'No such thing' as militarization in countryside, Duterte says

From the Philippine Star (Aug 25): 'No such thing' as militarization in countryside, Duterte says



In this February 1, 2015 file photo, soldiers man a checkpoint on the highway in Maguindanao province. John Unson, file

There is no militarization happening in the countryside, President Rodrigo Duterte said despite maintaining that there should be soldiers “in every inch” of the country.

 

Some indigenous peoples groups have demanded the pull out of soldiers in areas they consider their ancestral domain.

 

Advocates of indigenous peoples' rights claim that military presence in the countryside has been causing displacement and anxiety among local communities.

 

Duterte, however, does not see anything wrong with deploying of soldiers in Lumad areas.

 

“There is no such thing as a militarization. Every inch of this property of the Republic must be occupied by the soldiers of the government,” the president said in a press conference late Wednesday night in Davao City.

 

“Perhaps overt acts like clashes should be the ones to be avoided,” he added.

 

Duterte said there are also armed groups in the countryside that are sympathetic to the Communist Party of the Philippines.

 

“They also have private armies. They also have regular ones. Each of them have their own spheres of influence,” the president said.

 

Activists have accused the military of intimidating Lumad communities and executing tribal leaders believed to have ties with the communists.

 

Security officials have denied this and insisted that soldiers in the countryside were merely protecting residents from security threats and implementing development projects.

 

READ: Killings, land grabs threaten Filipino indigenous peoples

 

In July, two members of the Bagobo Klata tribe -- Hermie Alegre and Danny Diarog -- were shot in Tugbok, Davao City. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital but Alegre was pronounced dead on arrival.

 

That same month, the 10th Infantry Division reported that Ruben Labawan -- a chieftain of the Ata-Manolo tribe in Davao's Paquibato district -- and Romeo Tanio were killed after attending a meeting organized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

 

The Army said the two were killed by the New People's Army.

 

In early June, 10 Lumads were reportedly killed in separate incidents in Bukidnon.

 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/08/25/1617172/no-such-thing-militarization-countryside-duterte-says

MILF to use old Maguindanao capitol complex for peace process

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 26): MILF to use old Maguindanao capitol complex for peace process

BULUAN, Maguindanao – The long-abandoned Maguindanao provincial capitol complex in Sultan Kudarat town will be used by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MLF) as temporary satellite office for the preparation of its enhanced Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) with the Duterte administration.

Philippine presidential adviser on the peace process, Jesus Dureza (L), shakes hands with Murad Ibrahim (C), chairman of the southern Philippine rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), prior to their meeting on peace talks between the Philippine government and Muslim rebel negotiators at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on August 13, 2016. (AFP PHOTO / MOHD RASFAN) | mb.com.ph

This was announced by Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu during his inaugural launch here Wednesday of 25 new heavy equipment pool acquired by the provincial government for massive infrastructure projects and all-out dredging of rivers and marshes to mitigate perennial flooding incidents in the province.

Mangudadatu said MILF Chair Hadji Murad Ebrahim had requested the provincial government and high authorities for their possible use of the old capitol complex as official base of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to be reconstituted to redraft an inclusive BBL covering the government’s peace accords with the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

“Of course, we gladly approved the request…and we informed also the President about it,” the governor said.

The old provincial capitol complex is located at barangay Simuay of Sultan Kudarat, less than a kilometer away from Camp Darapanan, the MILF’ main headquarters

http://www.mb.com.ph/milf-to-use-old-maguindanao-capitol-complex-for-peace-process/

Duterte rules out Bangsamoro army

From The Standard (Aug 26): Duterte rules out Bangsamoro army

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ruled out the formation of any regional armed forces and police under the proposed Bangsamoro enabling law to ensure its passage in Congress.

“What I cannot give...is the formation of a regional Armed Forces, and a regional armed Police. I’m sorry, I cannot give that,” Duterte said in another late Wednesday night press briefing in Davao City.  

Duterte said: “Let me just stress also a point here: I am committed to give to the Moro people what I promised.

“Just remove the Constitutional issues in the [Bangsamoro Law] so that there won’t be anymore conflicts, no court, no litigation, no nothing; and if, in the fullness of God’s time, we’ll have a successful talk, we can have a Constitution that is [contains] whatever you want.” 
 
Earlier, Duterte said he was “ready to concede” the Bangsamoro enabling law to achieve lasting peace in conflict-stricken Mindanao.

Duterte hopes Congress could pass a version of the law without the supposedly unconstitutional provisions of the failed Bangsamoro Basic Law which suffered a huge setback after an encounter between PNP Special Action Force and members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front resulted in the deaths of 44 police commandos and members of the Moro group on Jan. 25, 2015 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

“We hope that with the 17th Congress, it will be a brighter future for the enabling law,” Duterte said.

He added the presence of the top leaders of the House of Representatives could be a sign of an “early enactment of an inclusive Bangsamoro enabling law.”

Duterte, in an earlier speech, said a separate police force in the Bangsamoro government would break the chain of command.

“For example, by creating the Regional Armed Forces and Regional Police, you break the chain of command (with the) commander in chief, whoever he is... In other words, the country will always be controlled by a single person whoever he is,” he said.

Following appeals from the MILF to pass first a Bangsamoro enabling law, Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza said new efforts will be the new “test bed” for President Duterte’s plan to devolve power to the regions under a new federal government that he wants to put in place within his term.

Dureza said they are also looking forward to have a meeting with MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari “but he is still under legal constraint because of the pending case against him.” However, there are “direct engagements with him through other channels.”

Misuari is facing charges following the so-called Zamboanga Siege, where more than 200 people were killed in a three-week battle.

Both sides held talks in Kuala Lumpur to discuss how to implement the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which was thrown into uncertainty after the last Congress failed to pass an implementing law.

The government’s approved peace road map will merge all previously signed agreements that should be implemented, including the 1996 peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front, the provisions of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Law and Provisions of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/214388/duterte-rules-out-bangsamoro-army.html

Lorenzana stays in DND; Gibo begs off

From The Standard (Aug 26): Lorenzana stays in DND; Gibo begs off

SECRETARY Delfin Lorenzana will keep his post at the Defense department after former DND chief Gilbert Teodoro declined President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer of a second term as Defense secretary.

Thus, Lorenzana will no longer be the country’s ambassador to Washington, as earlier reported.

“I don’t really have a choice right now. Gibo really washed his hands of government service,” Duterte told a press briefing early Thursday morning.

“Maybe, ‘disenchanted’ would be the word. You know, he ran for president,” the President added.

In a speech Tuesday, Duterte said he wanted Teodoro to take over the Defense department, since he never hid his admiration for him. The problem of who to appoint as Philippine ambassador to the United States was raised in the Cabinet.

The President then in jest appointed Lorenzana, his newly named Defense chief as ambassador.

Teodoro was the secretary of national defense of former President Gloria Arroyo from August 2007 until November 2009.

Shortly after Duterte won the presidency, Teodoro visited him at the Presidential resthouse in Panacan, Davao City but rejected his offer of a Cabinet post for personal reasons.

Lorenzana, meanwhile, who was the special presidential representative of the Office of Philippine Veterans Affairs in the United States before he accepted Duterte’s offer to be Defense chief, had expressed his wish to stay in the country and retire following his long service overseas.

“[Lorenzana] told me that he believed the appointment to Washington was an order, but he said that he’s too old. He said that since he’s already old, he wanted to stay in the country. That is the dream of every [retiree],” the President added.

Lorenzana, a member of the PMA Class 1973, was a high school classmate of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a trusted friend of the President in Parang, Cotabato, and was the 601st Brigade Commander in Malungon, Sarangani in 2000.

Duterte said he is still looking for an ambassador to Washington, with which the Philippines has “strong, enduring ties.”

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/214390/lorenzana-stays-in-dnd-gibo-begs-off.html

Pirate attacks fall to 21-year low

From The Financial Times (Aug 25): Pirate attacks fall to 21-year low



Pirate attacks on shipping have fallen to their lowest level for 21 years, as crackdowns against maritime crime off the coasts of east Africa and Southeast Asia have proved successful.

The sharp decline in piracy — this year is on course to be the first since 2005 not to see a single person killed by pirates — may help calm fears that the world is becoming a more dangerous place, amid war in Syria and an upsurge in terrorist attacks.

However, there has been a rise in attacks off the coast of Nigeria, with pirates increasingly looking to kidnap crew members and hold them to ransom.

Globally, there were 98 actual or attempted pirate attacks in the first half of 2016, according to the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau, the lowest tally since 1995 and a marked fall on the 134 recorded in the same period last year and the peak of 266 in the first six months of 2011, as the first chart shows.

“This drop in world piracy is encouraging news. Two main factors are recent improvements around Indonesia and the continued deterrence of Somali pirates off east Africa,” said Pottengal Mukundan, director of the IMB.

The fall in pirate activity is not just good news in human terms, but in financial ones as well. The One Earth Foundation, a Colorado-based governance foundation, estimated that in 2011, at the height of the Somali pirate epidemic, the cost to the maritime industry ran to $3.2bn a year in extra insurance costs and $2.95bn in rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. It put piracy’s total annual cost to the world economy at $7bn-$12bn.

As a result of increased naval patrols in the waters off east Africa, shipowners’ greater willingness to employ armed guards and efforts to make vessels harder to board, Somali pirates failed to carry out a single attack last year, the first time they have drawn a blank since at least 2006, the IMB said.

So far this year the waters off Somalia have again been incident free, although one attempted boarding of a container vessel in the Gulf of Aden in May was attributed to Somalis.

Despite this, Mr Mukundan says it is too early to claim success against the Somali pirates, given that the political situation in their homeland remains “fragile”, allowing organised crime to flourish.

The more recent spike in attacks on shipping in Southeast Asia also appears to be abating, as indicated in the second chart. Last year 108 incidents were reported in Indonesian waters, the highest figure for more than a decade.

However actual and reported attacks fell to 24 in the first half of 2016, down from 54 in the same period last year and the lowest figure since 2011. Malaysian waters also became safer while there were no recorded incidents in the Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and Indonesia, a channel plagued by piracy for centuries, or the Singapore Straits.

Mr Mukundan said thefts from ships in the region had been a “big problem” between April 2014 and Aug 2015, but that the authorities were now getting on top of the problem.

“A couple of these gangs have been caught and put on trial and sentenced to very long terms in prison in Malaysia,” he said, while a suspected criminal “mastermind” had been arrested in Indonesia.

Piracy remains endemic in the Sulu Sea, between the Philippines and Borneo, however. The sea is used by fishing vessels and tugs pulling barges carrying up to 5,000 tonnes of coal or palm oil, which are “sitting targets” for faster pirate ships, Mr Mukundan said.

“The crew are kidnapped and taken to the Philippines where in some cases they have been sold on to terrorist groups” and held for ransom, he added. As a result “the Malaysian government has banned barge transportation through the Sulu Sea”.

The most serious problems are now off the west coast of Africa, where Nigerian gangs have adopted “a new trend which is quite disturbing”, said Mr Mukundan.

In the past, these pirates have been content to board ships and steal their cargo, such as oil from tankers. However this activity has reduced, with Mr Mukundan speculating that the slide in oil prices has made such crime less attractive.

Instead, the gangs now tend to board vessels such as bulk carriers up to 120 nautical miles offshore, kidnap some of the crew and take them ashore to be held for ransom. Nigerian pirates kidnapped 24 crew members in the first half of this year, up from just 10 in the first six months of 2015.

These incidents are “increasingly violent”, with Nigerians accounting for eight of the nine incidents worldwide in which ships were fired on in the January-June period.
Despite the fact that paying a ransom is likely to encourage further kidnappings, Mr Mukundan said they were always paid.

“It’s very difficult to imagine a shipowner who is prepared to ignore the plight of his kidnapped crew members. It would be very unlikely to happen. You can’t abandon them,” he said.

Given that Nigerian pirates have been reported as far south as Angola and as far north as Sierra Leone, Mr Mukundan said greater international co-operation was needed to tackle the problem, with countries being more willing to share information to help secure prosecutions.

The IMB also called for agreements to allow a naval vessel that is in hot pursuit of suspects to be allowed to travel into the territorial waters of a neighbouring state, rather than being forced to give up the chase.

“There are a lot of countries with very short coastlines so it’s easy to escape from one territorial water to another,” Mr Mukundan said. “Agreements are required, but that requires a lot of confidence-building among countries that that right won’t be used for other purposes.”

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/3/be107aba-6a13-11e6-ae5b-a7cc5dd5a28c.html#axzz4IPgMJets

Police recovers head of ASG victim

From Tempo (Aug 26): Police recovers head of ASG victim

The decapitated head of what seems to belong to kidnap victim Patrick Jhames Almodavar was recovered by the local police in Barangay Kadjatan, Indanan Sulu.

Major Filemon Tan, the spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WesMinCom), said the head believed to be of Almodavar was wrapped in a plastic bag and was left by three alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) aboard a motorcycle.

As of press time, the decapitated head is being processed and investigated by elements of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and Indanan Police.

Almodavar, it was recalled, was abducted by the Ajang-Ajang group last July 16, 2016 in Barangay Asturias, Jolo, Sulu.

The group later turned him over to the ASG who in turned demanded for a P1 Million ransom to his family for his safe release.

The family of Almodavar earlier said they were able to raise only about P100,000 and had appealed to the government for help. The ASG however carried out their threat to behead the young Almodavar.

Meantime, President Duterte has renewed his order to the military and the police to find and destroy all enemies of the state, particularly the Islamist militant Abu Sayyaf.
This, after he learned of the beheading of Almodavar.

“That’s why I’m sending the troops there to destroy – My orders to the police and to the armed forces .. seek out (all enemies of the state). Seek them out in their lairs … and destroy them. Ang mga droga, destroy them. Ang mga Abu Sayyaf destroy them. Period,” the President said.

Asked how the present government’s war against the ASG be different from the previous administrations, Duterte said it will be “harsh.”

“I said I’ll be harsh. But, that is just a campaign, a campaign. Go out and destroy them. Patay kung ano ‘yan. ‘Wag na kayo magtanong ng human rights. Don’t bother to think (about human rights),” he stressed.

Meantime, suspected members of the ASG operating in Sulu province released unharmed Nora Awin Romoc and her eight-year old son Ricson Tuesday at an undisclosed place in Sulu.

Romoc and her son together with Nora’s husband identified as Elmer were abducted early this month in Sibugay province.

While mother and son were released, the bandits continue to hold captive Elmer who is said to be an employee of the Payao municipal treasurer’s office.

Unconfirmed reports say the family of Romoc were able to pay the ransom that led to the release of two of the three hostages.

http://tempo.com.ph/2016/08/26/police-recovers-head-of-asg-victim/

DWDD: COURTESY CALL | PMC Commandant MGen Valdez Pays a Visit to CGPA Lt Gen Año

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 24): COURTESY CALL | PMC Commandant MGen Valdez Pays a Visit to CGPA Lt Gen Año

 

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps receives full military honors upon his arrival at the Army headquarters here on Tuesday, Aug. 23. Maj. Gen. Remegio C. Valdez was warmly welcomed by the Army troopers headed by Army Inspector General, BGen. Joselito M. Reyes.

Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año handed over a plaque of appreciation to Maj. Gen. Valdez at the Commanders Lounge here. Valdez, who is set to retire from the military service on Aug. 25, paid courtesy call to the Army Chief and his staff. Both Año and Valdez are members of PMA “Matikas” Class of 1983. Photo Cpl Cesar P Lopez OACPA / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/courtesy-call-pmc-commandant-mgen-valdez-pays-a-visit-to-cgpa-lt-gen-ano/

DWDD: BLACK PROPAGANDA | SOSN – SMR Falsely Accusses Troops of the 66IB and 67IB

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 24): BLACK PROPAGANDA | SOSN – SMR Falsely Accusses Troops of the 66IB and 67IB


NSFA, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division note with grave concern the allegations of Save Our School Network (SOS) – SMR against soldiers of 67th and 66th Infantry Battalions for allegedly encamping inside a school building at Brgy Pagsabangan, New Bataan and with community households 10 meters from a school at Brgy Panansalan, Compostela town, both of Compostela Valley Province since Saturday, August 20, 2016.

The SOSN – SMR posted on their Facebook page the said allegations on Monday, August 22, 2016. The Headquarters 10th Infantry Division immediately directed the 67IB and 66IB to explain their side on the said allegations.

Per 67IB, they do not have any troops in the said areas as these are outside of their area of operations. It appears that these allegations of SOS-SMR against 67IB are unfounded, baseless and malicious.

Per document provided by 66IB, the temporary stay of their troops at Purok 3, Brgy Panansalan was permitted by Purok Chairman Artemio Magno. In the same document, the Purok Chairman also stated that the soldiers stayed away from the houses and school.

Other documents provided by 66IB and signed by Purok Chairman Rex Basta and Purok Secretary Nerisa Gollodo stated that the troops of 66IB were allowed by the Purok Chairman and the residents to enter and rest at Sitio Bongloy, Brgy Pagsabangan. In another document, Purok Secretary Nerisa Gollodo stated that the same troops did not occupy the Salugpungan school. A picture provided by 66IB showed the said Salugpungan school at a distance of about 100 meters from the position of the soldiers where the picture was taken.

As we have always said, the 10ID welcomes reports against our troops and encourages those who were victimized to file their complaints in appropriate agencies as we do not tolerate any misbehavior by our soldiers. We have time and again called on NDF-SMR – affiliated organizations to go beyond mere propaganda by filing charges against our misbehaving troops, so that we can purge our ranks of misfits. 10DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/black-propaganda-sosn-smr-falsely-accusses-troops-of-the-66ib-and-67ib/

DWDD: SERVICE TO EASTERN MINDANAO | PRRD to Grace EMC’s 10th Year Anniversary

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 24): SERVICE TO EASTERN MINDANAO | PRRD to Grace EMC’s 10th Year Anniversary

 

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to grace the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) 10th year anniversary which will be held at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan Davao City in the afternoon of August 26, 2016.

Lt. General Leonardo B. Guerrero, Commander EMC will lead the occasion and will receive the President in a full Military Honors upon his arrival at NSFA.

The celebration which has a theme “Katambayayong sa tinud-anay nga kausaban” will also be highlighted with the awarding of personnel and stakeholders who have significant contribution in the Command’s mission accomplishment.

It can be recalled that EMC was activated on August 28, 2006 in a simple ceremony at the Old Airport, Sasa, Davao City after the deactivation of the former Southern Command of the AFP in Zamboanga City on same date. PAO EASTMINCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/54580-2/

DWDD: COURTESY CALL | 74 Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 24): COURTESY CALL | 74 Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – A total of seventy four (74) newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines paid a courtesy call to the Chief of Staff General Ricardo R Visaya today, August 24.

Arrival Honors were rendered at the GHQ Canopy Area and followed by a simple ceremony at the Commissioned Officers Clubhouse.



The call is a customary undertaking that followed the oath-taking ceremony presided by the President and AFP Commander in Chief Rodrigo R Duterte.

The oath that renews their commitment to the Chain of Command and the Constitution was held August 23, at the Malacañan Palace and included top military officers
occupying vital units and offices in the AFP.  Photos by SN1 Donald Viluan PN and Ssg Randolf D Obinque PAF/PAO AFP / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/courtesy-call-74-newly-promoted-generals-and-flag-officers/

DWDD: SITUATION BRIEFING | Pres Duterte Visits 2ID (Jungle Fighters)

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 25): SITUATION BRIEFING | Pres Duterte Visits 2ID (Jungle Fighters)



CAMP MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal (DWDD) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discussed security measures in the whole Southern Luzon as he met with the officials of the 2nd Infantry Division Headquarters of the Philippine Army at Camp General Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

Present during the briefing were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya, Philippine Army Commanding General LtGen. Eduardo Año, Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Commander LtGen. Ferdinand Quidilla and several senior officials of the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP). RTVM / MCAG



]Video: Situation Briefing 8/24/2016  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPZQChmH-_0]

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/54615-2/

DWDD: TALK TO THE MEN | Pres Duterte Visits 2ID (Jungle Fighters)

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 26): TALK TO THE MEN | Pres Duterte Visits 2ID (Jungle Fighters)







 CAMP MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal (DWDD) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte affirmed anew his constant support to the men and women of the military in the Philippines, vowing to uplift and boost their morality and capabilities.

Speaking before the soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division Headquarters of the Philippine Army (PA) in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal, President Duterte expressed his unwavering encouragement to both soldiers and the police force, saying he is for their personal growth, peace and safety.

“I’m a great believer na kapag matatag ang military ko at matatag iyong ating mga pulis at may dedication sa trabaho, lalago ang ating bayan. I said I am here to guarantee you, to tell you, that you have my undying support para sa kabutihan o kapayapaan ninyo,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

Putting his support into action, the President reported that by the end of the month, soldiers would receive an incremental increase in their salary, doubling it once completed by the end of the year. He also promised them quality services and weaponries, saying, “dito sa military, I have served notice and I will take full responsibility for it na hindi ako bibili ng mga armas na maski saan-saan lang.”

Moreover, President Duterte addressed China on the recent ruling of the United Nations (UN) Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands over the disputed territories in the South China Sea, asking them for their plans on the decision made.

The President made it clear that the arbitral judgment would be insisted not only by the Philippines but also by other countries in the Southeast Asian region that have their own claims in the disputed waters.

“I hope China is dealing with us in good faith. They seem to be conciliatory, but we are not insisting in the arbitral judgment,” he said.

However, the President reiterated that he wants a peaceful resolution in the ongoing conflict, saying he would do whatever it takes to achieve this.

“We do not want a quarrel. I would walk the extra mile to ask for peace to everybody,” President Duterte stated. RTVM / MCAG



[Video: Talk to the Jungle Fighters 8/24/2016  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI-5YKWZuWc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI-5YKWZuWc

DWDD: PURELY PROPAGANDA | Social Media rant of SOS Network against the 66IB and 67IB

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 26): PURELY PROPAGANDA | Social Media rant of SOS Network against the 66IB and 67IB



MANILA (DWDD) – The leadership of the 10^th Infantry “Agila” Division vehemently denied the accusation of the militant front “Save Our School Network” against troops of the 66^th at 67^th Infantry Battalion.

In their Facebook post, the SOS Network accussed soldiers from the 66^th and 67^th IB of setting camp within the Salugpungan school in Brgy Pagsabangan in New Bataan and entering a community at Brgy Panansalan in Compostela twon, both in Compostela Valley.



In an interview by DWDD with Capt Rhyan Batchar, Public Affairs officer of the 10^th ID, in response to the accusations, the leadership of the 66^th at 67^th IB sent documents and evidences in defense of their troops.

The 67^th IB reiterated that thwey don’t have troop presence in the area since this is not part of their Area of Operations.

Meanwhile, the 66^th IB admitted that they were in Sitio Bongloy, Brgy Panansalan on August 20, 2016 to rest.

File Photo
Salugpungan school

They presented a document, prepared by Purok Secretary Nerisa Gollodo and duly signed by Purok Chairman Rex Basta, that they asked permission and was granted to enter and rest in the area.

Another document was furnished by the 66^th IB, prepared by Ms Gollodo, stating that no soldier occupied the Salugpungan school 100 meters away, together wih photos.

Capt Batchar added that they welcome any complaints against any soldier for any wrongdoings, but this should be done through proper forums or venues, and not through media or social media, hopefully together with sufficient evidence.

Most complaints aired by such groups are usually tagged as propaganda and aimed at destroying the credibility of our soldiers, but nowadays, Filipinos are more wiser in relating to such facts. AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/purely-propaganda-social-media-rant-of-sos-network-against-the-66ib-and-67ib/

MILF: MILF Chairman meets OIC Secretary General in Malaysia

Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 26): MILF Chairman meets OIC Secretary General in Malaysia



MILF Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim met with Secretary-General Iyad Amin Madani of the influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on 17 August 2016 at Putrajaya, Malaysia to apprise the latter of current development on the Bangsamoro peace process.

In a press statement appearing on the OIC’s official website (http://www.oic-oci.org), the office of the secretary-general said that “Chairman Murad briefed the Secretary General on the current status of the Peace Process in the Southern Philippines and the developments since the new Presidential administration took office in Manila.”

It also stated that the “Secretary General emphasized the OIC’s commitment to the implementation of all previous Peace Agreements concluded so far, including the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and viewed it as a first step toward the fulfillment of the internationally recognized 1976 Tripoli and 1996 Jakarta Agreements. The Organization also supported the role of Malaysia, as a Third Party Facilitator in this regard.  A proposal to hold an urgent meeting of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) in order to consolidate the position of the BCF members was agreed to during the meeting.”

Prior to their meeting, Chairman Murad was in Malaysia where he attended the formal launching on August 13 of the respective implementing panels for the GPH-MILF Bangsamoro Peace Agreement.

The OIC Secretary-General was on a two-day trip to Malaysia to attend the International Conference on Blue Ocean Strategy at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/76-international/862-milf-chairman-meets-oic-secretary-general-in-malaysia

PN allocates PHP6-M for frigates maintenance

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): PN allocates PHP6-M for frigates maintenance

The Philippine Navy (PN) is allocating the sum of PHP6,095,160 for the acquisition of materials needed for the repairs and maintenance of the naval guns of frigates BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16).

The two ships are the former Hamilton-class cutters acquired from the US through the Excess Defense Articles Program.

They are armed with an Oto Melara 76mm autocannon and a variety of 25mm and 20mm light cannons.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the items within 45 calendar days.

Pre-bid conference is on Aug. 30, 1 p.m. at the Office of the PN Bids and Awards Committee, Naval Station Jose Francisco, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=917408

CPP to declare indefinite ceasefire – Joma Sison

From Rapper (Aug 25): CPP to declare indefinite ceasefire – Joma Sison

The CPP founder says they have to match the government's indefinite ceasefire that will depend on 'certain conditions and certain circumstances.'



LONGER CEASEFIRE. Government representatives and communist rebels talk peace in Oslo. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

OSLO, Norway (2nd UPDATE) – The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will declare an "indefinite ceasefire" that will take effect on August 28, CPP founder Jose Maria Sison said here on the sidelines of the ongoing formal talks between the Philippine government and the communist guerrillas.

"Goodwill ceasefire will end, and then a new ceasefire order will take over," Sison told Rappler on Wednesday, August 24.

Prior to the talks, the CPP-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) declared a limited 7-day ceasefire, which will end on Saturday, August 27. The new ceasefire order will be issued before the first one expires, he said.

What the rebels will be declaring after this, Sison said, "will be much longer than 7 days" starting Sunday, August 28, to reciprocate the government's declaration of ceasefire.

On Thursday, August 25, Sison told reporters that the ceasefire order will be "indefinite," its duration will depend on "certain conditions and certain circumstances."

"Magpapatuloy hanggang (It will last until) it becomes clear kung makukuha ba ang (if we are going to get the) amnesty for all political prisoners," Sison earlier told Rappler.

Earlier, Philippine chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III expressed confidence that the guerrillas were "seriously considering [extending the ceasefire]."

The CPP-NPA is behind Asia's longest running insurgency. Talks resumed after an impasse of 5 years, and the guerrillas are represented at the negotiating table by their political arm, the National Democratic Front.

The rebel group now counts just 4,000 members, down from 26,000 in the 1980s, though it enjoys the support of the poorest people in rural areas (READ: Fast facts: The CPP-NPA-NDF and the Oslo talks).

Jalandoni said the NPA ground troops are regularly updated about the status of negotiations in Oslo.

"We have modern communication. Kapag nakapag-agree dito at nakapag-agree sa leadership doon, bababa yan sa lahat ng units. Napag-usapan na ito matagal na. Nashi-share ito sa leadership at command sa Philippines (If we agree here (Europe) and the leadership there (Philippines) also agree, it will go down to all the units. We have long been talking about this. We share that status of talks with the leadership and command in the Philippines)," Jalandoni told reporters.

On Tuesday, August 23, the panels agreed to respect agreements signed during previous administrations and to reconstitute the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) or the list of NDF members who should be spared arrest.

The panels agreed to fast track the process. Instead of discussing substantive issues one after another, they will allow simultaneous committee discussions on the following issues:

• Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER)
• Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR)
• End of Hostilities-Disposition of Forces (EOH-DOF)

CASER is expected to be the most contentious among these issues, but the government panel seeks to have a draft agreement on the issue within 6 months or by February 2017.

Government negotiator Hernani Braganza will handle CASER.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144076-oslo-talks-longer-ceasefire

Duterte: Gov't truce with communist rebels starts August 24

From Rappler (Aug 25): Duterte: Gov't truce with communist rebels starts August 24

President Rodrigo Duterte restores the government's unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels at 11:35 pm on August 24, but the truce was supposed to be in effect for several days already

'BE FRIENDLY.' President Rodrigo Duterte urges the military and the police to 'be friendly' with the New People's Army while the ceasefire is in effect. File photo by Joel Liporada/Rappler

 

President Rodrigo Duterte announced a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels before midnight Wednesday, August 24 – 3 days after the truce was supposed to be in effect.

"Effective this – it’s 11:35 [pm]. As of today, I am declaring a ceasefire. So I’m joining the Communist Party of the Philippines in its desire to seek peace for this nation," Duterte announced at the start of a news briefing in Davao City.

"Likewise, in the same manner, I am ordering the Armed Forces of the Philippines pati ang (and also the) Philippine National Police as of today, meron tayong (we have a) ceasefire," he added.

Duterte urged the military and the police to be "friendly" with communist rebels while the ceasefire is in effect.

"So we avoid hostile actions against each other, we do not go into any antagonistic behavior in front of whoever and as a matter of fact, I am encouraging people in government: the military and the police to be friendly with the forces of the revolutionary government of the Communist Party of the Philippines," he said.

The truce declaration created some confusion since Chief Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza had announced on Saturday, August 20, that the President has restored the government's unilateral ceasefire with the New People's Army effective Sunday, August 21.

"Today, the President restores the effects of that ceasefire declaration precisely at this strategic time when we are all at the onset of the formal resumption of peace talks that had previously stalled for the last 4 years," Dureza said in a press conference on August 20, hours before flying to Oslo for the peace talks with the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the CPP.

Dureza said then that the ceasefire will take effect "for as long as necessary to bring peace in the land and also in order to provide an enabling environment for the success of the peace negotiations that will start in Oslo, Norway, on August 22."

Shortly after Dureza's announcement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it hoped "that this restoration of ceasefire by the President will be matched with the same zeal and sincerity by the other party."

The Communist Party of the Philippines declared an an initial 7-day ceasefire with government forces until August 27, to cover the duration of the peace negotiations, but later extended it to 7 more days starting August 28.

Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF in his first State of the Nation Address on July 25, but lifted it July 30, after the other party failed to meet his deadline to reciprocate the government ceasefire.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144141-duterte-government-ceasefire-npa-august-24

P50-M ransom paid to Abu Sayyaf for Norwegian hostage – Duterte

From Rappler (Aug 25): P50-M ransom paid to Abu Sayyaf for Norwegian hostage – Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte says ransom has been paid for Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad, who has yet to be released by the Abu Sayyaf   

RANSOM PAID. President Rodrigo Dutere updates reporters on Norwegian kidnap victim Kjartan Sekkingstad, who is being held by the Abu Sayyaf, on August 25, 2016. Photo by Editha Caduaya/ Rappler

 

The Abu Sayyaf group has received a P50-million ransom payment for its Norwegian hostage, Kjartan Sekkingstad, but the group has not yet released him as it reportedly wants to get even "more" money, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday, August 25.

"They kept on postponing it [the release] because of the huge sum of money. Millions. 'Yung Norwegian, bayad na 'yon (Ransom has been paid for the Norwegian)," Duterte told reporters on Thursday morning.

Duterte would not respond directly to questions on who paid ransom for Sekkingstad and joked, "Hindi ko alam saang banko (I don't know which bank)."

Sekkingstad is the only remaining Abu Sayyaf captive from the group of 4 abducted in Samal Island in Davao del Norte in September 2015.

Only one person in that group had been set free, so far – Filipina Marites Flor. Her boyfriend, Robert Hall, and fellow Canadian John Ridsdel were beheaded after the deadline for their ransom payment lapsed in June and April, respectively. The Canadian government is observing a no-ransom policy.

On June 25, Norwegian Ambassador Erik Forner went to see Duterte during the release of kidnap victim Flor. The two leaders talked about negotiating for the release of Sekkingstad.

On Wednesday Duterte sent the 69th Army battalion to Jolo, Sulu, as part of his vow to "crush" the Abu Sayyaf, after the group beheaded its teenage captive that day.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144163-ransom-paid-norwegian-hostage-abu-sayyaf-duterte

Gibo Teodoro declines defense post again – Duterte

From Rappler (Aug 25): Gibo Teodoro declines defense post again – Duterte

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is also not keen on accepting President Duterte's offer to be ambassador to the United States

NO TO DND. Gibo Teodoro speaks with media in Davao City on June 2, 2016. File photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler

Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr has declined President Rodrigo Duterte’s second offer to lead the Department of National Defense, the Chief Executive said early Thursday morning, August 25.

“Ayaw niya e. Ayaw rin ni Gibo. Ibig sabihin, maghanap tayo ng iba (He doesn't want it. Gibo also doesn't want it. That means we need to look for others),” Duterte said during an early morning press conference in Davao City.

 

Duterte wanted Teodoro to replace Delfin Lorenzana as Defense Secretary, as he has asked the latter to be the country's ambassador to the United States. But apparently, both Teodoro and Lorenzana are not keen on the positions offered to them.

Lorenzana had told the President that he preferred to remain in the Philippines.

“Sabi niya, ‘Mayor, kung talagang wala nang [iba], if you order me to accept the position, I will. Pero gusto ko rin na malaman mo na matanda na ako, mahirap ang buhay sa labas,’” said Duterte, recalling Lorenzana’s words to him. (He said, ‘Mayor, if there is no one else, if you order me to accept the position, I will. But I want you to know that I am old, and life abroad is hard.)

 

Duterte called up Teodoro on Wednesday night to repeat his offer, but it seems that was when Teodoro declined.

 

“Coming in tonight, I called him and reiterated my [offer],” said Duterte.

 

He described Teodoro as a politician who might have been “disenchanted” from working in government, recalling the former defense chief's failed presidential bid in 2010.

 

Teodoro has not yet responded to Rappler’s request for comment on the matter.

Duterte declined to say who he has in mind for the position of US ambassador or defense secretary should Lorenzana change his mind.

 

Teodoro was Duterte's first choice for Defense Secretary but Teodoro declined the offer made in May.

 

Duterte has described Teodoro, his former lawyer, as "talented," "brilliant," and someone who "carries himself very well."

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144154-gibo-teodoro-declines-again-defense-secretary

Ex-AFP comptroller Ligot asks Sandiganbayan to junk P55-M forfeiture case

From Rappler (Aug 25): Ex-AFP comptroller Ligot asks Sandiganbayan to junk P55-M forfeiture case

Jacinto Ligot and his family say the case should be dismissed on the ground of 'forum shopping'



JACINTO C. LIGOT. Ligot seeks to have a P55 million foreiture case junked on the grounds of 'forum shopping.' File photo from Newsbreak

Retired Lieutenant General Jacinto Ligot and his extended family have asked the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to dismiss a forfeiture case against them.

The case, filed by the Ombudsman back in June of 2013, seeks to recover P55.6 million worth of cash investments and bank accounts that form part of the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the former military comptroller's family.

GMA News reported that he filed a joint motion for reconsideration and a motion to submit on August 18, which reached the court only on Thursday, August 25.

Ligot and his relatives said the case should be dismissed on the ground of "forum shopping," defined informally as having mulitple cases or proceedings involving the same parties for the same cause set up in order for a favorable judgment to be found in a case.

A resolution promulgated by the Sandiganbayan on July 21 acknowledged that a prior case for civil forfeiture filed by the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC) – through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) – remains pending before a Manila regional trial court.

The properties in the Ombudsman's forfeiture case includes Velasquez’s account with Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Phil. Inc (CFSI), carrying P52.525 million; a dollar account with Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank) by Yambao, which has P1.1 million; and Riza’s investment with the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan Association Inc., worth P419,323.60.

They said the AMLC and Ombudsman cases share the same bank deposits and investment accounts. What the government seeks to forfeit in both cases is almost identical, except the AMLC case has more listings.

Ligot and his family explained: “It is unthinkable but definitely, the Office of the Ombudsman is using its vast power for the purpose of oppression. In layman’s language, what is the difference between AMLC Case…and the instant case? Both are for the purpose of forfeiting the same money or assets.”

Ligot’s co-respondents include his wife Erlinda Y. Ligot; children Paulo, Riza and Miguel; brother-in-law Edgardo T. Yambao; and Gilda Y. Alfonso-Velasquez, cousin of Mrs Ligot.

Another earlier ill-gotten wealth case filed against the family in 2005, sought the forfeiture of real estate assets worth P135.28 million.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144234-ligot-sandiganbayan-forfeiture-case

From the President: A good meal, watches for soldiers

From Rappler (Aug 26): From the President: A good meal, watches for soldiers

President Rodrigo Duterte joins Philippine soldiers for dinner and durian



HAVING DURIAN. President Rodrigo Duterte has durian with the troops. Photo from the 10th Agila Division

President Rodrigo Duterte offered a good meal, durian fruits, and Casio G-Shock wrist watches to 1,000 members of the 69th Infantry Battalion who went to Basilan and Sulu to participate in the ongoing military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf.

The soldiers from the 69th Army battalion of the 10th Infantry Division and the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion based in Compostela Valley left Davao City Wednesday noon and Thursday morning.

On Wednesday night, August 24, Duterte had dinner with them and brought them to Magsaysay Park, where he ate durian with them.



HAVING SOME FRUIT. Philippine soldiers eat durian with the President. Photo from 10th Agila Division

Secretary Christopher Lawrence Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) told Rappler, "Each one was given (a) G-Shock casio wrist watch as a sign of support from the President ."

Go handed the wrist watches just before the soldiers finished their dinner, adding, "lahat sila binigyan (all were given one)."

While eating Durian with the soldiers, Duterte reminded the soldiers, "We need to protect the Republic. Go after them, mag ingat din kayo!"

After receiving the orders, the soldiers shouted "Yes, Sir!"

The Army's Major General, Rafael Valencia, sent off the the 69th Infantry Battalion's "Cougar" troopers to always abide by the rules of war and be safe.

President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his directive to the troops to “destroy” the Abu Sayyaf during his press conference early Thursday, August 25, in Davao City.

This was after a teenager who was abducted by the bandits in Sulu was beheaded on Wednesday for failing to pay the P1 million ransom.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144239-good-meal-duterte-soldiers

Boodle fight in Oslo to celebrate GPH-NDF peace talks

From Rappler (Aug 26): Boodle fight in Oslo to celebrate GPH-NDF peace talks

They celebrate gains in the process that is meant to end Asia's longest running insurgency



CELEBRATION. Negotiating teams in a boodle fight dinner after the 1st round of talks. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com

The Filipino community in Oslo prepared a boodle fight dinner on Thursday, August 25, for the negotiating teams of the Philippine government and the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF).

It is a military style of eating, where diners go around a long table filled with food that is served on banana leaves. One has to eat with bare hands.

The negotiating panels celebrated a week of talks, where both camps made headway in the process that is meant to end Asia's longest running insurgency.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) agreed to declare an indefinite ceasefire, while the government panel agreed to recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte the amnesty of all political prisoners, subject to the approval of Congress.
The signing is scheduled on Friday, August 26, at 11 am (5 pm in Manila).

Norwegian facilitator Elisabeth Slattum gamely joined the boodle fight, with Filipinos teaching her how to eat with bare hands. "Vikings Filipino way," she laughed.
[Two video reports]

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144243-boodle-fight-oslo-peace-taks

'GOOD DAY' | GRP, NDF agree on 6 major issues as Oslo talks wind down

From InterAksyon (Aug 26): 'GOOD DAY' | GRP, NDF agree on 6 major issues as Oslo talks wind down



The government and NDFP negotiating panels initial joint drafts after reaching agreement on six major issues during the fourth day of resumed formal talks in Oslo. (photo by Raymund Villanueva, Kodao Productions)

In what was described as “surprising dispatch,” the government and communist rebels have agreed and initialed joint drafts on six major issues on the fourth day of resumed formal negotiations in Oslo, Norway, an alternative media outfit covering the talks reported.

The issues, Kodao Productions said, are:

• affirmation of previously signed agreements
• reconstitution of NDFP’s list of Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees-protected personnel
• acceleration of the peace negotiations
• the mode of interim ceasefire
• general amnesty of NDFP-listed political detainees
• and the convening of the Joint Monitoring Committee of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law

All six will be included in a joint statement both sides will release at the talks’ closing ceremony on Friday.

Underscoring the atmosphere surrounding the resumed negotiations, National Union of People’s Lawyers secretary general Edre Olalia, who is a legal consultant of the NDFP, said heading into the last day of the talks: “What seemed foggy at first cleared up eventually. Tomorrow is a good day.”

He said it was “pleasantly surprising that the parties easily and quickly reached a common intersection of positions on the remaining issues,” refusing to allow “spoilers” to “undermine the mutual desire and flexibility to resolve outstanding issues.”

NDFP negotiating panel chairman Luis Jalandoni said they were “happy” with the talks’ outcome.

“Itong anim na punto ay magandang produkto na ng pag-uusap. At mahusay ang atmosphere (These six points ae a good product of the talks. And the atmosphere has been very good).  Very friendly at cordial,” he told Kodao.

Jalandoni’s government counterpart, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, said: “It turned out that both panels did not have many differences in opinion, so we reached an early consensus.”

Bello said they will recommend that President Rodrigo Duterte issue a general amnesty for all political detainees included in the list submitted by the NDFP.

Both sides have agreed to schedule the next round of formal talks in the second week of October, still in Oslo.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/131825/good-day--grp-ndf-agree-on-6-major-issues-as-oslo-talks-wind-down

Sison: Remarks at the opening ceremony of the resumption of formal talks in the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway, August 22, 2015

Posted to the Website of Jose Maria Sison (Aug 22): Remarks at the opening ceremony of the resumption of formal talks in the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway, August 22, 2015



By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairman, Communist Party of the Philippines
and Chief Political Consultant, National Democratic of the Philippines

Hon. Foreign Minister of the Royal Norwegian Government Borge Brende
Hon. State Secretary Tore Hattrem
Special Envoy to the Philippine Peace Process, Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum,
Hon. Jesus Dureza Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Hon. Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Chairperson of the GPH Negotiating Panel
Luis Jalandoni Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel
All compatriots in the GPH and NDFP Delegations
Distinguished Guests and Friends,

It is a great honor and privilege to speak at this solemn opening ceremony of the resumption of formal talks between the Negotiating Panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The Filipino people rejoice over this signal event and the bright prospects of a just and lasting peace in the horizon.

I share with the Filipino people and the revolutionary forces a deep sense of gratitude to the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) for having served as Third Party Facilitator of the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations since 2001 and for having helped in a big way to keep the peace process alive. We have always appreciated highly the patience, kindness and wisdom of the Norwegian government and people in encouraging and supporting the process.

We in the NDFP are optimistic that objective conditions and subjective factors in the Philippines are more favorable than ever before for carrying forward the peace negotiations from one comprehensive agreement to another and reaching the ultimate goal of a just and lasting peace through basic social, economic and political reforms.
The chronic crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system has aggravated and deepened. The big compradors, landlords and corrupt bureaucrats have become more oppressive and exploitative in the context of unbridled greed under the neoliberal regime of global capitalism. The broad masses of the people are fed up with the rotten system. They are desirous of revolutionary change. They look forward to the possibility of change through fundamental reforms through the peace negotiations.
President Duterte won the presidency of his government on the promise of fundamental changes. For the first time in the history of the Philippines, a president has emerged by denouncing the abuses of the oligarchy and the folly of servility to foreign powers and by using street language and methods of the mass movement. He is proud to describe himself as the first Left president and as a socialist, willing to seek common ground and cooperation with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

The CPP, NPA and NDFP are ever willing to cooperate with the Duterte government in pursuing the just cause of national and social liberation against foreign and feudal domination. They have an ever growing revolutionary strength which can combine with a patriotic and progressive kind of government to fight for the national and democratic rights of the Filipino people. There are great possibilities for the benefit of the people which can be charted and blueprinted by the comprehensive agreements on social, economic and political reforms.

Even as President Duterte has shifted from expressing a desire for a coalition government with the CPP to fa preference for an inclusive government of the Left, Middle and Right, he offers more hope for the advance and success of the peace negotiations than previous presidents and regimes. After all, the people and the revolutionary forces can benefit from bourgeois democratic reforms in the next six years. The expressed socialist aspirations of President Duterte can be accomplished only if preceded by such reforms.

What do we mean by bourgeois democratic reforms? These involve the assertion of national sovereignty and territorial integrity and the abrogation of unequal treaties and agreements; the democratic empowerment of the working people, social justice,

economic development through national industrialization and land reform; expanded free public education, a patriotic and progressive kind of culture; international solidarity of all peoples and trade and diplomatic relations with all countries.

Having mentioned all these as the essential content of reforms, we can say that it is necessary and possible for the negotiating parties to forge comprehensive agreements that lay the basis of a just and lasting peace. It is not enough to seek the end of hostilities. A just peace must be founded on and sustained by reforms that lift the people from the morass of underdevelopment, social injustice and poverty. In striving for such reforms, we can have truce and cooperation and form a government of national unity, peace and development.

President Duterte has shown magnanimity and generosity by promising the amnesty and release of all political prisoners upon the start of ceasefire, by offering cabinet posts to the Communist Party and agreeing to give such posts to highly qualified progressives and by agreeing to release political prisoners in accordance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) as well as on humanitarian grounds.

We have in our midst today the NDFP consultants who were imprisoned in violation of the JASIG and CARHRIHL. They have been released in accordance with the JASIG to enable them to participate in the formal peace talks. They are deeply committed and highly qualified. They can contribute greatly to the advance of the peace process. Let us give them a round of applause.

I am proud to say that President Duterte was my student in political science at the Lyceum of the Philippines when I was still a young professorial lecturer. He became a member of the Kabataang Makabayan of which I was the national chairman. This youth organization vowed to continue the unfinished revolution that was started by Andres Bonifacio. This meant upholding, defending and advancing the national and democratic rights of the Filipino people.

As a public official in Davao City, he knew how to cooperate with the revolutionary forces and act as member or supporter of legal patriotic and patriotic forces like BAYAN and Partido ng Bayan. This is a president who can understand and appreciate the principles and program of the national democratic movement and knows how to forge a just and lasting peace by addressing the roots of the civil war and satisfying the just demands of the people.

Why do I talk so long in praise of the principal of Secretary Dureza and the GPH negotiating panel? It is to express goodwill, show rapport and indicate that the two negotiating panels have a good basis for making the current formal talks successful and for bringing the entire process to a successful conclusion.

In conclusion, I wish to point out that President Duterte has done well in choosing an experienced and capable peace advisor and in composing his negotiating panel with patriotic and capable persons who have played significant roles in the past in forging agreements with the NDFP and have participated in the people’s struggle for national independence and democracy. I am confident that the GPH and NDFP negotiating panels will achieve significant success at this resumption of formal talks and will steadily proceed to the ultimate success of the entire peace negotiations. Thank you.

http://josemariasison.org/remarks-at-the-opening-ceremony-of-the-resumption-of-formal-talks-in-the-gph-ndfp-peace-negotiations-in-oslo-norway-august-22-2015/

NDF: Order to suspend all offensive operations of the NPA in Surigao Del Sur and Surigao Del Norte until August 31, 2016 to facilitate the release of the five (5) prisoners of war in NEMR

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Aug 24): Order to suspend all offensive operations of the NPA in Surigao Del Sur and Surigao Del Norte until August 31, 2016 to facilitate the release of the five (5) prisoners of war in NEMR  

Given that a unilateral ceasefire declaration of the CPP-NPA is currently in effect since 12:01 midnight of August 21 until 11:59 midnight of August 27, 2016, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines – North Eastern Mindanao Region (NDFP-NEMR) hereby orders all units of the New People’s Army whose area of responsibility covers San Miguel, Tago, Tandag City, Cortes, Lanuza, Carmen, Madrid, Cantilan and Carrascal in Surigao del Sur and the whole province of Surigao del Norte to CONTINUE TO SUSPEND ALL OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS until midnight (12:00) of August 31, 2016.

This declaration is to ensure the safety and security of the Prisoners of War (POW), Third Party Facilitators, the New People’s Army custodial units, and all those who will attend the release of prisoners of war PO1 Richard Yu of the PNP-Carmen in Surigao del Sur; PO2 Caleb Sinaca, PO3 Jayroll Bagayas and NPU Rodrigo Angob of the Malimono Municipal Police Station and SPO3 Santiago Lamanilao of the Surigao City Police Office in Surigao del Norte.

Given that the GRP President Rodrigo Duterte has declared an indefinite UNILATERAL ceasefire which started midnight of August 21, 2016, we expect that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (AFP-PNP-CAFGU) and its paramilitary forces will abide by the order of its commander-in-chief and will have completely suspended the offensive military operations especially in the abovementioned areas. Should the AFP-PNP-CAFGU units fail to comply with the directive, they shall be subject to counter-offensive and active-defense military actions of the NPA after the lifting of the NPA unilateral ceasefire at the dawn of August 28, 2016.

In relation to this, all responsible units concerned with the security of the area must report immediately to their higher command any and all developments in the field in order to help enable the NDFP-NEMR to make timely appraisals and directives based on the situation.

This ceasefire order to all responsible units means the temporary cessation of any military actions by concerned NPA units against whatever unit or individual members of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU. All concerned NPA units, however, must maintain their active-defense posture within the given timeframe of the ceasefire, and must not hesitate to defend its forces and the masses within its area of responsibility.

It is ordered further that after the release of prisoners of war PO1 Ricard Yu, PO2 Caleb Sinaca, PO3 Jayroll Bagayas, NPU Rodrigo Angob and SPO3 Santiago Lamanilao, all NPA units must move to a more secure location to prepare themselves and the masses in the area against possible attacks by enemy forces.

Ka Maria Malaya
Spokesperson
NDFP-NEMR

http://www.ndfp.org/order-suspend-offensive-operations-npa-surigao-del-sur-surigao-del-norte-august-31-2016-facilitate-release-five-5-prisoners-war-nemr/

BPATs, CVOs, MNLFs join hands to conquer Abu lairs in Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25): BPATs, CVOs, MNLFs join hands to conquer Abu lairs in Basilan

The success of the government forces in overrunning Abu Sayyaf lairs in the hinterlands of Basilan recently is attributed to the support and expertise of local peace action teams, civilian volunteers, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the local populace.

1LT Ron Villarosa, Public Affairs Officer, 4TH Special Force (SF) Battalion said that utilizing the elite 12-man team to conduct mass base operations and harness popular support, the operators effectively earned the trust of the masses to support military operations.

The Barangay Peace Action Teams (BPATs) and members of the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) from the municipalities of Albarka, Akbar, Tuburan, Maluso, Lantawan and Hadji Mutamad (Pilas) totaled to some 150 personnel. As the joint team pledged allegiance to the government’s Special Forces, the 12-man unit effectively turned into a formidable force.

“Leading the local militias to secure vital supply lines and deny the enemy use of communities as safe havens, the Airborne Troopers waged an unseen warfare that delisted the enemy of the mass base support system they once enjoyed. Utilizing the locals’ complete mastery of the terrain and familiarity of the enemy’s tactics, the BPATs/CVOs led by the Special Forces were able to seize and secure hill 497 – a gateway to the ASG’s defensive complex stretching from the municipalities of Albarka, Tipo-Tipo and Ungkaya Pukan – just within days of the offensive,” Villarosa narrated.

He said that this was the first outpost captured from the enemy since the start of the relentless operation.

Next to fall was the Hill 332 at Brgy Bohe Piang, Albarka which gave the operating troops a window to the infamous Baguindan complex of hilltops where the enemy outposts and defensive positions are strategically constructed. Several face-to-face dialogues likewise were conducted to dissuade the local populace from providing support to the ASGs. Within a week after the unit was deployed, reports on the ASG’s diminishing supplies surfaced as communities refute the enemy of resources and rally their support to the government troops.
 
LTC Andrew B. Bacala Jr, commanding officer of the 4TH Special Forces Battalion, noted the operation as a “liberation” for the populace of Baguindan , Tipo-Tipo and Bohe Piang of Al-Barka. Since last month, Special Forces have infiltrated strategic communities in the area, extending into three municipalities.

Villarosa revealed that in return for the MNLF’s alliance, the 4th Special Forces Battalion facilitated the enrollment of 263 MNLF dependents under the unit’s “Education4Life” project.

Under the program, qualified MNLF dependents are given full scholarship in accordance with the partnership that was formalized in a MOA signing between the 4TH Special Forces Battalion, Furigay Colleges Incorporated (FCI) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Such focused civil-military operation (CMO) projects enable the unit to harness the LGUs, civilians and the MNLFs for the conduct of an Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS), bringing a popular uprising against the Abu Sayyafs.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421472030226/bpats-cvos-mnlfs-join-hands-to-conquer-abu-lairs-in-basilan