DWDD: POSTHUMOUS AWARDS | Pres Duterte Visit Wake of Hero Soldiers

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 19): POSTHUMOUS AWARDS | Pres Duterte Visit Wake of Hero Soldiers



Camp BGen Gonzalo H Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao (DWDD) – The President and AFP Commander in Chief Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited the wake of Cpl Joseph P Miravalles and PFC Jaypee C Duran, team leader and member of the 62nd Division Reconnaisance Company, 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division.

Cpl Miravalles was posthumously promoted to Seargent, while PFC Duran was posthumously promoted to Corporal.

For heroic achievement as team leader and member of the 62nd Division Reconnaisance Company, 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Cpl Miravalles and Pfc Duran, while conducting Law Enforcement Operations at the boundary of Barangay Kadingilan and Barangay Napalawag, both of Midsayap, North Cotabato on August 5, encountered an undetermined number of armed lawless group. Cpl Miravalles and PFC Duran without utter disregard for their personal safety fought the adversary gallantly while conducting law enforcement operations that resulted to their untimely demise while exchanging fire with the enemies.

The Military Merit Medal (posthumous) was awarded to Cpl Miravalles, received by his wife Sheena Mae, and PFC Duran, received by his wife Sonny Mafil. AES / MCAG / RTVM



[Video: Visit to Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao 8/18/2016  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5tSj6NMDSE]

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/posthumous-awards-pres-duterte-visit-wake-of-hero-soldiers/

DWDD: AFP Statement on the release of the Tiamzon couple

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 19): AFP Statement on the release of the Tiamzon couple



Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City — The release of spouses Tiamzon was with leave of court and for the purpose of attending and participating in the formal peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway in August 2016.

This springs from the President and Commander in Chief Rodrigo Duterte’s express desire to have an enduring and sustainable peace through formal peace accord.

And the Armed Forces of the Philippines submit to the wise discretion of the Court and support the magnanimous gesture of the President all in the quest for peace.

Time and again, the AFP has been supportive of all peace efforts and covenants that will afford our people the opportunity to enjoy secured, prosperous, and peaceful lives –free from threat, fear, and want.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/54413-2/

8ID celebrates its 28th Founding Anniversary

From the Samar News (Aug 8): 8ID celebrates its 28th Founding Anniversary



Bishop of Calbayog Most Rev. Isabelo Abarquez warmly welcomed by MGen. Jet Velarmino and the Division Staff during his arrival as Guest of Honor and Speaker on the 8ID's 28th Founding Anniversary celebration on August 1, 2016.

By DPAO, 8ID PA
August 9, 2016

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, marked its 28th Founding Anniversary with the theme, "8ID at Sambayanan, Dalawampu't Walong Taon Kaagapay ng Mamamayang Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan" at Headquarters in Camp General Vicente Lukban, Brgy. Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar on August 1, 2016.

The kick-off of the 28th Founding Anniversary started with a series of events such as: Trail Bike Challenge; Badminton Challenge; Squad Challenge; Tactical Challenge 2; Ethnic Variety Show; Wreath Laying Ceremony; Awarding of Medals and Plaque of Recognition to the soldiers and civilian stakeholders, including formal dinner with military officers and senior NCOs to include LGUs, CSOs and Non-Government Agencies who supported the 8th ID in attaining lasting peace in the Region.

The event was highlighted with a wreath-laying ceremony led by Most Rev. Isabelo C Abarquez D.D, Bishop, Calbayog City and Major General Jet B. Velarmino, Commander 8ID, in honor to the fallen comrade-in-arms and in recognition of the soldiers' heroism and ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace in Region VIII. The ceremony was attended and witnessed by the soldiers' loved ones, officers, soldiers and civilian employees of the Command.

Another highlight of the activities was the awarding to deserving personnel who have shown meritorious achievement in both combat and non-combat role that significantly contributed to the overall success of the Command's mission.

In addition, civilian stakeholders, who contributed to the accomplishments of the Command mission, namely: Hon. Ronald Aquino of Calbayog City; Mr. Harry Rhumor, Mr. Vince Yulo, Mr. Alvin Lao Hoo, Ms. Christine Caidic of Multi Sector Advisory Board, Director Edgar Posadas of Office of the Civil Defense Region 8, Shintaro Palermo, Sherlock Codilla, Senior Manager for security of the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refinery (PASAR) were also awarded with plaques of recognition during the event.

Gracing the 28th Founding Anniversary of 8ID were the presence of Most Rev. Isabelo C Abarquez, Bishop Diocese of Calbayog City as the Guest of Honor and Speaker; Major General Jet B. Velarmino, Commander 8ID; Hon. Sharee Ann Tan- Delos Santos, Governor of Samar represented by Hon. Jimboy T. Tan, Vice Governor of Samar; Brigadier General Herminigildo C. Aquino, former 803rd Brigade Commander; Brigadier General Leoncio A. Cirunay, former Commander, 801st Infantry Brigade and Brigadier General Dinoh A. Dolina, former Commander, 802nd Infantry Brigade and media personalities.

Major General Velarmino, said that the Command has accomplished much in performing its mandate task of protecting the people and the communities, because of the soldiers for peace.

On the other hand, Most Rev. Bishop Abarquez said, "It is my prayer that our Philippine Army will continue to serve with honor and integrity for God, Country and people."

Your Philippine Army will continue to uphold its unwavering commitment as the protector and servant of the people not only in Eastern Visayas but to the Filipino as a whole.

http://www.samarnews.com/news2016/aug/d725.htm

CPP: CPP and NPA issue unilateral declaration of 7-day ceasefire

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 19): CPP and NPA issue unilateral declaration of 7-day ceasefire

Press Release | Information Bureau, Communist Party of the Philippines

August 19, 2016

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Operational Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) today issued a unilateral declaration of a seven-day ceasefire to celebrate and bolster the resumption of formal GRP-NDFP peace talks.

The ceasefire will take effect starting 12:01 a.m. of August 21 and will last until 11:59 p.m. of August 27. The formal talks between the negotiating panels of the NDFP and GRP are scheduled for August 22-26 and will be held in Oslo, Norway.

“This ceasefire declaration is encouraged by the GRP’s facilitation of the release of nearly all NDFP consultants who are set to participate in peace negotiations in the course of the next several months,” said the CPP and NPA.

Earlier today, the GRP released NDFP consultants Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria Tiamzon, who were leading members of the CPP and key consultants of the NDFP when they were arrested in March 2014.

“The CPP anticipates the release of the rest of the NDFP consultants so that everyone can participate in the peace talks.” It cited the case of Ka Eduardo Sarmiento who was arrested in February 2009, slapped with trumped-up murder charges and unjustly convicted in December 2013. He is currently serving a life sentence in Muntinlupa.

The CPP reiterated its “deep appreciation of the determined efforts of GRP President Duterte to push forward and accelerate the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations as a means of addressing the roots of the civil war in the Philippines.”

“We hope that this ceasefire declaration will be reciprocated by the GRP as a show of all-out determination to move forward with peace negotiations,” said the CPP. It clarified, however, that the ceasefire declaration will take effect even without GRP reciprocation.

“With or without reciprocation by the GRP, the NPA must maintain a high-level of alertness against enemy troop movements,” said the CPP. “Even while ready to engage in defensive action, the NPA will exert efforts to carry out early counter-maneuvers to avoid armed encounters during the specified ceasefire period.

The CPP anticipates the upcoming Oslo peace talks to discuss the recommendation for the GRP President to issue a general amnesty to pave the way for the release of all political prisoners who are mostly worker and peasant activists slapped with criminal charges to cause their prolonged detention.

“To further bolster peace negotiations, the CPP and NPA are also open to discuss the possibility of a longer ceasefire upon completion of the release of all political prisoners,” said the CPP.

http://www.cpp.ph/cpp-npa-issue-unilateral-declaration-7-day-ceasefire/

CPP/NDF: NDFP-SMR orders release of POWs as goodwill for peace talks

National Democratic Front propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 19): NDFP-SMR orders release of POWs as goodwill for peace talks

Rubi del mundo, Spokesperson
National Democratic Front of the Philippines, Southern Mindanao Region

August 19, 2016

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Southern Mindanao Region today ordered the release of the two Prisoners of War currently in separate custody of the units under the NPA ComVal Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command as goodwill measure for the formal resumption of the peace negotiations on August 22.

Custodial units of POW Arnold S. Ongachen and POW Michael B. Grande have reported the good state of health and lenient treatment of the two prisoners despite persistent attacks of AFP troops in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. They have likewise assured that an orderly and safe turn-over of the prisoners of war may be conducted pending a GPH undertaking of suspension of military and police offensives.
The People’s Democratic Government’s judicial proceedings and investigations into POW Ongachen and POW Grande’s possible war crimes and violation of people’s rights have been effectively suspended in deference to appeals of their families and peace advocates. POW Ongachen and POW Grande have apologized for their violations against the people.

The NDFP-SMR likewise acknowledges GPH Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts that resulted to the on-going process of release of the 22 NDFP peace consultants. This is definitely a positive development in the long-sought justice for these political prisoners and a welcome deviation from the previous reactionary regimes’ militarist approach and despicable contravention of the Comprehensive Agreement for Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

While the CPP, NPA and the NDFP have consistently adhered to international conventions and mutually-agreed upon accords between the GPH and the NDFP, the AFP and the PNP continue to file trumped-up charges to ensure that political prisoners such as NDFP consultants, Red fighters, even civilians and legal activists languish in jail for common crimes they did not commit. Some were even tortured, raped or summarily executed. This is a far cry from the lenient policy of the NPA towards Prisoners of War and are later released in recognition of appeals of families and well-meaning parties.

The NDFP-SMR expects the immediate release of the remaining 540 political prisoners in compliance of the Duterte government to the CARHRIHL and the JASIG. The success of the talks en route to a viable peace accord between the two governments in the Philippines rests in the main on GPH’s—especially the AFP, PNP and their paramilitaries’—adherence to previous agreements and the serious deliberation of the roots of the civil war. In these objectives, the NDFP and the entire revolutionary movement have been and continue to be firmly resolute.

Rubi del mundo
Spokesperson
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
Southern Mindanao Region

http://www.cpp.ph/ndfp-smr-orders-release-of-pows-as-goodwill-for-peace-talks/

Opinion: Will it be a Duterte dictatorship or a communist one?

Opinion piece by Norbert B. Gonzales in the Manila Times (Aug 19): Will it be a Duterte dictatorship or a communist one?

Introduction

 Among the expressed priorities of the new presidency is to end the armed conflict with the communists. The apparent approach is by offering them a major partnership role in governance. Without awaiting the results of formal peace negotiations, the President appointed senior communist cadres to his Cabinet.

This move in effect granted the communists a quasi-coalition status with government. The President even declared a unilateral ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed component of the communists.

A subsequent ambush of government troops by the NPA, however, compelled the President to lift his less than a week-old, unilaterally declared ceasefire. Despite the harsh words exchanged between the President and the presumed communist leader Jose Maria Sison, the formal peace talks will proceed.

Among the major reasons why the talks did not prosper during the Arroyo administration was the insistence of the government side to review the agenda of the negotiations which, in the opinion of the security sector, was in actuality a subterfuge, tacitly agreed to by some communist friendly elements in previous government panels to lead the talks toward coalition governance.

At least these days, the establishment of a coalition government with the communists is no longer a much kept secret. Despite the President’s recent public pronouncement that he will not agree to a coalition government with the communists, the fact is, the present government panel will proceed with the talks within the old framework, in effect allowing the formal establishment of a coalition government with the communists, as the end-game of the talks.

What is wrong with coalition governance with the communists? In many democracies as in Europe, coalition governance with communists has become a regular feature.

Fortunately for these countries, they are dealing with communists who have long renounced the primacy of armed struggle as a means of achieving state power, and have, in fact, adapted themselves fully, to the ways of democracy.

Will the Philippine communists follow the trend adopted by their comrades in Europe? The talks with the communists, which are about to formally open, will be a good occasion to find out.

Alternative road map

 Majority of the top leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) operating inside the country are now in government custody. This is confirmed by the recent request of the National Democratic Front (NDF), the purported political wing of the communists, for a number of them to be released so they could participate in the peace talks.

Why can’t the peace talks be held where they are now? Government can easily provide suitable facilities for talks within their detention area. For those in Utrecht, except for Jose Maria Sison, who continues to be on the international terrorist list, they have been freely traveling to the Philippines, anyway.

Sison claims to be a mere consultant in the talks. His absence should not really matter. The Norwegian third party facilitators certainly will not mind enjoying Manila hospitality. What is important is that doing the talks here will not require the Philippines to bend its laws.

It is a good time to confront some communist beliefs that threaten national security. Many communists all over the world went through this in their respective countries, where they have now become important political players and are effectively co-existing with other ideologically founded political forces. The talks will not bring peace as intended if these beliefs are not confronted and reconciled with once and for all.

Communists in the Philippines continue to believe in the primacy of armed struggle as the means to achieving state power. This belief contradicts the peaceful and democratic norm by which political leadership is determined in Philippine society. The condemnable flaws and abuses in the electoral system cannot justify a shift to the violent means of settling political disputes in Philippine society. The communists will serve the common good if they will include in their negotiating position, the absolute necessity of reforming the Philippine electoral system and the systemic elimination of related abuses in the nation’s democratic tradition.

Party vanguardism is another communist belief that requires discussion and resolution. Filipino communists assert that they are the true vanguard of the people. They do not seek to be freely elected and chosen by them to be their vanguard, because of the presumption that the masses, until after proper communist indoctrination, will be too ignorant to appreciate the wisdom of choosing the absolute leadership of the communist party.

The communist party in China actually rules the state and dictates the affairs of both the Chinese government and people.

The Filipino communists believe that this should also be so in the Philippines. The end game of communists is not simply entering and participating in official governance, but to dominate and use the strategic advantages of being inside government, to eventually bring Philippine society formally, under the absolute dictatorship of the CPP.

Fears and hopes

 Despite the absence of any liberated area, the communists have been behaving as a parallel government authority. Sad that even the new President, in his many public pronouncements, have hinted his tacit tolerance, if not approval, of the so called revolutionary taxes the communists are forcing upon the ordinary people and among business people and landowners, both big and small.

The communist kangaroo courts continue to sow fear among the defenseless. They freely establish check points especially in areas where mining and logging establishments are operating, not necessarily to check or stop the improper exploitation of the nation’s natural resources but to exact their collections or share in the booty. Intentionally or not, the new government has virtually recognized this parallel authority of the communists in governing Philippine society.

But this is not where the most serious danger lies. Imposing the culture of death and fear on Philippine society is rapidly becoming an official policy of government. This culture of death, violence and fear is actually compatible with communist totalitarian practices. Recent speeches of the President indicate a serious inclination toward dictatorship. The revolutionary government he was mentioning during the campaign now appears to be a deceptive slogan meant to merely ride the phenomenally growing sentiment of the nation toward authentic revolutionary change.

There is a growing sign of hope in the way some leaders of the Catholic Church are beginning to express their opposition to what is going on in Philippine society today. There are indications that they are preparing for battle, and martyrdom is their weapon of choice.

Martyrdom is a biblical response against humanly undefeatable adversaries. Preparation for martyrdom begins with the realization that opposition could cause the loss of one’s life, and that to save the life of others, one may have to offer one’s own. Dramatic as this may sound, this sense of self-abnegation on the part of some of her leaders may just wake up the Catholic Church and make her realize that directly confronting designs of evil against the people, is an absolute must, regardless of the possibility of victory or defeat.

The quiet whispers among the men and women in uniform indicate that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the police will not tolerate a direct communist takeover, or a communist instigated revolutionary government. The recent coup in Turkey should give them pause.

Regardless of intention, a successful coup is better than a failed one. In the Philippine setting, the armed forces have been successful in aiding change of governments by acting as one institution. However, the Turkey experience has shown that the superior firepower of an army can actually be defeated by organized mobs of civilians.

This is what communists in government are preparing for. With at least P130 billion in public funds under their control, they hope to strengthen and position their popular bases against a counter-revolution when they so decide to declare their own.

It is still to be ascertained whether the new President is a practicing communist or not, but what is unfolding is the possibility of his entering into an arrangement with the communists to jointly establish a new dictatorship in the Philippines under the guise of a pseudo-revolutionary government.

How will this be in the end? Will it be a Duterte dictatorship or a communist one?
                  
(NORBERTO B. GONZALES, FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER AND DEFENSE SECRETARY)

http://www.manilatimes.net/will-it-be-a-duterte-dictatorship-or-a-communist-one/280976/

Mindanao ‘NPA official’ falls in Cebu

From the Sun Star-Cebu (Aug 20): Mindanao ‘NPA official’ falls in Cebu



Rally. Members of Bayan, Akbayan and Piston stage a rally in front of the Cebu City Police Office in Camp Sotero Cabahug to demand the release of Amelia Pond, who police say is actually Adelfa Toledo, a member of the executive committee of the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao. (Sun.Star Photo/Amper Campaña)

SUSPECTED member of the executive committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) Southern Mindanao was arrested yesterday in Cebu City on a warrant for frustrated and double murder in Compostela Valley in 2000.

Adelfa Toledo was taken into custody during the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) national assembly at the Living the Gospel Renewal Center on Archbishop Reyes Ave. by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7.

But the suspect insisted that she is Amelia “Amy” Pond, not Toledo.

“Witnesses pointed out that she was the person who was in the warrant of arrest. The picture that we have is really her after we compared it (to the identification cards recovered from her),” said CIDG 7 Chief Senior Supt. Marlon Tayaba.

The warrant stemmed from the deaths of Barangay Councilors Florencio Guay and Roberto Kapangpangan, who were allegedly killed by Toledo’s group in the barangay hall of Ngan, Compostela Valley on Aug. 7, 2000.

Other aliases

Tayaba, however, clarified that they arrested Toledo because she had an arrest warrant and not because she is affiliated with the leftist group.

Tayaba said Toledo has other aliases, including Tasing, Gems and Budi, which made her difficult to track.

“She’s highly mobile and arrived here in Cebu from Davao last week. It so happened that we had a window of opportunity to arrest her,” he said.

When asked if her arrest would not affect the peace talks between the government and the NPA, Tayaba said the operation was legitimate, since they were serving a warrant.

According to the CIDG, Toledo, who joined the underground movement in 1978, is the regional coordinator of the RMP in Southern Mindanao.

It believes she used the alias Tasing to supervise the operation of the Salugpungan Ta’tano Igkanogon Community Learning Centers that are associated with the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA and the National Democratic Front.

Condemned

Toledo’s arrest was condemned by Bayan Central Visayas chairman Jaime Paglinawan, calling it unlawful.

“Why would they accuse an ordinary citizen? Authorities should release her because they had no right insisting that she’s Adelfa Toledo,” Paglinawan said.

Members of Bayan, Akbayan and the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper and Operators Nationwide Cebu staged a rally in front of the Cebu City Police Office in Camp Sotero Cabahug yesterday afternoon to demand her release.

They were greeted by anti-illegal drugs jingles sang by members of the Police Community Relations.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/08/20/mindanao-npa-official-falls-cebu-492593

Mindanao rebels to free more captives

From InterAksyon (Aug 20): Mindanao rebels to free more captives

Communist rebels in Mindanao are set to free more captives as a gesture of goodwill for the resumption of formal peace negotiations with government on August 22.

Following the order from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Southern Mindanao for the New People’s Army to release two police officers they are holding, the rebel Front in Northeastern Mindanao also said its forces in the region would free four policemen and a civilian captured in July.

A statement from the NDF-Northeaster Mindanao Region identified the captives:

• Surigao del Sur - Police Officer 1 Richard Vaz Yu of Carmen, Surgao del Sur, who was seized on July 5 and remains in the custody of the NPA’s Front Operational Command 30
• Surigao del Norte - PO2 Caleb Sinaca, PO3 Jayroll Bagayas and non-uniformed personal Rodrigo Angob of the Malimono municipal police station, and Senior Police Officer 3 Santiago Lamanilao of the Surigao City police. The four were captured together on July 24 and are held by the NPA’s Front Operation Command 16.

All the captives are allegedly linked to the illegal drug trade while Sinaca was also accused of protecting illegal logging and extortion from small-scale miners and farmers working for his father.

The rebels said all five captives had undergone “preliminary investigation,” the results of which would they said would be handed to third-party facilitators during the release with a request to forward these to Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa “in the hope that it will assist them (PNP) in their own investigation.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/131611/mindanao-rebels-to-free-more-captives

Govt likely to reciprocate rebel ceasefire - Andanar

From InterAksyon (Aug 20): Govt likely to reciprocate rebel ceasefire - Andanar

The government is likely to reciprocate the seven-day unilateral ceasefire declared by communist rebels for the resumption of formal peace negotiations, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Saturday.

In an interview by CNN Philippines, Andanar quoted presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza as saying President Rodrigo Duterte had "expressed the desire" to reciprocate the rebel ceasefire. Dureza is leaving for Oslo, Norway to attend the start of the negotiations on August 22.

He said the government ceasefire would likely take effect midnight of August 21, the same time as that declared on Friday by the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People's Army.

The rebel ceasefire was declared hours after most of the 22 detained consultants of the National Democratic Front were released on bail to allow them to join the negotiations.

Duterte first declared a unilateral ceasefire on operations against the communists during his first state of the nation address. However, he took this back a few days later when the rebels ignored his demand to reciprocate after NPA guerrillas ambushed militiamen in Mindanao, killing one and wounding four others, in what they said was a defensive action against a government offensive.

http://interaksyon.com/article/131622/govt-likely-to-reciprocate-rebel-ceasefire---andanar

ON CPP-NPA'S DECLARATION OF CEASEFIRE: Malacañang: President appreciates CPP-NPA's 'gesture of goodwill'

From GMA News (Aug 20): ON CPP-NPA'S DECLARATION OF CEASEFIRE: Malacañang: President appreciates CPP-NPA's 'gesture of goodwill'

Malacañang on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People's Army (CPP-NPA) saying the group's gesture of goodwill brings renewed optimism that the resumption of the peace talks in Norway will bear fruit.

"The President [Rodrigo Duterte] has already walked an extra mile for peace. He is glad that the CPP/NPA/NDF showed a similar gesture of goodwill as a sign of sincerity to the peace process on the eve of our talks in Oslo, Norway," Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in statement.

On Friday evening, the CPP-NPA announced a seven-day unilateral ceasefire ahead of the formal peace talks between the government and the communist group's negotiating arm National Democratic Front (NDF) to be held in Oslo, Norway from August 22 to 26.

The CCP-NPA said the ceasefire will take effect starting 12:01 a.m. of August 21 and will last until 11:59 p.m. of August 27.

The CCP-NPA declared the ceasefire following the release of 17 of the 22 detained NDF consultants including couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, chairman and secretary-general, respectively, of the CPP-NPA, to allow them to participate in the peace talks.

Andanar said the commitment and sincerity being shown by both the government and the communist group sends optimism that the peace negotiation will bear fruit.

"We therefore feel optimistic that the mutual efforts of both sides would lead to fruitful negotiations that could pave the way for substantive discussions in the hope of putting an end to one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies," Andanar said.

The government's delegation in the peace talks, lead by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Secretary Jesus Dureza is set to fly to Oslo on Saturday afternoon. It can be remembered that Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25 declared a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF expecting the other camp to do the same.

Duterte, however, lifted the ceasefire on July 30 after the CPP-NPA-NDF failed to reciprocate it within his deadline and following an ambush of government’s Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Davao Del Norte on July 27.

Duterte and CPP-NPA founder Jose Maria Sison also figured into verbal spat with both camps accusing each other of arrogance. Duterte and Sison, however, seemed to have recently patched things up, with both the government and the CPP-NPA agreeing to free some political prisoners.

Peace talks earlier brokered by Norway were stalled in 2012 after the Philippine government refused to free communist leaders who had been in jail for decades.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/578329/news/nation/malacanang-president-appreciates-cpp-npa-s-gesture-of-goodwill

Another communist leader nabbed in Cebu

From The Standard (Aug 20): Another communist leader nabbed in Cebu

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Saturday announced the arrest of another top leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

This comes, as the rebel group and the government peace panel are preparing to start formal peace talks next week in Oslo, Norway.

In an initial report, police identified the arrested rebel leader as Amelia Pond alias Adelfa Toldeo, considered by authorities as a “high-value target” or a “most wanted person.”

The arresting team was led by Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba of the CIDG-Region 7.

Tayaba said, Pond was arrested at around 1:30 p.m. on August 19 in Barangay Luz, Cebu City “on the strength of a warrant of arrest for double murder and frustrated murder.”

PNP CIDG said, Pond is allegedly a member of the Executive Committee of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, Komisyon Mindanao of the NPA.

It further said, the suspect heads the rebel organization's Regional Instructors Bureau (RIB), Political Department and Underground Movement since 1978; 2nd Deputy Secretary and Komiteng Hukom of Davao Oriental Provincial Committee in 1988; Secretary of Guerilla Front 15 and 18, Sub-Regional Committee 1 and 2, SMRC 1990-1995 and Secretary of Guerilla Front 15, SMRC 1999-2002.

This coming Monday, August 22, government negotiators and the CPP/NPA/NDF will begin the formal peace talks in Oslo.

http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/213858/communist-leader-nabbed-in-cebu.html

Zambo gov’t to reject any plea bargaining deal with MNLF

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 18): Zambo gov’t to reject any plea bargaining deal with MNLF

The city government will continue to oppose and reject any plea bargaining agreement that may be entered into by the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) panel of prosecutors and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leaders and members, who were involved in the  21-day siege in September 2013 in this city.

City Legal Officer Jesus C. Carbon, Jr., manifested anew to the Regional Trial Court in Pasig City, the unequivocal and unwavering stand of Zamboanga City against any plea bargaining with MNLF leaders and members accused of rebellion and two counts of violations of the International Humanitarian Law in connection with the Zamboanga siege.

Carbon and six city councilors were at the court in Pasig last August 9 to attend the continuation of pre-trial proceedings of the three cases filed against the MNLF leaders and members, with Zamb oanga City Mayor  Maria Isabelle  Climaco as the principal complainant.

Zamboanga City map (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)

During the hearing, Carbon said, the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors submitted a counter-proposal for the 138 accused MNLFs who were batched into two groups.

He said for the first batch with 89 accused, the DOJ prosecutors proposed a total penalty of three years and six months for the three cases, or one year and two months for each case.

For the second batch, consisting of 49 accused, the prosecution panel proposed a total penalty of four years, or one year and for months for each of the cases, according to Carbon.

The city legal officer explained that if the accused were allowed to serve the penalty in each of the cases, then they will all be released from prison upon pleading guilty for time already served.

“If the accused MNLFs are sentenced to serve their penalties consecutively and not simultaneously, they will be released after serving three years and six months for the first batch, and after serving four years with respect for the second batch,” bewailed Carbon.

Carbon explained that the period of their detention will be counted as part of the service of their penalties.”

“The counter-proposal of the DOJ was made without the consent of Zamboanga City and the other victims of the siege,” he stressed.

Carbon said the judge even talked with them and explained to them the advantages of just entering into a plea bargaining agreement with the accused MNLFs.

But  Climaco said  Zamboanga City will always oppose and reject any such agreement.

http://www.mb.com.ph/zambo-govt-to-reject-any-plea-bargaining-deal-with-mnlf/

Cebuano News: “PMA Entrance exams” karon’g Agosto

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 19): Cebuano News: “PMA Entrance exams” karon’g Agosto

Walay labing maayong maka-agni sa mga Bol-anon kon dili mgapaisano ra usab.
Kini dagway og maoy gisubay sa us aka Bol-anong pari nga chaplain sa Philippine Military Academy (PMA) kinsa maoy nangulo sa bahan nga mohatag sa pasulit alang sa entrance sa nahisgutang academya.

Ang pasulit o eksaminasyon himoon didto sa Holy Name University karong Agosto 21, 2016.

Si Fr. Carlito Buslon, taga Sierra Bullones, giubanan sa mga kadete nga Bol-anon sa paghimo sa eksaminasyon dungan sa 38 ka mga samang pasulit sa tibuok nasud.

Ang entrance nga eksaminasyon maoy una nga lakang sa proseso aron mahimong kadete sa nag-unang tunghaan alang sa aktibong serbisyo sa nasud.

Sa PMA, ang madawat nga mga kadete makakuhag lukop nga scholarship gikan sa kagamhanan, ug dili na kinahanglan pa nga mogasto ang banay samtang ang ilang anak nagpadayon sa ilang pagbansay ug paghulma didto sa PMA hangtud nga mahatagan sa ilang Bachelor of Science Degree.

Ang scholarship, maoy silbi nga binuwan nga sweldo sa mga kadete nga ikapamalit og mga uniporme, sapot, pagkaon, pagmintinar sa barracks ug uban pang kinahanglanon samtang ang kadete nagpadayon sa iyang pagtungha.

Kon makatapos sa Bachelor’s Degree, ang taga PMA hatagan sa ranggo nga Second Lieutenant ug mga ensign sa Armadong Kusog sa Nasud.

Tungod kay ang PMA maoy hulmahanan sa karakter sa usa  ka opisyal sa kasundalohan kinsa maoy mangulo unya sa armadong kusog, benepisaryo ang tunghaan sa labing bag-o nga mga pasilidad ug epiko alang sa kinatibuk-ang pag-umol sa us aka ligdong nga lider, pahayag ni Buslon.

Alang sa mga interesado nga mokuha sa bansay ug motungha sa PMA, kinahanglan nga siya natural-born Filipino citizen; labing menos 5 ka tiil ang gitas-on ma babaye man o lalaki; physically fit ug may maayong gawi; walay kabilinggan ug wala makasal ug nakahuman sa high school.

Kinahanglan usab nga ang mga interesado walay gihuptan ug wala mag-atubang og kasong criminal o administratibo, makapasar sa eksaminasyon ug natawo sugod Abril 01, 1995 ngadto sa Abril 01, 2000.

Ug dala sa kausaban nga bitbit sa K12, matud sa mga tinugyanan sa PMA nga kadtong mitapos sa High School niadtong sa wala pa ang 2015, mahimong mokuha sa eksaminasyon.

Kadtog makapasar sa eksaminasyon maoy mahimong PMA Class 2021 ug opisyal nga dawaton sa PMA human makahimo sa Oath-Taking Ceremony ug Reception Rites sa April 01, 2017 pohon.

Kadtong interesado, mahimong makakuhag application forms sa www.pma.ph o adto moduso sa ilang applikasyon sa nahisgutang website.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1101471579848/cebuano-news-pma-entrance-exams-karon-g-agosto-21-na

PMA identifies EVSU and SSU as venues of entrance exam in Region 8

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 19): PMA identifies EVSU and SSU as venues of entrance exam in Region 8

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has announced the conduct of PMA Entrance Examination on August 21,  2016, in two venues in Eastern Visayas.

The venues of examination for the region are Samar State University in Catbalogan City, and Eastern Visayas State University in this city.

In a press statement, PIA was informed that the PMA Entrance Examination is the first stage in the selection process for cadetship in the premier leadership training school in the country.

PMA cadets enjoy full scholarship granted by the government where no single centavo is being spent during the entire duration of the training.

They also receive monthly salary, clothing allowance and other support for the services during the duration of the training.

Applicants in the Philippine Military Academy must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, minimum 5 feet in height for both male and female, physically fit, of good moral character, single and has never been married, high school graduate, no administrative/criminal case, must pass the PMAEE and should have been born from April 1, 1995 to April 1, 2000.

 Application forms can be downloaded from www.pma.ph or for more information call at (074) 447-3686, (074) 447-2632 or at cellphone numbers 09285597651, 09437056890, 09178964299 or write the Office of Cadet Admission, Philippine Military Academy, Fort General Gregorio H Del Pilar, 2602, Baguio City

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2681471571015/pma-identifies-evsu-and-ssu-as-venues-of-entrance-exam-in-region-8

Release of Tiamzon couple proves PRRD is sincere

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20): Release of Tiamzon couple proves PRRD is sincere

There should no longer be any doubt that President Rodrigo Duterte is serious and determined to find a peaceful solution to the decades old communist insurgency in the country following the release of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon this morning, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said today.

The Tiamzons are the last among the detained ranking members of the National Democratic Front (NDF) to walk out as free persons although the court granted only temporary passes for the duration of the formal peace talks which is slated to begin Monday, August 22, in Oslo, Norway.

“With their release, in addition to more than a dozen of NDF consultants earlier granted bail and already freed, one more stumbling block is removed.  We are looking forward to a fruitful but intense negotiations in Oslo,” Dureza said.

Peace negotiations between the Philippine government (GPH) and the NDF were suspended in 2012 due to several disagreements topped by the alleged continued arrests and detention of rebel consultants.

The Tiamzons were the highest-ranking rebel leaders to fell into government hands.  They were captured in Cebu City in March last year. Benito Tiamzon was the chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines while his wife Wilma was the secretary general.

Efforts were pursued to re-open the peace talks during the previous administration through the backdoor channeling led by now Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III but these were brought to an abrupt stop after the Mamasapano incident in 2015.

During the May 2016 elections, Duterte, then presidential candidate and Davao City mayor, promised to re-open peace negotiations with the NDF and also gave assurances he will release all detained political prisoners.

The releases had to however undergo the normal judicial procedures required by law and regulations.

On Monday, he ordered the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist in providing travel documents and orderly departure of the NDF consultants who will join the NDF panel in Oslo.

Beginning Tuesday this week, the NDF consultants numbering to 22 were issued Philippine passports.

The Philippine embassy of the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) has also started issuing visas to all delegates from both panels who will travel to Norway for the historic reopening of the GRP-NDF peace negotiations.

“We have agreed to expedite the peace process by simultaneously holding negotiations on five major agenda items by creating respective reciprocal working groups,” Dureza said.

This explains, he added, the large number of NDF consultants who are travelling abroad.

The peace panels are expected to immediately tackle the following, social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, end of hostilities and disposition of forces, ceasefire, joint security and immunity and release of political detainees.

The government said more than 550 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, are still under government custody in various detention centers throughout the country.

President Duterte has already promised to follow the release of elderly and sick communist rebels on humanitarian grounds while the mode of the releases of the remaining rebels will be subject of the negotiations.

The president however has said he will declare a general amnesty for all communist rebels.

GPH panel head Silvestre Bello has already left for Saudi Arabia but will travel directly to Oslo in time for the arrival of the Philippine delegation.

Other members of the GPH panel are lawyers Rene Sarmiento, Antonio Arellano and Angela Librado-Trinidad.  The fifth member, former Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza had already left ahead to confer with the NDF panel in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The Philippine delegation will leave for Oslo tomorrow evening, August 20.

The peace talks are scheduled for August 22-26.

Dureza yesterday said the government of Norway is underwriting the travel expenses of the NDF delegation.

RNG is hosting the peace talks as a third party facilitator. (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141471617024/release-of-tiamzon-couple-proves-prrd-is-sincere

Court frees another NDF consultant in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19): Court frees another NDF consultant in Bukidnon

The regional trial court in Bukidnon released the second consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao Friday afternoon, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) announced here.

Pedro G. Codaste, 66, a.k.a “Gonyong,” was freed after posting a Php 100,000 bail past 1 p.m. Friday from his prison cell in the Malaybalay City Jail, in Bukidnon, southeast of Cagayan de Oro City.

From Malaybalay, Codaste went directly to the Office of the Provincial Governor in Misamis Oriental to pay a courtesy call to Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano where he held a press conference with the members of the local press.

During the interview, Codaste said that he was happy that he was freed after six years of imprisonment and was looking forward to a fruitful peace negotiations with the government panel in Oslo, Norway next week.

He said that the NDF and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) panel would take up five major agenda during the peace talks.

The five major agenda are: affirmation of the Hague agreement; setting of the timetable for the peace talk; reconstruction of the identification of the communist rebels; proclamation of the general amnesty for all political detainees through the act of Congress; and the mode of the ceasefire and disarmament agreement.

After the five major agenda are taken up, the NDF-GRP panel would then proceed to the discussion of other particular issues on the social and economic concerns of the various strata of Philippine society.

Codaste expressed confidence that the peace negotiations with the government under the Duterte administration would succeed.

Codaste, the Secretary General of the North Central Mindanao Revolutionary Party Committee (NCMRPC), was arrested at a military checkpoint on the border of Agusan Del Sur and Compostela Valley in December 2010 on the strength of a warrant of arrest in murder and frustrated murder charges.

Codaste would spend his night at the Archbishop Palace in Cagayan De Oro City, from where he is scheduled to fly to Manila on Saturday morning to be escorted by PEPP officials to process his travel papers for Oslo, Norway.

Last Wednesday, Alfredo Mapano, a.k.a “Paris,” another NDF consultant, was released from the provincial jail in Misamis Oriental. Mapano, also the Secretary General of the NCMRPC during his arrest in 2009, flew to Manila at noon on Thursday.

Both Codaste and Mapano are among the 22 NDF consultants who would join the peace talks in Oslo, Norway on August 22. At least 18 NDF consultants have been released as of Friday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=915595

NDF orders release of 2 abducted police officers as goodwill measure

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19): NDF orders release of 2 abducted police officers as goodwill measure

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has ordered the release of two police officers the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels abducted in separate raids to show its goodwill to the resumption of peace with the government on August 22 in Oslo, Norway.

Ordered released are Gov. Generoso Chief of Police Arnold Ongachen and Police Officer Michael Grande of the Banaybanay Municipal Police. Both police officers are in separate custody of the units under the NPA ComVal Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command.

In the statement released by NDF-Southern Mindanao Command spokesperson Rubi del Mundo, the release of Ongachen and Grande also follows the suspension of their investigation for possible war crimes and violations of people rights. It is also in deference to appeals of their families and peace advocates.

Ongachen, the police chief of the coastal town of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental, was abducted when NPA rebels attacked the police station on May 29.

President Rodrigo Duterte refused to facilitate the release of Ongachen following claims by the NPA that a sachet of shabu was taken from him during the raid. Ongachen was also accused of protecting illegal drugs trade in Gov. Generoso.

On the other hand, Grande was taken as custody of the NPA rebels belonging to the ComVal – Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command in Lupon, Davao Oriental on June 19. Grande was accused by the rebels to have mauled, harassed and intimidated at gunpoint several civilians in Banay-banay. He was also accused of receiving payoffs from illegal gambling in the area.

In their release, Del Mundo said he was assured by the custodial units of Ongachen and Grande to be in good state of health and accorded lenient treatment despite persistent attacks of Army troops in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

Del Mundo also assured an orderly and safe turnover of Ongachen and Grande pending a government undertaking of suspension of military and police offensives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=915532

Detained 'ASG member' killed after attack on PDEA official

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19): Detained 'ASG member' killed after attack on PDEA official

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and a detainee of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was killed when he attacked an official of the agency in this city.

Supt. Rogelio Alabata, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) spokesperson, disclosed the incident occurred around 7 p.m. Thursday at the PDEA regional office in Barangay Upper Calarian, this city.

Alabata identified the slain alleged ASG member as Abdulmuhmin Sumampil alias Boy of Barangay Sengal, Lamitan City, Basilan province.

Alabata said investigation showed that Sumampil was taken to an investigation room as he volunteered to give information about his illegal drugs’ source.

He said Sumampil, when inside the room, requested to transfer the handcuff in front to enable him to draw the location sketch of his source of illegal drugs.

He said Sumampil pulled an umbrella nail from the pocket of his short pants and stabbed PDEA Assistant Regional Director Levi Ortiz, who was talking to the suspect at that time.

He said Ortiz managed to evade and shot Sumampil in defense of himself.

Alabata said Sumampil sustained two gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

PDEA regional office stated on its social media page that Sumampil was arrested together with Nurhaida Saupi in a buy-bust operation on August 13 in Barangay Tetuan, this city.

PDEA said they confiscated from Sumampil’s possession 15 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu with an estimated PhP13,500 market value, marked money, a caliber .45 pistol with silencer and eight live ammunition, and other prohibited drug paraphernalia.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=915503

(Updated) Abu Sayyaf frees abducted lady teacher in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19): (Updated) Abu Sayyaf frees abducted lady teacher in Sulu
 

A lady teacher, abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits last Tuesday, was released at Barangay Danag, Patikul town, Sulu Thursday morning.

Western Mindanao Command Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the victim, identified as Adrina Bongil, 30, of Tuup Elementary School, was released around 10 a.m.

She was subsequently brought by her relatives to Jolo town proper.

At around 2:30 p.m., Bongil was fetched by Patikul Mayor Kabir Elias Hayuduni and took her to his residence in Barangay Anuling, Patikul.

Troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu proceeded to the area to meet and conduct debriefing to the kidnap victim.

Bongil was abducted by four armed men in Barangay Kan Ague, Patikul last Aug. 16 while she was aboard a passenger jeep on the way to report to her school.

Tan did not mention where ransom was paid in exchange for Bongil's release.

The release of Bongil has brought down the number of hostages in the hands of the ASG brigands to 12 people, including seven foreigners and five Filipinos.

Five of the seven foreigners were Indonesian sailors and the other two are Europeans.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=915395

(Updated)Tiamzon couple release highlights Duterte desire for enduring peace - AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19): (Updated)Tiamzon couple release highlights Duterte desire for enduring peace - AFP

The temporary release of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, ranking leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines, highlights President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's earnest desire for an enduring and sustainable peace through formal peace accords.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya in a statement Friday.

"The release of spouses Tiamzon was with leave of court and for the purpose of attending and participating in the formal peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway in August 2016," he added.

The couple left the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City around 11: 30 a.m. Friday.

The two will fly to Oslo, Norway as part of the working groups in the peace negotiations with the Government of the Philippines and National Democratic Front.

"And the AFP submit to the wise discretion of the Court and support the magnanimous gesture of the President all in the quest for peace," Visaya added.

The Oslo peace talks is scheduled to start this Aug. 20.

"Time and again, the AFP has been supportive of all peace efforts and covenants that will afford our people the opportunity to enjoy secured, prosperous, and peaceful lives --free from threat, fear, and want," he stressed.

Benito and Wilma were arrested by AFP and PNP personnel in Barangay Zaragoza in Aloguinsan, Cebu last March 22, 2014.

The couple was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for their crimes against humanity that include murder, multiple murders, and frustrated murder.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=915466

Palace attributes release of Tiamzons to PRRD’s sincerity to walk extra mile for peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19): Palace attributes release of Tiamzons to PRRD’s sincerity to walk extra mile for peace

Malacanang has attributed the release of the couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon to the sincerity of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to pursue the peace talks with communist rebels.

”The release of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon is an auspicious sign that the President is willing and sincere to walk the extra mile for peace,” Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

 

On Friday, the Tiamzons were released from their detention for them to be able to participate in the resumption of peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front in Oslo, Norway.

”We therefore look forward to a fruitful negotiation in Olso, Norway for the historic re-opening of Philippine government and the NDF peace talks,” Andanar said.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza agreed with Andanar, saying there should no longer be any doubt on President Duterte’s determination to find a peaceful solution to the decades-old communist insurgency in the country.

The Tiamzons were the last among the detained ranking members of the NDF to walk out as free persons although the court granted only temporary passes for the duration of the formal peace talks which is slated to begin on Aug. 22 in Norway.

”With their release, in addition to more than a dozen of NDF consultants earlier granted bail and already freed, one more stumbling block is removed. We are looking forward to a fruitful but intense negotiations in Oslo,” Dureza said.



Peace negotiations between the Philippine government (GPH) and the NDF were suspended in 2012 due to several disagreements topped by the alleged continued arrests and detention of rebel consultants.



The Tiamzons were the highest-ranking rebel leaders to fell into government hands. They were captured in Cebu City in March last year.


Benito Tiamzon was the chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines while his wife Wilma was the secretary general.



Efforts were pursued to re-open the peace talks during the previous administration through the backdoor channeling led by now Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III but these were brought to an abrupt stop after the Mamasapano incident in 2015.



During the May 2016 elections, Duterte, then presidential candidate and Davao City mayor, promised to re-open peace negotiations with the NDF and also gave assurances he will release all detained political prisoners.



However, the releases had to undergo the normal judicial procedures required by law and regulations.



On Monday, the President ordered the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist in providing travel documents and orderly departure of the NDF consultants who will join the NDF panel in Oslo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=915606

3 militiamen wounded in NPA attack in Batangas

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20): 3 militiamen wounded in NPA attack in Batangas

Three militiamen were wounded when New People's Army (NPA) rebels fired at their detachment in Laiya Aplaya, Batangas last Thursday.

A report forwarded Saturday by 2nd Lt. Xy-zon Meneses, 2nd Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the incident took place at 10:45 p.m. last August 18.

Injured were Sherlack Contrera, Honorio Rosales and Rodelito Contrera.

All three are undergoing treatment as authorities hunt down the insurgents.

Meneses said the attack was a desperate attempt of the NPA to show that they are still a major threat to the government, and for them to collect 'revolutionary taxes' from businesses in Laiya.

Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Romeo G. Gan said the attack manifests the insincerity of the NPA in achieving lasting peace and sustainable development in the country.

"But this harassment will not hamper our earnest desire to attain our mission of serving the people and securing the land," he added.

According to reports, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has declared a unilateral ceasefire until Aug. 27, following the temporary release of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon so they could join the peace talks in Norway.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=915657

DOLE, KMU conduct dialogue to junk pro-contractualization Department Order 18-A

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19): DOLE, KMU conduct dialogue to junk pro-contractualization Department Order 18-A

Leaders and members of the national labor union group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) held a protest rally at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Office in Intramuros, Manila on Friday and demanded the junking of DOLE Order No. 18-A, Series of 2011.

Led by KMU Chairperson Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog, they later presented to Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod the labor sector’s proposals on how to end contractualization in the country.

The group said that DO No. 18-A has institutionalized contractualization by setting guidelines that teach employers how to circumvent labor laws and legalize their contractual employment schemes.

“The DO 18-A must be junked. It has institutionalized contractualization by teaching employers how to bend our laws and violate workers’ rights to legalize their contractual employment schemes," said Labog.

Maglunsod said he fully agrees that the implementation of DO 18-A has led to rampant contractualization, resulting to a drastic increase in the number of temporary contractual workers.

Maglunsod also said that he is fully supporting the labor group's appeal and will suggest to DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III the junking of such order.

He said there is a possibility that they can repeal the order although he admitted that such task is something that cannot be done at a glance and requires study, consultation and time.

He said that existing labor laws and provisions have to be revisited or studied further to see how these can be transformed into full reality.

Maglunsod said they have been doing several moves such as capacity building and workshops among employers to distinguish the differences between contractualization and "endo" (end of contract) to help understand it so they will also focus on the welfare of their employees.

He said that the way to go is resorting to some "war tactics" wherein they will initially start with the reduction of "endo" until they end up with the goal of totally taking away contractualization.

As of the timeline, he said that they are targetting to reduce "endo" by 50 percent this coming December and eliminating it totally by 2017.

To realize this, he said it is important that the laborers and employees should be united for that goal.

Meanwhile, the group welcomed the Labor department’s efforts to minimize the rampant contractualization in the country.

However, they said that they remain firm in pushing for more concrete and decisive measures that DOLE should take to totally end all forms of contractual employment schemes.

The almost two-hour dialogue between Maglunsod and the labor leaders also tackled different workers’ issues such as the implementation of a National Minimum Wage of PHP750, the urgent resolution of labor cases, junking of the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) policy and the restrictive requirements on Workers' Organization and Development Program (WODP), and the repression and militarization of workers’ strikes.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=915527