From ABS-CBN (Sep 23): Reds push free land distribution, govt control of business
Communist negotiators are pushing for free land distribution and public ownership of industries as they prepare to sit down with the government for the crucial phase of the peace talks in Norway in two weeks.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) wants to "nationalize" 19 industries including oil, steel and mining, saying this will result in more jobs and economic development.
The issues will be on top of the agenda when government and NDPF negotiators tackle the proposed Comprehensive Agreement on Socioeconomic Reforms (CASER) on Oct. 6 to 10 in Oslo. Both sides hope to reach an agreement in six months.
"They're crucial because this is the meat of the problem," NDFP consultant Alan Jazmines said in a press conference. "The basic sufferings of the people are in their stomach."
The NDPF is encouraged by President Rodrigo Duterte's recent remarks against the West, particularly those that disparaged longtime ally the United States.
Duterte earlier declared: "I am no American puppet. I am the President of a sovereign country and I am not answerable to anyone except the Filipino people."
"We have to see kung gaano kataas ang degree ng pagiging anti-imperialist nya pero at least merong initial na pag-stand na hindi magpapa-bully [We have to see just how anti-imperialist he is but at least he has initial stand that he will not allow himself to be bullied]. So we appreciate and I hope it will help us," Jazmines said.
Under the NDFP's proposed agreement drafted in 1998, utilities such as power, communications, water and mass transportation will be publicly owned.
It also calls for a "genuine" land reform program where land distribution is free. At present, beneficiaries are required to pay amortization.
"CASER is the one immediately in the agenda because we have to address the stomach issues first," Jazmines said.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/23/16/reds-push-free-land-distribution-govt-control-of-business
Friday, September 23, 2016
Two Army troopers face court martial for theft
From GMA News (Sep 24): Two Army troopers face court martial for theft
Two enlisted military personnel are facing court martial for allegedly stealing government-issued ammunition.
Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, identified one of the suspects as Sgt. Jeffrey Ordoño (811896) of the 10th ID.
Ordoño was apprehended on Sept. 23 in an undisclosed location in Mawab,
Compostela Valley by joint elements of the 10th infantry division and the local police, GMA News quoted as saying .
Ordoño had stolen some 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, which he sold to "lawless elements" based on initial investigation by the 10th ID, he added.
Ordoño will face court martial proceedings for violation of Article of War 85, or the illegal disposition of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) property, Valecian said.
Also facing court martial proceedings is Army T/Sgt. Santiago Caasi (803099) of the command's Mechanized Infantry Division.
Satiago had been allegedly selling AFP-issued ammunition in an arms "black market" in the island-province of Basilan.
Caasi, who uses the alias "SSG Randy Cruz," is under the operational control of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion of the Southern Command, which is based in Barangay Kampo Uno in Lamitan, Basilan.
In a report, the Army's First Infantry Division said that Caasi was arrested on Sept. 20 during a "takedown operation" at the headquarters of the PA's 1st Cavalry Squadron at Camp Jacobo E. Zobel in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The command had earlier received information that he is engaged in illegal operation selling M203, M14 and M16 rifles and ammunition, a violation of Article of War 85.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/582552/news/regions/two-army-troopers-face-court-martial-for-theft
Two enlisted military personnel are facing court martial for allegedly stealing government-issued ammunition.
Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, identified one of the suspects as Sgt. Jeffrey Ordoño (811896) of the 10th ID.
Ordoño was apprehended on Sept. 23 in an undisclosed location in Mawab,
Compostela Valley by joint elements of the 10th infantry division and the local police, GMA News quoted as saying .
Ordoño had stolen some 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, which he sold to "lawless elements" based on initial investigation by the 10th ID, he added.
Ordoño will face court martial proceedings for violation of Article of War 85, or the illegal disposition of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) property, Valecian said.
Also facing court martial proceedings is Army T/Sgt. Santiago Caasi (803099) of the command's Mechanized Infantry Division.
Satiago had been allegedly selling AFP-issued ammunition in an arms "black market" in the island-province of Basilan.
Caasi, who uses the alias "SSG Randy Cruz," is under the operational control of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion of the Southern Command, which is based in Barangay Kampo Uno in Lamitan, Basilan.
In a report, the Army's First Infantry Division said that Caasi was arrested on Sept. 20 during a "takedown operation" at the headquarters of the PA's 1st Cavalry Squadron at Camp Jacobo E. Zobel in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The command had earlier received information that he is engaged in illegal operation selling M203, M14 and M16 rifles and ammunition, a violation of Article of War 85.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/582552/news/regions/two-army-troopers-face-court-martial-for-theft
NDF: Lasting truce ‘untenable’ if . .
From The Standard (Sep 24): NDF: Lasting truce ‘untenable’ if . . .
THE communist National Democratic Front said Friday forging a permanent ceasefire with the government by October may be “untenable” because of violations of the prevailing truce but President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to control all militia groups while the peace talks are ongoing.
“The continued violations [make the permanent ceasefi re] untenable,” and it is important for the government to address this already,” said NDF consultant Adelberto Silva, a ranking offi cial of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“In the next round of talks, we will try to move forward the bilateral ceasefi re agreement. The NDF had already raised the matter with the [government of the Republic of the Philippines],” Silva said in a media forum on Friday.
If the supposed violations are not ironed out in the next round of talks, Silva said the prevailing ceasefire may not be renewed after it expires on Oct. 28.
Silva, along with NDF consultants Alan Jazmines, Rafael Baylosis, Randall Echanis, Loida Magpatoc, Ruben Saluta, Renato Baleros, Kennedy Bangibang and Jaime Soledad are preparing for the next round of talks in Oslo from October 6 to 10.
But Duterte already ordered the military to control anti-communist paramilitary groups, that were organized to help the military secure hot spots across the country, while the talks are ongoing.
Speaking to reporters during his visit in Camp Vicente Alagar in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday, Duterte said the presence of the civilian armed groups could undermine the peace talks.
“Paramilitary men operating with firearms issued by the government would undermine the peace process. I hope this ends because we are really trying our best to come up with a peaceful country,” he said.
Duterte particularly mentioned the Magahat-Bagani Force operating in Surigao del Sur and another group in Arakan, North Cotabato.
In his speech before policemen, he said he was to meet with NDF chief peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni in Davao City on Thursday night but did not reveal details.
“Jalandoni is waiting for me in Davao. He’s there right now and I’ve invited them for dinner,” he said, adding that he is pushing for an “inclusive government” and not a coalition government with the communists.
Duterte added he could come up with a peace deal with the NDF so long as they do not insist on having posts in the country’s police and military organizations.
The Duterte administration is also talking with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front and the Communist Party of the Philippines, headed by Jose Maria Sison, in a bid to achieve lasting peace in the country, particularly in Mindanao.
Both the government and NDF negotiating panels signed an agreement in Oslo last August to enforce a ceasefire for 60 days ending Oct. 28 while talks are ongoing in Oslo.
While the NDF welcomed Duterte’s pronouncements to address threats from paramilitary groups, they stressed that this in not enough to resolve the threats looming the continuation of the ceasefire agreement.
http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/216986/ndf-lasting-truce-untenable-if-.html
THE communist National Democratic Front said Friday forging a permanent ceasefire with the government by October may be “untenable” because of violations of the prevailing truce but President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to control all militia groups while the peace talks are ongoing.
“The continued violations [make the permanent ceasefi re] untenable,” and it is important for the government to address this already,” said NDF consultant Adelberto Silva, a ranking offi cial of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“In the next round of talks, we will try to move forward the bilateral ceasefi re agreement. The NDF had already raised the matter with the [government of the Republic of the Philippines],” Silva said in a media forum on Friday.
If the supposed violations are not ironed out in the next round of talks, Silva said the prevailing ceasefire may not be renewed after it expires on Oct. 28.
Silva, along with NDF consultants Alan Jazmines, Rafael Baylosis, Randall Echanis, Loida Magpatoc, Ruben Saluta, Renato Baleros, Kennedy Bangibang and Jaime Soledad are preparing for the next round of talks in Oslo from October 6 to 10.
But Duterte already ordered the military to control anti-communist paramilitary groups, that were organized to help the military secure hot spots across the country, while the talks are ongoing.
Speaking to reporters during his visit in Camp Vicente Alagar in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday, Duterte said the presence of the civilian armed groups could undermine the peace talks.
“Paramilitary men operating with firearms issued by the government would undermine the peace process. I hope this ends because we are really trying our best to come up with a peaceful country,” he said.
Duterte particularly mentioned the Magahat-Bagani Force operating in Surigao del Sur and another group in Arakan, North Cotabato.
In his speech before policemen, he said he was to meet with NDF chief peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni in Davao City on Thursday night but did not reveal details.
“Jalandoni is waiting for me in Davao. He’s there right now and I’ve invited them for dinner,” he said, adding that he is pushing for an “inclusive government” and not a coalition government with the communists.
Duterte added he could come up with a peace deal with the NDF so long as they do not insist on having posts in the country’s police and military organizations.
The Duterte administration is also talking with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front and the Communist Party of the Philippines, headed by Jose Maria Sison, in a bid to achieve lasting peace in the country, particularly in Mindanao.
Both the government and NDF negotiating panels signed an agreement in Oslo last August to enforce a ceasefire for 60 days ending Oct. 28 while talks are ongoing in Oslo.
While the NDF welcomed Duterte’s pronouncements to address threats from paramilitary groups, they stressed that this in not enough to resolve the threats looming the continuation of the ceasefire agreement.
http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/216986/ndf-lasting-truce-untenable-if-.html
‘Army, NPA ceasefire holding'
From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 23): ‘Army, NPA ceasefire holding'
The unilateral ceasefires being observed by the Philippine Army and the communist New People's Army appear to be holding, in the absence of clashes and insurgency-related incidents, as of this time.
Col. Francisco Delfin, commander of the 303 rd Infantry Brigade, that has jurisdiction of the Negros Island, said yesterday that they have not monitored any violation almost a month after the indefinite ceasefire was declared by the government and the CPP-NPA.
But Delfin said they have monitored movements of some NPA rebels, although in small formations. But there was no consolidation of rebel forces, he added.
The National Democratic Front-Negros had issued a statement earlier that it will abide by the indefinite ceasefire. But it said that the New People's Army in Negros Island will maintain its defensive mode against any “unfriendly actions or provocations” and continue its vigilance over intrusion in its areas, like surveillance and offensive operations camouflaged as peace and development or civil military operations.
With the suspension of military operations, Delfin said they are continuing their peace efforts, through Bayanihan Team activities, aimed at helping the people in countryside bring their concerns to government agencies, and assist the police in establishing pre-emptive measures, in connection with the declaration of the state of lawless violence by the President.
Government chief negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process that he is optimistic a bilateral agreement will be reached and put in place when the second round of peace negotiations resume on October 4-10, also in Oslo, Norway.
“It is indicative of the sincerity of both parties in the (peace) process which augurs well for peace,” Bello said of the lull in the fighting.
He said the indefinite unilateral ceasefire from the NPA is considered “historic and unprecedented,” following the release of 22 detained NDF consultants.
While he called on Negrenses to support the formal peace talks between the Philippine government and NDFP, Frank Fernandez, NDF-Negros spokesman said, “We must remain vigilant against peace saboteurs who may derail the peace process”.
Fernandez also said that the NPA-Negros will continue to implement sanctions against rabid syndicates, people engaged in the drug trade, large scale mining, wanton destruction of the environment, private armed goons and guards of landlords.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/September/23/negor1.htm
The unilateral ceasefires being observed by the Philippine Army and the communist New People's Army appear to be holding, in the absence of clashes and insurgency-related incidents, as of this time.
Col. Francisco Delfin, commander of the 303 rd Infantry Brigade, that has jurisdiction of the Negros Island, said yesterday that they have not monitored any violation almost a month after the indefinite ceasefire was declared by the government and the CPP-NPA.
But Delfin said they have monitored movements of some NPA rebels, although in small formations. But there was no consolidation of rebel forces, he added.
The National Democratic Front-Negros had issued a statement earlier that it will abide by the indefinite ceasefire. But it said that the New People's Army in Negros Island will maintain its defensive mode against any “unfriendly actions or provocations” and continue its vigilance over intrusion in its areas, like surveillance and offensive operations camouflaged as peace and development or civil military operations.
With the suspension of military operations, Delfin said they are continuing their peace efforts, through Bayanihan Team activities, aimed at helping the people in countryside bring their concerns to government agencies, and assist the police in establishing pre-emptive measures, in connection with the declaration of the state of lawless violence by the President.
Government chief negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process that he is optimistic a bilateral agreement will be reached and put in place when the second round of peace negotiations resume on October 4-10, also in Oslo, Norway.
“It is indicative of the sincerity of both parties in the (peace) process which augurs well for peace,” Bello said of the lull in the fighting.
He said the indefinite unilateral ceasefire from the NPA is considered “historic and unprecedented,” following the release of 22 detained NDF consultants.
While he called on Negrenses to support the formal peace talks between the Philippine government and NDFP, Frank Fernandez, NDF-Negros spokesman said, “We must remain vigilant against peace saboteurs who may derail the peace process”.
Fernandez also said that the NPA-Negros will continue to implement sanctions against rabid syndicates, people engaged in the drug trade, large scale mining, wanton destruction of the environment, private armed goons and guards of landlords.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/September/23/negor1.htm
NDF: Socio-economic pact frameworks: GRP Constitution, NDF Program
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Sep 23): Socio-economic pact frameworks: GRP Constitution, NDF Program
NDF expect “spirited and interesting” discussion on frameworks
[Press release] The Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) Guide for Establishing the People’s Democratic Government and the Program for a People´s Democratic Government of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) will serve as “guiding frameworks” in crafting an agreement on social and economic reforms under the proposed framework and outline exchanged by the NDFP.
Earlier this week, the NDFP exchanged with the GRP a proposed “framework and outline” for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, the second substantive agenda to be tackled in the next round of peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway on October 6-10.
The exchange of “framework and outline” was agreed upon during the meeting of the Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER) of both Parties last August 24. The substantive agenda on social and economic reforms is next to be negotiated by the two parties according to the framework agreement set by The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.
“The interests, rights and welfare of the people, and addressing the roots of the armed conflict should be of utmost importance,” says NDFP consultant and RWC-SER member Randall Echanis.
However, Echanis said, “We anticipate a spirited and interesting discussion on the frameworks, and at the same time expect it to be a bit contentious.”
Echanis added that “under the NDFP proposal the responsibility for implementation of the agreement shall be joint and separate.”
The Guide for Establishing the People’s Democratic Government is a 1972 document of the CPP that is being used by the NDFP as basic law in setting up the organs of people’s political power in guerrilla bases and revolutionary territories.
According to the NDFP proposal, the main CASER objectives are: a) carry out agrarian reform and national industrialization; b) advance the rights of exploited, oppressed, discriminated and disadvantaged sectors of society; c) uphold, protect, defend and promote economic sovereignty; and d) conserve the national patrimony and protect the environment.
In addition to the GRP’s 1987 Constitution and the CPP’s Guide for Establishing the People’s Democratic Government, the NDFP also proposed that the CASER refer to “universally accepted principles and instruments of international law, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966, the International Labor Convention of 1948 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and other similar or relevant international covenants.” #
Reference:
Randall Echanis
Member, NDFP-RWC-SER
Tel. No. 02-725-1457
http://www.ndfp.org/socio-economic-pact-frameworks-grp-constitution-ndf-program/
NDF expect “spirited and interesting” discussion on frameworks
[Press release] The Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) Guide for Establishing the People’s Democratic Government and the Program for a People´s Democratic Government of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) will serve as “guiding frameworks” in crafting an agreement on social and economic reforms under the proposed framework and outline exchanged by the NDFP.
Earlier this week, the NDFP exchanged with the GRP a proposed “framework and outline” for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, the second substantive agenda to be tackled in the next round of peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway on October 6-10.
The exchange of “framework and outline” was agreed upon during the meeting of the Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER) of both Parties last August 24. The substantive agenda on social and economic reforms is next to be negotiated by the two parties according to the framework agreement set by The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.
“The interests, rights and welfare of the people, and addressing the roots of the armed conflict should be of utmost importance,” says NDFP consultant and RWC-SER member Randall Echanis.
However, Echanis said, “We anticipate a spirited and interesting discussion on the frameworks, and at the same time expect it to be a bit contentious.”
Echanis added that “under the NDFP proposal the responsibility for implementation of the agreement shall be joint and separate.”
The Guide for Establishing the People’s Democratic Government is a 1972 document of the CPP that is being used by the NDFP as basic law in setting up the organs of people’s political power in guerrilla bases and revolutionary territories.
According to the NDFP proposal, the main CASER objectives are: a) carry out agrarian reform and national industrialization; b) advance the rights of exploited, oppressed, discriminated and disadvantaged sectors of society; c) uphold, protect, defend and promote economic sovereignty; and d) conserve the national patrimony and protect the environment.
In addition to the GRP’s 1987 Constitution and the CPP’s Guide for Establishing the People’s Democratic Government, the NDFP also proposed that the CASER refer to “universally accepted principles and instruments of international law, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966, the International Labor Convention of 1948 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and other similar or relevant international covenants.” #
Reference:
Randall Echanis
Member, NDFP-RWC-SER
Tel. No. 02-725-1457
http://www.ndfp.org/socio-economic-pact-frameworks-grp-constitution-ndf-program/
DWDD: PHIBLEX 33 | Phl-US Annual Naval Bilateral Exercise
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 22): PHIBLEX 33 | Phl-US Annual Naval Bilateral Exercise
MARINE BARRACKS RUDIARDO BROWN, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Philippine and United States Navy will be conducting the 33rd edition of the “Philippine Bilateral Exercise 0r PhiBLEX” from October 4-12, 2016 at the Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City.
According to Cpt Ryan F Lacuesta, PN (M), Director, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office Public Affairs Office, the exercise will have different events that will enhance the interoperability and capability of the naval forces of both countries.
Some of the exercise activities are as follows:
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/phiblex-33-phl-us-annual-naval-bilateral-exercise/
MARINE BARRACKS RUDIARDO BROWN, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Philippine and United States Navy will be conducting the 33rd edition of the “Philippine Bilateral Exercise 0r PhiBLEX” from October 4-12, 2016 at the Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City.
According to Cpt Ryan F Lacuesta, PN (M), Director, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office Public Affairs Office, the exercise will have different events that will enhance the interoperability and capability of the naval forces of both countries.
Some of the exercise activities are as follows:
- PHIBLEX33 Opening Ceremony on October 4, 2016 to be held at the Acero Hall, Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
- Amphibious Landing Exercise on October 7, 2016 at the Naval Education Training Command in San Antonio Zambales.
- Combined Live Fire exercise (CALFEX) on October 10, 2016 at the Crow Valley in Tarlac.
- Turn-over ceremony of Engineering project at the Palawig Elementary School and San Vicente Elem School on October 11, 2016 at Sta Ana, Cagayan, and,
- Closing Ceremony PHIBLEX33 on October 12, 2016 at the Acero Hall, Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. PAO PMC / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/phiblex-33-phl-us-annual-naval-bilateral-exercise/
DWDD: ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG CAMPAIGN | Army shares camp in Mindanao for rehab facility
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 22): ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG CAMPAIGN | Army shares camp in Mindanao for rehab facility
Agusan Rehab (Photo from Google)
Agusan Rehab (Photo from Google)
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – An Army camp in Mindanao became the pioneer military host of a drug rehabilitation center in support to the anti-illegal drug campaign of the president.
The Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade opened today a 2-hectare facility inside its camp in partnership with the province of Agusan del Sur.
The center, called as the Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (RTRC), is inaugurated today with Atty. Salvador Panelo as Guest of Honor representing the president.
The RTRC can accommodate 60 patients at a time and shall be managed and administered by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur.
The establishment of the RTRC is in line with the province’s drug rehabilitation program called, Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE).
SURE aims to give victims of drug use a second chance to life and keep them away from drug syndicates who are covering their tracks.
Gov. “Eddiebong” Plaza of Agusan Sur praised the local Army unit for the significant support in his anti-drug campaign.
Plaza said that his province takes pride of having the 401st Brigade as an adopted Army unit and a partner in his provincial development programs.
The Army brigade camp based in the town of Prosperidad of the province has a total land area of 334 hectares.
Col. Cristobal N. Zaragoza, the Army’s 401st Brigade Commander, said that this is part of a team collaboration existing between the military and the local government.
“We will give our all-out support to this campaign,” said Zaragoza. “A drug-free province is necessary for a drug-free country.”
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/55200-2/
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/55200-2/
DWDD: DUE TO RELENTLESS OPERATIONS | 20 ASG Surrenders in Basilan
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 22): DUE TO RELENTLESS OPERATIONS | 20 ASG Surrenders in Basilan
CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – Twenty (20) members of Sumisip-based Abu Sayyaf group under sub-leader Katatong Balaman @Tatong from Basilan Province surrendered to the 104th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army under Colonel Thomas C. Donato, Jr., Brigade Commander, and the Local Government Unit of Sumisip, Basilan headed by Mayor Gulam Boy Hattaman, in coordination with the 64th Infantry Battalion, on September 22, 2016 at the Municipal Hall of Sumisip, Basilan.
Eight (8) high-powered firearms and two (2) locally-made shotguns were surrendered by the group.
According to 1Lt Nino Mariano B. Paat, Civil Military Operations Officer, 64th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, alias Tatong and his group are responsible for several ambuscades and skirmishes against the government troops, particularly in Barangays Sukaten and Baiwas of Sumisip. “This is the result of the relentless operation we are conducting where they suffered lots of casualties. These Abu Sayyafs now fear for their lives, leading to the surrender,” said Colonel Donato.
August this year, the Philippine Army overran the Abu Sayyaf strongholds in Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo. “We are very open for surrenderees. We want to end this war in peace and pave the way for development in Basilan,” he added.
The LGU believed that there are still other members of the Abu Sayyaf who are willing to surrender and return to the folds of law. “It’s time to end this terrorist problem in our country. We want to make Basilan a peaceful place to live so that development will prosper. We are closely working with the AFP to decimate all these terrorist groups,” said Mayor Hattaman. Released by: 1st Lieutenant Nino Mariano B. Paat Civil Military Operations Officer, 64th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army. CMO 64IB 1ID / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/55225-2/
CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – Twenty (20) members of Sumisip-based Abu Sayyaf group under sub-leader Katatong Balaman @Tatong from Basilan Province surrendered to the 104th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army under Colonel Thomas C. Donato, Jr., Brigade Commander, and the Local Government Unit of Sumisip, Basilan headed by Mayor Gulam Boy Hattaman, in coordination with the 64th Infantry Battalion, on September 22, 2016 at the Municipal Hall of Sumisip, Basilan.
Eight (8) high-powered firearms and two (2) locally-made shotguns were surrendered by the group.
According to 1Lt Nino Mariano B. Paat, Civil Military Operations Officer, 64th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, alias Tatong and his group are responsible for several ambuscades and skirmishes against the government troops, particularly in Barangays Sukaten and Baiwas of Sumisip. “This is the result of the relentless operation we are conducting where they suffered lots of casualties. These Abu Sayyafs now fear for their lives, leading to the surrender,” said Colonel Donato.
August this year, the Philippine Army overran the Abu Sayyaf strongholds in Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo. “We are very open for surrenderees. We want to end this war in peace and pave the way for development in Basilan,” he added.
The LGU believed that there are still other members of the Abu Sayyaf who are willing to surrender and return to the folds of law. “It’s time to end this terrorist problem in our country. We want to make Basilan a peaceful place to live so that development will prosper. We are closely working with the AFP to decimate all these terrorist groups,” said Mayor Hattaman. Released by: 1st Lieutenant Nino Mariano B. Paat Civil Military Operations Officer, 64th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army. CMO 64IB 1ID / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/55225-2/
DWDD: FREEDOM | Another Indonesian Released in Sulu
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 22): FREEDOM | Another Indonesian Released in Sulu
CAMP BAUTISTA, Sulu (DWDD) – Another Indonesian kidnap victim was released in Sulu Thursday morning as troops continue intensified rescue efforts.
The released hostage was identified thru his passport as Herman Bin Manggak, 30 years old. He is the sixth Indonesian freed from Abu Sayyaf captivity since Pres Rodrigo Duterte assumed office and ordered an intensified rescue effort.
Herman was officially turned over to military custody at 12nn by the local government of Sulu and was immediately taken to Camp Bautista hospital in Jolo for check-up and processing.
Talking to an interpreters, he asked for food and relayed how government troops nearly rescued him three times as they engaged the ASG in fierce gunbattles.”The release of the victim is the result of relentless focused military operations combined with efforts of different sectors particularly LGU of Sulu and other stakeholders”
Brig.Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Joint Taskforce Sulu said Several kidnap victims were successively rescued or released after the intensified rescue efforts and arrival of more troops in Sulu.
It may be recalled that Martina Yee who was kidnapped by armed men in Sirawai was rescued yesterday in Indanan Sulu by elements of the 35th Infantry Battalion, only two days after her captivity; the fastest and successful rescue operation conducted on a kidnap victim by armed men before she can be further turned over to the ASG.
The swift rescue of Yee was attributed by authorities to a well- coordinated effort by AFP and PNP with the help of civilian populace from Sirawai to Sibuco and Zamboanga City to Sulu who informed and alerted troops on the presence of armed men.
Gen.Ricardo Visaya, the AFP Chief of Staff, commended the troops for the success. “Let me commend all the troops for a well-coordinated and incessant two-day rescue operation that led to the successful rescue of Martina Lyn Yee who was kidnapped in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte on 19 Sep 2016. As your Chief of Staff, I am truly proud of this accomplishment, noting that this is the first time that we have intercepted the ASG while they are still enroute to their hiding place Your dedication in this accomplishment wil be in the annals of the AFP’s history. Congratulations and keep up the good work!” Gen.Visaya said. IS Tm – JTF SULU / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/55230-2/
CAMP BAUTISTA, Sulu (DWDD) – Another Indonesian kidnap victim was released in Sulu Thursday morning as troops continue intensified rescue efforts.
The released hostage was identified thru his passport as Herman Bin Manggak, 30 years old. He is the sixth Indonesian freed from Abu Sayyaf captivity since Pres Rodrigo Duterte assumed office and ordered an intensified rescue effort.
Herman was officially turned over to military custody at 12nn by the local government of Sulu and was immediately taken to Camp Bautista hospital in Jolo for check-up and processing.
Talking to an interpreters, he asked for food and relayed how government troops nearly rescued him three times as they engaged the ASG in fierce gunbattles.”The release of the victim is the result of relentless focused military operations combined with efforts of different sectors particularly LGU of Sulu and other stakeholders”
Brig.Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Joint Taskforce Sulu said Several kidnap victims were successively rescued or released after the intensified rescue efforts and arrival of more troops in Sulu.
It may be recalled that Martina Yee who was kidnapped by armed men in Sirawai was rescued yesterday in Indanan Sulu by elements of the 35th Infantry Battalion, only two days after her captivity; the fastest and successful rescue operation conducted on a kidnap victim by armed men before she can be further turned over to the ASG.
The swift rescue of Yee was attributed by authorities to a well- coordinated effort by AFP and PNP with the help of civilian populace from Sirawai to Sibuco and Zamboanga City to Sulu who informed and alerted troops on the presence of armed men.
Gen.Ricardo Visaya, the AFP Chief of Staff, commended the troops for the success. “Let me commend all the troops for a well-coordinated and incessant two-day rescue operation that led to the successful rescue of Martina Lyn Yee who was kidnapped in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte on 19 Sep 2016. As your Chief of Staff, I am truly proud of this accomplishment, noting that this is the first time that we have intercepted the ASG while they are still enroute to their hiding place Your dedication in this accomplishment wil be in the annals of the AFP’s history. Congratulations and keep up the good work!” Gen.Visaya said. IS Tm – JTF SULU / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/55230-2/
PH, US to hold joint PHIBLEX in October
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 22): PH, US to hold joint PHIBLEX in October
http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-us-to-hold-joint-phiblex-in-october/
The Philippines and United States will conduct the annual bilateral exercises “PHIBLEX 33” next month, the Philippine Marines assured yesterday.
Marine Captain Ryan F. Lacuesta, director of the Marine Corps Public Affairs, said the annual exercise will be held on October 4-12 with the opening ceremony set to be held at the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Top officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US military are expected to attend the opening ceremony.
Activities lined up for PHIBLEX 33 include the Amphibious Landing Exercise to be held at the Naval Education Training Command in San Antonio, Zambales; the Combined Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) to be held at Crow Valley, Tarlac and the turn-over ceremony of the Engineering project in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise hosted annually by the Philippines.
The AFP said the annual exercise is meant to enhance interoperability and readiness of their men and US forces.
http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-us-to-hold-joint-phiblex-in-october/
US-PH combat drills announced under critical Duterte
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 23): US-PH combat drills announced under critical Duterte
Filipino activists are blocked by police during a rally near the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. Left-wing activists held the protest to mark the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Senate’s rejection of the renewal of a lease agreement that lead to the closure of major US bases in the Philippines and to urge Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to oppose existing security agreements that allow temporary US military presence in the country. AP
Philippine military officials on Thursday announced the first large-scale combat exercises between US and Filipino forces under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been critical of American security policies.
Military officials said the annual maneuvers by about 1,400 US military personnel and 500 Philippine marines will involve amphibious landing and live-fire exercises at a northern gunnery range from Oct 4 to 12.
Describing himself as a socialist, Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the US He has said he is charting a foreign policy not dependent on the US, a treaty ally, and has taken steps to revive ties with China, which had been strained under his predecessor over longstanding territorial conflicts.
He repeated in a speech Thursday that he would not allow Filipino forces to conduct joint patrols with the US military in the disputed South China Sea because that could spark an armed conflict in Philippine territory. He has also said he wants US forces out of the country’s south, where he said minority Muslims resent the presence of American troops.
READ: US: No formal request from Philippines to remove military
Still, Duterte has said he will not abrogate the mutual defense treaty with the US and will maintain the long alliance with America.http://globalnation.inquirer.net/145338/us-ph-combat-drills-announced-under-critical-duterte
Filipino activists are blocked by police during a rally near the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. Left-wing activists held the protest to mark the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Senate’s rejection of the renewal of a lease agreement that lead to the closure of major US bases in the Philippines and to urge Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to oppose existing security agreements that allow temporary US military presence in the country. AP
Philippine military officials on Thursday announced the first large-scale combat exercises between US and Filipino forces under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been critical of American security policies.
Military officials said the annual maneuvers by about 1,400 US military personnel and 500 Philippine marines will involve amphibious landing and live-fire exercises at a northern gunnery range from Oct 4 to 12.
Describing himself as a socialist, Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the US He has said he is charting a foreign policy not dependent on the US, a treaty ally, and has taken steps to revive ties with China, which had been strained under his predecessor over longstanding territorial conflicts.
He repeated in a speech Thursday that he would not allow Filipino forces to conduct joint patrols with the US military in the disputed South China Sea because that could spark an armed conflict in Philippine territory. He has also said he wants US forces out of the country’s south, where he said minority Muslims resent the presence of American troops.
READ: US: No formal request from Philippines to remove military
Still, Duterte has said he will not abrogate the mutual defense treaty with the US and will maintain the long alliance with America.http://globalnation.inquirer.net/145338/us-ph-combat-drills-announced-under-critical-duterte
Bidder questions purchase of Navy Frigates
From the Manila Times (Sep 22): Bidder questions purchase of Navy Frigates
ONE of six bidders in the government’s acquisition of two Navy frigates has raised questions on the alleged modification of the bid structure by the bids and awards committee (BAC) of the Department of National Defense (DND), in which the project was supposedly split into two components.
STX Offshore and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (STX Korea) claimed that dividing the bidding for the two ships and their weapons systems, and the bidding for ammunition, was grossly disadvantageous to the government and in serious violation of procurement laws.
“Splitting the Authorized Budget of Contract (ABC) and the items to be bid out after the first stage of the bidding, and before the second stage, is tantamount to changing the terms and conditions of the bid in the middle of the game,” STX Korea said in a statement.
It said that initially, the bidders were made to believe that the ABC was P18 billion and the items for bidding were the vessels, weapons system and ammunition, “and we joined the bidding on the basis of those parameters.”
“It is thus unfair for everyone, especially for those who failed to pass the initial stage, to have the terms substantially changed when the bid has already been submitted,” STX Korea pointed out.
It said the BAC later released the technical specification for the project but removed all references to ammunition. The BAC also attached a memorandum to the bid document, specifying the need to split the bidding for the vessels and the ammo which could be in the form of missiles, bullets, torpedoes and others.
The firm claimed the BAC purposely split the project to make it appear that the winning bidder, Hyundai Heavy Industries, offered the lowest price at P16 billion for the two vessels alone.
Splitting the bid will limit the number of bidders to those who will be able to match the specifications of the winner of the first bidding, it claimed.
“In other words, there will be no competition for the bid of ammunition as the manufacturer of the launchers in the first bid is the only manufacturer of the ammunition that will fit such launchers,” STX Korea added.
Arsenio Andolong, DND Public Affairs Service director, said the action of the BAC should not be considered as splitting the contract.
He explained that the separation of the procurement of the platforms with launchers and procurement of missiles and munitions was the result of technical discussions with eligible bidders that included STX Korea, STX France, HHI, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Navanta S.A. and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co.
Andolong added that the eligible bidders suggested to the Philippine Navy’s technical working group to acquire missiles or munitions through a government-to-government transaction, to facilitate the export-import license of the defense items.
The DND official maintained that the department did not violate any provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Procurement Reform Act in modifying the bidding documents.
“It must be emphasized that the frigate project or Lot 1 was undertaken through a two-stage bidding as provided for under Section 30.3 of RA 9184 and its IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations),” he pointed out.
“In this modality, due to the nature of the requirements of the project, the required technical specifications … of the contracts cannot be precisely defined in advance bidding, therefore, the procuring entity shall prepare the bidding documents including the technical specification in the form of performance criteria only,” Andolong said.
“Thus prospective bidders shall be requested at the first stage to submit their respective eligibility requirements and initial technical proposals only. Subsequently, meetings or discussions will be held by the BAC with those eligible bidders who passed the first bidding in order to come up with the final revised technical specifications,” Andolong explained.
http://www.manilatimes.net/bidder-questions-purchase-of-navy-frigates/287335/
ONE of six bidders in the government’s acquisition of two Navy frigates has raised questions on the alleged modification of the bid structure by the bids and awards committee (BAC) of the Department of National Defense (DND), in which the project was supposedly split into two components.
STX Offshore and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (STX Korea) claimed that dividing the bidding for the two ships and their weapons systems, and the bidding for ammunition, was grossly disadvantageous to the government and in serious violation of procurement laws.
“Splitting the Authorized Budget of Contract (ABC) and the items to be bid out after the first stage of the bidding, and before the second stage, is tantamount to changing the terms and conditions of the bid in the middle of the game,” STX Korea said in a statement.
It said that initially, the bidders were made to believe that the ABC was P18 billion and the items for bidding were the vessels, weapons system and ammunition, “and we joined the bidding on the basis of those parameters.”
“It is thus unfair for everyone, especially for those who failed to pass the initial stage, to have the terms substantially changed when the bid has already been submitted,” STX Korea pointed out.
It said the BAC later released the technical specification for the project but removed all references to ammunition. The BAC also attached a memorandum to the bid document, specifying the need to split the bidding for the vessels and the ammo which could be in the form of missiles, bullets, torpedoes and others.
The firm claimed the BAC purposely split the project to make it appear that the winning bidder, Hyundai Heavy Industries, offered the lowest price at P16 billion for the two vessels alone.
Splitting the bid will limit the number of bidders to those who will be able to match the specifications of the winner of the first bidding, it claimed.
“In other words, there will be no competition for the bid of ammunition as the manufacturer of the launchers in the first bid is the only manufacturer of the ammunition that will fit such launchers,” STX Korea added.
Arsenio Andolong, DND Public Affairs Service director, said the action of the BAC should not be considered as splitting the contract.
He explained that the separation of the procurement of the platforms with launchers and procurement of missiles and munitions was the result of technical discussions with eligible bidders that included STX Korea, STX France, HHI, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Navanta S.A. and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co.
Andolong added that the eligible bidders suggested to the Philippine Navy’s technical working group to acquire missiles or munitions through a government-to-government transaction, to facilitate the export-import license of the defense items.
The DND official maintained that the department did not violate any provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Procurement Reform Act in modifying the bidding documents.
“It must be emphasized that the frigate project or Lot 1 was undertaken through a two-stage bidding as provided for under Section 30.3 of RA 9184 and its IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations),” he pointed out.
“In this modality, due to the nature of the requirements of the project, the required technical specifications … of the contracts cannot be precisely defined in advance bidding, therefore, the procuring entity shall prepare the bidding documents including the technical specification in the form of performance criteria only,” Andolong said.
“Thus prospective bidders shall be requested at the first stage to submit their respective eligibility requirements and initial technical proposals only. Subsequently, meetings or discussions will be held by the BAC with those eligible bidders who passed the first bidding in order to come up with the final revised technical specifications,” Andolong explained.
http://www.manilatimes.net/bidder-questions-purchase-of-navy-frigates/287335/
PHL veterans office inaugurates new facility housing its records division
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24): PHL veterans office inaugurates new facility housing its records division
Carolina
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925818
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) formally
inaugurated a new building for its Veterans Records and Management Division
(VRMD) as it celebrated its 44th founding anniversary Friday.
The facility will house and integrate all records of
veterans and their dependents, PVAO administrator Ernesto Carolina said.
These records are the 201 files or the pensioners/veterans
records of both deceased and active pensioners.
These files include application forms, documentary
requirements and military service records, proofs of identity,
evaluation/processing forms for benefits applied for by the pensioners, and
attachments on approved and disapproved applications.
These will be consolidated into one veteran file which will
be transferred from the Bonifacio Hall and the former VRMD facility to the new
building, which is located at the PVAO compound in Camp
Aguinaldo , Quezon City
Files gathered from the year 2001 to the present will also
be stored there. As a pension management institution, records are the lifeblood
of PVAO, highlighting the importance of the facility.
“The digitization of records will facilitate the
availability of veterans’ information and documents to using entities through
their respective computer terminals, thus drastically reducing the processing
time for claims benefits and in the validation of pensioners under the PVAO Validation
Program,” PVAO deputy administrator Raul Caballes said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925818
1st drug rehab center opens at Army camp in Agusan del Sur
From Rappler (Sep 24): 1st drug rehab center opens at Army camp in Agusan del Sur
The Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center can accommodate 60 patients at a time and shall be managed by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur
Photos courtesy of Colonel Cristobal Zaragoza and the 401st IB
The first drug rehabilitation center inside Mindanao's Army camp was inaugurated on Friday, September 23, in the town of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
The center occupies two hectares on the 334-hectare camp of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade.
Called the Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (RTRC), it can accommodate 60 patients at a time and shall be managed and administered by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur.
The center was inaugurated by chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo.
The establishment of the RTRC is in line with the province’s drug rehabilitation program called Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE).
SURE aims to give victims of drug use a second chance at life and keep them away from drug syndicates who are covering their tracks.
Agusan Sur Governor Eddiebong Plaza lauded the Army unit for its significant support for the government's anti-drug campaign.
Plaza said that his province takes pride in having the 401st Brigade as an adopted Army unit and a partner in his provincial development programs.
Colonel Cristobal Zaragoza, the Army’s 401st Brigade commander, said: "We will give our all-out support to this campaign of the President. A drug-free province is necessary for a drug-free country."
As of Friday, 18 patients, all male, had been admitted, Zaragoza told Rappler.
The health personnel at the center will be provided by the Department of Health in coordination with the provincial government.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced his plans in July to have military camps as host to rehabilitation centers. This week, Palace Communications Secretary Martin Andandar said that "at least 4" rehab centers will be built in military camps this year.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/147152-drug-rehabilitation-center-army-camp-agusan-sur
The Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center can accommodate 60 patients at a time and shall be managed by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur
Photos courtesy of Colonel Cristobal Zaragoza and the 401st IB
The first drug rehabilitation center inside Mindanao's Army camp was inaugurated on Friday, September 23, in the town of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
The center occupies two hectares on the 334-hectare camp of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade.
Called the Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (RTRC), it can accommodate 60 patients at a time and shall be managed and administered by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur.
The center was inaugurated by chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo.
The establishment of the RTRC is in line with the province’s drug rehabilitation program called Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE).
SURE aims to give victims of drug use a second chance at life and keep them away from drug syndicates who are covering their tracks.
Plaza said that his province takes pride in having the 401st Brigade as an adopted Army unit and a partner in his provincial development programs.
Colonel Cristobal Zaragoza, the Army’s 401st Brigade commander, said: "We will give our all-out support to this campaign of the President. A drug-free province is necessary for a drug-free country."
As of Friday, 18 patients, all male, had been admitted, Zaragoza told Rappler.
The health personnel at the center will be provided by the Department of Health in coordination with the provincial government.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced his plans in July to have military camps as host to rehabilitation centers. This week, Palace Communications Secretary Martin Andandar said that "at least 4" rehab centers will be built in military camps this year.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/147152-drug-rehabilitation-center-army-camp-agusan-sur
Soldiers won't pull up Kalinga encampment even if folks want them out
From InterAksyon (Sep 24): Soldiers won't pull up Kalinga encampment even if folks want them out
Soldiers of the Charlie Company of the 50th Infantry Battalion are standing pat on their encampment in Kalinga even after indigenous peoples of Tanglag in Lubuagan town sought their eviction in a dialogue on September 21.
The soldiers arrived in the village and stayed in the house of Punong Barangay Nestor Unday on August 2 this year, Unday said earlier. The villagers immediately objected to the encampment, saying the mere presence of the soldiers endangers the civilian population.
On August 5, villagers officially registered their clamor for the government troops to pull out during a community meeting.
Maricris Banawag said they had insisted that armed groups, including the AFP, should stay 500 meters away from the village. The elements of the Charlie Company headed by 2/Lt. John Rey Caumban negotiated to stay on for an extra two weeks. After two weeks, however, the soldiers refused to honor the agreement.
When the Punong Barangay and other barangay officials inquired at the Battalion headquarters on August 20, Battalion Commander Gulliver Señeres told them that their troops will not pull out because they still had three objectives: CAFGU recruitment, Bayanihan, and neutralizing the community from the New People’s Army influence.
According to Unday, the statement of Señeres sounded final and non-negotiable.
Three women sent a community invitation letter addressed to Caumban at the 50th IB headquarters in Kapanikian, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, seeking a meeting in Tanglag. Despite Caumban's absence, however, the community continued with the dialogue.
On the telephone with Banawag, they told soldiers headed by Corporal Catalon their reasons for wanting the troops out of their village, notably, the trauma from numerous combat operations and military encampments where their human rights were violated.
A community leader, Modesto Tongdo, said at the dialogue there is no reason for the soldiers to stay. If the AFP unit is there to recruit for Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit, Tongdo said they do not want residents joining the CAFGU in the past the militias were used as shields in combat operations. He also pointed out that the Tanglag have their own practices of Bayanihan and they did not request for the help of the soldiers.
They cited an incident on July 9, 2016, where a hunter was killed by elements of the 50th IB in a nearby village of Se-et, Mabaka, Tanudan, heightening villagers' fear of the men in uniform, as perpetrators came from the same battalion. Banawag said most of the Tanglag men are hunters and with the encampment, they (women) always fear for the lives of their husbands whenever the men go to the forests.
Banawag lamented also that their movements within their ancestral domain became limited due to fear.
Banawag said they felt disrespected by the soldiers' cavalier response when they pointed out that it is unlawful for soldiers to encamp in civilian homes. Corporal Catalon had retorted that it is only unlawful in the eyes of leftists like Satur Ocampo.
Banawag explained that as indigenous peoples, their right to self-determination includes deciding whether or not they want the soldiers encamped in their village. “Nu met koma ania ti decision mi ket respetaren da (They should respect our collective decision for them to pull out)," Banawag said.
Virginia Dammay, chairperson of women’s organization alliance Innabuyog, said the military encampments in Tanglag and Uma of Lubuagan, Kalinga have resulted in human rights violations. The “government troops' disrespect of the community position for military pull out...is an outright violation of the tribes’ collective rights to self determination,” Dammay said.
http://interaksyon.com/article/132740/soldiers--wont-pull-up-kalinga-encampment-even-if-folks-want-them-out
Soldiers of the Charlie Company of the 50th Infantry Battalion are standing pat on their encampment in Kalinga even after indigenous peoples of Tanglag in Lubuagan town sought their eviction in a dialogue on September 21.
The soldiers arrived in the village and stayed in the house of Punong Barangay Nestor Unday on August 2 this year, Unday said earlier. The villagers immediately objected to the encampment, saying the mere presence of the soldiers endangers the civilian population.
On August 5, villagers officially registered their clamor for the government troops to pull out during a community meeting.
Maricris Banawag said they had insisted that armed groups, including the AFP, should stay 500 meters away from the village. The elements of the Charlie Company headed by 2/Lt. John Rey Caumban negotiated to stay on for an extra two weeks. After two weeks, however, the soldiers refused to honor the agreement.
When the Punong Barangay and other barangay officials inquired at the Battalion headquarters on August 20, Battalion Commander Gulliver Señeres told them that their troops will not pull out because they still had three objectives: CAFGU recruitment, Bayanihan, and neutralizing the community from the New People’s Army influence.
According to Unday, the statement of Señeres sounded final and non-negotiable.
Three women sent a community invitation letter addressed to Caumban at the 50th IB headquarters in Kapanikian, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, seeking a meeting in Tanglag. Despite Caumban's absence, however, the community continued with the dialogue.
On the telephone with Banawag, they told soldiers headed by Corporal Catalon their reasons for wanting the troops out of their village, notably, the trauma from numerous combat operations and military encampments where their human rights were violated.
A community leader, Modesto Tongdo, said at the dialogue there is no reason for the soldiers to stay. If the AFP unit is there to recruit for Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit, Tongdo said they do not want residents joining the CAFGU in the past the militias were used as shields in combat operations. He also pointed out that the Tanglag have their own practices of Bayanihan and they did not request for the help of the soldiers.
They cited an incident on July 9, 2016, where a hunter was killed by elements of the 50th IB in a nearby village of Se-et, Mabaka, Tanudan, heightening villagers' fear of the men in uniform, as perpetrators came from the same battalion. Banawag said most of the Tanglag men are hunters and with the encampment, they (women) always fear for the lives of their husbands whenever the men go to the forests.
Banawag lamented also that their movements within their ancestral domain became limited due to fear.
Banawag said they felt disrespected by the soldiers' cavalier response when they pointed out that it is unlawful for soldiers to encamp in civilian homes. Corporal Catalon had retorted that it is only unlawful in the eyes of leftists like Satur Ocampo.
Banawag explained that as indigenous peoples, their right to self-determination includes deciding whether or not they want the soldiers encamped in their village. “Nu met koma ania ti decision mi ket respetaren da (They should respect our collective decision for them to pull out)," Banawag said.
Virginia Dammay, chairperson of women’s organization alliance Innabuyog, said the military encampments in Tanglag and Uma of Lubuagan, Kalinga have resulted in human rights violations. The “government troops' disrespect of the community position for military pull out...is an outright violation of the tribes’ collective rights to self determination,” Dammay said.
http://interaksyon.com/article/132740/soldiers--wont-pull-up-kalinga-encampment-even-if-folks-want-them-out
Detainees at North Cotabato provincial jail hold noise barrage
From the Philippine Star (Sep 23): Detainees at North Cotabato provincial jail hold noise barrage
NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — Detainees at the provincial jail in Kidapawan City padlocked the penitentiary's front gate for hours and staged a noise barrage in protest of strict detention rules.
NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — Detainees at the provincial jail in Kidapawan City padlocked the penitentiary's front gate for hours and staged a noise barrage in protest of strict detention rules.
The acting provincial jail warden, Superintendent Peter Bungat, Jr., told reporters the detainees were protesting a ban on visitors bringing in food and staying there beyond visiting hours.
Jail guards had earlier foiled several attempts by outsiders to smuggle in methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and deadly weapons hidden in food containers.
“There is an urgent need to enforce stricter security measures to forestall security problems we may possibly become so sorry about for doing nothing,” Bungat said.
The North Cotabato provincial jail in Kidapawan City was attacked twice in the past by gunmen who helped foreign-trained bombers implicated in deadly bombings in the province escape.
Guards recovered dozens of bladed weapons, improvised truncheons and mobile phones when the protest ended.
Bungat said there is a need to tighten security in the provincial jail, where there are high-profile detainees who have links to drug syndicates operating in the province.
“We cannot take chances. We have to be on full alert all the times,” Bungat said.
More than a dozen detainees are also either members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, or are related by blood to notorious Moro guerilla commanders.
The detainees eventually ended their protest action after having been assured by the jail management of action on their sentiments.
Philippines: 21 militants surrender in troubled south
From Anadolu Agency (Sep 22): Philippines: 21 militants surrender in troubled south
Comes after troops overran Abu Sayyaf camps in Basilan after offensive killed around 45 militants, 16 soldiers last month
Comes after troops overran Abu Sayyaf camps in Basilan after offensive killed around 45 militants, 16 soldiers last month
The Philippines military announced Thursday the surrender of 21 members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group in a troubled southern island province where troops have been engaged in an offensive ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Col. Thomas Cirilo Donato, 104th Sultan Brigade commander, said in a statement that the 21 men surrendered and handed over their firearms in Sumisip town in Basilan.
“The ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group] members realized that fighting the government and enduring hard life in the mountains is a lost cause,” he said.
Last month, security forces overran two Abu Sayyaf fortified camps in the neighboring town of Tipo-Tipo after a weeks-long offensive that left at least 45 militants and 16 soldiers dead.
According to Donato, the 21 who surrendered Thursday turned in assorted high-powered firearms including three M-16 Armalite rifles, one caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, one M-79 grenade launcher and one caliber .45 pistol.
He said they will be endorsed to the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mujiv Hataman, “for rehabilitation and integration into the mainstream of our society”.
Earlier this month, the armed forces’ chief of staff, Gen. Ricardo Visaya, asserted that Abu Sayyaf members have two options -- “either take the path of peace or suffer the consequences of their terroristic actions”.
Since 1991, the group -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortion in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines.
It is one of two militant groups in the south to have pledged allegiance to Daesh, prompting fears during the stalling of a peace process between the government and MNLF-breakaway group the Moro Islamic Liberation Front- that it could make inroads in a region torn by decades of armed conflict.
The Abu Sayyaf is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release, and is believed to still be holding captive at least 10 foreigners and three Filipinos.
IGP: No landings of militants in east coast Sabah
From The Star Online (Sep 23): IGP: No landings of militants in east coast Sabah
PUTRAJAYA: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has dispelled talks that militants from the southern Philippines had landed on the shores of east coast Sabah.
“Those are just rumours. Hundreds, thousands of people from the southern Philippines come to Sabah through legal entry points.
“It is normal for people to travel between the southern Philippines and east coast of Sabah.
“We monitor those coming through the entry points and will take action as soon as we detect any elements of terrorism,” he said to reporters here Friday.
It was reported that fake social media messages claiming intruders had streamed across the state had stirred alarm among the people.
WhatsApp messages about various topics, including that of pirates being detected along the shores of the east coast and two Abu Sayyaf arrested in Kinabatangan, were quickly denied by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).
Its commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid had urged the public to remain calm and check with the Esscom Operations Centre 089-863181 to clarify such matters.
Marine cops nab 37 fleeing southern Philippines conflict
From The Star Online (Sep 23): Marine cops nab 37 fleeing southern Philippines conflict
KOTA KINABALU: Marine police have arrested 37 people who are believed to be fleeing the conflict in southern Philippines in the waters off the east coast Sandakan district over the past three days.
Sandakan marine police chief Asst Supt Mazre Che Mahmod said eight Filipino nationals were detained when a patrol intercepted a boat in the waters off Nunuyan at about 12.30am on Sept 20.
Barely 12 hours later, marine police intercepted another boat near a swamp also at Nunuyan with 20 Filipino nationals on board.
He said marine police intercepted another boat at Pamaguan at about 12.30pm on Sept 22 transporting nine Filipino nationals.
ASP Mazre said the authorities were on heightened alert for people from southern Philippines trying to slip into Sabah following a military offensive in Jolo island.
“There is a possibility that those in the affected areas may try to get to Sabah in the wake of the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf as well as drug dealers in southern Philippines,” he added.
The arrests came just days after police detained a 33-year-old Filipino national after they seized 30 M16 bullets, a 65cm-long sword, walkie-talkie sets, handphones and military fatigues from his house in Kampung Mangkalinau, Sandakan.
Also detained was the man’s 13-year-old daughter.
Sabah CID chief Senior Asst Comm Salehhudin Abdul Rahman said police were investigating if the man had links to militant groups in southern Philippines.
In a related development, ASP Mazre said marine police recovered 629 packets of cooking oil hidden rubber mats in Tanjung Lihak Lihak, Tabangki, on Sept 20.
He said the cooking worth RM1,572 was about to be smuggled to the southern Philippines when police stumbled upon the cache hidden on a beach area there.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/09/23/marine-cops-nab-37-fleeing-southern-philippines-conflict/
KOTA KINABALU: Marine police have arrested 37 people who are believed to be fleeing the conflict in southern Philippines in the waters off the east coast Sandakan district over the past three days.
Sandakan marine police chief Asst Supt Mazre Che Mahmod said eight Filipino nationals were detained when a patrol intercepted a boat in the waters off Nunuyan at about 12.30am on Sept 20.
Barely 12 hours later, marine police intercepted another boat near a swamp also at Nunuyan with 20 Filipino nationals on board.
He said marine police intercepted another boat at Pamaguan at about 12.30pm on Sept 22 transporting nine Filipino nationals.
“There is a possibility that those in the affected areas may try to get to Sabah in the wake of the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf as well as drug dealers in southern Philippines,” he added.
The arrests came just days after police detained a 33-year-old Filipino national after they seized 30 M16 bullets, a 65cm-long sword, walkie-talkie sets, handphones and military fatigues from his house in Kampung Mangkalinau, Sandakan.
Also detained was the man’s 13-year-old daughter.
Sabah CID chief Senior Asst Comm Salehhudin Abdul Rahman said police were investigating if the man had links to militant groups in southern Philippines.
In a related development, ASP Mazre said marine police recovered 629 packets of cooking oil hidden rubber mats in Tanjung Lihak Lihak, Tabangki, on Sept 20.
He said the cooking worth RM1,572 was about to be smuggled to the southern Philippines when police stumbled upon the cache hidden on a beach area there.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/09/23/marine-cops-nab-37-fleeing-southern-philippines-conflict/
Kidapawan mayor asks MNLF to stop recruitment of tribesmen in area
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Kidapawan mayor asks MNLF to stop recruitment of tribesmen in area
KIDAPAWAN
CITY --
Mayor Joseph Evangelista made the call after receiving
reports from village officials of Barangay Junction and Sumbac that an MNLF
group is conducting recruitment and training to villagers in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925528
Accordingly, a certain Datu Lito Monreal, who is maintaining
an MNLF camp in adjacent Barangay Guangan, Makilala town, is leading the group.
“Their presence in the area is creating panic among local
residents, particularly to those MNLF men with firearms,” Evangelista said.
The mayor said he has sent a validating team to the area,
which in return, confirmed the recruitment activity.
In a letter, Evangelista has called on Monreal and his
members to cease and desist from performing their activity with emphasis that
their initiative has no formal coordination with the city government,
Department of Interior and Local Government and Office of the Presidential
Adviser on the Peace Process.
He then directed the Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa of Army’s 39th
Infantry Battalion and P/Supt Leo Ajero, city police director, to initiate
necessary actions to peacefully and orderly stop the illegal recruitment and
training of the natives.
“We would make sure that the rights of our tribal
constituents would not be exploited” the mayor said.
The MNLF has inked a final peace accord with the government
on Sept. 6, 1996 while under MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari.Currently though,
the MNLF is divided into three factions, following disagreements with Misuari.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925528
Engineer brigade commander killed in Jolo
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Engineer brigade commander killed in Jolo
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925611
Investigation is ongoing to establish the motive behind the
killing Friday of a military officer by an enlisted man in Jolo, Sulu.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom)
spokesperson, identified the slain officer as Maj. Nurhusin Hadjaruddin,
commander of the Army’s 52nd Engineer Brigade.
Tan said Hadjaruddin was killed at his residence around 9:10
a.m. Friday in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.
Tan said Hadjaruddin was allegedly shot by Cpl. Julhalim
Indanan.
He said Hadjaruddin, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds,
was rushed to Camp
General Bautista
Station Hospital
He said Hadjaruddin's body was turned over to his family in
Jolo for burial in accordance with the Muslim rites.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925611
Gunmen kill Zambo Norte town police investigator
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Gunmen kill Zambo Norte town police investigator
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925608
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay -- The Zamboanga del
Zamboanga del Norte Police director, Sr. Supt. Edwin Wagan,
issued the order after PO3 Felomino Sardane Sedrome was slain at about 7:45
a.m. Friday in Barangay Lower Irasan in Roxas municipality.
He said initial investigations showed that Sedrome was killed
by two men riding a motorcycle, one of whom was wearing a red jacket.
Wagan said he has deployed intelligence personnel to gather
information to identify Sedrome’s killers and establish their motive.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925608
AFP says no to suspension of military ops while negotiation for more ASG captives is ongoing
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): AFP says no to suspension of military ops while negotiation for more ASG captives is ongoing
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925563
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has junked Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari's request for
the suspension of military operations in Sulu as negotiations for the release
of the remaining Abu Sayyaf hostages are ongoing.
An estimated 15 hostages are still being held by the Abu
Sayyaf Group (ASG) -- Dutch birdwatcher Ewold Horn, five Indonesian sailors,
five Malaysian fishermen and four Filipinos.
Earlier, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the last of the Samal Island
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said they
cannot accede to this request as the bandits could use the lull in fighting to
escape.
The military will only agree to stop operations if kidnap
victims are turned over or released to civilian authorities, he added.
Padilla also said he believes that the sustained operations
against the ASG in Sulu have caused the group heavy losses. Last August,
fatalities from the ASG's side were estimated at 32 while government casualties
were put at 15 dead and 10 wounded.
As this developed, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said
he is giving military commanders leeway to decide on Misuari's request, adding
that the ASG might be given "breathing space" if operations against
them are suspended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925563
President Duterte orders military to stop paramilitary groups amid ongoing peace talks
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): President Duterte orders military to stop paramilitary groups amid ongoing peace talks
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925595
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ordered the military on
Thursday to take full control and stop paramilitary groups from operating amid
ongoing peace talks with different rebel groups in the country.
Speaking to reporters following his visit in Camp Vicente
Alagar here, President Duterte said the presence of the civilian armed groups
could "undermine" the ongoing peace initiatives.
"I am now ordering the Army to take full control itong
mga Bagani Command and the — there is another group I forgot the name,"
the President said.
"Paramilitary men operating especially with firearms
issued by the government would undermine the peace process. Mahinto na sana
Paramilitary groups were organized in the past to help
government in its campaign against communist insurgents in rural areas.
President Duterte particularly mentioned the Magahat-Bagani
Force operating in Surigao del Sur and another group in Arakan, North Cotabato.
In his speech before scores of policemen here, he disclosed
his scheduled meeting with National Democratic Front chairman Luis Jalandoni in
Davao City
"[Luis] Jalandoni is waiting for me in Davao
He stressed that he is pushing for an "inclusive
government" and not a coalition government with the leftist groups.
He said he could come up with a peace deal with the Reds as
long as they do not insist on having posts in the country's police and military
organizations.
The Duterte administration is also talking with the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) and the
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), headed by Jose Maria Sison, in a bid
to achieve lasting peace in the country especially in Mindanao .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925595
U.S. and PHL coast guards conduct outboard motor maintenance course
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): U.S. and PHL coast guards conduct outboard motor maintenance course
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925577
The Philippine and U.S.
This is the third session of this course, which was also
previously held in Palawan and Iloilo
City
A total of 18 Philippine Coast Guard personnel participated
in the latest session, which was comprised of classroom lectures and practical
exercises.
The course focused on basic understanding of engine theory,
operation of engine systems, and troubleshooting techniques.
The main objective is to equip Philippine Coast Guard
personnel with the basics of outboard motor maintenance so they can maximize
the use of their vessels and engines.
The U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Related
Border Security (EXBS) Program provided funding for this course. EXBS has
supported a variety of training courses for Philippine Coast Guard personnel,
both in the Philippines and
in the United States
The EXBS Program is designed to help countries develop and
improve their strategic trade and border control systems.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925577