From the Daily Tribune (Aug): Peace talks with Reds dim after mine killings
Hurdles to the peace negotiations slated to start between the government and the communist movement in Oslo, Norway on August 20 have become tougher yesterday after President Duterte issued a new ultimatum on against communist rebels’ use of landmines and demanded inclusion of battlefield issues in the peace talks or else he’ll call off the negotiations.
The rift between Duterte and leaders of the communist groups have grown after a continuous exchange of criticisms last week in the aftermath of Duterte’s decision to lift a 5-day-old unilateral ceasefire with the rebels following an encounter in Davao del Norte which claimed a militiaman’s life. Over the weekend, Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni said in a media forum in Quezon City that the CPP-NDF might seek the postponement of the peace talks.
“If the release of the 22 NDF consultants will not be realized , the NDF will reconsider the postponement of the peace talks until the issue of political prisoners will be resolved,” Jalandoni said through video chat from Utrecht in the Netherlands.
Earlier last week, the Supreme Court (SC) “released from detention” NDF consultants Randall Echanis and Vic Ladlad and former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo despite the fact that the individuals were not under detention.
The SC denied the Office of the Solicitor General’s motion for intervention to grant the temporary release of the alleged top leaders of the CPP, who are being called as “peace consultants” who are the couple Benito and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon who were both nabbed in Cebu City in 2014.
Sources from the CPP told the Tribune that among the other personalities that should be released by the Duterte government are NDF consultants Adelberto Silva, who is supposedly the CPP’s central committee chairman who was arrested in Cavite last 2015 and Concha Araneta who is the CPP’s top leader in Western Visayas and who was arrested last year and is currently detained at the Iloilo Provincial Jail.
The communist group also emphasized that both Silva and Araneta are senior citizens and that there also some of their detained comrades who are suffering from diseases.
Duterte in a visit to Camp Panacan, Davao City early yesterday also warned the CPP-NDF’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) to stop using landmines in their operations against state forces.
“Either you stop it or we stop talking,” Duterte said during a news conference held at the wake of three Philippine Army infantry troops killed in two separate encounters in Compostela Valley on Friday against alleged members of the NPA.
“I would insist you include the landmines or else no talks at all, then we fight for another 45 years…. I am now invoking the Geneva Convention. It is part of the international law, not only of the Philippines but around the world,” Duterte addressed the insurgents.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command said in a news release on Saturday that a landmine explosion killed three of the soldiers, condemning the Red’s tactics “in the highest form the deliberate use of landmine by the NPAs which is in violation of the International Humanitarian Law.”
NPAs resorting to landmines
The President was at the soldiers’ wake from Saturday evening until the early hours of Sunday at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.
Killed in action were Cpl Gilmar C. Mapa, Cpl Jimmy M. Bayta, Pfc Rolen Roy C. Sarmiento, and Cpl Ruel G. Mangaoang, less than a week after Duterte lifted on July 30 the government’s unilateral ceasefire vis-à-vis the communist rebels.
The President declared the truce during his first State of the Nation Address last July 25. It can be recalled that President Duterte lamented the heavy and “tragic” cost of armed rebellion.
“All of us want peace, not the peace of the dead, but the peace of the living. We express our willingness and readiness to go to the negotiating table, and yet we load our guns, fix our sights, pull the trigger. It is both ironic and tragic— and it is endless,” he said in the SONA.
“While we extol the bravery and heroism of our soldiers, kayo, the rebels, do the same for your members and fighters. What I see instead are the widows and the orphans and I feel their pain and grieve, and no amount of cash assistance or the number of medals can compensate the loss of a human life. Sorrow cuts across every stratum of society. It cuts deeply and the pain lasts forever,” the President added iin his first SONA.
Eastmincom said the three died “when pursuing troops of 25IB had a 45-minute skirmish against around 60 NPAs who were utilizing IED. Of the 12 casualties evacuated to Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Station Hospital, three soldiers were declared dead-on-arrival by the attending physicians while the nine others were confined for further medical intervention.”
At least 10 soldiers were wounded in the Monkayo encounter and are recuperating at the Camp Panacan Station Hospital of the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.
Duterte’s ultimatum for rebel forces to cease and desist on the use of landmines and improvised explosive devices is in line with international protocols, Philippine Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said.
“The call of the President is in line with international protocols on the use of landmines in warfare,” he added.
Hao was referring to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL), which the New People’s Army signed together with the Government of the Philippines.
It is clearly agreed upon in the CARHIHL that civilians shall be distinguished from combatants, shall not be the object of attacks, and shall be protected against the use of landmines.
“In case the rebels continue to use landmines, it will not stop the PA (from running) after them until the rebels agree to a peaceful resolution to this internal security problem,” Hao pointed out.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/peace-talks-with-reds-dim-after-mine-killings
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Abus abduct 3 Pinoys; another Indonesian seized in Sulu seas
From the Daily Tribune (Aug 8): Abus abduct 3 Pinoys; another Indonesian seized in Sulu seas
Hours after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to finish off the Abu Sayyaf, the bandit group abducted three persons, one of them a telecom technician and his pregnant wife, in the outskirts of Sulu province on Saturday, the military said.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), identified the victims as Levi Gonzales, 30, a technician of a telecom company, and his wife Daniella Taruc, 26; and Shariff Julhasan Abirin.
Tan said that three were aboard a black multicab when intercepted around 10:20 a.m. along Barangay Timpook, Patikul.
“The victims were heading toward a cellular site in Barangay Bagsak, Talipao when they were abducted by armed men believed to be ASG/KFRG (kidnap for ransom group),” said Tan.
“The three were forcibly taken going to the direction of Sitio Kaban-Kaban. The vehicle was abandoned along the road,” he added.
Last Friday night, Duterte told military to finish off the Abu Sayyaf group stressing that there will be no peace if they (ASG) continue to exist.
Meanwhile, unidentified gunmen have kidnapped another Indonesian sailor in the Sulu Sea where numerous seafarers have been abducted by Islamist extremists in recent months, officials also yesterday said.
The kidnapping took place Wednesday off the northeast of Sabah state on the Malaysian side of Borneo island, Indonesia’s ambassador to Malaysia said.
“(The vessel) was intercepted by a boat carrying four armed men,” ambassador Herman Prayitno told Agence France Presse.
The kidnappers took the Indonesian captain after failing to get the 10,000 ringgit ($2,500) they demanded, Prayitno added. They released the two other crew members, an Indonesian and a Malaysian.
Indonesia’s foreign ministry said it was still trying to find out which group was responsible.
Malaysia’s marine police chief Abdul Rahim Abdullah told AFP authorities were questioning the two crew members from the boat about the case.
The kidnapping is the latest in a string of incidents in the Sulu Sea, where groups of armed men have ambushed fishing vessels and seized Malaysian and Indonesian citizens for ransom.
Ten other Indonesians kidnapped in recent months by the Abu Sayyaf are still being held.
Jakarta has banned Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines and pushed for joint maritime patrols in the waterway.
A handful of Malaysian sailors have also been kidnapped this year.
The latest kidnapping also came amid the ongoing focused and intensified military operations against the Abu Sayyaf terrorists who are holding more than a dozen hostages, including nine foreigners, prior to the abduction on Saturday.
Among the foreign captives is Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, who was among the four victims snatched from the posh Oceanview Resort on Samal Island last September.
Two of the Samal victims –Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel, were beheaded one after the other after failing to pay P600-million ransom.
The third victim Filipino Marites Flor was freed last June as a “goodwill” to the Duterte administration.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/abus-abduct-3-pinoys-another-indonesian-seized-in-sulu-seas
Hours after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to finish off the Abu Sayyaf, the bandit group abducted three persons, one of them a telecom technician and his pregnant wife, in the outskirts of Sulu province on Saturday, the military said.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), identified the victims as Levi Gonzales, 30, a technician of a telecom company, and his wife Daniella Taruc, 26; and Shariff Julhasan Abirin.
Tan said that three were aboard a black multicab when intercepted around 10:20 a.m. along Barangay Timpook, Patikul.
“The victims were heading toward a cellular site in Barangay Bagsak, Talipao when they were abducted by armed men believed to be ASG/KFRG (kidnap for ransom group),” said Tan.
“The three were forcibly taken going to the direction of Sitio Kaban-Kaban. The vehicle was abandoned along the road,” he added.
Last Friday night, Duterte told military to finish off the Abu Sayyaf group stressing that there will be no peace if they (ASG) continue to exist.
Meanwhile, unidentified gunmen have kidnapped another Indonesian sailor in the Sulu Sea where numerous seafarers have been abducted by Islamist extremists in recent months, officials also yesterday said.
The kidnapping took place Wednesday off the northeast of Sabah state on the Malaysian side of Borneo island, Indonesia’s ambassador to Malaysia said.
“(The vessel) was intercepted by a boat carrying four armed men,” ambassador Herman Prayitno told Agence France Presse.
The kidnappers took the Indonesian captain after failing to get the 10,000 ringgit ($2,500) they demanded, Prayitno added. They released the two other crew members, an Indonesian and a Malaysian.
Indonesia’s foreign ministry said it was still trying to find out which group was responsible.
Malaysia’s marine police chief Abdul Rahim Abdullah told AFP authorities were questioning the two crew members from the boat about the case.
The kidnapping is the latest in a string of incidents in the Sulu Sea, where groups of armed men have ambushed fishing vessels and seized Malaysian and Indonesian citizens for ransom.
Ten other Indonesians kidnapped in recent months by the Abu Sayyaf are still being held.
Jakarta has banned Indonesian-flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines and pushed for joint maritime patrols in the waterway.
A handful of Malaysian sailors have also been kidnapped this year.
The latest kidnapping also came amid the ongoing focused and intensified military operations against the Abu Sayyaf terrorists who are holding more than a dozen hostages, including nine foreigners, prior to the abduction on Saturday.
Among the foreign captives is Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, who was among the four victims snatched from the posh Oceanview Resort on Samal Island last September.
Two of the Samal victims –Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel, were beheaded one after the other after failing to pay P600-million ransom.
The third victim Filipino Marites Flor was freed last June as a “goodwill” to the Duterte administration.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/abus-abduct-3-pinoys-another-indonesian-seized-in-sulu-seas
Reds insist use of landmines valid under international convention
From ABS-CBN (Aug 7): Reds insist use of landmines valid under international convention
The chair of the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front (NDF) insists that the use of command-detonated landmines by the New Peoples' Army is not violative of the Geneva Convention.
In a statement released Sunday, Luis G. Jalandoni reacted to President Rodrigo Duterte's statement threatening to shelve talks with the militant rebels over landmine attacks.
Duterte gave an ultimatum to the NPA on Sunday.
“Either you stop it or we stop talking. Either you stop it now or I am ordering the government panel to come home,” the President said in a nationally televised speech.
“I am not pleading this time. That’s an ultimatum. I hear another explosion killing people, not only soldiers, killing people, no talks, pasensiya na [I’m sorry],” he added.
However, Jalandoni insisted that the NPA can use these weapons against soldiers.
He added, "The resumption of formal talks is necessary to allow both negotiating panels to take up the mode of ceasefire, as stated in the Joint Statement signed in Oslo on June 15, 2016."
Jalandoni also said he expects the government to grant temporary release to the NDF consultant so they can attend the resumption of formal peace talks between the government and the NDF scheduled from August 20 to 27, 2016.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/07/16/reds-insist-use-of-landmines-valid-under-international-convention
The chair of the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front (NDF) insists that the use of command-detonated landmines by the New Peoples' Army is not violative of the Geneva Convention.
In a statement released Sunday, Luis G. Jalandoni reacted to President Rodrigo Duterte's statement threatening to shelve talks with the militant rebels over landmine attacks.
Duterte gave an ultimatum to the NPA on Sunday.
“Either you stop it or we stop talking. Either you stop it now or I am ordering the government panel to come home,” the President said in a nationally televised speech.
“I am not pleading this time. That’s an ultimatum. I hear another explosion killing people, not only soldiers, killing people, no talks, pasensiya na [I’m sorry],” he added.
However, Jalandoni insisted that the NPA can use these weapons against soldiers.
Jalandoni also said he expects the government to grant temporary release to the NDF consultant so they can attend the resumption of formal peace talks between the government and the NDF scheduled from August 20 to 27, 2016.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/07/16/reds-insist-use-of-landmines-valid-under-international-convention
Whistle-blower warns of Defense deal mess
From The Standard (Aug 8): Whistle-blower warns of Defense deal mess
Whistle-blower Rhodora Alvarez, who previously filed charges against officials of the Department of National Defense in connection with the helicopter deal, has exposed yet another potential anomaly in the agency, this time involving the supply contract for military drones.
“May sindikato sa loob ng DND. Sana mabuwag na po ito. Sayang lamang ang pera ng bayan sa mga walang kwentang gawain ng mga walang pusong tao sa loob ng sistema. Alam ko po na mahirap itong gawin kaya ginagawa ko ang aking share as a Filipino at patuloy ko itong gagawin hanggang sa tuluyang maramdaman ang pagbabago. Alam kong hindi masasayang ang aking mga sakripisyo dahil narito na ang pagbabago,” Alvarez said in a statement on Sunday.
She said she will write President Rodrigo Duterte a letter detailing how deals are “fixed” at the agency, from pre-qualification bidding to actual contract awards.
Alvarez said that a random check on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Philgeps) website led her to a questionable posting last July 29, 2016, a Friday, regarding an Invitation to Bid (ITB) with reference number 3971300 and Solicitation # 04213531 coming from the DND asking for bids on the Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System (MITSS) Acquisition Project with an approved budget cost of P684,230,000.00.
The pre-bid conference was supposed to be conducted the following Monday, Aug. 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the DND-BAC Secretariat.
What snagged her eyes, she said, was the heading “Other Information” appearing at the bottom portion of the webpage which states , “Please be informed that the bidding process for this project is already finished. This is only for compliance of posting of NOA and NTP.”
The post was created by Amelia M. Garrero, Executive Assistant of DND BAC Secretariat, who was supposed to have retired in January 2014, according to Alvarez.
Alvarez claimed anyone can easily conclude that the posting was a ruse, a “red flag” that gives birth to a multitude of questions that must be answered.
Alvarez, who appeared as witness before the Senate investigation on the anomalous P1.2-billion chopper deal claimed her attention was caught by the Phigeps post only last week.
“Nakatawag ng aking pansin ang isa sa posting sa philgeps. Una, bakit si Amelia Garrero pa rin? Secondly, nag post ng July 29, Friday na may prebid conference ng August 1, Monday? How can a legitimate supplier respond to this with such a short notice? Is the DND back to business as usual?” she asked.
Based on her experience, Alvarez said that in the UH 1 project, the project had been manipulated before it was posted on the transparency website.
Alvarez explained that she was inspired by Duterte’s remarks last week during his visits in various military camps in Mindanao, where he promised to do away with the corrupt DND procurement in order to equip soldiers with superior weapons and technologically advanced devices to best help them accomplish their mission.
http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/212702/whistle-blower-warns-of-defense-deal-mess.html
Whistle-blower Rhodora Alvarez, who previously filed charges against officials of the Department of National Defense in connection with the helicopter deal, has exposed yet another potential anomaly in the agency, this time involving the supply contract for military drones.
“May sindikato sa loob ng DND. Sana mabuwag na po ito. Sayang lamang ang pera ng bayan sa mga walang kwentang gawain ng mga walang pusong tao sa loob ng sistema. Alam ko po na mahirap itong gawin kaya ginagawa ko ang aking share as a Filipino at patuloy ko itong gagawin hanggang sa tuluyang maramdaman ang pagbabago. Alam kong hindi masasayang ang aking mga sakripisyo dahil narito na ang pagbabago,” Alvarez said in a statement on Sunday.
She said she will write President Rodrigo Duterte a letter detailing how deals are “fixed” at the agency, from pre-qualification bidding to actual contract awards.
Alvarez said that a random check on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Philgeps) website led her to a questionable posting last July 29, 2016, a Friday, regarding an Invitation to Bid (ITB) with reference number 3971300 and Solicitation # 04213531 coming from the DND asking for bids on the Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System (MITSS) Acquisition Project with an approved budget cost of P684,230,000.00.
The pre-bid conference was supposed to be conducted the following Monday, Aug. 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the DND-BAC Secretariat.
What snagged her eyes, she said, was the heading “Other Information” appearing at the bottom portion of the webpage which states , “Please be informed that the bidding process for this project is already finished. This is only for compliance of posting of NOA and NTP.”
The post was created by Amelia M. Garrero, Executive Assistant of DND BAC Secretariat, who was supposed to have retired in January 2014, according to Alvarez.
Alvarez claimed anyone can easily conclude that the posting was a ruse, a “red flag” that gives birth to a multitude of questions that must be answered.
Alvarez, who appeared as witness before the Senate investigation on the anomalous P1.2-billion chopper deal claimed her attention was caught by the Phigeps post only last week.
“Nakatawag ng aking pansin ang isa sa posting sa philgeps. Una, bakit si Amelia Garrero pa rin? Secondly, nag post ng July 29, Friday na may prebid conference ng August 1, Monday? How can a legitimate supplier respond to this with such a short notice? Is the DND back to business as usual?” she asked.
Based on her experience, Alvarez said that in the UH 1 project, the project had been manipulated before it was posted on the transparency website.
Alvarez explained that she was inspired by Duterte’s remarks last week during his visits in various military camps in Mindanao, where he promised to do away with the corrupt DND procurement in order to equip soldiers with superior weapons and technologically advanced devices to best help them accomplish their mission.
http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/212702/whistle-blower-warns-of-defense-deal-mess.html
Solon, youth groups oppose mandatory ROTC
From the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Aug 6): Solon, youth groups oppose mandatory ROTC
“There are better solutions for greater youth involvement in nation-building, ones which do not subscribe to the militarist approach of the ROTC.”
“ROTC is not the way to go.”
This is what Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago said in reaction to President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to revive the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for all college students next school year.
On Aug. 3, Elago filed House Bill 2399 or the “ROTC Abolition Act of 2016,” as a counter-measure to Malacañang’s plan, and instead proposes an expanded community service program for students.
In a CNN report, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the President “personally backed the revival of the ROTC program.” He said the ROTC will be “able to help build a sense of patriotism” and “build discipline and values” among the youth.
“We do not subscribe to the notion that ROTC could instill discipline and love of country, given its violent and mired history,” Elago said in a news conference on Aug. 3. She said the program should actually be abolished.
Why ROTC should be abolished
In its explanatory note, Elago listed reasons why ROTC should be abolished:
• Although the people are duty-bound to defend the state in accordance with the Constitution, providing military training is not the responsibility of civilian schools;
• Using campuses for military training and barracks is inconsistent with International Humanitarian Law and other treaties that restrict the use of schools for military purposes; It is also goes against Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, which states that schools, hospitals, and rural health units shall not be used for military purposes;
• ROTC fosters a “militarist culture,” the culture of violence and human rights violation,” which goes against academic freedom.
• ROTC engendered corrupt practices, in which cadets give officers cash and other favors, in exchange for getting passing grades or being spared from tortuous physical activities.
• The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reportedly uses the ROTC program as part of its counter-insurgency campaign, even established the Student Intelligence Network (SIN) to monitor organizations, fraternities, student councils and school publications critical of government policies.
“In many ROTC lectures, soldier-instructors tagged student activist groups as affiliated with the New People’s Army, thereby justifying state-sanctioned acts of terror against dissenters,” she said.
Remember Mark Chua
Anakbayan chairperson Vencer Crisostomo also criticized ROTC, saying it “never instilled nationalism, social responsibility, or discipline. It is a training ground for fascist repression and corruption.”
Crisostomo cited the case of the University of Santo Tomas student, Mark Chua who was brutally murdered in 2001.
A Bulatlat report said Chua, together with Romulo Yumul, also a UST student, filed a complaint against the UST Department of Military Science and Tactics and the Department of National Defense (DND) for bribery and extortion. After four months, Chua was found dead, his body was wrapped in a carpet floating in the Pasig, River Manila.
“His hands and feet were tied and his head was wrapped with cloth and duct tape. Based on the autopsy, he died of suffocation,” the report read.
“Let us not forget the memory of UST student Mark Wilson Chua who was brutally murdered because of his brave exposition of corruption in the UST Corps. His death became the spark that led to massive street protests for the stopping of mandatory ROTC,” said Crisostomo.
As a result, Congress enacted Republic Act 9163 on Jan. 23, 2002, that made ROTC optional and institutionalized the National Service Training Program (NSTP).
Still, rampant violence and abuse of students continue under ROTC, Crisostomo said.
Crisostomo cited a viral video in July which showed ROTC cadets from the University of Mindanao-Tagum who were repeatedly hit on their chest and stomach by ROTC officials. A similar case happened at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in January 2014, when two female cadets complained that they were hit by ROTC officials with half-inch wooden sticks and wooden rifles, which caused severe bruises on their palms and thighs.
He said the program is also used by active duty officers to order cadets to conduct military surveillance on activists in various schools, adding that this will get worse if ROTC is made mandatory.
“President Duterte, you claim to be a socialist. But ROTC is outrightly fascist, and just adds another layer of oppression on the youth and people. If you are truly for the oppressed, we challenge you to stop listening to the generals and rightwing nuts in your midst,” Crisostomo said.
Upgrade National Service Training Program
The HB 2399 proposed to include new programs under the NSTP, such as comprehensive community service, community-based health and nutrition program, community immersion, disaster preparedness, ecological services, and human rights education.
These programs, said Elago would “raise the students’ socio-political consciousness, and enable them to actively participate in the urgent task of understanding and addressing the basic ills of society.”
National Union of Students of the Philippines spokesperson Kevin Castro said the proposed expansion of NSTP is a better way to instill nationalism.
“It is also a way of producing purposeful and instrumentally-motivated citizens which could break barriers of social apathy and inequality, leading the youth to be an effective part of national development,” Castro added.
While Elago agrees that that there is a need to instill nationalism to the youth, however, she said, “imposing compulsory ROTC is not the way to go.”
“There are better solutions for greater youth involvement in nation-building, ones which do not subscribe to the militarist approach of the ROTC,” Elago said.
http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/06/solon-youth-groups-oppose-mandatory-rotc/
“There are better solutions for greater youth involvement in nation-building, ones which do not subscribe to the militarist approach of the ROTC.”
“ROTC is not the way to go.”
This is what Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago said in reaction to President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to revive the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for all college students next school year.
On Aug. 3, Elago filed House Bill 2399 or the “ROTC Abolition Act of 2016,” as a counter-measure to Malacañang’s plan, and instead proposes an expanded community service program for students.
In a CNN report, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the President “personally backed the revival of the ROTC program.” He said the ROTC will be “able to help build a sense of patriotism” and “build discipline and values” among the youth.
“We do not subscribe to the notion that ROTC could instill discipline and love of country, given its violent and mired history,” Elago said in a news conference on Aug. 3. She said the program should actually be abolished.
Why ROTC should be abolished
In its explanatory note, Elago listed reasons why ROTC should be abolished:
• Although the people are duty-bound to defend the state in accordance with the Constitution, providing military training is not the responsibility of civilian schools;
• Using campuses for military training and barracks is inconsistent with International Humanitarian Law and other treaties that restrict the use of schools for military purposes; It is also goes against Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, which states that schools, hospitals, and rural health units shall not be used for military purposes;
• ROTC fosters a “militarist culture,” the culture of violence and human rights violation,” which goes against academic freedom.
• ROTC engendered corrupt practices, in which cadets give officers cash and other favors, in exchange for getting passing grades or being spared from tortuous physical activities.
• The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reportedly uses the ROTC program as part of its counter-insurgency campaign, even established the Student Intelligence Network (SIN) to monitor organizations, fraternities, student councils and school publications critical of government policies.
“In many ROTC lectures, soldier-instructors tagged student activist groups as affiliated with the New People’s Army, thereby justifying state-sanctioned acts of terror against dissenters,” she said.
Remember Mark Chua
Anakbayan chairperson Vencer Crisostomo also criticized ROTC, saying it “never instilled nationalism, social responsibility, or discipline. It is a training ground for fascist repression and corruption.”
Crisostomo cited the case of the University of Santo Tomas student, Mark Chua who was brutally murdered in 2001.
A Bulatlat report said Chua, together with Romulo Yumul, also a UST student, filed a complaint against the UST Department of Military Science and Tactics and the Department of National Defense (DND) for bribery and extortion. After four months, Chua was found dead, his body was wrapped in a carpet floating in the Pasig, River Manila.
“His hands and feet were tied and his head was wrapped with cloth and duct tape. Based on the autopsy, he died of suffocation,” the report read.
“Let us not forget the memory of UST student Mark Wilson Chua who was brutally murdered because of his brave exposition of corruption in the UST Corps. His death became the spark that led to massive street protests for the stopping of mandatory ROTC,” said Crisostomo.
As a result, Congress enacted Republic Act 9163 on Jan. 23, 2002, that made ROTC optional and institutionalized the National Service Training Program (NSTP).
Still, rampant violence and abuse of students continue under ROTC, Crisostomo said.
Crisostomo cited a viral video in July which showed ROTC cadets from the University of Mindanao-Tagum who were repeatedly hit on their chest and stomach by ROTC officials. A similar case happened at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in January 2014, when two female cadets complained that they were hit by ROTC officials with half-inch wooden sticks and wooden rifles, which caused severe bruises on their palms and thighs.
He said the program is also used by active duty officers to order cadets to conduct military surveillance on activists in various schools, adding that this will get worse if ROTC is made mandatory.
“President Duterte, you claim to be a socialist. But ROTC is outrightly fascist, and just adds another layer of oppression on the youth and people. If you are truly for the oppressed, we challenge you to stop listening to the generals and rightwing nuts in your midst,” Crisostomo said.
Upgrade National Service Training Program
The HB 2399 proposed to include new programs under the NSTP, such as comprehensive community service, community-based health and nutrition program, community immersion, disaster preparedness, ecological services, and human rights education.
These programs, said Elago would “raise the students’ socio-political consciousness, and enable them to actively participate in the urgent task of understanding and addressing the basic ills of society.”
National Union of Students of the Philippines spokesperson Kevin Castro said the proposed expansion of NSTP is a better way to instill nationalism.
“It is also a way of producing purposeful and instrumentally-motivated citizens which could break barriers of social apathy and inequality, leading the youth to be an effective part of national development,” Castro added.
While Elago agrees that that there is a need to instill nationalism to the youth, however, she said, “imposing compulsory ROTC is not the way to go.”
“There are better solutions for greater youth involvement in nation-building, ones which do not subscribe to the militarist approach of the ROTC,” Elago said.
http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/06/solon-youth-groups-oppose-mandatory-rotc/
Catholic schools, communists oppose mandatory ROTC
From Malaya (Aug 8): Catholic schools, communists oppose mandatory ROTC
THE Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and the Communist Party of the Philippines yesterday opposed a government plan to revive the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program for college students.
CEAP said it does not believe that government should force students to undergo military training while the CPP said a mandatory ROTC will only lead to “blind obedience” to state authorities.
Last week, chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said he would review the National Service Training Program (NSTP) law and its implementation, after Commission on Higher Education chairwoman Patricia Licuanan raised the idea of reviving the ROTC program as a means of instilling discipline and strengthening love for country among the youth.
The NSTP, created though Republic Act 9163 passed in 2001, is a civic education and defense preparedness program for tertiary education students. Under this law, students enrolled in any baccalaureate and or two-year, technical-vocational or associate course are required to complete one NSTP component of their choice, as a graduation requirement. The components are ROTC, the Civic Welfare Training Service, and Literacy Training Service.
The NSTP passage followed the death of a student of the University of Santo Tomas, which is widely believed connected to his exposé on alleged irregularities in UST’ ROTC program.
UST is one of the 1,252 member-schools of CEAP, the national association of Catholic educational institutions in the Philippines.
President Duterte last month said he wants to use the ROTC program to better promote patriotism and love of country among the youth.
Anthony Coloma, CEAP advocacy and information management officer, said the optional ROTC is sufficient in making college students aware of national defense preparedness.
“The ROTC under the NSTP is intended to instill patriotism, moral virtues, respect for rights of civilians, and adherence to the Constitution among others,” he said in a statement.
Coloma also said other college students will be “more fruitful and effective in the Literacy Training Service or in civic service, which the NSTP affirms.”
If at all, Coloma said it would be better if lawmakers will just improve upon the provisions of the NSTP Act of 2001.
The CPP, in statement, said the revival of the mandatory ROTC “will only lead to the fascist mind-conditioning of a new generation of Filipinos.”
It said the program promotes “dogmatism, zealotry, regimentation and acceptance of dictatorial systems.”
It said the use of physical, verbal and psychological abuse is at the core of the military training which, it also said, promotes hazing and torture.
“It (ROTC program) dehumanizes its trainees in order to prepare them to wage an inhuman war against the people and trample on the people’s rights with impunity. There is no way of preventing abuse under the ROTC without doing away with the training itself,” the CPP said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/catholic-schools-communists-oppose-mandatory-rotc
THE Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and the Communist Party of the Philippines yesterday opposed a government plan to revive the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program for college students.
CEAP said it does not believe that government should force students to undergo military training while the CPP said a mandatory ROTC will only lead to “blind obedience” to state authorities.
Last week, chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said he would review the National Service Training Program (NSTP) law and its implementation, after Commission on Higher Education chairwoman Patricia Licuanan raised the idea of reviving the ROTC program as a means of instilling discipline and strengthening love for country among the youth.
The NSTP, created though Republic Act 9163 passed in 2001, is a civic education and defense preparedness program for tertiary education students. Under this law, students enrolled in any baccalaureate and or two-year, technical-vocational or associate course are required to complete one NSTP component of their choice, as a graduation requirement. The components are ROTC, the Civic Welfare Training Service, and Literacy Training Service.
The NSTP passage followed the death of a student of the University of Santo Tomas, which is widely believed connected to his exposé on alleged irregularities in UST’ ROTC program.
UST is one of the 1,252 member-schools of CEAP, the national association of Catholic educational institutions in the Philippines.
President Duterte last month said he wants to use the ROTC program to better promote patriotism and love of country among the youth.
Anthony Coloma, CEAP advocacy and information management officer, said the optional ROTC is sufficient in making college students aware of national defense preparedness.
“The ROTC under the NSTP is intended to instill patriotism, moral virtues, respect for rights of civilians, and adherence to the Constitution among others,” he said in a statement.
Coloma also said other college students will be “more fruitful and effective in the Literacy Training Service or in civic service, which the NSTP affirms.”
If at all, Coloma said it would be better if lawmakers will just improve upon the provisions of the NSTP Act of 2001.
The CPP, in statement, said the revival of the mandatory ROTC “will only lead to the fascist mind-conditioning of a new generation of Filipinos.”
It said the program promotes “dogmatism, zealotry, regimentation and acceptance of dictatorial systems.”
It said the use of physical, verbal and psychological abuse is at the core of the military training which, it also said, promotes hazing and torture.
“It (ROTC program) dehumanizes its trainees in order to prepare them to wage an inhuman war against the people and trample on the people’s rights with impunity. There is no way of preventing abuse under the ROTC without doing away with the training itself,” the CPP said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/catholic-schools-communists-oppose-mandatory-rotc
Newly upgraded US amphibious assault ship patrols Asia-Pacific
From Update.Ph (Aug 7): Newly upgraded US amphibious assault ship patrols Asia-Pacific
A newly upgraded United States Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) has departed Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan August 6 for scheduled patrol in Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
The US Navy said Bonhomme Richard completed a 4-month selective restricted availability (SRA) period, during which time the ship made renovations and repairs to combat systems, engineering systems and berthings. These upgrades were made to better serve the Sailors and Marines as they support the mission of security and peace in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
“We are very excited to get the ship back to sea after a successful maintenance period,” said Captain Jeffrey A. Ward, commanding officer, Bonhomme Richard. “The crew has put in a lot of hard work to make sure this ship is ready to return to sea and operate with our regional partners. I am confident in our ability to carry out any mission required of us.”
Bonhomme Richard is forward deployed to Sasebo as part of the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet.
Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force, headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa in Japan.
http://www.update.ph/2016/08/newly-upgraded-us-amphibious-assault-ship-patrols-asia-pacific/8313
A newly upgraded United States Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) has departed Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan August 6 for scheduled patrol in Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
The US Navy said Bonhomme Richard completed a 4-month selective restricted availability (SRA) period, during which time the ship made renovations and repairs to combat systems, engineering systems and berthings. These upgrades were made to better serve the Sailors and Marines as they support the mission of security and peace in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
“We are very excited to get the ship back to sea after a successful maintenance period,” said Captain Jeffrey A. Ward, commanding officer, Bonhomme Richard. “The crew has put in a lot of hard work to make sure this ship is ready to return to sea and operate with our regional partners. I am confident in our ability to carry out any mission required of us.”
Bonhomme Richard is forward deployed to Sasebo as part of the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet.
Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force, headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa in Japan.
http://www.update.ph/2016/08/newly-upgraded-us-amphibious-assault-ship-patrols-asia-pacific/8313
Sayyafs ambush army soldiers
From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 7): Sayyafs ambush army soldiers
Abu Sayyaf gunmen ambushed a small group of army soldiers travelling on motorcycles and killing at least 2 in a fresh attack Sunday in Sulu province in the Muslim autonomous region, police said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-ambush-army-soldiers/
Abu Sayyaf gunmen ambushed a small group of army soldiers travelling on motorcycles and killing at least 2 in a fresh attack Sunday in Sulu province in the Muslim autonomous region, police said.
It said two other soldiers were reported injured in the
ambush in the village
of Bonbon
The Western Mindanao Command and the 1st Infantry
Division did not issue any statement on the latest assault on the military, but
the attack occurred just 2 days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered troops
to intensify their anti-terrorism campaign and operations against the Abu
Sayyaf.
The identities of the victims were not immediately known,
but other sources said they were all members of the army’s 32nd Infantry
Battalion deployed in the province to fight the notorious jihadist group tied
to the Islamic State.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack,
but the police said the Abu Sayyaf is actively operating in the area where 3
people had been abducted on July 6.
The trio was on board a multi-cab when gunmen flagged down
the vehicles on the village
of Timpook
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-ambush-army-soldiers/
Indonesian sailor kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Sulu sea off Sabah
From the International Business Times (Aug 7): Indonesian sailor kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Sulu sea off Sabah
Another Indonesian sailor has been kidnapped by a group of unidentified gunmen in the waters of the Sulu Sea, which has been a commonplace for a number of abductions by the Islamist extremists in recent months, officials said on Sunday.
Indonesia's ambassador Herman Prayitno said the kidnapping took place on Wednesday in the waters off the north-east of Sabah state, on the Malaysian side of Borneo Island.
"(The vessel) was intercepted by a boat carrying four armed men," Prayitno told AFP.
Prayitno also said the kidnappers kidnapped the Indonesian captain as they failed to get the RM 10,000 which they demanded. Two other crew members, an Indonesian and a Malaysian were released by the gunmen.
However, the foreign ministry of Indonesia said it was still trying to figure out which group was responsible for the abduction.
This is the latest incident of kidnapping after a series of abductions in the Sulu Sea.
In recent months, ten other Indonesians were kidnapped by the Philippine Abu Sayyaf extremist group and they are still being held by the militants. The group, who are based in remote and mountainous southern Philippine islands, also beheaded two Canadian hostages this year as their ransom demands were not met.
Apart from Indonesians, several Malaysian sailors have also been kidnapped this year.
Indonesia has banned its flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines and has asked to implement a joint maritime patrol in the vital waterway.
http://www.ibtimes.sg/indonesian-sailor-kidnapped-by-unidentified-gunmen-sulu-sea-off-sabah-2678
Another Indonesian sailor has been kidnapped by a group of unidentified gunmen in the waters of the Sulu Sea, which has been a commonplace for a number of abductions by the Islamist extremists in recent months, officials said on Sunday.
Indonesia's ambassador Herman Prayitno said the kidnapping took place on Wednesday in the waters off the north-east of Sabah state, on the Malaysian side of Borneo Island.
"(The vessel) was intercepted by a boat carrying four armed men," Prayitno told AFP.
Prayitno also said the kidnappers kidnapped the Indonesian captain as they failed to get the RM 10,000 which they demanded. Two other crew members, an Indonesian and a Malaysian were released by the gunmen.
However, the foreign ministry of Indonesia said it was still trying to figure out which group was responsible for the abduction.
This is the latest incident of kidnapping after a series of abductions in the Sulu Sea.
In recent months, ten other Indonesians were kidnapped by the Philippine Abu Sayyaf extremist group and they are still being held by the militants. The group, who are based in remote and mountainous southern Philippine islands, also beheaded two Canadian hostages this year as their ransom demands were not met.
Apart from Indonesians, several Malaysian sailors have also been kidnapped this year.
Indonesia has banned its flagged vessels from sailing to the Philippines and has asked to implement a joint maritime patrol in the vital waterway.
http://www.ibtimes.sg/indonesian-sailor-kidnapped-by-unidentified-gunmen-sulu-sea-off-sabah-2678
ASG strikes again, seizes 3 people in Sulu
From InterAksyon (Aug 7): ASG strikes again, seizes 3 people in Sulu
A day after President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to "annihilate the Abu Sayyaf," suspected members of the kidnap-for-ransom group notorious for a spate of beheadings seized three persons in Sulu.
The heavily armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) seized their victims in Barangay Timpook in Patikul town in Sulu, according to Major Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
Tan said Shariff Julhasan Abirin, 30-year-old Levi Gonzales and his wife Daniella Taruc, 26, were taken around 10:20 a.m.
“The victims were onboard a black multicab from Jolo and were heading towards the cellsite of a telecom company located in Barangay Bagsak, Talipao when flagged down by armed men believed to be ASG. The trio was forcibly taken going to the direction of Sitio Kaban-Kaban,” Tan said.
The kidnappers "abandoned their vehicle on the road,” he added.
Tan said Levi Gonzales was a technician of the telco and his pregnant wife was just accompanying him.
Addressing government troops on Friday and Saturday, President Duterte had warned the ASG there will be a day of reckoning "for all of the cruel and brutal things that you are doing."
Duterte added, openly addressing the ASG, "We will collect someday. Just wait, because we are assembling our troops."
http://interaksyon.com/article/131203/asg-strikes-again-seizes-3-people-in-sulu
A day after President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to "annihilate the Abu Sayyaf," suspected members of the kidnap-for-ransom group notorious for a spate of beheadings seized three persons in Sulu.
The heavily armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) seized their victims in Barangay Timpook in Patikul town in Sulu, according to Major Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
Tan said Shariff Julhasan Abirin, 30-year-old Levi Gonzales and his wife Daniella Taruc, 26, were taken around 10:20 a.m.
“The victims were onboard a black multicab from Jolo and were heading towards the cellsite of a telecom company located in Barangay Bagsak, Talipao when flagged down by armed men believed to be ASG. The trio was forcibly taken going to the direction of Sitio Kaban-Kaban,” Tan said.
The kidnappers "abandoned their vehicle on the road,” he added.
Tan said Levi Gonzales was a technician of the telco and his pregnant wife was just accompanying him.
Addressing government troops on Friday and Saturday, President Duterte had warned the ASG there will be a day of reckoning "for all of the cruel and brutal things that you are doing."
Duterte added, openly addressing the ASG, "We will collect someday. Just wait, because we are assembling our troops."
http://interaksyon.com/article/131203/asg-strikes-again-seizes-3-people-in-sulu
Abu Sayyafs seize telco technician, 2 others in Sulu
From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 7): Abu Sayyafs seize telco technician, 2 others in Sulu
THE Abu Sayyaf bandits seized three people, including a technician of a telecom firm, in the province of Sulu, a military official said Sunday, Agust 7.
Major Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the incident took place around 10:20 a.m. Saturday, August 6, in the village of Timpok, Patikul, Sulu.
Tan identified the victims as Levi Gonzales, 30, a telecom firm technician; his wife, Daniella, 26; and Shariff Julhasan Abirin.
The victims were aboard a multicab driven by Abirin on the way to the cell site of a telecom company in the village of Bagsak, Talipao, when they were flagged down by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Timpok, Patikul.
Tan said the victims were forcibly taken toward Sitio Kaban-Kaban, also in Timpok, while the vehicle was abandoned along the road.
He said troops are tracking the victims' whereabouts.
Aside from the three victims, the bandits are still holding more than 10 people as captives, including foreigners, in the hinterlands of Sulu.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/08/07/abu-sayyafs-seize-telco-technician-2-others-sulu-489964
THE Abu Sayyaf bandits seized three people, including a technician of a telecom firm, in the province of Sulu, a military official said Sunday, Agust 7.
Major Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the incident took place around 10:20 a.m. Saturday, August 6, in the village of Timpok, Patikul, Sulu.
Tan identified the victims as Levi Gonzales, 30, a telecom firm technician; his wife, Daniella, 26; and Shariff Julhasan Abirin.
The victims were aboard a multicab driven by Abirin on the way to the cell site of a telecom company in the village of Bagsak, Talipao, when they were flagged down by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Timpok, Patikul.
Tan said the victims were forcibly taken toward Sitio Kaban-Kaban, also in Timpok, while the vehicle was abandoned along the road.
He said troops are tracking the victims' whereabouts.
Aside from the three victims, the bandits are still holding more than 10 people as captives, including foreigners, in the hinterlands of Sulu.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/08/07/abu-sayyafs-seize-telco-technician-2-others-sulu-489964
Two killed in Abu Sayyaf ambush in Sulu province
From the Manila Times (Aug 7): Two killed in Abu Sayyaf ambush in Sulu province
Abu Sayyaf gunmen ambushed a small group of soldiers traveling onboard motorcycles and killing at least two in a fresh attack on Sunday in Sulu province in the Muslim autonomous region, police said.
It said two other soldiers were reported injured in the ambush in the village of Bonbon in Patikul town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf in the province.
The Western Mindanao Command and the 1st Infantry Division did not issue any statement on the latest assault on the military, but the attack occurred just two days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered troops to intensify the anti-terrorism campaign and operations against the Abu Sayyaf.
The identities of the victims were not immediately known, but other sources said they were all members of the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion deployed in the province to fight the notorious jihadist group tied to the Islamic State. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
http://www.manilatimes.net/two-killed-in-abu-sayyaf-ambush-in-sulu-province/278474/
Abu Sayyaf gunmen ambushed a small group of soldiers traveling onboard motorcycles and killing at least two in a fresh attack on Sunday in Sulu province in the Muslim autonomous region, police said.
It said two other soldiers were reported injured in the ambush in the village of Bonbon in Patikul town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf in the province.
The Western Mindanao Command and the 1st Infantry Division did not issue any statement on the latest assault on the military, but the attack occurred just two days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered troops to intensify the anti-terrorism campaign and operations against the Abu Sayyaf.
The identities of the victims were not immediately known, but other sources said they were all members of the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion deployed in the province to fight the notorious jihadist group tied to the Islamic State. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
http://www.manilatimes.net/two-killed-in-abu-sayyaf-ambush-in-sulu-province/278474/
Postponement of GRP-NDFP peace talks likely sans release of NDFP consultants
From the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Aug 7): Postponement of GRP-NDFP peace talks likely sans release of NDFP consultants
“The NDFP is willing to give time for the GRP to effect the release of detained NDFP consultants.” — Luis Jalandoni
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panel said the NDFP would consider rescheduling the formal talks slated this August in Oslo, Norway if there would be no releases of detained NDFP consultants.
Speaking via Skype in a forum organized by Kapayapaan network, Aug. 6, Luis Jalandoni, chairperson of the NDFP peace panel, said that despite several pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte and the commitments made by the then incoming GRP peace panel during the June informal talks in Oslo, not one of the 22 NDFP consultants and other individuals covered by the Joint Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig) has been freed.
“The NDFP is willing to give time for the GRP to effect the release of detained NDFP consultants,” Jalandoni said during the forum.
Before Duterte assumed office, members of the incoming GRP panel went to Oslo and met with the NDFP peace panel. In their joint statement released June 16 (1 a.m., Manila time), both parties agreed to affirm all previously signed agreements and to work for an amnesty declaration for the release of all political prisoners, subject to concurrence by Congress, among others.
The GRP panel also pledged to recommend to Duterte the immediate release of all detained NDFP consultants and other Jasig-protected individuals to enable them to participate in the peace negotiations and the immediate release of other political prisoners based on humanitarian grounds.
The formal talks originally slated in July have been rescheduled to August as per GRP’s request. In a statement July 19, GRP panel Chairperson Silvestre Bello said the GRP would like to ensure that all technical details related to the resumption of formal talks are attended to and addressed by both parties, citing in particular the mechanics that would govern a nationwide ceasefire and the release of political prisoners.
On ceasefire
Jalandoni said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), NDFP and the New People’s Army (NPA) are willing to issue a unilateral ceasefire declaration separately but simultaneously with the Duterte government on August 20.
Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire during his first State of the Nation Address July 25. The NDFP welcomed it immediately and said they would reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire soon after receiving its full text.
Jalandoni said they received a copy of the suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) on July 26 and the suspension of offensive police operations (SOPO) on July 27. He said they have questions on the SOMO and SOPO.
“There was no clear statement regarding the offensive occupation of Lumad communities, schools and barangay halls,” the NDFP chief negotiator said.
Jalandoni added state forces would continue with law enforcement operations and legal offensives. “We take this to mean filing of trumped-up charges against activists,” he said.
Before the CPP, NPA and NDFP could reciprocate, Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire following reports of alleged ambush by the NPA in Davao del Sur.
In the June informal talks in Oslo, both parties agreed to discuss the mode of interim ceasefire.
Speaking at the same forum via Skype, Jose Maria Sison, NDFP chief political consultant, said that his confidence on Duterte would rise if all political prisoners would be released. He added it would rise further “if a satisfactory agreement on socioeconomic reforms would be forged.”
Sison dismissed what he called as the “simple notion that everybody would be happy if the armed struggle would stop.” “It [armed struggle] is not the cause, it is the result of exploitation and oppression,” Sison said, adding “you cannot have peace talks where there is no armed struggle.”
Jalandoni said both parties remain optimistic that the formal talks on August 20 to August 27 would push through.
Rachel Pastores, one of the legal consultants of the NDFP, said that with the recent Supreme Court resolution, they expect the regional trial courts handling the cases of detained NDFP consultants to do away with the tedious legal process and hasten the proceedings.
Bello said in a statement that they will ask government prosecutors to file and respond to necessary motions and manifestations for the speedy release of detained NDFP consultants.
http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/07/postponement-of-grp-ndfp-peace-talks-likely-sans-release-of-ndfp-consultants/
“The NDFP is willing to give time for the GRP to effect the release of detained NDFP consultants.” — Luis Jalandoni
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panel said the NDFP would consider rescheduling the formal talks slated this August in Oslo, Norway if there would be no releases of detained NDFP consultants.
Speaking via Skype in a forum organized by Kapayapaan network, Aug. 6, Luis Jalandoni, chairperson of the NDFP peace panel, said that despite several pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte and the commitments made by the then incoming GRP peace panel during the June informal talks in Oslo, not one of the 22 NDFP consultants and other individuals covered by the Joint Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig) has been freed.
“The NDFP is willing to give time for the GRP to effect the release of detained NDFP consultants,” Jalandoni said during the forum.
Before Duterte assumed office, members of the incoming GRP panel went to Oslo and met with the NDFP peace panel. In their joint statement released June 16 (1 a.m., Manila time), both parties agreed to affirm all previously signed agreements and to work for an amnesty declaration for the release of all political prisoners, subject to concurrence by Congress, among others.
The GRP panel also pledged to recommend to Duterte the immediate release of all detained NDFP consultants and other Jasig-protected individuals to enable them to participate in the peace negotiations and the immediate release of other political prisoners based on humanitarian grounds.
The formal talks originally slated in July have been rescheduled to August as per GRP’s request. In a statement July 19, GRP panel Chairperson Silvestre Bello said the GRP would like to ensure that all technical details related to the resumption of formal talks are attended to and addressed by both parties, citing in particular the mechanics that would govern a nationwide ceasefire and the release of political prisoners.
On ceasefire
Jalandoni said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), NDFP and the New People’s Army (NPA) are willing to issue a unilateral ceasefire declaration separately but simultaneously with the Duterte government on August 20.
Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire during his first State of the Nation Address July 25. The NDFP welcomed it immediately and said they would reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire soon after receiving its full text.
Jalandoni said they received a copy of the suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) on July 26 and the suspension of offensive police operations (SOPO) on July 27. He said they have questions on the SOMO and SOPO.
“There was no clear statement regarding the offensive occupation of Lumad communities, schools and barangay halls,” the NDFP chief negotiator said.
Jalandoni added state forces would continue with law enforcement operations and legal offensives. “We take this to mean filing of trumped-up charges against activists,” he said.
Before the CPP, NPA and NDFP could reciprocate, Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire following reports of alleged ambush by the NPA in Davao del Sur.
In the June informal talks in Oslo, both parties agreed to discuss the mode of interim ceasefire.
Speaking at the same forum via Skype, Jose Maria Sison, NDFP chief political consultant, said that his confidence on Duterte would rise if all political prisoners would be released. He added it would rise further “if a satisfactory agreement on socioeconomic reforms would be forged.”
Sison dismissed what he called as the “simple notion that everybody would be happy if the armed struggle would stop.” “It [armed struggle] is not the cause, it is the result of exploitation and oppression,” Sison said, adding “you cannot have peace talks where there is no armed struggle.”
Jalandoni said both parties remain optimistic that the formal talks on August 20 to August 27 would push through.
Rachel Pastores, one of the legal consultants of the NDFP, said that with the recent Supreme Court resolution, they expect the regional trial courts handling the cases of detained NDFP consultants to do away with the tedious legal process and hasten the proceedings.
Bello said in a statement that they will ask government prosecutors to file and respond to necessary motions and manifestations for the speedy release of detained NDFP consultants.
http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/08/07/postponement-of-grp-ndfp-peace-talks-likely-sans-release-of-ndfp-consultants/
Soldiers' grieving families decry 'mutilation' by NPA rebels
From Rappler (Aug 7): Soldiers' grieving families decry 'mutilation' by NPA rebels
'Inhuman' is how some family members describe how their loved ones were treated
"It pains me to see my son killed and his left ear mutilated. It is inhuman," Angel Mapa, father of Army Corporal Gilmar Mapa, told Rappler in the local dialect.
The bodies of the two other soldiers killed during the ambush – Private First Class Rollen Roy Sarmiento and Corporal Roel Mangawang – also looked like they had been slashed with a bladed weapon.
The corpse of another soldier, Corporal Jimmy Bayta, bore signs of being struck on the head.
Survivors of the encounter said that at around 7:15 am on Friday, August 5, the military truck they were in was traversing Barangay Rizal in Monkayo town when the landmine planted by rebels exploded.
Some 20 soldiers on board the truck engaged 60 or so rebels in heavy firefight. The August 5 encounter left Sarmiento, Mapa, and Bayta, all members of the 25th Infantry Battalion, dead on the spot.
Mangawang of the 71st Infantry Battalion, meanwhile, died on August 4 during an encounter in Margusan.
Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, told Rappler that Bayta's neck was also cut. "[Bayta] was hacked while the face of the two soldiers were slashed. Sarmiento's face is deformed [and] it seems like it was hit by a hard object," said the Army general, while adding that they were still waiting for the autopsy reports.
Valencia said that a captured rebel named Sadam Tawid admitted to government investigators that he was among those who launched the attack against government troops. The rebel also confirmed the hacking, according to Valencia, and "even took a video while Bayta was tortured until he died."
Tawid is currently confined at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Also captured during the encounter were a certain Amels Saguiwan and Michael Alvarez. Another female rebel, a certain Rose Sayson, was killed during the encounter.
An emotional President Rodrigo Duterte condoled with the families of the slain soldiers early Sunday morning, August 7. Speaking at a news conference after his visit, Duterte gave rebels an ultimatum to stop using landmines and to respect the Geneva Convention.
The ambush comes mere weeks before the Philippine government and Communist rebels are set to resume peace talks in Oslo, Norway. Leaders of Asia's longest-running insurgency had earlier expressed hope for peace under the Duterte administration.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/142236-grieving-families-decry-mutilation-by-npa-rebels
'Inhuman' is how some family members describe how their loved ones were treated
NPA ATTACK. President Rodrigo Duterte visits the wake of 4 soldiers slain in attacks launched by the New People's Army. Photo by Editha Caduaya/Rappler
The families of soldiers who lost their lives during an August 5 ambush in Compostela Valley province accused the New People's Army (NPA) of "mutilating" their loved ones.
The bodies of the two other soldiers killed during the ambush – Private First Class Rollen Roy Sarmiento and Corporal Roel Mangawang – also looked like they had been slashed with a bladed weapon.
The corpse of another soldier, Corporal Jimmy Bayta, bore signs of being struck on the head.
Survivors of the encounter said that at around 7:15 am on Friday, August 5, the military truck they were in was traversing Barangay Rizal in Monkayo town when the landmine planted by rebels exploded.
Some 20 soldiers on board the truck engaged 60 or so rebels in heavy firefight. The August 5 encounter left Sarmiento, Mapa, and Bayta, all members of the 25th Infantry Battalion, dead on the spot.
Mangawang of the 71st Infantry Battalion, meanwhile, died on August 4 during an encounter in Margusan.
Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, told Rappler that Bayta's neck was also cut. "[Bayta] was hacked while the face of the two soldiers were slashed. Sarmiento's face is deformed [and] it seems like it was hit by a hard object," said the Army general, while adding that they were still waiting for the autopsy reports.
Valencia said that a captured rebel named Sadam Tawid admitted to government investigators that he was among those who launched the attack against government troops. The rebel also confirmed the hacking, according to Valencia, and "even took a video while Bayta was tortured until he died."
Tawid is currently confined at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Also captured during the encounter were a certain Amels Saguiwan and Michael Alvarez. Another female rebel, a certain Rose Sayson, was killed during the encounter.
An emotional President Rodrigo Duterte condoled with the families of the slain soldiers early Sunday morning, August 7. Speaking at a news conference after his visit, Duterte gave rebels an ultimatum to stop using landmines and to respect the Geneva Convention.
The ambush comes mere weeks before the Philippine government and Communist rebels are set to resume peace talks in Oslo, Norway. Leaders of Asia's longest-running insurgency had earlier expressed hope for peace under the Duterte administration.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/142236-grieving-families-decry-mutilation-by-npa-rebels
PHOTOS | Duterte visits wake of soldiers killed in NPA offensives
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Aug 7): PHOTOS | Duterte visits wake of soldiers killed in NPA offensives
NO MORE LANDMINES. President Rodrigo Duterte appeals to the Communist Party of the Philippines to stop using landmines in the public wake of four soldiers who died in an encounter with the 8th Pulang Bagani Company of the New People’s Army in Monkayo Town, Compostela Valley, during his visit on Sunday, August 7. The four soldiers are currently laid at state in Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY — Around 1:00 am Sunday, August 7, President Rodrigo Duterte visits the wake of four soldiers killed in a series of offensives by the New People’s Army in Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province. The soldiers were laid at rest inside Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.
CONDOLENCES. President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with the families of the four soldiers who were killed in a series of offensives by the 8th Pulang Bagani Company of the New People’s Army in Monkayo Town, Compostela Valley. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
KILLED IN ACTION. Soldiers look on at the corpse of Pfc. Rolen Roy C. Sarmiento, one of the soldiers who died in a series of offensives by the 8th Pulang Bagani Company of the New People’s Army in Monkayo Town, Compostela Valley. Sarmiento, along with three others are currently laid at state at Camp Apolinario, in Panacan, Davao City. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
HONOR GUARDS. Soldiers stand as honor guards to the coffins of four soldiers who died in a series of offensives by the 8th Pulang Bagani Company of the New People’s Army in Monkayo Town, Compostela Valley.The four soldiers are currently laid at state in Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
ASSURANCE. After baring yet another list that included mayors, vice mayors, policemen, and soldiers who are allegedly linked to illegal drugs trade in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte promises that not one member of the police or armed forces who are carrying out their duties will be put in jail during his term. Duterte reiterated his pronouncement during his visit at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA) in Panacan, Davao City at around 1:00 am Sunday, August 7, 2016 (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
WAITING. Both members of the media and soldiers wait for the arrival of President Rodrigo Duterte at the public wake of the four slain soldiers at Camp Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City late Saturday night, August 6. The soldiers were killed in an encounter with the 8th Pulang Bagani Company of the New People’s Army in Monkayo Town, Compostela Valley, Friday morning, August 5. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
Why is China flying 'combat patrols' over Spratly Islands?
From the Christian Science Monitor (Aug 6): Why is China flying 'combat patrols' over Spratly Islands?
In the wake of an international court's ruling rejecting China's claims to disputed territory in the South China Sea, China said the combat exercises were an effort to protect its 'maritime interests.'
Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in an image taken by US Navy aircraft in May 2015. This week, China's air force said it was flying 'combat patrols' over the disputed islands in the wake of its rejection of an international court ruling that overruled China's claims to the territory. U.S. Navy/Handout/Reuters/Files
China’s air force has sent bombers and fighter jets on “combat patrols” near the islands at the center of a long-running territorial dispute in the South China Sea, a senior colonel said, according to the Xinhua news agency.
“The Air Force is organizing normalized South China Sea combat patrols, practicing tactics ... increasing response capabilities to all kinds of security threats and safeguarding national sovereignty, security and maritime interests,” Senior Col. Shen Jinke of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force told Xinhua, Reuters reports.
The exercises, which are focusing on the airspace around the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, come as tensions have increased in the wake of a recent international court ruling in The Hague that rejected China’s claims to a broad swath of territory in the South China Sea.
Further north, another confrontation is brewing. On Saturday, Japan officially protested after six Chinese coast guard vessels (at least three were armed with gun batteries, Japan said) approached disputed East China Sea islands along with a fleet of hundreds of Chinese fishing boats.
Japan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it filed the protest after the Japanese coast guard spotted the vessels Saturday along with a fleet of 230 Chinese fishing boats swarming around the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands. China also claims the islands, which it calls the Diaoyu, the Associated Press reports.
Asked about Japan's statement, China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its position that the islands are "China's inherent territory" and that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over them and their adjacent waters.
China, which lays historical claim to the “nine-dash line,” encompassing as much as 90 percent of the sea, refused to recognize the court’s ruling last month. The dispute is complex, involving conflicting claims from the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.
Some observers told the Christian Science Monitor last month that China would particularly watch the responses of the US and the Philippines, which brought the court ruling in part because of a dispute over Scarborough Shoal, a reef 140 miles from the Philippine coast.
Last week, China’s Defense Ministry announced that it would begin holding joint military exercises with Russia in September, in an action that appeared to be particularly aimed at the US, which has argued China should respect the court’s ruling.
Russia has supported China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and its rejection of the court ruling, pointing to what it calls the US’ “meddling” in the region, the Monitor reported.
In what’s increasingly become a tit for tat conflict, both China and the US have said they are not directly trying to provoke aggression. Last week, Yang Yujun, a spokesman for the China Defense Ministry said the land and sea exercises will be “routine” and will not “target any third party.”
In January, a US naval ship conducted a patrol around the disputed Triton Island, as part of a strategy designed to decrease tensions, the Monitor reported.
“The U.S. government takes no position on the territorial disputes in the Spratly Islands, but does take a strong position on what kinds of claims are made to the waters surrounding those features,” an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted.
This week, according to Xinhua, China’s air force sent several H-6 bombers and Su-30 fighter jets to the airspace over the disputed islands, Reuters reports. The patrols also include surveillance and refueling aircraft, but it’s not clear when exactly they occurred.
Many of China’s claims center on the building it has done on top of reefs and rocky outcroppings that it argues give it international rights to further develop around the waters surrounding these “islands,” the Monitor reported.
With Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte indicating that he would be open to negotiations with China, it’s also possible that a round of peaceful negotiations, rather than further escalation of the conflict, could eventually occur, though when that might happen is unclear, some analysts told the Monitor.
“The initial one or two weeks are going to be very interesting, with people probably prone to over-analyzing the situation,” Taylor Fravel, an associate professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told the Monitor after the court’s ruling last month. “But it is not preordained that escalation will happen; it’s not in the Chinese or US interest.”
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2016/0806/Why-is-China-flying-combat-patrols-over-Spratly-Islands
In the wake of an international court's ruling rejecting China's claims to disputed territory in the South China Sea, China said the combat exercises were an effort to protect its 'maritime interests.'
Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in an image taken by US Navy aircraft in May 2015. This week, China's air force said it was flying 'combat patrols' over the disputed islands in the wake of its rejection of an international court ruling that overruled China's claims to the territory. U.S. Navy/Handout/Reuters/Files
China’s air force has sent bombers and fighter jets on “combat patrols” near the islands at the center of a long-running territorial dispute in the South China Sea, a senior colonel said, according to the Xinhua news agency.
“The Air Force is organizing normalized South China Sea combat patrols, practicing tactics ... increasing response capabilities to all kinds of security threats and safeguarding national sovereignty, security and maritime interests,” Senior Col. Shen Jinke of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force told Xinhua, Reuters reports.
The exercises, which are focusing on the airspace around the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, come as tensions have increased in the wake of a recent international court ruling in The Hague that rejected China’s claims to a broad swath of territory in the South China Sea.
Further north, another confrontation is brewing. On Saturday, Japan officially protested after six Chinese coast guard vessels (at least three were armed with gun batteries, Japan said) approached disputed East China Sea islands along with a fleet of hundreds of Chinese fishing boats.
Asked about Japan's statement, China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its position that the islands are "China's inherent territory" and that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over them and their adjacent waters.
China, which lays historical claim to the “nine-dash line,” encompassing as much as 90 percent of the sea, refused to recognize the court’s ruling last month. The dispute is complex, involving conflicting claims from the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.
Some observers told the Christian Science Monitor last month that China would particularly watch the responses of the US and the Philippines, which brought the court ruling in part because of a dispute over Scarborough Shoal, a reef 140 miles from the Philippine coast.
Last week, China’s Defense Ministry announced that it would begin holding joint military exercises with Russia in September, in an action that appeared to be particularly aimed at the US, which has argued China should respect the court’s ruling.
Russia has supported China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and its rejection of the court ruling, pointing to what it calls the US’ “meddling” in the region, the Monitor reported.
In what’s increasingly become a tit for tat conflict, both China and the US have said they are not directly trying to provoke aggression. Last week, Yang Yujun, a spokesman for the China Defense Ministry said the land and sea exercises will be “routine” and will not “target any third party.”
In January, a US naval ship conducted a patrol around the disputed Triton Island, as part of a strategy designed to decrease tensions, the Monitor reported.
“The U.S. government takes no position on the territorial disputes in the Spratly Islands, but does take a strong position on what kinds of claims are made to the waters surrounding those features,” an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted.
This week, according to Xinhua, China’s air force sent several H-6 bombers and Su-30 fighter jets to the airspace over the disputed islands, Reuters reports. The patrols also include surveillance and refueling aircraft, but it’s not clear when exactly they occurred.
Many of China’s claims center on the building it has done on top of reefs and rocky outcroppings that it argues give it international rights to further develop around the waters surrounding these “islands,” the Monitor reported.
With Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte indicating that he would be open to negotiations with China, it’s also possible that a round of peaceful negotiations, rather than further escalation of the conflict, could eventually occur, though when that might happen is unclear, some analysts told the Monitor.
“The initial one or two weeks are going to be very interesting, with people probably prone to over-analyzing the situation,” Taylor Fravel, an associate professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told the Monitor after the court’s ruling last month. “But it is not preordained that escalation will happen; it’s not in the Chinese or US interest.”
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2016/0806/Why-is-China-flying-combat-patrols-over-Spratly-Islands
Quezon City mayor to join gov‘t peace panel for talks with CPP-NDF
From GMA News (Aug 6): Quezon City mayor to join gov‘t peace panel for talks with CPP-NDF
Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista may become part of the government's negotiating panel with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).
Ares Gutierrez, chief of the Quezon City government's Public Affairs and Information Services Office, told GMA News Online on Saturday that Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III informed the mayor on Thursday that the government's panel has decided to include him in the talks.
Gutierrez said Bautista and Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, will be part of the panel in the resumption of the peace talks in Oslo, Norway on August 20.
He said Bautista had volunteered to be part of the government's peace panel with the CPP-NDF because of his past dealings with leftist groups and the uniformed men as the mayor is a military reservist.
Bautista first expressed his intention to join the negotiating panel during a meeting with Bello and other negotiators during the first State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte last July 25.
The mayor made formal his request in a letter to the government's negotiating panel and President Duterte, Gutierrez added.
"The mayor has always been a peacemaker. He was driven by a strong sense of duty to step forward and help make this fresh talks work," he said.
The mayor has yet to be formally notified by the panel of the appointment.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/576622/news/nation/quezon-city-mayor-to-join-gov-t-peace-panel-for-talks-with-cpp-ndf
Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista may become part of the government's negotiating panel with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).
Ares Gutierrez, chief of the Quezon City government's Public Affairs and Information Services Office, told GMA News Online on Saturday that Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III informed the mayor on Thursday that the government's panel has decided to include him in the talks.
Gutierrez said Bautista and Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, will be part of the panel in the resumption of the peace talks in Oslo, Norway on August 20.
He said Bautista had volunteered to be part of the government's peace panel with the CPP-NDF because of his past dealings with leftist groups and the uniformed men as the mayor is a military reservist.
Bautista first expressed his intention to join the negotiating panel during a meeting with Bello and other negotiators during the first State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte last July 25.
The mayor made formal his request in a letter to the government's negotiating panel and President Duterte, Gutierrez added.
"The mayor has always been a peacemaker. He was driven by a strong sense of duty to step forward and help make this fresh talks work," he said.
The mayor has yet to be formally notified by the panel of the appointment.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/576622/news/nation/quezon-city-mayor-to-join-gov-t-peace-panel-for-talks-with-cpp-ndf
Joma: Duterte more arrogant
From GMA News (Aug 6): Joma: Duterte more arrogant
Exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison on Saturday hit back at President Rodrigo Duterte who called him arrogant before a gathering of soldiers in Capiz on Friday.
Interviewed by reporters via Skype, Sison turned the tables on Duterte by criticizing the tough-talking leader's move to lift the unilateral ceasefire on July 30 even before the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) could match it with its own truce declaration.
"It is more arrogant of him to give ultimatum [for CPP to declare ceasefire]," Sison said.
Also on Friday, Duterte mocked the CPP's strength, saying the rebels were acting as if “they are the force to reckon with.”
The President said CPP-backed candidates in Davao wouldn't have won in the elections if not for his party's support.
Despite Duterte's tirades, Sison said he has "high level of tolerance" for sharp rhetoric.
"I would rather converse with President Duterte sometime or one one one and we talk about the most substantial matters that would move the peace negotiations forward," he added.
National Democratic Front peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni, meanwhile, said that they did not heed Duterte's ultimatum due to alleged human rights abuses by the military in Southern Mindanao while the government ceasefire was in effect.
The unilateral ceasefire declared by Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address lasted only from July 25 to July 30.
A collective decision must also be reached before the rebels reciprocate Duterte's ceasefire initiative, Jalandoni explained.
He also said that the NDF may consider asking for a postponement of the talks , which would depend on the release of its consultants who would be part of its negotiating panel.
"The NDF peace side with its consultants will reconsider whether it is better to postpone again the resumption of peace talks to give time to get the releases actually accomplished," he said.
Meanwhile, Sison said that his confidence in the government's peace panel would increase if all 500 political detainees will be released through a general amnesty proclamation.
He said the communist movement will likely leave the negotiating table if the the detained political consultants of the NDF will not be released.
Tough talk
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan also hit Duterte's style in talking peace with the communists.
"With due respect to the President, sincerity and seriousness in peace negotiations is not measured in terms of tough talk nor via temporary ceasefire declarations," said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. in a statement.
Reyes said the "real measure" would be the upholding of previously signed agreements and the forging of new agreements on substantive agenda such as socio-economic, political and constitutional reforms.
"These are the discussions on how to end the decades-long problems of poverty, landlessness, underdevelopment, unemployment, elite democracy and so on. We would like to see both sides of the armed conflict get down to work on these issues as soon as possible," he added.
The government and communist rebels will resume negotiations on August 20 in Oslo, Norway.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/576617/news/nation/joma-duterte-more-arrogant
Exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison on Saturday hit back at President Rodrigo Duterte who called him arrogant before a gathering of soldiers in Capiz on Friday.
Interviewed by reporters via Skype, Sison turned the tables on Duterte by criticizing the tough-talking leader's move to lift the unilateral ceasefire on July 30 even before the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) could match it with its own truce declaration.
"It is more arrogant of him to give ultimatum [for CPP to declare ceasefire]," Sison said.
Also on Friday, Duterte mocked the CPP's strength, saying the rebels were acting as if “they are the force to reckon with.”
The President said CPP-backed candidates in Davao wouldn't have won in the elections if not for his party's support.
Despite Duterte's tirades, Sison said he has "high level of tolerance" for sharp rhetoric.
"I would rather converse with President Duterte sometime or one one one and we talk about the most substantial matters that would move the peace negotiations forward," he added.
National Democratic Front peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni, meanwhile, said that they did not heed Duterte's ultimatum due to alleged human rights abuses by the military in Southern Mindanao while the government ceasefire was in effect.
The unilateral ceasefire declared by Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address lasted only from July 25 to July 30.
A collective decision must also be reached before the rebels reciprocate Duterte's ceasefire initiative, Jalandoni explained.
He also said that the NDF may consider asking for a postponement of the talks , which would depend on the release of its consultants who would be part of its negotiating panel.
"The NDF peace side with its consultants will reconsider whether it is better to postpone again the resumption of peace talks to give time to get the releases actually accomplished," he said.
Meanwhile, Sison said that his confidence in the government's peace panel would increase if all 500 political detainees will be released through a general amnesty proclamation.
He said the communist movement will likely leave the negotiating table if the the detained political consultants of the NDF will not be released.
Tough talk
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan also hit Duterte's style in talking peace with the communists.
"With due respect to the President, sincerity and seriousness in peace negotiations is not measured in terms of tough talk nor via temporary ceasefire declarations," said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. in a statement.
Reyes said the "real measure" would be the upholding of previously signed agreements and the forging of new agreements on substantive agenda such as socio-economic, political and constitutional reforms.
"These are the discussions on how to end the decades-long problems of poverty, landlessness, underdevelopment, unemployment, elite democracy and so on. We would like to see both sides of the armed conflict get down to work on these issues as soon as possible," he added.
The government and communist rebels will resume negotiations on August 20 in Oslo, Norway.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/576617/news/nation/joma-duterte-more-arrogant
No peace talks until political prisoners are freed, NDF warns
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 6): No peace talks until political prisoners are freed, NDF warns
No resumption of formal peace negotiations will happen on Aug. 20 if the government fails to release detained National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants.
This was the statement of NDF peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni on Saturday ahead of the peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines in Oslo, Norway.
“If the release of the 22 NDF consultants will not be realized , the NDF will reconsider the postponement of the peace talks until the issue of political prisoners will be resolved,” Jalandoni said in a video conference in Quezon City.
Exiled communist leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison said the CPP was ready to issue an interim ceasefire after the resumption of the formal peace talks and the release of NDF consultants.
“There could be an interim ceasefire following the release of political prisoners and the resumption of formal peace negotiations,” Sison said in the same video conference with Jalandoni.
“CPP is willing to pursue peace talks on Aug. 20 and issue separate but coordinated ceasefire agreements,” he added.
The resumption of the peace talks between the government and the CPP-NDF is set on Aug. 20-27.
“The issue (not releasing NDF consultants) will complicate the talks of Aug. 20,” Jalandoni said.
Asked about the NDF’s condition to release the political prisoners, peace process adviser Jesus Dureza said they still needed to undergo a judicial process.
“We have to defer to the courts as judicial processes have to be complied with as what we have committed in the joint statement,” Dureza said in a text message.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/803612/no-peace-talks-until-political-prisoners-are-freed-ndf-warns
No resumption of formal peace negotiations will happen on Aug. 20 if the government fails to release detained National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants.
This was the statement of NDF peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni on Saturday ahead of the peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines in Oslo, Norway.
“If the release of the 22 NDF consultants will not be realized , the NDF will reconsider the postponement of the peace talks until the issue of political prisoners will be resolved,” Jalandoni said in a video conference in Quezon City.
Exiled communist leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison said the CPP was ready to issue an interim ceasefire after the resumption of the formal peace talks and the release of NDF consultants.
“There could be an interim ceasefire following the release of political prisoners and the resumption of formal peace negotiations,” Sison said in the same video conference with Jalandoni.
“CPP is willing to pursue peace talks on Aug. 20 and issue separate but coordinated ceasefire agreements,” he added.
The resumption of the peace talks between the government and the CPP-NDF is set on Aug. 20-27.
“The issue (not releasing NDF consultants) will complicate the talks of Aug. 20,” Jalandoni said.
Asked about the NDF’s condition to release the political prisoners, peace process adviser Jesus Dureza said they still needed to undergo a judicial process.
“We have to defer to the courts as judicial processes have to be complied with as what we have committed in the joint statement,” Dureza said in a text message.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/803612/no-peace-talks-until-political-prisoners-are-freed-ndf-warns
IS threat: Experts warn of self-radicalised lone wolves
From The Star Online (Aug 7): IS threat: Experts warn of self-radicalised lone wolves
.ashx/?w=620&h=413&crop=1&hash=8BB423C53F42145F429E95CB450A51B4D869E38B)
KUALA LUMPUR: With IS (Islamic State) finding new ways of reaching out through the Internet, experts are warning Malaysians of the threat of "self radicalised" lone wolves.
They note that Malaysian IS members are asking their countrymen to fight alongside IS in the wake of the terrorist group's "recognition" of the southern Philppines-based Abu Sayyaf as part of the Islamic State "caliphate".
Political analyst at the International Islamic University Malaysia Dr Maszlee Malik said IS was now encouraging its supporters to carry out their own "jihad" in their country without any need for organisation.
He referred to a chilling 21-minute video uploaded on social media on June 23, calling on Malaysians to join the "Philippines brotherhood" entrusted by IS to lead the caliphates army".
Featured in the video was Malaysian Mohd Rafi Udin, also known as Abu Aun al-Malysi, who said sympathisers who could not go to Mindanao should launch their own jihad on Malaysian soil using whatever means at their disposal.
Mohd Rafi said those who had sworn an oath of allegiance to the caliphate, even if it was only in their heart, should kill all who were against them, wherever they found them, using any means at hand.
"You have a car, knock them down. You have a weapon or a knife, even a small one, stab them in the chest. Do not be afraid," he said.
What was clear from the video, said Maszlee, was that IS was encouraging a new method of destruction - the lone wolf attack.
Lone wolf attacks involve self-radicalised individuals who are IS sympathisers. They can launch their own attack and consider it a jihad.
This was what happened in Puchong. Rafi Udins call was a clear indication that he was giving orders to lone wolves. It was not an organised, well planned attack. A few sympathisers answered the call to launch their own attack, he said.
On June 28, eight people were injured after a hand grenade exploded at an entertainment centre in Puchong. Police later confirmed that the blast was the work of two IS supporters.
Voicing similar concerns, geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said IS propaganda was a "first class act" that could win peoples sympathy for the group.
According to Azmi, Abu Sayyaf's oath of allegiance to Daesh would make it easier for sympathisers to join IS.
Instead of travelling to Syria or Iraq, they can now go to the southern Philippines and fight alongside Abu Sayyaf. This is a direct pressure on our country because radicalisation could happen among Malaysians, he said.
Azmi said the alliance could also mean that Abu Sayyaf would be receiving assistance in terms of money and expertise from IS.
He did not know whether Abu Sayyaf had already received aid from IS, but said the linkup between the two was in any case very bad for Malaysia and the region. - Bernama
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/07/is-threat-experts-warn-of-self-radicalised-lone-wolves/
KUALA LUMPUR: With IS (Islamic State) finding new ways of reaching out through the Internet, experts are warning Malaysians of the threat of "self radicalised" lone wolves.
They note that Malaysian IS members are asking their countrymen to fight alongside IS in the wake of the terrorist group's "recognition" of the southern Philppines-based Abu Sayyaf as part of the Islamic State "caliphate".
Political analyst at the International Islamic University Malaysia Dr Maszlee Malik said IS was now encouraging its supporters to carry out their own "jihad" in their country without any need for organisation.
He referred to a chilling 21-minute video uploaded on social media on June 23, calling on Malaysians to join the "Philippines brotherhood" entrusted by IS to lead the caliphates army".
Featured in the video was Malaysian Mohd Rafi Udin, also known as Abu Aun al-Malysi, who said sympathisers who could not go to Mindanao should launch their own jihad on Malaysian soil using whatever means at their disposal.
Mohd Rafi said those who had sworn an oath of allegiance to the caliphate, even if it was only in their heart, should kill all who were against them, wherever they found them, using any means at hand.
"You have a car, knock them down. You have a weapon or a knife, even a small one, stab them in the chest. Do not be afraid," he said.
What was clear from the video, said Maszlee, was that IS was encouraging a new method of destruction - the lone wolf attack.
Lone wolf attacks involve self-radicalised individuals who are IS sympathisers. They can launch their own attack and consider it a jihad.
This was what happened in Puchong. Rafi Udins call was a clear indication that he was giving orders to lone wolves. It was not an organised, well planned attack. A few sympathisers answered the call to launch their own attack, he said.
On June 28, eight people were injured after a hand grenade exploded at an entertainment centre in Puchong. Police later confirmed that the blast was the work of two IS supporters.
Voicing similar concerns, geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said IS propaganda was a "first class act" that could win peoples sympathy for the group.
According to Azmi, Abu Sayyaf's oath of allegiance to Daesh would make it easier for sympathisers to join IS.
Instead of travelling to Syria or Iraq, they can now go to the southern Philippines and fight alongside Abu Sayyaf. This is a direct pressure on our country because radicalisation could happen among Malaysians, he said.
Azmi said the alliance could also mean that Abu Sayyaf would be receiving assistance in terms of money and expertise from IS.
He did not know whether Abu Sayyaf had already received aid from IS, but said the linkup between the two was in any case very bad for Malaysia and the region. - Bernama
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/08/07/is-threat-experts-warn-of-self-radicalised-lone-wolves/
MILF uproots, burns marijuana in remote North Cotabato village
From the Philippine Star (Aug 7): MILF uproots, burns marijuana in remote North Cotabato village
Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas burn uprooted marijuana plants in a secluded area in Carmen, North Cotabato. Courtesy of Nhor Gayak, Brigada FM Cotabato City
Moro rebels burned over the weekend hundreds of marijuana shrubs they uprooted in a clandestine operation in keeping with their 1997 anti-crime cooperation pact with the government.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas burn uprooted marijuana plants in a secluded area in Carmen, North Cotabato. Courtesy of Nhor Gayak, Brigada FM Cotabato City
Moro rebels burned over the weekend hundreds of marijuana shrubs they uprooted in a clandestine operation in keeping with their 1997 anti-crime cooperation pact with the government.
The guerrilla-style uprooting operation in Sitio Sinipitan in Barangay Tupig northwest of Carmen town in North Cotabato was led by two senior leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Nayang Timan and Abdullah Hamza.
Timan and Hamza and their followers carried out the raid after learning from vigilant villagers that a certain group was growing marijuana plants in Sitio Sinipitan.
Nhor Gayak, a Cotabato City-based radio reporter who witnessed the operation, said he and the MILF guerrillas had to walk through open fields with rugged terrain to reach the marijuana farm.
Gayak had quoted the MILF commanders who led the raid as saying the move was in compliance with their July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities with the government.
The accord, meant to ensure the cordiality of the peace overture between the government and the rebel group, binds both sides to cooperate in addressing peace and security problems in potential flashpoint areas where there are MILF forces.
The agreement also enjoins MILF and government forces to help each other in neutralizing criminal gangs and terrorists whose activities can derail the peace process.
Gayak said the guerrillas immediately set on fire the uprooted marijuana plants in the presence of community elders and barangay residents.
Local MILF units are now trying to locate the gunmen behind the propagation of the illegal plants, who managed to escape even before Timan's and Hamza's groups had surrounded their farm.
The MILF’s central committee ordered guerrilla forces last year to address the drug problems besetting isolated areas covered by its agreement with the government.
The order was issued after clerics in the MILF issued a fatwah (edict) declaring methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) as “haram” (forbidden) to Muslims.
PRRD: Free education for military children
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6): PRRD: Free education for military children
Filipino soldiers will no longer worry about the education of their children from Kindergarten to High School.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced his plans to provide a free education to the members of the families of soldiers from kindergarten to high school in schools nearest to their residence.
“And I am working on a, ‘yong edukasyon nang pamilya ninyo, libre na, nearest school to your residence, para ang bata hindi na masyadong (applause), ano yan, proposal ko, hintay lang kayo,” said Presidente Duterte during his talk to troops of the 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division in Camp Gen. Macario B. Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz on Friday, August 5.
He said scholarships will also be made available to deserving children of soldiers who want to pursue their college education.
The announcement received a big applause from more or less 500 troopers of the 3rd ID who were all eager to meet President Duterte.
It was the first time that a sitting President or Commander-in-Chief visited Camp Peralta.
Pregnant Sgt. Fevelyn Benedicto who was one of those excited soldiers was so thankful that the President took time to visit their area. She assured the President of her support to his programs and activities geared towards the betterment of the government and the country.
Colonel Joel Diamante, Commanding Officer of Camp Peralta Station Hospital, said the visit was a big boost to the morale of the troops. He cited the President’s concern particularly on the health of military personnel and improvement of the V. Luna General Hospital.
In his message, President Duterte mentioned again his commitment for the improvement of the medical equipment and facilities for soldiers.
He said he has also plans to send those wheelchair -bound soldiers to school and later recommend them to work in call centers.
From Camp Peralta, President Duterte visited the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/931470459216/prrd-free-education-for-military-children-
Filipino soldiers will no longer worry about the education of their children from Kindergarten to High School.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced his plans to provide a free education to the members of the families of soldiers from kindergarten to high school in schools nearest to their residence.
“And I am working on a, ‘yong edukasyon nang pamilya ninyo, libre na, nearest school to your residence, para ang bata hindi na masyadong (applause), ano yan, proposal ko, hintay lang kayo,” said Presidente Duterte during his talk to troops of the 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division in Camp Gen. Macario B. Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz on Friday, August 5.
He said scholarships will also be made available to deserving children of soldiers who want to pursue their college education.
The announcement received a big applause from more or less 500 troopers of the 3rd ID who were all eager to meet President Duterte.
It was the first time that a sitting President or Commander-in-Chief visited Camp Peralta.
Pregnant Sgt. Fevelyn Benedicto who was one of those excited soldiers was so thankful that the President took time to visit their area. She assured the President of her support to his programs and activities geared towards the betterment of the government and the country.
Colonel Joel Diamante, Commanding Officer of Camp Peralta Station Hospital, said the visit was a big boost to the morale of the troops. He cited the President’s concern particularly on the health of military personnel and improvement of the V. Luna General Hospital.
In his message, President Duterte mentioned again his commitment for the improvement of the medical equipment and facilities for soldiers.
He said he has also plans to send those wheelchair -bound soldiers to school and later recommend them to work in call centers.
From Camp Peralta, President Duterte visited the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/931470459216/prrd-free-education-for-military-children-
Soldiers thank PRRD’s camp visit
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6): Soldiers thank PRRD’s camp visit
Officers and ordinary soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army are grateful to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his visit to Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, August 5.
According to Col. Leonardo Peña, the visit of Pres. Duterte to the government troop here was a big moral boost to them. He said that the President’s assurance of his full support to the soldiers is a manifestation that he is really a father who cared for his children.
This, he said, is a motivation to the Army to further work harder for the welfare of the Filipinos and the country.
The 3ID Camp Peralta in Jamindan town which is the third biggest camp in the country, was the sixth Army camp visited by the President.
President Duterte is the first president of the Philippines to visit the 3ID camp here.
Before the President addressed the troops, there was a situation briefing to him by top Army officials led by 3ID Commander Maj. General Harold Cabreros and Western Visayas Police Regional Director Jose Ginteles.
On the other hand, Capiz officials led by Governor Antonio Del Rosario, Vice Governor Esteban Contreras and Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino welcomed the President upon his arrival at the Roxas City airport.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991470470717/soldiers-thank-prrd-s-camp-visit
Officers and ordinary soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army are grateful to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his visit to Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, August 5.
According to Col. Leonardo Peña, the visit of Pres. Duterte to the government troop here was a big moral boost to them. He said that the President’s assurance of his full support to the soldiers is a manifestation that he is really a father who cared for his children.
This, he said, is a motivation to the Army to further work harder for the welfare of the Filipinos and the country.
The 3ID Camp Peralta in Jamindan town which is the third biggest camp in the country, was the sixth Army camp visited by the President.
President Duterte is the first president of the Philippines to visit the 3ID camp here.
Before the President addressed the troops, there was a situation briefing to him by top Army officials led by 3ID Commander Maj. General Harold Cabreros and Western Visayas Police Regional Director Jose Ginteles.
On the other hand, Capiz officials led by Governor Antonio Del Rosario, Vice Governor Esteban Contreras and Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino welcomed the President upon his arrival at the Roxas City airport.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991470470717/soldiers-thank-prrd-s-camp-visit
Defense ministers affirm Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 8): Defense ministers affirm Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement
The defense chiefs of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia met in Bali on August 2 to further discuss the current security challenges in the region, especially in the maritime areas of common concern.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Indonesian Defense Minister General (R) Ryamizard Ryacudu and Malaysian Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein reiterated their commitment to the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement signed in Jakarta on 14 July 2016.
The three defense leaders agreed to encourage the operationalization of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Maritime Patrol and Rendering Immediate Assistance; Operating Guidelines on Information and Intelligence Sharing; and Combined Communication Plan.
Recognizing the mutual trust and high responsibility from all parties, the defense chiefs agreed to further explore coordinated activities among the Armed Forces of the three countries, a trilateral database sharing mechanism, and the concept of the Malacca Strait Patrol (MSP) to address maritime security concerns, among others.
During the meeting, the leaders also reiterated their stand against violent extremism and terrorism, and concern over the repeated incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping at sea in the maritime areas of common concern to the three countries.
The defense ministers reaffirmed their commitment to address such threats.
The Trilateral Meeting was conducted in accordance with the ASEAN’s principles of equality, mutual trust and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of one another, and good neighborliness.(
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141470575762/defense-ministers-affirm-trilateral-cooperative-arrangement-
The defense chiefs of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia met in Bali on August 2 to further discuss the current security challenges in the region, especially in the maritime areas of common concern.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Indonesian Defense Minister General (R) Ryamizard Ryacudu and Malaysian Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein reiterated their commitment to the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement signed in Jakarta on 14 July 2016.
The three defense leaders agreed to encourage the operationalization of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Maritime Patrol and Rendering Immediate Assistance; Operating Guidelines on Information and Intelligence Sharing; and Combined Communication Plan.
Recognizing the mutual trust and high responsibility from all parties, the defense chiefs agreed to further explore coordinated activities among the Armed Forces of the three countries, a trilateral database sharing mechanism, and the concept of the Malacca Strait Patrol (MSP) to address maritime security concerns, among others.
During the meeting, the leaders also reiterated their stand against violent extremism and terrorism, and concern over the repeated incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping at sea in the maritime areas of common concern to the three countries.
The defense ministers reaffirmed their commitment to address such threats.
The Trilateral Meeting was conducted in accordance with the ASEAN’s principles of equality, mutual trust and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of one another, and good neighborliness.(
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141470575762/defense-ministers-affirm-trilateral-cooperative-arrangement-