Saturday, October 8, 2016

MILF: Alliance of Bangsamoro women groups undergo training on ‘Thinking & Working Politically’ framework

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 6): Alliance of Bangsamoro women groups undergo training on ‘Thinking & Working Politically’ framework



In a bid to capacitate peace advocates with strategies in policy advocacy towards realizing the Bangsamoro People’s Right to Self-Determination (RSD), leaders of an alliance of Bangsamoro women organizations underwent training on ‘Thinking & Working Politically’ framework.

With full support of The Asia Foundation (TAF), the advocacy training was held at Green Leaf Hotel in General Santos City on October 3-4, 2016. It was hosted by Women Organization Movement in the Bangsamoro (WOMB), a consortium of Bangsamoro women organizations mostly engaged in peace advocacy works.

In the 16th Congress during the Aquino Administration, WOMB lobbied with the lawmakers in both houses of Philippine Congress to push for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the proposed legislation that will provide the Bangsamoro people with a meaningful autonomy.

The BBL failed to pass in the House of Representatives and Senate following the bloody Mamasapano incident in January 2015.

Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the peace accord signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014, it is the sole responsibility of the government, particularly the legislature to pass the BBL.

The participants mapped the stakeholders, decision-makers, peace process actors and influencers who can be tapped to help in the national-level advocacy to push for the passage of the enabling law. They also determined the interests of those stakeholders.

Organizers engaged expert resource persons namely lawyer Raissa Jajurie, Noraida Chio, Derkie Alfonso, Nadine Ragonjan, and Padjo Valdenor.

The participating Bangsamoro women leaders also crafted their plan and set their objectives in their second engagement of policy advocacy to the lawmakers.

They are optimistic that the Philippine Congress will do its share for the realization of a measure that will serve the high interest of the Bangsamoro people and will finally put an end to the decades of conflict in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/904-alliance-of-bangsamoro-women-groups-undergo-training-on-thinking-working-politically-framework

MILF: ‘We should sustain the gains of the peace process’- MILF Peace Panel Chair Iqbal

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 6): ‘We should sustain the gains of the peace process’- MILF Peace Panel Chair Iqbal



Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Mohagher Iqbal urged the Bangsamoro women leaders participating in a training to help “sustain the gains of the peace process” citing the signed peace agreements between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) with the MILF and MNLF.

In a welcome message delivered during the first day of training on “Thinking and Working Politically” Framework for Bangsamoro women leaders held at General Santos City last Monday (Oct 3), Iqbal said, “We will always support causes that is for the high interest of our people.”

He said, “We should cooperate in sustaining that because that is our gains,” and added, “We should pursue better deal from the government.

“Whatever provision for the betterment of the agreements should be pursued because it is of our higher interest,” Iqbal pointed out.

He narrated the peace deals signed with the government mentioning the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and 1996 Final Peace Agreement that were signed between the government and the MNLF and the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that were signed by the MILF with the Aquino administration.



Iqbal said that the Republic Act 9054 captures most of the 1996 FPA “but MNLF complained that is why there is a review.”

“Even if BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) is passed, it is still not enough to resolve the Bangsamoro problem, that is why there is a need to amend the Constitution,” he explained.

The MILF implementing panel chair suggested the Bangsamoro representation in the Senate, Shariah Law as supreme law for the Bangsamoro people, and the establishment of policing system for the Bangsamoro.

The activity was attended by select Bangsamoro women leaders. It was hosted by Women Organization Movement in the Bangsamoro (WOMB) supported The Asia Foundation.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/905-we-should-sustain-the-gains-of-the-peace-process-milf-peace-panel-chair-iqbal

MILF: Editorial -- Hard to get peace

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Oct 9): Editorial -- Hard to get peace

We can assume that everybody wants peace, because this is the natural tendency or urge of every soul.  But the flipside is that nearly everybody also differs on how to achieve it. This is an irony that ever haunts peace-makers to this day.

The rejection of the peace deal between Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) by Colombian voters showed again the ugly face of this dilemma. The “no” votes narrowly defeated the “yes” votes by a ratio of 50.2% against and 49.8% in favour.

Most of those who voted "no" said they thought the peace agreement was letting the rebels "get away with murder". They also branded the agreement as too lenient with the rebels.

This turndown virtually created a situation of uncertainty in this South American state. The question is what is next for the parties?  Would war the necessary option now that the peace overture is blown out?

However, both parties assuredly said they will continue the path of pacifism.

Most likely, this reversal will impact on the current peace processes around the world especially on the GPH-NDFP/CPP/NPA and the GPH-MILF peace process. But the greater impingement is expected more on the first peace process, given the fact that the NDFP/CPP/NPA, like the FARC, is a Marxist-Leninist organization. But we do not know exactly how this affects this process, whether positively or otherwise. On the MILF, perchance the clearest lesson it can learn is that peace is really hard to achieve. Obstructions, or to use a milder term, smokescreens, are endless in the arsenal of the spoilers. They used them sparingly or discriminately.

Of course, under the current Administration of President Rodrigo Duterte there is a greater chance of passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for three clear reasons: First, the President had unambiguously said he will pass the BBL; second, he has all the time to pass it; and third, he is extremely popular. This is not to mention that both houses of Congress are dominated by his allies.
Both the Speaker of the House and the Senate President are also his party mates.

Earlier, in an editorial, we highly commended the FARC and the government of Colombia for their historic success in inking a peace pact that ended the 52 years of bloody conflict. This salutation still stands. We know how difficult to negotiate for years. Negotiation can never be fun. It is a very stressful exercise.

In no yardstick, the rejection is a failure. It can precisely indicate where the holes that are needed to plug are located. Hard lessons are usually the good lessons learned.

To us, the huge lapse, if we may, lies in the overconfidence of the parties that because everybody is presumed longing for peace, then they will vote yes for the deal. The result of the referendum spoke otherwise. They also underestimated the influence of former President Alvaro Uribe who personally campaigned against the deal. But the most fascinating overlook was still the decision to hold the referendum on October 2, which was barely a week after the peace deal was signed on September 26, in the presence of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. There was very limited time to explain to the people the content of the deal and what benefits await them.

On the referendum, the better way perhaps is to conduct it twice or thrice and if the peace deal is defeated on the first try, then the next, and then the third. After these attempts and the result is still rejection, then the parties can renegotiate the terms of the peace agreement. By this, the chance of success is greater or at the least the reversal is very much tolerable. It is the will of the people and they have spoken.

Of course, this is not a judgment call or a criticism or vain talk. We respect the standpoints of the parties. This is just thinking aloud, so to speak!

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/24-january-8-15-2016/908-hard-to-get-peace

NDF: Release of political prisoners should not be incidental to final accord, NDF insists

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Oct 4): Release of political prisoners should not be incidental to final accord, NDF insists

PRESS RELEASE

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) today decried the “continuing non-compliance” of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) with previously signed agreements especially the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) saying that the release of all political prisoners should not be an outcome of a final peace agreement.

The NDFP issued the statement after recent reports quoted GRP Peace Panel Chairperson Silvestre Bello III saying that “a draft amnesty proclamation that enables the release of the political detainees is ready for submission during the second round of peace talks” but, qualified that “a general amnesty could be declared by President Duterte, with the concurrence of Congress, once the peace talks are successfully concluded.”

NDFP photo
NDFP photo

NDFP Negotiating Panel Chairperson Luis Jalandoni insists that “the release of all political prisoners should not be an outcome of the successful conclusion of the peace talks.”

“Anchoring an amnesty proclamation to a final peace agreement would make the more than 400 detained political prisoners and the recently released NDF consultants as virtual hostages to the peace talks. Their immediate release is a matter of compliance with the CARHRIHL and the JASIG,” Jalandoni said.

He added that “there seems to be a disconnect between President Duterte, who commits to the expeditious release of all political prisoners through an amnesty proclamation, the GRP Peace Panel, and the legal courts in the Philippines.”

“The fabricated criminal cases that are not yet dropped are like swords of Damocles hanging over the heads of JASIG-protected consultants of the NDFP. Their freedom of movement is being restricted,” says Jalandoni, urging the GRP Peace Panel not to use the political prisoners and the recently released NDF consultants as trump cards in the peace negotiations.

In the August 26, 2016 Joint Statement, the Parties agreed that “the GRP Panel will immediately recommend to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence of Congress, for the release of prisoners who are listed by the NDFP and who have been arrested, imprisoned, charged, and/or convicted for alleged acts or omissions within the ambit of the Revised Penal Code or special laws in connection with alleged crimes in pursuit of one’s political beliefs.”

“The Parties will discuss the content and language of the Amnesty Proclamation,” the Joint Statement stated.

The second round of peace negotiations is set to take place in Oslo, Norway from October 6-10, 2016 with social and economic reforms as among the focus of the discussions.

Last month, the NDFP exchanged with the GRP a proposed “framework and outline” for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, the second substantive agenda of the peace negotiations according to the framework agreement set by The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.

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.

Reference:
NDFP Information Office
0031302310431

http://www.ndfp.org/release-political-prisoners-not-incidental-final-accord-ndf-insists/

NDF: After 18 years, GRP-NDFP peace talks to discuss land reform, national industrialization

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Oct 5): After 18 years, GRP-NDFP peace talks to discuss land reform, national industrialization  

PRESS RELEASE

On the eve of the resumption of the second round of peace negotiations, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) expressed hopes that after 18 years, land reform and national industrialization will finally be discussed by both parties.

The NDFP said that social and economic reforms, described as the “meat of the peace process,” will be the focus of the second round of peace negotiations set to take place in Oslo, Norway from October 6-10, 2016.

Last month, the NDFP exchanged with the GRP a proposed “framework and outline” for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), the second substantive item in the agenda of the peace negotiations according to the framework agreement set by The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.

“After almost two decades and two major economic crises, the 1997 Asian regional crisis and the 2008 world financial crisis, the two panels have yet to discuss a key crisis-protection agreement,” says NDFP consultant and Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) vice-chairperson Alan Jazmines.

Jazmines said that the NDFP draft on social and economic reforms, which includes land reform and national industrialization as the “center of gravity” of the talks, has been prepared for discussion since 1998.

“Now, we have updated our CASER draft especially in light of the worsening economic crisis brought about by neoliberal policies. However, land reform and national industrialization is still the main content of our proposal because of these twin economic development strategies’ proven resilience to the crisis of globalization,” Jazmines said.

“Land reform and national industrialization are inseparable from one another,” Jazmines said adding, “the agriculture sector advances national industrialization, and national industrialization develops the agriculture and consequently uplifts the crisis-ridden economy of the country.”

NDFP consultant and RWC-SER member Randall Echanis reiterated that “the NDFP proposal on social and economic reforms is a product of consultations with revolutionary forces, grassroots organizations of the toiling masses of farmers and workers, professionals, and patriotic businessmen.”

“While we expect lively and contentious discussions on CASER, we also hope that both parties are strong-willed enough to overcome differences in order to solve the armed conflict at its roots,” Echanis said.

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.

Reference:
NDFP Media Group
Dan Borjal
email: dfborjal@gmail.com
twitter: https://twitter.com/dfborjal
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dborjal
viber: Dan Borjal
whatsapp: Dan Borjal

http://www.ndfp.org/18-years-grp-ndfp-peace-talks-discuss-land-reform-national-industrialization/

NDF: Announcement on the new composition of the NDFP Negotiating Panel

Posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Oct 5): Announcement on the new composition of the NDFP Negotiating Panel  

The national leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has granted the long-standing request of Comrade Luis G. Jalandoni to resign as the Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel.

The national leadership of the NDFP is grateful for the valuable service that Comrade Jalandoni has given to the peace negotiations. He continues to be involved in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations as a Senior Adviser.

In his place, the national leadership of the NDFP has appointed Fidel V. Agcaoili as the new Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel. Comrade Agcaoili has been serving as the Vice-Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel in the past years.

In order to further strengthen the NDFP Negotiating Panel, NDFP Peace Consultant, Benito Tiamzon is named by the NDFP national leadership as Member of the NDFP Negotiating Panel.

Reference:
NDFP Media Group
Dan Borjal
email: dfborjal@gmail.com
twitter: https://twitter.com/dfborjal
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dborjal
viber: Dan Borjal
whatsapp: Dan Borjal

NDF: Fidel V. Agcaoili NDFP Peace Panel Chairperson Opening Statement

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Oct 7): Fidel V. Agcaoili NDFP Peace Panel Chairperson Opening Statement  

Opening Statement | 6 October 2016
Fidel V. Agcaoili
NDFP Peace Panel Chairperson
Oslo, Norway

Magandang hapon sa ating lahat!

This opening statement will be brief.

 As the newly-appointed Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, I intend to pursue the policies of the revolutionary movement on the peace negotiations as ably carried out by my predecessor and now Senior Adviser, Chairperson Luis Jalandoni.

 Let me tell you frankly that I do not relish this new role. I was content to be an ordinary member of the Panel and, sometimes, be appointed as emissary to the GRP, to then Presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos and now to President Rodrigo Duterte. But rest assured that I will do my best to accomplish the task that has fallen on my shoulders.

My opening statement focuses on the issue of the release of all political prisoners as a matter of justice and in compliance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). The most effective method of release is through an amnesty proclamation as offered by President Rodrigo Duterte himself.

The release of all political prisoners through amnesty was offered by President Duterte during my first meeting with him on 16 May 2016 in connection with the resumption of the peace negotiations. Compared to the various methods that I had recommended, such as archiving, bail, release on recognizance, etc., he stated that granting amnesty would be the most effective mode in releasing the JASIG-protected persons, the sick, elderly, women and long-term detainees for humanitarian reasons, and all the political prisoners.

His offer was made in the presence of a current member of the GRP Panel, a Congressman who is now in our midst in this current round of talks as a member of the delegation from the House of Representatives, and several other persons.

Now, I am mentioning this in order to clarify that the proffered amnesty proclamation pertains to the political prisoners and not to a general amnesty that is mutually extended to the forces of both Parties in the final settlement of an armed conflict.

 We should not muddle these two amnesty concepts, lest we be accused of intending to make use of the political prisoners as a leverage or hostage to secure advantage across the negotiating table or to demand capitulation of one side by another.

The continuing detention of the more than 400 political prisoners is manifestly a grave injustice. It does not befit a regime that wants to bring about change by engaging in peace negotiations with the revolutionary movement and the Moro people.

 We should bear in mind that their continuing detention is a blatant violation of the CARHRIHL. They are unjustly detained on trumped-up charges of common crimes in violation of the Hernandez political offense doctrine that has been enshrined in the CARHRIHL.

President Duterte himself in his conversation with NDFP lawyers and GRP Panelists on 15 August 2016 in Malacanang Palace, reaffirmed his belief in the correctness and justness of the 1956 Philippine Supreme Court decision on the case against Amado V. Hernandez on rebellion complex with common crimes.

The NDFP stands firm in calling for the release through amnesty of the 432 political prisoners not only as a matter of justice but also in basic compliance of the CARHRIHL.

Their release will undoubtedly serve as an incentive in accelerating the peace negotiations and in forging a more stable ceasefire agreement.

I hope we can resolve these crucial issues so that we can move forward.

 Maraming salamat po!

Reference:
NDFP Media Group
Dan Borjal
email: dfborjal@gmail.com
twitter: https://twitter.com/dfborjal
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dborjal
viber: Dan Borjal
whatsapp: Dan Borjal

http://www.ndfp.org/fidel-v-agcaoili-ndfp-peace-panel-chairperson-opening-statement/

NDF: Second round opens on an optimistic note but a thorny issue persists

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Oct 7): Second round opens on an optimistic note but a thorny issue persists

Press Release
6 October 2016

The second round of talks between the government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines opens on Thursday evening, October 6 (around 12:00 midnight of October 7 PH time) in Oslo, Norway. The peace talks was facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government. (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)
 
The second round of talks between the government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines opens on Thursday evening, October 6 (around 12:00 midnight of October 7 PH time) in Oslo, Norway. The peace talks was facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government. (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)




The second round of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations started with the two panels expressing optimism on the success of the talks. Both panels are acutely aware of the high expectations among our people especially since the next item in the substantive agenda, social and economic reforms, has been variously described as the “meat of the peace negotiations” and the “heart and soul of the peace negotiations”.  This is because it would involve addressing one of the principal causes of the ongoing armed conflict: widespread poverty along with issues of unemployment, underdevelopment, social injustice and so on.

But one thorny issue has persisted that is testing the patience of the NDFP negotiating panel and threatening to spoil the initial optimism that has arisen under the new administration of GRP President Rodrigo Duterte.

The new NDFP panel Chair Fidel Agcaoili, pointed to this issue in his opening speech when he highlighted the long-standing concern of the NDFP regarding the release of more than 400 political prisoners accumulated during previous GRP administrations in violation of CARHRIHL and the Hernandez political offense doctrine by piling up charges of common crimes on suspected NDFP personnel.  The release of the current political prisoners is therefore a matter of justice.

According to NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison, the NDFP was greatly encouraged when Pres. Duterte promised to proclaim a general amnesty as the most effective way of redressing this injustice.  Because of this, the NDFP responded positively to the long-standing demand of the GRP for a ceasefire.  In the past the NDFP was cool to the idea of a ceasefire because GRP forces had the habit of violating their own ceasefire anyway by continuing to conduct military operations in the field.

The NDFP has kept to its obligation on its unilateral ceasefire declaration.  The current ceasefire has been holding and so far no fighting has been reported between the AFP and the NPA. However, the promise to release the political prisoners seems to be suffering from delay after delay after delay.

The NDFP panel chair served notice to the GRP side that if this anomalous situation continues, it can serve as a disincentive to the NDFP in further pursuing the discussions on prolonging the ceasefire and arriving at a bilateral agreement on a more stable ceasefire.  It can also hinder progress in working out agreements on social and economic reforms (SER), political and constitutional reforms (PCR) and end of hostilities and disposition of forces (EHDF).

On the other hand, a prompt resolution of this issue will go a long way in creating a favorable atmosphere for prolonging the ceasefire and advancing the negotiations on SER, PCR and EHDF.
Agcaoili recalled that it was Pres. Duterte himself who offered to declare amnesty as the most expeditious way of effecting the release the more than 400 political prisoners to redress the injustice. Pres. Duterte made the promise during their first meeting on May 16 in connection with the resumption of the peace negotiations.

He said that Duterte was of the opinion that amnesty would be the best mode of release among the various methods that Agcaoili had recommended, such as archiving, bail, recognizance in effecting the release of all the political prisoners, including JASIG-protected persons, the sick, elderly, women and long-term detainees for humanitarian reasons.

Agcaoili clarified that the proffered amnesty proclamation pertains to the currently detained political prisoners and not to a general amnesty that is mutually extended to the forces of both parties in the final settlement of an armed conflict.  He made the clarification in view of recent statements from GRP panel chief Silvestre Bello III that an amnesty proclamation would be issued by Duterte only upon the successful conclusion of the peace negotiations.

He stressed that these two amnesty concepts should not be muddled, “lest we be accused of using the political prisoners as leverage to secure advantage across the negotiating table or to demand capitulation of one side by another.”

“The continuing detention of the more than 400 political prisoners is manifestly a grave injustice,” said Agcaoili.  “It does not befit a regime that wants to bring about change by engaging in peace negotiations with the revolutionary movement and the Moro people.”

Reference:
NDFP Media Group
Dan Borjal
email: dfborjal@gmail.com
twitter: https://twitter.com/dfborjal
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dborjal
viber: +31 643108419
whatsapp: Dan Borjal

http://www.ndfp.org/second-round-opens-optimistic-note-thorny-issue-persists-2/

NDF: GRP-NDFP talks on social and economic reforms face delay due to differences on outline

Posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Oct 7): GRP-NDFP talks on social and economic reforms face delay due to differences on outline  

PRESS RELEASE

Discussions on social and economic reforms (SER) during the peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) today has been delayed after both reciprocal working committees (RWC) differed on the outline of the agreement.

For the NDFP, the outline “should be based on addressing the roots of the armed conflict while the GRP wants an outcomes-based outline.”

GRP-NDF talks round 2 | Photo: DavaoToday.com
GRP-NDF talks round 2 | Photo: DavaoToday.com

“We have exchanged with the GRP an outline of a comprehensive draft on social and economic reforms that includes agrarian reform, national industrialization, environmental protection, environmental protection, rights of the working people, foreign economic and trade relations, and, monetary and fiscal policies,” says Julie De Lima, chairperson of the NDFP-RWC-SER.

“We also welcome the GRP’s acceptance of the NDFP draft as the working draft of the discussions on social and economic reforms,” De Lima said.

De Lima said that while both parties agreed to adopt the “preamble and declaration of principles” of the NDFP draft, the GRP wants the ‘bases, scope and applicability’ to be deferred” until they have exchanged a more detailed outline of the nine-point outcome.

“It was the GRP who requested the postponement of discussions on the CASER for them to elaborate on their nine-point outcomes-based proposal,” says De Lima.

“The main purpose of the peace negotiations is to address the roots of the armed conflict which, among others, includes poverty, landlessness, joblessness, hunger, and inequality,” De Lima said adding: “placing the outcome ahead in an outline of an agreement on social and economic reforms is like putting the cart before the horse.”

The GRP vowed to elaborate on their proposed outcome and present it tomorrow morning since it contains, according to the NDFP are “mere generalizations” and fails to include details on how to achieve the outcomes.

The GRP’s nine-point outcome includes poverty eradication, environment and climate justice, globally competitive economy, adequate and quality social services, reduced inequalities, peaceful rural communities, food security, living incomes, and gender equality and representation. “These issues are all addressed in more detail in the NDFP draft outline,” De Lima said.

http://www.ndfp.org/grp-ndfp-talks-social-economic-reforms-face-delay-due-differences-outline/

CPP: CPP denounces the US’ thinly-veiled threats against Duterte; calls for urgent EDCA abrogation

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 3): CPP denounces the US’ thinly-veiled threats against Duterte; calls for urgent EDCA abrogation

Press Release
Information Bureau, Communist Party of the Philippines
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces US officials for continuing to issue thinly-veiled threats against GRP President Duterte. At the same time, the CPP urged Duterte to follow through with his statement that he might just abrogate the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in the face of continued meddling by the US government and its officials in the internal affairs of the country.

“The abrogation of the EDCA has become an urgent matter amid growing threats by US officials against the Duterte regime,” said the CPP.

The other day, US Assistant State Secretary Daniel Russel was quoted in media reports saying “I think it would be a serious mistake in a democratic country like the Philippines to underestimate the power of the people’s affinity for the US. That’s people power.”

“The statement by Russel is an outright threat to subvert the Duterte regime which has been increasingly critical of US meddling and hypocrisy in the Philippines,” said the CPP. “It reveals US contempt of the Filipino people and their aspiration for national freedom long suppressed by US neocolonial dominance.”

“The Duterte regime and the Filipino people must take this US threat seriously,” said the CPP. “Over the past several decades, the US government has long carried out both outright and clandestine acts of subversion wherever governments have stood up to defend their national interests and chose to tread a path independent to US geopolitical and economic interests.”

The US is known to have repeatedly planned and failed to carry out the assassination of Cuban leader Fidel Castro and is accused of carrying out the murder by poisoning of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. Outgoing US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg was once declared persona non grata in Bolivia for having connived with local oppositionists to plan the overthrow of President Evo Morales.

The CPP pointed out that in recent years, the US has bankrolled right-wing groups in Ukraine which carried out the overthrow of the pro-Russian government. On various pretexts, the US government also carried out wars of aggression to overthrow the Taliban government in Afghanistan, the Saddam Hussein government in Iraq, the Muhamma Qadaffi government in Libya and many others.

“The US has arrogantly assumed the self-assigned role of global police and demanded all countries to comply with the rules it has itself set,” pointed out the CPP. “It has fomented social unrest and has bankrolled so-called social movements with the aim of subverting legitimately elected governments.”
“With the anti-US Duterte regime, it is will come as no surprise that the US is already conniving with local anti-Duterte groups as well as with key officials of the armed forces, to undermine and subvert the anti-US government.”

“The Filipino people must unite against any attempt of the US government to undermine Philippine national sovereignty and subvert efforts of the Duterte regime to promote an independent foreign policy,” said the CPP.

“With the heightened threats being issued by US officials, the presence of US troops and military advisers within the country can no longer be considered a benign matter and should be considered outright threats to Philippine national sovereignty.”

“The abrogation of the EDCA, which allows the US to build military camps and facilities inside Philippine military camps and maintain contingents of armed troops, has become an urgent matter of survival for the Duterte regime,” said the CPP.

http://www.cpp.ph/cpp-denounces-us-thinly-veiled-threats-duterte-calls-urgent-edca-abrogation/

CPP/NPA: NPA calls on Duterte to tame the AFP

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 8): NPA calls on Duterte to tame the AFP

Ka Oris, Spokesperson, New People's Army
Today marks the 100th day in office of the anti-US Duterte regime. Today also marks the 50th day of the ceasefire declaration by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) which coincided with a similar declaration by GRP President Duterte to promote the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations.

So far, the ceasefire has been holding. All NPA units have strictly abided by the ceasefire declaration. Aside from maintaining defensive posture, NPA units are conducting counter-maneuvers to avoid armed skirmishes with the AFP.

Red fighters and commanders of the NPA are glad that their efforts to hold the ceasefire have helped to bring forth the second round of peace talks between the NDFP and GRP panels currently being held in Oslo, Norway.

We must report, however, that not a few NPA units are having difficulty holding back offensives amid threats of armed troops of the AFP which continue to conduct Oplan Bayanihan counter-insurgency intelligence, psywar and combat operations in the guerrilla zones of the NPA.

There are reports of continuing AFP operations across the country, from North Luzon to Southern Mindanao. There are even reports that military units are telling civilian residents that the ceasefire is no longer in effect to justify their operations and presence in their communities.

Units being deployed by the AFP in civilian communities are fully armed. They unnerve and intimidate the people. They prevent the people from conducting their daily social and economic activities.

The people lament the fact that the AFP has yet to observe the advise of GRP President Duterte “to be friendly” with the NPA and their revolutionary government. Contrary to such an advise, the AFP continues to conduct hostile operations against the NPA and against the people. Even the drug campaign is being used by the AFP to conduct anti-NPA operations.

The AFP leadership continues to push the deployment of its armed units to force the NPA to launch an armed counter-offensive and imperil the ceasefire and peace negotiations.

In the interest of ensuring the progress of peace negotiations, the NPA calls on GRP President Duterte to tame the AFP. The NPA calls on the Duterte regime to put an end to all operations of a counter-insurgency nature, including so-called “peace and development operations”, “visitations”, “medical missions” which involve fully-armed units of the AFP.

The NPA also urges GRP President Duterte to reiterate his order to pull-out and dismantle all AFP-controlled paramilitaries from civilian communities, especially those in Davao del Norte and the Surigao provinces, in order to allow the residents, particularly the Lumad people, to return to their homes.

http://www.cpp.ph/npa-calls-duterte-tame-afp/

PH, NDF talks hit a snag but camps remain committed

From Rappler (Oct 8): PH, NDF talks hit a snag but camps remain committed

The NDF hits the delay in the grant of general amnesty to political prisoners and blocks government inputs in the outline of socioeconomic reforms   

CONTENTIOUS. Round 2 of the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front gets underway in Norway on October 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of OPAPP

CONTENTIOUS. Round 2 of the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front gets underway in Norway on October 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of OPAPP

The second round of talks between the Philippine government and the communist National Democratic Front (NDF) hit a snag on issues involving the promised general amnesty for "political prisoners" and socio-economic reforms. (READ: PH, NDF back in Oslo to tackle root cause of conflict)

But both camps, talking in Oslo, Norway, remain committed to the peace process that the government aims to complete by August 2017.

The NDF pressed for the immediate release of 432 political prisoners, saying delays "can serve as a disincentive to the NDFP in further pursuing the discussions on prolonging the ceasefire and arriving at a bilateral agreement on a more stable ceasefire."

Separate unilateral ceasefires were declared by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New People's Army following the successful first round of talks in August. Armed encounters have stopped, but the lack of operational guidelines to guide soldiers and NPA combatants threaten the ongoing ceasefire.

NPA spokesperson Ka Oris on Saturday, October 8, called on President Rodrigo Duterte to "tame" the AFP because "not a few NPA units are having difficulty holding back offensives" because of the military's continued operations.

A bilateral ceasefire agreement aims to establish the ground rules.

Delays in CASER

Talks on socioeconomic reforms – expectedly the most contentious issue in the peace process – were also delayed because of disagreements on the outline of the resulting Comprehensive Agreement on Socioeconomic Reforms (CASER).

The NDF wants policies that will push for agrarian reform, national industrialization, environmental protection, rights of the working people, foreign economic and trade relations, and monetary and fiscal policies.

It said these will address the root cause of conflict and end Asia's longest running communist insurgency.

The NDF blocked government's move to include in the outline "9 major outcomes" that it said are "merely generalizations" – poverty eradication, environment and climate justice, globally competitive economy, adequate and quality social services, reduced inequalities, peaceful rural communities, food security, living incomes, and gender equality and representation.

Hernani Braganza, chairman of the government committee negotiating CASER, said it is important to include the desired outcome. "We want the outcomes spelled out in CASER because we do not want to limit the discussions only on the root causes of poverty. We also want exhaustive discussions on how we, the GRP and the NDF, can agree on a shared view of the future for the Philippines," he said.

Julie de Lima, chairperson of the NDF panel negotiating CASER, said it was the government panel that "requested the postponement of discussions on the CASER for them to elaborate on their nine-point outcomes-based proposal."

“The main purpose of the peace negotiations is to address the roots of the armed conflict which, among others, includes poverty, landlessness, joblessness, hunger, and inequality,” she said.
The 2nd round of talks began on October 6 and will end on October 10.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/148604-ph-ndf-talks-hit-snags-camps-committed

US denies getting PH notice suspending sea patrols

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): US denies getting PH notice suspending sea patrols

This comes after Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea 'have been suspended for the time being'   

BOOSTING TIES. US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter (left) shakes hands with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) at an ASEAN security meeting in Hawaii, on September 30, 2016. Photo by DOD/Handout/AFP

BOOSTING TIES. US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter (left) shakes hands with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) at an ASEAN security meeting in Hawaii, on September 30, 2016. Photo by DOD/Handout/AFP

The United States on Saturday, October 8, denied it has received official notice from the Philippines suspending their joint patrols in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

This is contrary to the statement of Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that the joint patrols "have been suspended for the time being," and that Washington officials "know it already."
 
"We have not received any formal notification from Philippine officials to alter any of our many areas of bilateral cooperation," US embassy spokesperson Molly Koscina said when sought for confirmation on Saturday.
 
"We will continue to champion the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for international law, including freedom of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the sea related to those freedoms, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the South China Sea and around the world," Koscina said.
 
She also said the US "will continue to consult" with their Filipino partners "to appropriately tailor our assistance."
 
"We will continue to honor our alliance commitments and treaty obligations and expect the Philippines to do the same," Koscina added.
 
Not 100% sure
 
In contrast, Lorenzana on Friday, October 7, said he has relayed the decision to suspend joint patrols to the commander of the US Pacific Command when he was in Hawaii at the start of this month.
Still, Lorenzana indicated he was still not 100% sure of Duterte's final plans.

"They will not be conducted anymore until we clarify if he (Duterte) means what he says," Lorenzana said.

The longtime allies began planning joint patrols under the Aquino administration, which had sought to attract a greater US military presence in the region to counter Chinese efforts to take control of the South China Sea. The two governments launched the joint patrols in April.
 
China claims nearly all of the sea, even waters close to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, and has in recent years built artificial islands in the disputed areas that are capable of hosting military bases. (READ: Hangars prove China plan to 'militarize' islands)
 
Lorenzana said the US and Philippines had conducted two "passing through" maneuvers over the section of the sea claimed by Manila this year, but not actual "combat patrols."
 
Duterte, who began his 6-year term on June 30, quickly shredded Aquino's strategy on China, seeking cooperation and dialogue with Beijing while diluting the Philippines' alliance with the United States.

PHL panel in Oslo peace talks committed to six-month timeline on agreement on socio-economic reforms

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): PHL panel in Oslo peace talks committed to six-month timeline on agreement on socio-economic reforms

Negotiators of the Philippine government (GRP) on Saturday reiterated their commitment to work closely with their counterparts from the National Democratic Front (NDF) for the speedy resolution of issues related to the crafting of a Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER).

"We, in the GRP, remain committed to our goal of signing CASER within one year of President Rodrigo Duterte's term of office. We are optimistic that our counterparts from the NDF share the same goal," said GRP negotiator Hernani Braganza, supervising panel member for CASER.

"In fact, our Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) on CASER is prepared to wrap up work with the NDF within the six-month timeline agreed upon in Oslo last August," Braganza added.

During the resumption of formal peace negotiations in Oslo last August, the negotiating panels from GRP and NDF signed an agreement binding their working committees on CASER to "endeavor to complete work within a period of six months".

The RWCs on CASER met again, this time in Asker, Norway, to begin harmonizing their framework and outline for future discussions on socio-economic reforms.

The discussion hit an early snag, however, after the NDF refused to include in the outline nine major outcomes that the GRP wanted spelled out in the CASER.

These outcomes are poverty eradication, environment and climate justice, globally competitive economy, adequate and quality social services, reduced inequalities, peaceful rural communities, food security, living incomes, and gender equality and representation.

"We want the outcomes spelled out in CASER because we do not want to limit the discussions only on the root causes of poverty. We also want exhaustive discussions on how we, the GRP and the NDF, can agree on a shared view of the future for the Philippines," Braganza explained.

"The outcomes we spelled out, hopefully, will not only address the root causes of armed conflict. They should bring a better future for every Filipino. After all, this is what CASER is all about," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929755

Army offers to help Erap implement anti-drug education

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Army offers to help Erap implement anti-drug education

The Philippine Army (PA) on Saturday said it will help Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada in his anti-drug nationwide program through Drug Resistance Abuse Education (DARE), which he started in the City since 1993.

Members of the Army will work as anti-drug teachers with the Manila Police Department (MPD) which has 14 active DARE instructors since Estrada started implementing the program in Manila in 2013

Col. Thomas Sedano, commander of the Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG), said they were willing to train instructors to teach nationwide, especially in remote areas where the Army has active presence.

CMOG is a unit of the Army that specializes in conducting psychological and psycho-social operations or “hearts and minds” campaign in the communities with the aim of winning the support of the civilian population.

Sedano added the Army would definitely add more trained instructors to combat illegal drugs with the DARE program to be replicated in other units.

Estrada, for his part, welcomed CMOG’s enthusiasm in spreading DARE nationwide, saying it will be a big help in teaching young school children how to say “No” to drugs.

“We should not be surprised to see soldiers getting involved in the DARE program, because after all, our President Rodrigo Duterte has declared war on drugs,” he said.

Last Sept. 23, the CMOG graduated 29 members from the 10-day DARE Officers Training course to become the first members of the military to become certified instructors of the classroom-based program.

Sedano said the Armed Forces is thankful to Estrada for allowing soldiers to become DARE teachers.
“The Philippine Army is now taking an active role in the campaign of the government against drugs,”he said.

“It is better if we can do this to other units of the Army and other branches of the Armed Forces to quicken the implementation of the program.

"The Philippines is a scattered island and we need to reach far and wide," Sedano said of the DARE Officers Training course.

DARE, which originated from Los Angeles, California, is a classroom instruction program that taps active duty police officers to teach Grades 5 and 6 students good decision-making skills to keep them away from the influence of drugs and other vices.

As chairman of DARE Philippines Association, Inc., Estrada brought and introduced DARE to the country in 1993 when he was vice president and chief of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC).

Estrada will be bringing to the city later this month a team of elite policemen-instructors from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to train members of the Manila Police District (MPD) in teaching DARE in Manila schools.

Thirty-seven MPD policemen will undergo the basic 80-hour DARE Officer Training course to be handled by 14 DARE instructors from the LAPD, who will be arriving in Manila by the last week of Oct., said Dr. Antonio Abacan, Jr., president of DARE Philippines Association, Inc.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929800

Migrante gives President Duterte a score of 84 for his first 100 days

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Migrante gives President Duterte a score of 84 for his first 100 days

Migrante International, the largest global alliance of overseas Filipinos, gave an 84 percent satisfactory rating to President Rodrigo Duterte for his 100th day in office.

The group gave the score as they joined various peoples’ organizations in Mendiola in a rally demanding urgent socio-economic reforms, the release of political prisoners and the removal of all US troops from the Philippines.

“We gave him a satisfactory grade based on his administration’s accomplishments on the immediate ‘do-ables’ and on his notable actions on urgent issues and concerns of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) and the nation. This, by far, is the highest score that we have given to a president in their first 100 days,” said Mic Catuira, Migrante’s acting Secretary General.

The group based their score on the current administration’s performance relative to the “agenda for a Better Pinas for OFWs” which they presented to high-ranking officials of the government.

In their score card, Pres. Duterte was given a dismal average grade of 54 but earned significant additional points for his “other striking actions on OFW concerns” and “notable achievements on national and people’s issues.”

“Pres. Duterte made strong policy pronouncements and sweeping actions that serve the interests of the people and nation. However, these does not swiftly translate to reality because many of his Cabinet members and other government are still stuck in the olds ways of previous administrations or does not necessarily share his radical views,” Catuira lamented.

Catuira explained that they still maintain high hopes with the Duterte administration.

“His assertion for an independent foreign policy and his continuing efforts to pursue social-economic reforms through the peace process are indicative of his sincerity to bring real change for the people. Wala mang substansyal na pagbabago na nakakakamit, pero may mga nailalatag na batayan para makamit ito,” he added.

According to Catuira, what OFWs and their families need to hear in Pres. Duterte in the succeeding months is how he plans to decisively deviate from the labor export policy and instead focus on creating decent and sustainable local jobs to end the cycle of forced migration.

“We expect to see his political will on ending labor export and other neoliberal policies imposed by foreign powers. It is high time for the Duterte administration to depart from past governments’ recourse to chronically seek job markets abroad in exchange for remittances despite the ongoing global crisis and to the detriment of OFWs and their families. This cycle has got to end,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929773

PAF identifies aircrew of fifth C-130 arriving Sunday

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): PAF identifies aircrew of fifth C-130 arriving Sunday

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has released the names of the personnel tasked to bring the country’s fifth Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” cargo aircraft, including the first-ever Filipino female pilot-in-command of the above-mentioned plane, home in Mactan, Cebu Sunday.

In an interview with PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco, these military personnel are identified as Lt. Col. Joey Inacay, mission commander; Lt. Col. Jason Rom Lacida, aircraft commander; Major Anthony Amora, test pilot and pilot-in-command; Major Meritto Jay Quijano, pilot-in-command; Major Marjorie Mukay, pilot-in-command and Major Ronel Salas, pilot.

He also said Mukay is the first female to be certified as a pilot-in-command of a C-130.

”Please take note that Major Mukay, the other pilot-in-command, is the first female pilot to be checked out as pilot-in-command of a C-130 aircraft,” Francisco said.

The PAF’s fifth C-130, which was acquired through the US Excess Defense Articles Program, took off from Tucson, Arizona (Davis-Monthan Air Base) last Oct. 6 (American time).

It is expected to land at Benito Ebuen Airbase, Mactan, Cebu anytime Sunday.

The Air Force’s fifth C-130 as well as the fourth belong to the "T" model of the class and original configured as a airborne tanker.

The fourth C-130 arrived in Benito Ebuen Airbase, Mactan, Cebu last April 5.

It was flown by Filipino pilots headed by Col. Alejando Baclayon, Lt. Col. Ian Earth Lamzon, Major Ian Dexter Danes, Major Anthony Amora, and Major Ramil Daet.

The two C-130Ts are worth USD61 million and were acquired through the US Excess Defense Article Program.

Francisco said the additional C-130s will boost the PAF's transport and logistic capabilities.

Aside from the four C-130s, the PAF has three Airbus Military C-295 medium and three Fokker F-27 transports for its logistics and lift missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929817

GRP negotiators vows to speed up crafting of CASER

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): GRP negotiators vows to speed up crafting of CASER

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) negotiators on Saturday reiterated their commitment to work closely with their counterparts from the National Democratic Front (NDF) for a speedy resolution of issues related to the crafting of a Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER).

"We, in the GRP, remain committed to our goal of signing CASER within one year of President Rodrigo Duterte's term of office. We are optimistic that our counterparts from the NDF share the same goal," said GRP negotiator Hernani Braganza, supervising panel member for CASER.

"In fact, our Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) on CASER is prepared to wrap up work with the NDF within the six-month timeline agreed upon in Oslo last August,"he added.

During the resumption of formal peace negotiations in Oslo last August, the negotiating panels from GRP and NDF signed an agreement binding their RWCs on CASER to "endeavor to complete work within a period of six months."

The RWCs on CASER met again Saturday, this time in Asker, Norway, to begin harmonizing their framework and outline for future discussions on socio-economic reforms.

The discussion hit an early snag, however, after the NDF refused to include in the outline nine major outcomes that the GRP wanted spelled out in the CASER.

These outcomes are poverty eradication, environment and climate justice, globally competitive economy, adequate and quality social services, reduced inequalities, peaceful rural communities, food security, living incomes, and gender equality and representation.

"We want the outcomes spelled out in CASER because we do not want to limit the discussions only on the root causes of poverty. We also want exhaustive discussions on how we, the GRP and the NDF, can agree on a shared view of the future for the Philippines," Braganza explained.

"The outcomes we spelled out, hopefully, will not only address the root causes of armed conflict. They should bring a better future for every Filipino. After all, this is what CASER is all about," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=929789

ARMM, AFP officials crafting infra, humanitarian programs for Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): ARMM, AFP officials crafting infra, humanitarian programs for Sulu

Officials of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) met in Sulu to plan for different infrastructure projects and humanitarian programs in the province Friday.

ARMM officials were led by Vice Governor Haround Alrashid Lucman Jr., DSWD-ARMM Undersecretary Haider Pombaen, DPWH 1st District head Engr. Abdulmunir Hadjirul and Joint Task Force-Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega.

The meeting took place at Camp Bautista, Jolo and focused on planning and coordination regarding the implementation of DPWH infrastructure development programs, particularly main access and farm to market roads; and DSWD humanitarian programs in Sulu.

"The coordinative meeting with different government agencies and collaboration with Non-Government Organizations outline the unity of efforts of government instrumentalities and civilian stakeholders in bringing necessary services and addressing the basic causes of insurgency and criminality in Sulu,” Dela Vega said.

In a separate but related event on Thursday, internally displaced persons in Patikul, Sulu received assorted relief packs, courtesy of United Muslim Medical Association, Rotary Club of Zamboanga City-West, and soldiers of 501st Infantry Brigade headed by Col. Jose Faustino.

The relief pack distribution was in collaboration with local government officials of Patikul headed by Mayor Nasser Hayudini.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=929788

Hurricane Gone

Hurricane Matthew has departed my location. Not much damage in my area. Had power outage during the day but was restored several hours ago. Will clean up tree debris in my yard and repair my fence tomorrow. Everything should be back to normal by tomorrow afternoon.

CPP/NPA: 24th Infantry battalion must be held liable for sabotaging NPA peace consultation

:Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 7): 24th Infantry battalion must be held liable for sabotaging NPA peace consultation

Press Release
Diego Wadagan, Spokeperson, Agustin Begnalen Command NPA-Abra
The Agustin Begnalen Command of the New People’s Army (ABC NPA-Abra) condemns the 24th Infantry battalion, led by LTC Thomas Dominic Baluga, for sabotaging the supposed peace consultation between the New People’s Army, representing the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and the people of Sallapadan.

A unit of the Agustin Begnalen command was in the municipality of Sallapadan to consult the people regarding the ongoing peace negotiations between the NDFP and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. A simultaneous unilateral ceasefire declaration from the NDFP and the GPH is in effect, not just to prevent clashes between the AFP-PNP and the NPA but also to allow revolutionary forces to consult the people regarding the peace process.

The 24th Infantry battalion did not only violate the ceasefire declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte but is also sabotaging through and through the gains of the ongoing peace process. It is without doubt that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is against the peace process and is trying by all means to sabotage the negotiations.

Aside from violating the ceasefire by launching patrol operations against the NPA unit present in Sallapadan, the 24th IB is also maliciously spreading lies to the people that the unilateral ceasefire declaration has already lapsed to justify their presence in the community. They have resorted to lies because they were embarrassed by the fact that the people knew that the soldiers should not be even encamping within the community. They are also masquerading their presence by invoking Bayanihan activities which is actually psywar and intelligence gathering operations. If it is not like that, how come they arrived in Sallapadan several days after we have arrived? The people were also complaining that army troopers were forcing farmers to bring soldiers along to their fields so that they can help planting rice but they were being questioned about our presence there and were being accused as NPA supporters. Instead of actually helping the people, the army soldiers are threatening and intimidating them.

A certain Col. Esguerra, allegedly the commanding officer of the Alpha coy of the 24th IB, must be losing his mind when he said that they are willing to talk to the NPA unit for ceasefire negotiations. There will be no negotiations on the ground because the only negotiators between the CPP-NPA-NDFP and the GPH are those negotiating in Oslo, Norway. Is he considering himself as a peace negotiator separate from the GPH negotiators that are talking to the leadership of the revolutionary movement? He has no right to demand us to negotiate with the 24th IB.

The presence of the 24th IB also violated the Geneva conventions and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by encamping inside the community, in a house located with the community. Their presence poses danger for the people of barangay Bazar as they will be vulnerable to threats, harassments and intimidation by army troopers. They are virtually using the people of barangay Bazar as human shields and hostages against the revolutionary movement. It is a good thing that the New People’s Army adheres to protect the civilian populace and will not attack if there is a presence of civilians among the soldiers. The army troopers were also lucky that the NPA respects and adheres to the unilateral ceasefire declaration of the NDFP. Had there been no ceasefire declaration and no civilians were present among the soldiers, they would have been punished accordingly for their counter revolutionary and anti-people activities.

The soldiers also violated the right of the community, especially the elders, to be consulted regarding their activities. The 24th IB disrespected the socio-political rights of indigenous people which is being guaranteed by the Free, Prior and Informed consent (FPIC) process and by the United Nations Declaration of rights of the indigenous peoples. The 24th IB must be thinking that the IPs are not worth talking to and that they can have their own ways. They are making a big mistake.

Because of the officers’ greed for promotion and rewards, they are putting their own troops into harm’s way so that they can claim that they are effective in their area of responsibility. Sadly, the soldiers are blindly following their commanding officers despite knowing that what they are doing is against the people.

We call on to the soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to stand up against greed, corruption and human rights violations commited by their institution and their officers. The revolutionary movement is willing to assist army troopers who wish to correct their mistakes against the people.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is clearly sabotaging what President Duterte’s administration has been pushing for: peace, reconciliation and unity. The fascist troops are hell-bent in preventing the success of the peace process because their leadership is earning lots of money in their counter revolutionary war against the people. They are waging their war against the people, in connivance with corrupt and fascist puppets of the Imperialist United States government. They are very much determined to undermine the progressive policies of the Duterte administration. The people then does not have any other course but to continue the struggle for national democracy, genuine independence and the victory of the people’s war.

PUNISH THE 24TH INFANTRY BATTALION FOR THEIR CRIMES AGAINST THE PEOPLE!
UPHOLD THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE!
LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTIONARY TRADITION OF ABRA!
STRUGGLE FOR JUST AND LASTING PEACE!

http://www.cpp.ph/httpwww-cpp-ph24th-infantry-battalion-must-be-held-liable-for-sabotaging-npa-peace-consultation/

CPP/NPA: Demand 24th IB’s immediate pull-out from Sallapadan, Abra!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 7): Demand 24th IB’s immediate pull-out from Sallapadan, Abra!

Press Release
Diego Wadagan, Spokesperson, Agustin Begnalen Command NPA-Abra
This is in response to LTC Thomas Dominic Baluga’s radio interview in 107.9 Abra Radio yesterday, October 6, 2016. In the said interview, LTC. Baluga said that the they will stay in Bgy. Bazar, Sallapadan, Abra “until needed” because of the existing memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Army and the local government unit of Sallapadan.

It is clearly stated in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law that in the exercise of their inherent rights, the Parties to the armed conflict shall adhere to and be bound by the generally accepted principles and standards of international humanitarian law and that Civilian population and civilians shall be treated as such and shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack. They shall likewise be protected against indiscriminate aerial bombardment, strafing, artillery fire, mortar fire, arson, bulldozing and other similar forms of destroying lives and property, from the use of explosives as well as the stockpiling near or in their midst, and the use of chemical and biological weapons.

By staying within the community of Barangay Bazar, The Philippine Army have completely made them vulnerable to such attacks. And because the soldiers know that the New People’s Army will not attack civilians, they have opted to stay inside the community. They virtually turned the people of Sallapadan into their human shields. Col. Baluga stressed that as long as the 24th IB has a company base in Maguyepyep, they will be staying in Sallapadan. Since they have a base there, why not just stay in it rather that in the community? May we remind LTC. Baluga that the CARHRIHL is an agreement signed by the government of the Republic of the Philippines, represented by then-President Joseph Ejercito-Estrada, and by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Are they saying that the memorandum of understanding is primal to the CARHRIHL?

May we also comment on Col. Baluga’s statement that a patrol operation is different from that of a combat operation and what you have done is allowed under the GPH’s version of the unilateral ceasefire declaration. The ceasefire is in effect and yet they launch a patrol operation. Who is the 24th IB looking for? Col. Baluga said that they were not aware that we were in Sallapadan a day before they arrived for our peace consultation. Either they have poor intelligence gathering or are making a fool out of the people, making them believe that the soldiers are not aware of our presence.

We also demand that Lt. Esguerra and the Alpha Coy of the 24th IB be reprimanded for maliciously spreading lies that the unilateral ceasefire declaration of the GPH has already lapsed. To set things clear, and in case that you do not know, there is no suspension or lifting of the unilateral ceasefire declaration issued by the NDFP and the GPH. It is still in effect up to this moment and will take effect until the respective and responsible authorities do so. We can see clearly through the 24th IB’s ploy of provoking the revolutionary forces into engaging with the troops encamped inside the community.

We would like to express that we are adhering to the ceasefire declaration of the NDFP and to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. No amount of provocation will make our resolve to peace falter. But in case of an imminent or outright attack by the reactionary forces, we are ready to defend ourselves and the people.

Respect human rights and international humanitarian law! Pull-out the 24th IB from the communities! Uphold the ceasefire declaration agreement! Struggle for just and lasting peace!

http://www.cpp.ph/demand-24th-ibs-immediate-pull-sallapadan-abra/

OSLO PEACE TALKS: NDF wants release of 409 political prisoners; govt seeks lasting ceasefire

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 8): OSLO PEACE TALKS: NDF wants release of 409 political prisoners; govt seeks lasting ceasefire

OSLO, Norway – Lines were drawn right at the start of the second round of the peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Philippine Government (GRP) Thursday night, with the communist group asking for the immediate release of 409 political prisoners and the latter seeking a joint and lasting ceasefire agreement.









My opening statement focuses on the issue of the release of all political prisoners,” said newly installed NDF peace panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili.

Agcaoili replaced former chairman Luis Jalandoni who, at 81, sought to retire from the talks.
Jalandoni averred that President Duterte had, on May 16, offered to him the release of all political prisoners through amnesty.

As a consequence, Agcaoili underscored that “granting amnesty” would be the most effective method of release, but only to the “sick, elderly, women, and long-term detainees for humanitarian reasons.”

He also said the amnesty declaration the NDF was asking for did not pertain to a general assembly extended to the New People’s Army (NPA).

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said that the government, for its part, wanted to a general and more permanent ceasefire to be agreed upon in the talks.

“This can only be done if we are able to agree on the more substantive issues of social and economic reforms. These are the more contentious issues and we expect humps and bumps during the negotiations,” Dureza said.

As it is, the GRP and NDF have declared unilateral ceasefires in August, or at the start of the resumption of these talks. Since then, both sides noted that there have been no substantial violations of the truce.

“The significant impact of the indefinite ceasefire declared by the parties cannot be overemphasized, including the confidence of our peace constituency on the peace process. We note that the ceasefire is holding until this day, with no major violations reported by either party. This is an unparalleled achievement of the table, which should inspire us to advance the negotiations,” said GRP peace panel chairman Silvestre Bello III.

He also assured the NDF that a draft amnesty proclamation for the 400 political prisoners was already ready, and that it was only a matter of endorsing this to President Duterte.

According to a source, there were some tense moments at the start of the second round of talks which were held closed doors after the ceremonial opening, with the NDF insisting on the amnesty for the political detainees, and the GRP firm on forging a bilateral ceasefire.

“Somehow, there was a conflict because it became a matter of quid pro quo. And yet, not one would budge. The NDF wanted their people freed before any ceasefire agreement could be reached, but the government said that any amnesty could only be issued after the signing of a peace agreement,” the source added.

But heading into the close of that first session of talks, the source said “things were ironed out and both sides agreed to temper their demands from each other.

http://www.mb.com.ph/oslo-peace-talks-ndf-wants-release-of-409-political-prisoners-govt-seeks-lasting-ceasefire/

Near-encounter between troops, MILF prevented in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Star (Oct 6): Near-encounter between troops, MILF prevented in North Cotabato

 
A cleric and the new commander of the 6th Infantry Division resolved the coordination issue promptly after a three-minute talk via mobile phones. Philstar.com/File photo
 
MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Direct communication lines between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the military prevented a showdown Wednesday between soldiers and guerillas tasked to neutralize drug trafficker Mokz Masgal in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The MILF guerillas, the same group that killed foreign-trained bomb-maker Abdul Basit Usman last year, eventually broke through the marshy areas in Midsayap from Maguindanao after a three-hour delay caused by coordination issues between their leader, Ustadz Wahid Tundok, and Army Infantry Division (ID) and mechanized units positioned along their routes.

The MILF’s bid to arrest Masgal has the imprimatur of the 6th ID and the joint ceasefire committee, but poor telecommunication linkages hampered the dissemination to rebel commanders and their Army counterparts on the ground of the details on how the selected guerillas are to fuse ranks with the Army’s 602nd Brigade waiting for them in Midsayap.

Through backchannel procedure, Tundok, a cleric who studied Islamic theology abroad, and the new commander of the 6th Infantry Division, Major Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., promptly restrained the soldiers assigned near the proposed bivouac areas of the guerillas, enabling them to link up with Col. Nolly Samarita of the 602nd Brigade.

The joint Army-MILF anti-narcotics operation last Wednesday resulted in the arrest of the hatchet man of Masgal, Kamarudin, who is his son by his second wife, and nine relatives also engaged in peddling of illegal drugs.

Local officials said Kamarudin helped Masgal, also known as “Commander Madrox,” supervise followers distributing methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in North Cotabato’s neighboring Midsayap, Aleosan and Pikit towns. 
 
A combined team of policemen, personnel of 6th ID’s 62nd Reconnaissance Company and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency raided Masgal’s hideout last August to arrest him but he and his men resisted.

They killed two soldiers and a policeman and wounded seven others in a firefight that preceded their daring escape to the nearby Liguasan Delta.

While there is this July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF, sudden encounters between units of 6th ID and MILF forces can erupt anytime if they come face to face without prior arrangements by the joint ceasefire committee.

Galvez and Tundok resolved the coordination issue promptly after a three-minute talk via mobile phones.

They took the cudgel of immediately notifying their respective subordinate-commanders of the exact areas the MILF guerillas from Maguindanao, many of them armed with shoulder-fire rocket launchers, are to cross on their way to Midsayap, where they are to help soldiers hunt for Masgal there.

“It is good to have efficient communication lines with people in the MILF’s ceasefire committee and with the commanders of their major units. That is something that can effectively prevent undue encounters that can ruin the gains of the peace engagements between the government and the MILF,” Galvez told The STAR noontime Wednesday.

Galvez, in fact, missed on Wednesday morning an initial phone call from Tundok, who first tried to reach out while the general was talking to representatives of the Australian-funded Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao Program at 6th ID’s headquarters in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The coordination between 6th ID’s component-units in the second district of Maguindanao and Tundok’s subordinate-commanders was facilitated by the Moro civil-military relations staff of Galvez, Lt. Col. Markton Abo, who is an ethnic Maguindanaon and is the division’s current liaison conduit to the local Muslim, Christian and Lumad communities.

Sources from the MILF’s central committee, who requested anonymity for lack of authority to speak on the issue, said their figurehead, Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, and the chief of their Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, Sammy Al-Mansour, were elated with the turn of events on Wednesday, something so positive for both of them.

Galvez understands well the intricacies and ramifications of the security protocols between Malacañang and the MILF, having served as chairman of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) prior to his assumption last September 12 as commander of 6th ID.

It was during his tenure as chairman of the government’s CCCH that guerilla forces under Tundok, chief of the MILF’s 118 Base Command, killed Usman, a cohort of the slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, most known as Marwan, in an encounter in Guindulungan, Maguindanao on May 3, 2015.

Usman was said to have undergone training in fabrication of improvised explosive devices using mortar projectiles and anti-tank rockets in Peshawar, Pakistan and in Kandahar, Afganistan during the early 1990s.

Usman first got wounded when elite Special Action Force (SAF) operatives of the Philippine National Police raided Barangay Inog-og in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015 to arrest him and Marwan.

The injured Usman managed to escape along with more than a dozen recruits he was training then in handling of IEDs and fabrication of roadside bombs using materials that can easily be obtained from rebel arsenals.

Marwan was killed in the January 25 dawn raid, which turned haywire when the SAF commandos figured in running firefights with MILF forces and a second group, the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, while retreating from Barangay Inog-og.

A total of 44 SAF commandos, 17 MILF members and five innocent civilians perished in the ensuing encounters, which shook the nation to its core and challenged Malacañang’s Southern Mindanao peace process.

The hostilities, blamed on the PNP’s disregard of the security protocols between the government and the MILF, almost caused the collapse of the now 19-year peace overture between the rebel group and Malacañang.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/10/06/1630938/near-encounter-between-troops-milf-prevented-north-cotabato