.
Dureza said they will comply with legal procedures.
GPH and the CPP-NDFP panels were supposed to meet this month
but the meeting was moved to August 20 to settle some details before the talks
resume. In the resumption of talks, they are expected to fast track the
remaining three substantive issues namely the socioeconomic reforms, political
and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces.
They will discuss the affirmation of previously signed
agreements; accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for
the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks, socio-economic
reforms, political and constitutional reforms, and end of hostilities and
disposition of forces; reconstitution of the (JASIG) list; Amnesty Proclamation
for the release of all detained political prisoners subject to concurrence by
Congress; and the Mode of Interim ceasefire.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907271
Update: 2 rebels killed, 3 soldiers wounded as military-BIFF encounter sparks anew in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): Update: 2 rebels killed, 3 soldiers wounded as military-BIFF encounter sparks anew in Maguindanao
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907437
Two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) were killed while three government troopers got wounded as intense
gunbattle broke out between the two groups Tuesday in Sitio Lanas, Barangay
Pamalian, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao.
Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, Army’s 6th Infantry Division
base camp commander, said heavy fighting between the troopers of the 34th
Infantry Battalion and BIFF militants are ongoing in the area.
The skirmish involved the group of BIFF commander Imam
Karalian, a known loyal follower of the late BIFF founder Ameril Umbra Kato.
The BIFF is a faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
that broke out from their mainstream rebel organization a few years ago due to
ideological differences.
Currently, the MILF is involved in a comprehensive peace
overture with the government with the exclusion of the BIFF faction.
Pangilinan said that fighting began at dawn when state
forces chanced upon a band of BIFF rebels at the Pamalian area who initiated
the first volley of gunfire.
Pangilinan has urged Karalian and his group, currently
trapped in the village, to voluntarily surrender and avert further bloodshed.
“It would be best that they surrender so that they can avoid
more of the followers from getting killed and also prevent more displacement
from taking place,” he said.
Pangilinan said two military MD 520 attack helicopters are
on standby for possible close air support should atrocities could not be
contained soon.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907437
(Update) 7 dead, 14 injured in Army-BIFF clash in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): (Update) 7 dead, 14 injured in Army-BIFF clash in Maguindanao
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907571
Six Moro bandits and a soldier were killed while 14 others,
10 of whom were bandits and four soldiers, were injured when the military and
the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters clashed anew in Maguindanao.
Colonel Lito Sobejana, commander of the military's 601st
Infantry Brigade, said the fighting broke out before dawn Tuesday when about
100 BIFF guerillas armed with cal. 50 sniper rifle and rocket propelled
grenades attacked the base of 34th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pamalian,
Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao.
"The fighting was very intense but our troops held
their ground and drove away the guerillas," Sobejana told reporters.
Sobejana withheld the name of lone Army fatality until his
next of kin are fully informed. Wounded were Corporal Ireneo Bahian, Private
First Class (Pfc) Kristian Andrade, Pfc. Melvin Ejada and Pfc. Marlon Gravillo.
According to Sobejana, the BIFF attackers were led by Kagi
Karialan, the new leader of the outlawed group, after it ousted Commander
Bungos.
He said fighting was still raging as of 3:00 p.m.
The 6th Infantry Division had to use two MG-520 attack
helicopters to provide cover to grounds troops in retrieving the fatality and
injured infantrymen.
Major General Edmundo R Pangilinan, 6th ID chief, urged
Commander Karalian to voluntarily surrender to the government to avoid further
bloodshed.
“It would be best that they surrender so that there will be
no more bloodshed,” Pangilinan said in a statement.
Both Sobejana and Pangilinan confirmed BIFF fatalities whose
remains were retrieved and turned over to local officials for their relatives
to claim.
Members of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team
and the government and MILF ceasefire committees have proceeded to Sharif Saydona
town center to ensure no mis-encounter will take place between government
forces and MILF.
Several families have started to flee to nearby villages
afraid they might be caught in the cross fire.
Sobejana said the national highway linking Isulan, Sultan
Kudarat and Cotabato
City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907571
Armed rebel dies, 2 firearms recovered in Quezon encounter
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): Armed rebel dies, 2 firearms recovered in Quezon encounter
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907649
An armed rebel died while two high-powered firearms were
recovered following an encounter at Barangay dela Paz in Lopez, Quezon around
5:30 a.m. Monday morning.
In an interview with the Philippines News Agency (PNA),
Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Xyzon Meneses said
that the operating troops of the First Platoon recovered an M16 rifle and a
shotgun after a 20-minute gun battle with the 30 armed rebels.
The firefight casualty is yet to be identified as the army
troops are still conducting the operations to track down other fleeing bandits.
But, the military is set to implement the order of President
Rodrigo Duterte in his State of the Nation Address for “a unilateral ceasefire
with the CPP/NPA/NDF effective immediately and call on our fellow Filipinos in
the National Democractic Front and its forces to respond accordingly.”
Capt. Meneses also said that according to Major Gen. Romeo
G. Gan, 2ID commanding general, that “this (armed encounter) could have been
avoided if the rebels have listened to the government’s sincere call for
peace.”
Meanwhile, Gan commended the troops for a job well done and
called on rebels to abandon their armed struggle and join in President
Duterte’s call for a permanent and lasting peace.
He also said that the military stood ready to abide with the
President’s order on a unilateral ceasefire and his vision for a peaceful and
progressive country and the armed forces hierarchy enforcement of the peace
process.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907649
Military leaders laud Pres. Duterte's peace move; DND chief hopes for ceasefire call from Reds
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): Military leaders laud Pres. Duterte's peace move; DND chief hopes for ceasefire call from Reds
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907328
Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Delfin Lorenzana
has expressed hope the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party
of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, will respond to the truce
following President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire
against communists.
In his first State of the Nation address on Monday, Pres.
Duterte called for peace and put to a stop the long years of bloody clashes and
skirmishes. The CPP-NPA-NDF has been waging an almost 50 year conflict with the
government.
"We expect the CPP-NPA-NDF to reciprocate,"
Lorenzana said, as he stressed that troops on the field will comply with the
ceasefire but will not put their guard down.
Meanwhile, ranking military officials lauded Pres. Duterte's
call for peace with the rebel group through a unilateral ceasefire.
"We'll do our part in the quest of finding a permanent
peaceful resolution of this conflict. While we stop the conduct of offensive
military operations, the Army will continue to serve its mandate through all
other activities to ensure the protection and safety of the people and
contribute in community development as well assist in the government's fight
against drug syndicates," Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano
said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines
"By offering the hands of peace, reconciliation and
unity, we will be engendering lasting peace and sustained development," he
said.
"The AFP wish the same, not only because your soldiers
who seek that elusive peace the most have also paid first hand the cost of the
conflicts the worst, but because the protracted war has left many children
orphans and homeless. And this has to stop. And it has to begin somewhere. And
the time is now," Arevalo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907328
3 troops wounded in Maguindanao clash with BIFF
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): 3 troops wounded in Maguindanao clash with BIFF
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907436
Three soldiers were wounded after a clash with Bangsamoro
Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, Maguindanao
Tuesday morning.
Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division public affairs
office chief, said the clash took place around 4 a.m. at Sitio Lanas, Barangay
Pamalian.
Sporadic fighting is still ongoing.
Petinglay said troopers from the 34th Infantry Battalion
were conducting clearing operations when they chanced upon an undetermined
number of BIFF men who fired on government troops, wounding three.
The skirmish in Barangay Pamailian involved the group of
BIFF commander Karalian, a known follower of the late Umbra Kato, the BIFF
founder.
The wounded men are now undergoing treatment in Camp Siongco
Station Hospital
Two MD-520 attacks are now on stand-by at the 601st Brigade
Tactical Command Post for possible close air support.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907436
AFP issues SOMO vs CPP-NPA-NDF
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): AFP issues SOMO vs CPP-NPA-NDF
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907480
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen.
Ricardo Visaya has ordered the Suspension-Of-Military-Operations (SOMO) against
the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic
Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) effective Monday.
This is in line with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's
declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the rebels during his State of the
Nation Address on Monday.
"AFP chief-of-staff Ricardo Visaya directs all
Commanders of Unified Commands, Major Services, and AFP-Wide Service Support
Units to observe (the) SOMO against the CPP-NPA-NDF effective July 25,"
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
"The SOMO covers the cessation of all military
offensives against the CPP-NPA-NDF particularly its armed group the New
People's Army including the conduct of combat maneuvers that may be construed
as provocative acts that may be deemed violative of the SOMO," Visaya's
order read.
Despite the SOMO, Arevalo said the military continue to
perform its mandate of protecting the communities and its people from terrorist
groups, secure and protect from attacks or sabotage vital government
facilities, military camps, infrastructures, and projects.
"The AFP shall likewise continue to support law
enforcement operations to help ensure unhampered flow of social, cultural,
religious, political, and economic activities of the people and the delivery by
the LGUs, LGAs, and NGOs to the communities," it stressed.
Arevalo said the AFP leadership will exhaust all efforts to
support Duterte's peace initiatives with the rebel group to attain an enduring
peace and sustained development for our country's prosperity.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907480
AFP willing to allow use of large camps as rehab centers
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): AFP willing to allow use of large camps as rehab centers
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907497
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is willing to
allow the use of military camps, especially those with large areas, as
rehabilitation centers for drug users willing to reform.
This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto
Padilla in an interview Tuesday.
"As per Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, camps
(which can be use as rehabilitation centers) should have large spaces like Fort Magsaysay
in Palayan, Nueva Ecija, Camp
Capinpin
Padilla earlier said it was looking forward to work closely
with the relevant agencies tasked to treat and rehabilitate illegal drug users.
"We fully support the initiatives of our
Commander-in-Chief to rehab drug users and provide them with a second chance at
life," he said.
"We look forward to working closely with relevant
agencies who are trained and empowered to do this so we can approach and carry
out programs in the most efficient, appropriate and effective manner,"
Padilla added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907497
Palace: SC ruling on EDCA to boost armed forces’ capability, modernization
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): Palace: SC ruling on EDCA to boost armed forces’ capability, modernization
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907573
Malacanang expects the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision
upholding the legality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) can
further boost the capability of the armed forces and contribute to its
modernization.
“We likewise remain confident that through this military
cooperation, we would improve our joint humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief efforts,” Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar
said in a statement
The SC on Tuesday ruled with finality that the EDCA between
the Philippines
The agreement aimed to bolster ties between the two
countries, particularly in military cooperation.
EDCA was signed in April 2014 during the official visit of
US President Barack Obama in Manila
“The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of our nation’s
disputes,” Andanar added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907573
Dela Rosa leads PNP delegation to ASEAN police confab
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): Dela Rosa leads PNP delegation to ASEAN police confab
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907528
PNP Chief, Director General Ronald M. Dela Rosa on Tuesday
left the country on official mission to attend the annual conference of the
ASEAN Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) in Putrajaya ,
Malaysia
PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Police Deputy Director
General Francisco A. Uyami Jr, has been designated PNP Officer-in-Charge.
Dela Rosa will lead the 15-man PNP delegation that will join
discussions and committee meetings of the 4-day 36th ASEANAPOL conference
hosted by the Royal Malaysian Police.
“The PNP is honored to take an active part in the efforts of
the international law enforcement community in maintaining an atmosphere of
peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region”, Dela Rosa said before
embarking on the 4-day official mission.
The Chief PNP will present in the plenary session the PNP’s
country paper on current transnational crime concerns, including efforts aimed
at strengthening international cooperation with other police forces in the
ASEAN against transnational syndicates.
High in the agenda of the 36th ASEANAPOL conference are
discussions on international cooperation and law enforcement best practices on
curbing drug trafficking, commercial crimes, bank fraud, cybercrime, and trafficking
in persons.
The 36th ASEANAPOL Conference also seeks greater commitment
of the ASEAN national police forces to closely monitor and exchange information
on newly-emerging militant and radical groups, and take action on other
pressing regional security concerns on international fugitives, cross-border
law enforcement, illegal wildlife trade, counterfeit currency syndicates,
illegal firearms, smuggling and piracy in the high seas.
The 10-member ASEANAPOL is composed of the Royal Brunei
Police Force, Cambodian National Police, Indonesian National Police, Lao
People’s Democratic Republic General Department of Police, Myanmar Police
Force, Philippine National Police, Singapore Police Force, Royal Thai Police,
Socialist Republic of Vietnam Police, and this year’s host agency, the Royal
Malaysia Police.
Also expected to attend are dialogue-partners from Australia , China ,
Japan , South Korea , New
Zealand , Russia ,
Turkey and the International
Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) with representatives from Timor Leste,
the United Kingdom
The PNP delegation is expected to return on July 29.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907528
8IB condemns NPA attack on army ambulance in Bukidnon
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 25): 8IB condemns NPA attack on army ambulance in Bukidnon
The 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division of Philippine Army hits NPA’s unabashed violation of Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) as the rebels detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in vehicle’s path on July 24, 2016 around 3:55 p.m. in Sitio Liloan, Brgy Lumbayao, Valencia City.
The blast has blocked and delayed military personnel of 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) while transporting two wounded soldiers in a military ambulance.
Lt Col Lennon G Babilonia, 8IB commanding officer, said the two wounded soldiers in an emergency transport were hit earlier by IED shrapnel after clash with NPAs at Sitio Salumayag, Brgy. Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon.
“They were evacuated from Sitio Malantao, San Fernando Bukidnon in the afternoon, by a military ambulance for them to be transported to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for proper treatment. However, while traversing Valencia City, soldiers were shocked by an explosion followed by fire shots from NPA rebels. Fortunately, no other casualties reported and patients were immediately extracted from the ambush site,” he said.
Angered by this criminal act, he condemned NPA bandits who attacked the military ambulance.
“NPAs clearly showed spinelessness as they attack our medical team while transporting wounded soldiers. This is a clear violation of our soldiers’ human rights as this attack denies our soldiers’ rights to be safely brought to the hospital for treatment.
We condemn these criminal acts as they blatantly violated the CARHRIHL when in fact; they have signed said agreement,” Babilonia said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501469430404/8ib-condemns-npa-attack-on-army-ambulance-in-bukidnon
The 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division of Philippine Army hits NPA’s unabashed violation of Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) as the rebels detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in vehicle’s path on July 24, 2016 around 3:55 p.m. in Sitio Liloan, Brgy Lumbayao, Valencia City.
The blast has blocked and delayed military personnel of 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) while transporting two wounded soldiers in a military ambulance.
Lt Col Lennon G Babilonia, 8IB commanding officer, said the two wounded soldiers in an emergency transport were hit earlier by IED shrapnel after clash with NPAs at Sitio Salumayag, Brgy. Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon.
“They were evacuated from Sitio Malantao, San Fernando Bukidnon in the afternoon, by a military ambulance for them to be transported to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for proper treatment. However, while traversing Valencia City, soldiers were shocked by an explosion followed by fire shots from NPA rebels. Fortunately, no other casualties reported and patients were immediately extracted from the ambush site,” he said.
Angered by this criminal act, he condemned NPA bandits who attacked the military ambulance.
“NPAs clearly showed spinelessness as they attack our medical team while transporting wounded soldiers. This is a clear violation of our soldiers’ human rights as this attack denies our soldiers’ rights to be safely brought to the hospital for treatment.
We condemn these criminal acts as they blatantly violated the CARHRIHL when in fact; they have signed said agreement,” Babilonia said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501469430404/8ib-condemns-npa-attack-on-army-ambulance-in-bukidnon