From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 10): GRP panel committed to six-month deadline on CASER
Negotiators from the Philippine government (GRP) today 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 RWCs on CASER to "endeavor to complete work within a period of six months."
The RWCs on CASER met again today, 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. (OPAPP)
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 10): New 8th ID commander brings good tidings of peace
BGen Raul Farnacio aims to pursue peace talks with insurgents and ensure that army elements under his watch do not get involved in drugs.
These were some of the priorities Farnacio willed to do as he assumes the command at the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in October 6, 2016.
Farnacio took over the reign from MGen Jet Velarmino who retired from the service that day.
The new commanding general urged his troops to support Pres Duterte’s mandate of ensuring peace and supporting the police in its war on drugs.
Lt General Eduardo Ano, commanding general of the Philippine Army presided over the turn-over ceremony held at the 8th ID grounds attended by Northern Samar Governor Jun Ong and PNP Regional Director Elmer Beltejar and other local chief executives.
Farnacio was promoted to Brigadier General just this January along with other 50 other generals. He served as the chief of the Army Internal Audit unit before this assignment.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 6): 4SF Army brings goods, livelihood to remote MNLF village in Basilan
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Philippine Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion in Basilan brought some volunteers and fed a hundred kids in Barangay Masula, this city recently.
LTC Andrew B. Bacala Jr., commanding officer of the 4SF said that volunteers from Tribes Mission of Iloilo City sponsored a treat to the children of Barangay Masula by providing packed lunch from a famous Philippine fast food chain to some 100 kids
“The Tribes Mission has decided to visit Basilan to bring some joy, even in a simple manner,” Bacala said adding that the initiative is part of the Civil Military Operations peace activities.
Bacala added that livelihood training in agriculture was shared to some members of the community, as the military’s contribution to the nation’s observance of the Peace Consciousness Month in September. The locals also benefitted from the services of the dental team during the activity.
In an interview, Isabel Grace P. Villegas, a tribal teacher-volunteer from Iloilo expressed her joy for being able to help.
“We witnessed that not all places here in Basilan are in conflict. This is one thing that we wanted to prove to outsiders, and that people and communities need help here to improve their lives,” she said.
Her first time to be in Basilan, she was amazed of the possibilities that the cooperation between and among the military, the Moro National Liberation Front, and the volunteers could bring about positive change in the community.
“Posible pala na magsama-sama ang military, MNLF, at ibang sector para magtulung-tulong para sa magandang kinabukasan ng mga kabataan (It is indeed possible for military, MNLFs and other sectors to unite so that more help could be extended to effect better future for the youth),” she said.
The military also surveyed the destroyed box culvert crossing a major road in the said barangay and that they will source out some donors who can help fix the box culvert soon.
Bacala said the road is crucial in the transport of goods for the people’s livelihood in this MNLF community.
Aside from that, they received some livelihood farm inputs like vegetable seeds and seedlings. The CMO team led by 1Lt Ron Villarosa taught them how to do seedling production using empty boxes of ammunitions and demonstrated how to operate the “kuliglig,” a motorized farm equipment used to till the land..
The equipment was lent for about three days and the military wanted to see some results in the use of the machines and apply what they learned in the coming days.
The 4SF Battalion in Basilan has been initiating social programs and projects to enable communities to become more productive, improve people’s lives, and create a positive impact.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 9): Pres. Duterte to hold command conference with police in Zambo
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to arrive in the city tomorrow (October 10), particularly at the Police Regional Office 9 headquarters in Camp Romeo Abendan, Barangay Mercedes.
As per advice from the Malacanang Media Accreditation and Relations Office (MARO), President Duterte is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon to have a command conference with PNP officials to discuss security concerns as well as other significant developments in the local setting.
Prior to his visit in the city, President Duterte will also be in Lamitan, Basilan to attend the Tapatan: Gobyerno at Mamamayan in Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LARBECO).
Security has been tight in Zamboanga City as it is currently celebrating the month-long Zamboanga Hermosa Festival honoring its patron saint, Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar.
The feast day is on October 12. Cellular signals have been down from 4 in the afternoon to 8 in the evening today for security measures as a float parade was held in the city's main thoroughfares.
As can be recalled, the local police with the support of vigilant residents were able to foil an alleged bombing plot by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Three (3) ASG members were cornered and arrested in a local hotel. Bomb paraphernalia, grenades and firearms were seized from their possession.
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): 6th Infantry Division medical outreach program benefits 1,019 patients
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, -- More than 1,000 soldiers, dependents, and residents from the nearby barangays of Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao availed the health care fair over the weekend, officials said today.
Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez, 6th Infanfry Division commander, spearheaded the activity by donating blood "so others may live," the 6th ID information office said in a statement.
The health care fair was one of the series of activities in line with the upcoming 29th Founding Anniversary of 6th Infantry Division on October 24, 2016.
The event included medical consultation, acupuncture, body massage, eye check-up, dental check-up, and bloodletting that collected a total of 199 bags of blood.
Galvez said staff and medical personnel of the Camp Siongco Station Hospital have facilitated the health care fair in partnership with the Department of Health and Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC).
Dr. Lydia Mercado, MD, Notre Dame Hospital medical director in Cotabato City was the guest of honor and speaker.
Mercado expressed her positive appreciation in conducting such health services.
Galvez said the organizers also distributed free reading glasses to first 200 patients, facial services, free fasting blood sugar and blood uric acid determination, free fluoride application, nutrition booth, herbal booth and aesthetics services offered.
Over the years, 6th ID has been providing medical help to the people as a yearly commitment that intends to cater the underprivileged people in the nearby communities and to benefit the soldiers of the Command as well, Galvez said.
The health care fair program has catered a total of 1,019 patients.
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): Army, cops arrest MILF member for unauthorized carrying of guns
Police arrested here Sunday a man claiming to be a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for carrying firearms without license, police said Monday.
Senior Inspector Rostum Pastolero, police station 3 commander, identified the suspect as Mentato Abutasil, 33, a resident of Barangay Ganta, Kabuntalan, Maguindanao.
He was arrested during a checkpoint operations jointly conducted by Cotabato City police, Army Special Forces Battalion and Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB).
Seized from him were a cal. 45 pistol with 22 bullets and three ammunition.
He said the suspect was driving a motorbike when accosted by government forces.
Under the 1997 government and MILF ceasefire agreement, any member or group of MILF moving around outside the mutually identified MILF controlled areas must secure a clearance from the joint ceasefire committee.
Without necessary documents covered by the ceasefire agreement, a member of the MILF carrying guns will be subjected to Philippine laws.
Abutasil is now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives.
The suspect is now detained at Police Station 3 under heavy guard.
Before the signing of the GPH-MILF peace accord in 2014, members of the MILF arrested for carrying firearms or crimes were "forcibly rescued" in bloody attacks by their comrades.
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): Army to prevent clan war in Maguindanao
The military's 601st Infantry Brigade has intervened to prevent bloodshed in a clan feud involving relatives of the principal suspect in the infamous 2009 Maguindanao massacre.
Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, 601st brigade commander, said he has summoned the family of Vice Mayor Bai Ameerah Ampatuan-Mamalapat of Shariff Saydona and Vice Mayor Akmad Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, all in Maguindanao.
Sobejana urged the warring families to come to his office in Tacurong City for a dialogue aimed at preventing bloody confrontation and dislocation of civilians.
Vice Mayor Ampatuan-Mamalapat of Shariff Saydona has a house in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak which unidentified gunmen strafed on Sunday dawn.
Ampatuan Mamalapat immediately raised an accusing finger against Vice Mayor Akmad Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak who also denied the allegations.
The two families who are related by blood are at odds over political issues and affiliations.
Police authorities in Shariff Aguak reported that unidentified gunmen strafed the house of Ampatuan-Mamalapat using M-16 and M-14 Armalite rifles. Nobody was hurt in the incident.
Last year, unidentified men tossed a hand grenade in the house of Ampatuan-Mamalapat but it did not explode.
Police also deployed peacekeeping forces in the houses of Vice Mayor Ampatuan-Mamalapat and Vice Mayor Ampatuan.
The warring families belonged to the Ampatuan clan and relative of Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr, alias "Datu Unsay," the primary suspect in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre that left 58 persons dead.
From Seebee Online (Oct 6): US, Philippine Marines Participate in Engineering Civic Assistance Project
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Eneas Mori participates in the engineering civic assistance project at the Palawig Elementary School during Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX) in Cagayan, Philippines, Sept. 24, 2016. PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability, readiness and professional relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps and partner nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carl King)
The famous entrepreneur Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
During the engineering civic assistance project in Cagayan Valley, Philippines, U.S. and Philippine service members have done exactly that — come together, kept together, and worked together with a focus on success.
U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, recently deployed in support of Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX). PHIBLEX is an annual Philippine-U.S. military bilateral exercise that is a signature element of their alliance focused on a variety of missions including humanitarian assistance and amphibious capabilities demonstration.
The partnered nations are currently working side by side for 10 to 12 hours per day to renovate the San Vicente Elementary School and the Palawig Elementary School, which have extensive damage caused by weather and erosion over the years.
“The buildings were almost completely destroyed due to the typhoons and heavy weather that come through the Philippines on a yearly basis,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Justin Kabilian, the civil affairs officer for Bravo Company, 9th ESB. “The students could not sit in the class rooms because of the damaged infrastructure and some of the classes had to be held outside.”
The service members are not only renovating the schools, but are also working on military cohesion in the event that they would have to work together because of a natural disaster.
“This is my first time with the U.S. Marines and it is great,” said Seaman 2nd Class Ariel Calingacion, a sailor with the Philippine Navy. “I feel comfortable working with them.”
“It’s very easy working alongside the Philippine service members, because they are very knowledgeable,” said Lance Cpl. Ricardo Montes, an Orland, Calif., native, and combat engineer with Bravo Company, 9th ESB. “They know a lot about construction and are very versatile.”
Each year, PHIBLEX provides an opportunity for the U.S. and Philippine armed forces to learn together, exchange best practices and build enduring relationships.
“The purpose of this exercise is to generally rehearse the concepts we have learned overtime with the Philippine military, those concepts being operations we would have to perform in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission,” said Kabilian, a native of Marshfield, Mass.
3d MEB generates speed of response in the Asia-Pacific region to areas affected by humanitarian disasters and provides capability as quickly as possible to save lives and reduce human suffering.
Bilateral exercises such as PHIBLEX 33 ensure the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces train together to respond effectively during a real-world humanitarian disaster.
From Yibada (Oct 9): US and ASEAN Navies to hold Largest Naval Exercise in Asia; China not Invited
The United States Navy will hold its largest naval drill in Asia with all 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that is, if China's three steadfast ASEAN allies attend and if the Philippines' anti-U.S. and pro-communist president allows the Philippine Navy to participate.
The United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) announced the as yet unnamed joint exercise with ASEAN navies to assist the fractious and enfeebled grouping of nations to strengthen their surveillance capabilities. U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter unveiled the plan a few days ago during a meeting with ASEAN defense ministers in Hawaii even as China continues unilateral building and militarizing its illegal island outposts in the disputed South China Sea. Since the exercise was only recently announced, there were no details about the warships to be involved, the number of personnel, the dates and location in Asia of the exercise. But there is the strong possibility the exercise will take place in the South China Sea.
ASEAN consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam have competing claims to small portions the South China Sea.
Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar are allied to China. Vietnam and the Philippines are the staunchest anti-China members of ASEAN but that alliance is now in doubt given leftist Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's anti-U.S. and pro-China leanings.
On the other hand, China claims to own most of the sea based on its illegal and discredited historical rights claim.
The defense ministers' meeting was the first between U.S. and ASEAN since an arbitration ruling on July 12 invalidated China's claims to own almost the entire South China Sea. China has refused to comply with the rulings of the tribunal, preferring to instead assume the role of Asian bully boy. Carter and his ASEAN counterparts also agreed to boost information sharing and to hold talks in 2017 on maritime security involving the U.S. Navy, coast guard authorities and ASEAN. Washington will invite ASEAN defense ministers to the U.S. in 2017 for talks to increase surveillance activities by ASEAN. Carter told the ASEAN defense ministers the United States will assist their countries in their efforts to safeguard the waters and ensure they're open to all.
Carter said Washington will expand President Barack Obama's "pivot to Asia" policy that will see most of the U.S. Navy's strength, including its most modern weapons, deployed to Asia.
From GMANews (Oct 9): Second planned bombing in Mindanao foiled – AFP
Another planned bombing in Mindanao by the group allegedly behind the deadly Davao blasts last month was foiled after the capture of three of its members, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) revealed Sunday.
"Actually, [the Maute group]have a plan to conduct another bombing 40 days after the Davao bombing. They were supposed to conduct it 40 days after but this was disrupted because they were... they are the same people who will be utilized," Army Chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año said.
The three members—TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Apostol Facturan, and Musali Mustapha—were nabbed on October 4 at a checkpoint by joint elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cotabato City.
While he declined to give specifics on the next supposed target, Año said the men were supposed to bomb an area in Mindanao 40 days after the Davao blasts, as part of the group's continuing effort to divert military focus from the ongoing military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan.
"That's [the planned bombing] already unlikely because we already got the people who are going to carry it out,"said Año, noting that two of the captured suspects have been cooperative during the military debriefing.
"For example, they narrated how they executed the [Davao City] bombing. They planned the bombing about two weeks before, they planned it in Cotabato after the arrival of the bomb they used from Butig, Lanao [del Sur]," said Año.
"Their other members are on the run. Once we secure a warrant against them, we will get all of them," he added.
Among the members being pursued are 10 other suspects: nine Maute Group members and a member of the Ansar al-Khilafah, another terrorist group.
According to Año, the Davao City bombing was conducted by the Maute Group in consultation with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and with one alias Tokboy of the Ansarul Khilafa Philippines (AKP), a liaison with the Maute Group.
The military officer said that the blast was also an attempt by an umbrella organization led by Hapilon, seeking recognition from Islamic State (ISIS).
From the Philippine Star (Oct 10): ‘Jihad a hot topic in Davao bomb suspect’s shop’
Philippine military chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya, right, points at suspected Muslim extremists, from left in orange shirts, Wendel Apostol Facturan, Musali Mustapha and TJ Tagdaya Macabalang, as they are presented to reporters at Camp Aguinaldo military headquarters in Quezon city, north of Manila, Philippines Friday, Oct. 7, 2016. Philippine troops have captured the three suspects in the bombing of a night market that killed 15 people and seized a cellphone video of the blast from them that they apparently took for propaganda purposes, the defense chief said Friday. Also in photo are Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano, seated left, and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, seated center. AP Photo/Aaron Favila
Neighbors and customers of the principal suspect in the deadly bombing in Davao City last month had detected his shady personality early on.
Customers of TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, who owns a local computer-generated graphics design shop, were wondering why his store was frequented by bearded men “who spoke much about jihad.”
Macabalang’s neighbors said his relatives had repeatedly reprimanded him over his alleged links with jihadist groups prior to the Davao bombing last Sept. 2, which killed 15 people and wounded 69 others.
The relatives, suspicious that their kin was into something “mysterious,” confronted him for entertaining calls from people who were apparently foreigners because they could not speak the vernacular.
Macabalang and his shop assistant, Wendell Facturan, were arrested here by intelligence operatives on Oct. 6.
A third suspect, Musali Mustapha, was arrested earlier in another place.
Macabalang, who also buys and sells used motorcycles, and Facturan, a mechanic, agreed to meet the agents disguised as buyers near a bank downtown, where they were eventually arrested in an entrapment local radio stations first reported as a possible kidnapping.
“We knew they were not kidnapped as insinuated by some broadcasters who reported the incident as a simple police story,” a neighbor of Macabalang told The STAR over the weekend.
Meanwhile, clients of Macabalang in his Stickerwekrz Printshoppe sensed something suspicious in the businessman.
“We started to have doubts on his persona, particularly on his religious activities, when we learned he was frequented by bearded men from the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Lanao del Sur,” a former customer said.
The source, who asked to be identified only as Kim, said he and his colleagues in a motorcycle club stopped patronizing Macabalang’s decorative sticker business when they noticed he was always visited by men who talked jihad and the concept of a pure Islamic state.
Explosives found
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) found improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and firearms in the house of Macabalang a day after he was reportedly “kidnapped” by unidentified men.
The EIDs are now with the regional office of the CIDG in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The suspect’s father, Teng, an ethnic Maguindanaon, who was inside Macabalang’s house when the agents arrived to conduct the search, is now detained at the CIDG-ARMM’s facility.
Teng told reporters that he had heard about his son’s alleged link with religious extremists in the Middle East.
Cooperative in probe
Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año yesterday said one of the arrested bombers has been cooperating with the investigation.
Año said the main motive of the blast was to divert the offensive of the military against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan.
He added that the bomber, whom he refused to name, revealed that the Maute brothers ordered the attack on the night market. The planning was done within two weeks in Cotabato.
“It is the Maute group, they are the ones who have the expertise because of the training conducted by former JI (Jemaah Islamiyah) members like Marwan, Omar Patek and Dulmatin,” he said.
From the Philippine Star (Oct 9): US military pulls out equipment in Zambo
The US military under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) ended its mission last February 2015 and pulled out its troops who were deployed on rotation basis for 13 years, providing technical assistance and training to their Filipino counterparts. AP/Bullit Marquez
US military units deployed here have begun pulling out some of their equipment, including transport vehicles.
The aviation security police confirmed the arrival of the US C-17 transport plane at the Zamboanga International Airport on Tuesday that picked up some service vehicles and equipment of the American troops.
Police Aviation Security Group chief Senior Insp. Roderick Salem said American security personnel have been securing the cargoes and service vehicles near the control tower and loaded it on the C-17 Globe Master which immediately flew out.
Salem said the US military coordinated the arrival of the transport plane with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). However, it did not specify the schedule for security reasons.
Officials from the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) declined to comment on the reported pullout of the equipment. The US embassy in Manila also did not issue a statement.
The US military under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) ended its mission last February 2015 and pulled out its troops who were deployed on rotation basis for 13 years, providing technical assistance and training to their Filipino counterparts.
However, the US military retained some of its personnel on liaison basis while leaving some service and equipment.
Earlier this month, President Duterte said he wants US military forces out of Mindanao and blamed America for inflaming local Muslim insurgencies in the region.
Duterte also said he would not allow government forces to conduct joint patrols of disputed waters near the South China Sea with foreign powers, apparently scrapping a deal reached with the US military earlier this year.
Diplomatic style
Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the United States since he won the presidential election in May. He said he is charting a foreign policy not dependent on the US, and has taken steps to revive ties with China, which had been strained over longstanding territorial conflicts in the South China Sea.
Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez expressed support for Duterte’s independent foreign policy stance.
He said previous administrations had adhered to the policies of western countries, particularly the US and members of the European Union.
“And now for the first time, we are seeing that the President is pursuing our national interest. Maybe we are not just getting used to it,” Alvarez said.
He added the conduct of foreign policy is the prerogative of the President “and so the particular style of diplomacy of President Duterte should be respected.”
“Diplomacy is a matter of style of the leader. So the administration should follow his style of diplomacy,” he said.
Alvarez pointed out that countries that want to withhold or impose conditions on their aid to the Philippines as an offshoot of Duterte’s rhetoric and the administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign could do so.
He said it’s time “we assert our country’s sovereignty and avoid over-reliance on foreign aid.”
Alvarez expressed confidence that the government could still provide the necessary services to the people and pursue its development programs even with little or no foreign assistance.
From The Standard (Oct 9): Lorenzana: New arms sources not that simple
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines may face operability issues if it pursues President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to procure arms from Russia and China instead of the United States, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
“I think it will be a problem, if we decide to procure military equipment from Russia or China,” Lorenzana said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
“If just firearms, it’s easy to operate. But if sophisticated equipment, there we will have a problem because sometimes the technology [is] not the same. But we will find out if our end users can use it here,” he said, explaining that the US equipment currently operated by the Philippines may not be compatible with different foreign technology.
“The end user on the ground, the cutting edge of the military... should decide what would be bought,” Lorenzana added.
For one, the ammunition that China and Russia can provide are not compatible with the firearms of the AFP, he said.
Lorenzana said he has been instructed by Duterte to see “what’s best” in terms of buying arms from China and Russia.
“The President is also [keen] on getting some equipment from China and/or Russia. He gave me instructions to visit these countries in the near future to check out what they are offering to us,” he said.
Despite interoperability issues with China and Russia, the defense chief said that the country can also buy missiles from other countries like Germany, Israel, South Korea and France.
“Many ambassadors have come to me offering a lot of equipment. I see this as a healthy development with our relationship with other countries. They are offering to sell to us,” Lorenzana added.
From the Defense Video Imagery Distribution System (Oct 6): 31st MEU Marines, AFP visit Crow Valley school, build ties
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Maresea Potts, a supply clerk with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, plays a game of Duck-Duck-Goose with Maruglo Elementary School students during a visit to the school on Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2016. Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU visited the school to build unity between U.S. forces and the local residents during Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX). PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. T.T. Parish/Released)
U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit joined members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to spend the morning with Maruglo Elementary School students on Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, formerly known as Crow Valley, Oct. 6, 2016.
As part of Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX), the U.S. and Philippine service members played basketball, Duck-Duck-Goose, soccer, and several other school-age activities with the students.
The visit helped solidify the bonds between the AFP and the U.S. forces and shows a mutual commitment to the community in Crow Valley, according to Master Sgt. Arsenio Cortez, a foreign area advisor with the 31st MEU. Cortez arrived in the Philippines several weeks before the beginning of PHIBLEX 33 to build rapport with the locals in Crow Valley.
“During our visit to Crow Valley, we visited local villages to let them know about the joint training during PHIBLEX, and we urged the residents to be cautious whenever we, both the U.S. and Philippines armed forces, are training,” said Cortez, who was also born in the Philippines.
“We understand our training can be a disruption to their daily lives, so we built in times when local villagers can pass through the valley to minimize the impact on their livelihoods,” said Cortez. “Many of these school children at Maruglo are indigenous to Crow Valley, and we wanted to ensure they know we cooperate with the Philippine Marines and Philippine Air Force whenever we train here.”
Maruglo Elementary School is made up of nearly 350 children, from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. The Marines, Sailors and AFP members spent several hours just having fun, and the experience was a rewarding one, according to Lance Cpl. David A. Roa, an infantry Marine with Company E, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st MEU.
“We are always glad to get out into the community during training with our partner militaries,” said Roa. “Coming out here with the Philippine Marines and Air Force members helps us better connect with the citizens of Crow Valley.”
The visit also helped the U.S. Marines and Sailors connect with their counterparts in the AFP, according to Roa.
“We always train with the Philippine Marines and other services, usually focusing on tactics and combat skills. Out here with the kids, we get to see the other nations’ service members in a different light,” Roa said.
From GMANews (Oct 9): US cargo planes arrive in Zamboanga; CPP welcomes joint patrol halt
The arrival of US cargo planes in Zamboanga City has become "unusually" more frequent in the past few days, in light of pronouncements from Rodrigo Duterte to remove US troops from Mindanao.
The development also happened on the heels of a statement from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that the country would no longer join joint patrols with foreign navies in the South China Sea.
In his report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Sunday, GMA News' Chino Gaston said US cargo and transport planes like a Boeing C-17 have been seen arriving at the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).
Gaston, however, said it was not immediately clear if the US cargo planes were sent there to pull out or to bring in equipment. He claimed that cargoes were both loaded into and unloaded from the aircraft.
Gaston quoted officials of the Wesmincom as saying that they have not received any word about plans for the US troops to pullout from the military camp in Zamboanga City, where Gaston said around 70 to 80 US servicemen remained stationed.
Asked if the arrival of planes was "highly unusual," Gaston said: "Tama ka diyan... Walang naka-schedule na malakihang training exercise pero alam naman natin nandito sila in a supporting capacity para sa paggawa ng surveillance para makakuha ng impormasyon para sa sandatahan natin para sa laban sa terorismo."
Gaston also reported that there are no more US ships docked at the Zamboanga port.
Earlier Duterte said he would no longer allow joint military exercises with the US and that the amphibious landing exercises being held from October 4 to 12 would be the last during his term as president.
Duterte's six year term will end in 2022.
The President had also said that he wanted the US forces in Mindanao to pull out.
Lorenzana, meanwhile, had said that the US and the Philippines have not been conducting “joint patrols” but only having “passing exercises” in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the disputed waters.
The Communist Party of the Philippines has already issued a statement welcoming the Duterte administration's initiative for the "pullout" and halt in joint patrols.
"Likely aware of the DND announcement, US military units yesterday began pulling out their equipment from Zamboanga, revealing how much they want to keep their equipment and capabilities to themselves," said the CPP in a statement on Sunday.
"We welcome how GRP President Duterte is walking his talk of an independent foreign policy. He is positively addressing the long standing demand of the Filipino people to promote national sovereignty and end US neocolonial rule. With the Filipino people, the GRP president can walk further along the path of national independence," the group added.
The CPP also called on Duterte to rescind the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty, as well as order all military bases and facilities inside AFP camps to be closed down.
The National Democratic Front, the political arm of the CPP, is currently holding peace talks with the government in Oslo, Norway.
From GMANews (Oct 8): Philippine military says no certainty war games with US will end
A review by the Philippines of joint military drills with the United States could see exercises continue or scaled back, a military spokesman said on Saturday, following more rhetoric from President Rodrigo Duterte about scrapping them completely.
An assessment would be conducted among the defense top brass and the executive about the merits of exercises that have gone on for decades between the two treaty allies. A unilateral decision would be taken, then the United States would be notified, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Restituto Padilla.
President Duterte, in a speech on Friday that continued his near-daily lambasting of Washington, repeated his position from a week earlier that for Philippine-US war games "this year would be the last."
Padilla's comments, meanwhile, echoed words by the defense minister that indicated military programs with the United States could remain intact.
"The procedure is now that they conduct a review and assessment in order to find out the benefits that are derived to the Philippines," Padilla said in a television interview.
"There may be a recommendation to continue all of it, or some of it and suspend the others, where benefits derived are not in our favour," he said.
Fissures in the alliance have widened in recent weeks as Duterte intensifies a verbal onslaught against anyone who criticizes a brutal anti-drugs campaign that has killed thousands since July.
There are 28 exercises each year between the Philippines and United States, including three large-scale programs. Marines from both sides are until Wednesday engaging in war games that include amphibious landings and live-fire drills.
About 500 Filipino activists rallied outside Malacañang on Saturday in support of Duterte's anti-American stance, holding signs with slogans like "US troops out" and "down with imperialism."
"We have a President who is thinking of national sovereignty and national interest and who is not bowing down to the United States," said protest leader Renato Reyes.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said a decision had been taken to suspend joint maritime patrols, which Padilla said would be easier to implement because there had not been any of late.
Navies of both countries had two this year, but they were within the 12 nautical mile territorial waters of the Philippines and not in disputed waters. They have no agreement to jointly patrol in the South China Sea.
US President Barack Obama struck a nerve a month ago by saying he would raise his concerns during a bilateral meeting with Duterte, which the White House canceled when the Philippine leader cursed at him.
Marking his 100th day in office on Friday, Duterte told the United States "do not treat us like a doormat." He challenged Washington to use its Central Intelligence Agency against him, saying: "You want to oust me? Bring it."
From the Philippine Star (Oct 9): Navy holds quick-response drill in Zamboanga City
A Philippine Navy MPAC. File photo
The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) staged a quick-response drill Sunday to address concerns raised by potential attacks by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
The navy showcased its modern assets, including the recently-acquired AgustaWestland AW109 multipurpose attack helicopters, multipurpose assault craft, and rigid hull inflatable boats.
The drill was held during a colorful regatta race Sunday.
The navy assets were backed by the Philippine Coast Guard and the newly-created police jet ski team.
Rear Admiral Jorge Ambasaid the drill was part of reassuring citizens that security forces are ready to respond to possible kidnappings as well as disasters in the region.
Police earlier said the Abu Sayyaf Group shifted its kidnapping operations along the peninsula's vast shoreline.
“With timely and accurate information, we can immediately respond to any kidnapping attempt of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Amba said.
Amba said the Navy's attack helicopters have night-flying capabilities.
“In fact, night-flying and operation simulations are being conducted regularly,” Amba said.
He said the limited assets can greatly complement the ongoing military operations to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group, which has been targeted by intensified military operations in Sulu province.
From Rappler (Oct 9): PH starts process of freeing 434 'political prisoners'
The National Democratic Front has been pressing for the release of all 'political prisoners' as a necessary 'incentive' for the communist rebels to agree to a bilateral ceasefire agreement
A draft amnesty proclamation covering a total of 434 detained communist rebels was submitted for the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to government negotiator with the National Democratic Front (NDF) Angela Librado Trinidad.
"We have in our possession a stamped receipt of our endorsement letter together with the draft proclamation. It was received by the Office of the Executive Secretary," Librado said.
The draft amnesty proclamation covers tagged leaders of the NDF and its political and armed wings Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), respectively, based on a list submitted on September 15 by NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili.
The NDF has been pressing for the release of all "political prisoners" as a necessary "incentive" for the communist rebels to agree to a bilateral ceasefire agreement that will lay down rules on the ground for the military and the NPA.
Clashes have stopped but there are reports that both the military and the NPA combatants are growing restless, protesting against each other's activities. (READ: Communist rebels to Duterte: Tame the military)
A bilateral ceasefire agreement is crucial because it will establish common rules for both camps to follow – what activities are allowed and where are they allowed – in order to avoid misencounters.
An amnesty proclamation is not up to the President alone, however. It has to be approved by Congress.
But government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III assured the NDF that it is only a matter of time.
"I see no reason why we cannot do it the way we are accelerating the peace process," Bello said.
Librado said the government is also reconstituting the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance, and Pardon (PCBREP) to facilitate the immediate release of prisoners on humanitarian grounds.
"The guidelines have already been signed by the Secretaries of the 3 departments (Departments of Justice, Defense, and Interior and Local Government) and is on its way to the Office of the President for review and signing," Librado said.
The last time the government granted general amnesty was after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship. Previous amnesty proclamations for prisoners after that covered military rebels and Muslim guerrillas, as well as communist rebels who wish to avail of the government social integration program.
(UPDATED) 'We expect a final peace agreement after one year so we can devote 5 more years of President Rodrigo Duterte's term [to] implementing the reforms agreed upon by both parties,' says government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III
The Philippine government and the communist National Democratic Front (NDF) made headway at the negotiating table, agreeing on the frameworks of 3 "substantive agenda" that will complete the final peace pact to end Asia's longest-running communist insurgency.
"Today is doubly significant because we are signing the 2nd round joint statement on the the very day that we are celebrating and marking a milestone in the Duterte administration milestone, the 100th day of his incumbency," said chief presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza during the closing ceremony of the 2nd round of talks in Norway on Sunday, October 9.
An agreement on the common outlines is the "most essential success that has been achieved," said Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder and NDF chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison. (DOCUMENT: PH, NDF joint statement on the 2nd round of talks)
The outlines enumerate discussion points on 1) social and economic reforms, 2) political and constitutional reforms, and 3) end of hostilities and disposition of assets. They were attached to the joint statement signed by the government and NDF panels.
"The schedule of fleshing out of the outlines and eventual exchange of drafts for the tentative comprehensive agreements have been further firmed up," Sison said.
Among the discussion points on social and economic reforms, for example, is "agrarian reform and rural development" and "national industrialization and economic development." The panels will need to flesh out the discusson points in terms of policy to come up with the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER). The same thing goes for the other items on the agenda.
Joint ceasefire agreement within October
The panels are also expected to submit by October 26 a draft bilateral ceasefire agreement that will establish rules for the military and the New People's Army (NPA) to follow in order to avoid misencounters.
The unilateral ceasefires currently in place have stopped clashes, but there are reports that both the military and the NPA combatants are growing restless, protesting against each other's activities. (READ: Communist rebels to Duterte: Tame the military)
"If I may propose, the signing of the joint ceasefire agreement be held in Davao in the presence of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the prime mover of this historic peace process," said government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III.
The NDF also continued to press for the immediate release of 434 NDF detainees. "I reiterate that the amnesty and release of political prisoners will be a big incentive to the attainment of a more stable joint or bilateral ceasefire and to the acceleration fo peace process," said Sison.
Bello responded that they would work hard to release all the 434. "We will not give you timelines, but we will deliver the expectations of the NDF/CPP/NPA." (READ: PH starts process of freeing 434 'political prisoners')
Ambitious timeline
Back in 1998, the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) was signed during the administration of President Fidel Ramos. It is the 1st substantive agenda of the peace process that has since been stuck on CASER.
To accelerate the process, both panels agreed to create sub-panels that will simultaneously prepare drafts on CASER, the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reform (CAPCR), and the Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (CAEHDF). These drafts will be finalized by the panels.
The government has an ambitious timeline of completing the peace process by August 2017 to give the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte enough time to implement the agreements.
"With these frameworks and outlines, we are right on schedule. We expect a final peace agreement after one year so we can devote 5 more years of President Rodrigo Duterte's term [to] implementing the reforms agreed upon by both parties," Bello said.
'Heart and soul' of peace process
CASER, which will focus on agrarian reform and national industrialization, is considered the "heart and soul" of the peace process. It is meant to address the root cause of conflict.
The discussions were heated and hit a snag when the NDF challenged inputs from the government negotiators, on the ground that they lacked "elaborations." Both sides blamed each other for the delay. (READ: PH, NDF talks hit a snag but both camps remain committed)
"That a framework on socio-economic reforms has already been agreed by the parties is already a big step forward towards resolving the almost 5-decade old rebellion in our country," said Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, part of a 6-member House of Representatives observer team to the second round of talks.
The discussion points for CASER are the following:
Agrarian reform and rural development
National industrialization and economic development
environmental protection, rehabilitation and compensation
Rights of the working people and livelihoods
Sustainable living income
Gender equality and representation
Improved human resource capacities and choices
Social Services
Foreign economic and trade relations
Monetary and fiscal policies
Peaceful and resilient communities
The government sub-panel is chaired by human rights lawyer and former political detainee Efren Moncupa and supervised by panel member Hernani Braganza. The NDF is led by its panel member Juliet De Lima-Sison. They committee aims to submit a draft within 6 to 9 months.
Bello assured the NDF that reforms on agrarian reform and national industrialization will already be implemented even before the completion of the peace process.
"We need not wait for the conclusion of a final peace agreement before Filipinos enjoy the fruits of concurrent peace negotiations," he said.
Political and constitutional reforms
The sub-panel tackling political and constitutional reforms is expected to fully complete its work by January 2017 for submission to the panels.
The discussions on political and constitutional reforms are the following:
National sovereignty and self-determination
Economic sovereignty and national patrimony
Self-determination, national minorities, indigenous peoples, and Bangsamoro
Social justice
Form / system of government
Electoral and political party reforms
Constitutional bodies
Accountability and good governance
Judicial reform
Fiscal policy and management
Security reform
International relations
The government sub-panel on PCR is chaired by Dean Sedfrey Candelaria of the Ateneo Law School and supervised by panel member Rene Sarmiento. The NDF side is led by Communist Party founding chairman Jose Maria Sison.
CAEHDF: The final stage
Negotiations for the CAEHDF will be the final stage in the peace process.
The discussion points are the following:
Preamble
Declaration of principles
Bases, scope and applicability
Definition of terms
End of hostilities
Disposition of forces
Mechanisms to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on EOH/DOF
Concluding provisions
The government sub-panel is chaired by Defense Assistant Secretary Teodoro Torralba III and supervised by panel members Antonio Arellano and Angela Trinidad. The NDF side is led by Wilma Tiamzon as chairperson and Benito Tiamzon as vice chair.
From Rappler (Oct 9): DOCUMENT: PH, NDF joint statement on the 2nd round of talks
Attached are the common outlines and frameworks for the final peace pact that will end Asia's longest running communist insurgency
The Philippine government and the communist National Democratic Front (NDF) signed on Sunday, October 9, a joint statement approving common frameworks and outlines to guide discussions on socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, and the end of hostilities and disposition of forces.
The joint statement also includes commitments to enforce a joint bilateral ceasefire that is more stable that the current unilateral ceasefires, and to secure the release of 434 NDF detainees through a general amnesty proclamation.
The joint statement is the result of 4 days of negotiations in Norway from October 6 to 9.
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 9): Philippine military mum on pullout out of US troops in Zamboanga
Philippine military officials were silent over reports that a small group of U.S. troops deployed in Zamboanga City have started packing up after President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled a joint patrol in the South China Sea and scrapped future war games between the two countries.
American soldiers are still maintaining a camp inside the Western Mindanao Command which was previously used as headquarters of the defunct Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, and at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City. And also in Basilan and Sulu, both provinces are part of the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines.
The U.S. military previously maintained a fleet of P3 Orion surveillance aircrafts in Mactan Air Base in Cebu province in central Philippines and smaller unmanned aerial vehicles or drones in Zamboanga used in operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu, and probably Indonesia and Malaysia to monitor activities of jihadists groups there allied with the local terrorist groups.
Security has always been tight in U.S. military camps in Zamboanga, Basilan and Sulu and even Filipino generals cannot go inside these installations without prior clearance with the American embassy.
Even local journalists were not spared by some arrogant U.S. troops who harassed news photographers and television crew and had threatened to smash their equipment if they take pictures of American soldiers deployed in public places in Zamboanga, Basilan and Sulu.
A U.S. C-17 Globemaster cargo plane was reported to have landed at the local airport where American troops loaded their equipment.
Pentagon deployed hundreds of U.S. troops in southern Philippines beginning 2001 and had joined Filipino soldiers in rescuing kidnapped American missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham from the Abu Sayyaf. Martin was killed during the rescue operation in Zamboanga del Norte province while his wife had been shot and wounded in the leg.
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): DOJ to conduct preliminary investigation vs Davao City blast suspects on October 12
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has set the first preliminary investigation on Oct. 12 against the three members of the Maute Terrorist Group, who were allegedly the perpetrators of the Davao City blast last September 2.
The three were identified as TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Apostol Facturan, and Musali Mustapha,who are facing raps for violation of Republic Act 9516 for illegal possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition.
The suspects waived Article 125 of Revised Penal Code and were directed to file their counter-affidavits on Oct. 12 at 2:00 p.m.
The DOJ panel who will conduct the initial probe on the matter is headed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong. Joining him in the panel are state prosecutors Susan Azarcon and Ferdinand Fernandez.
After the hearings, the prosecutors will have to decide on whether to press charges against the three Maute members over the bombing at a night market in Davao City that left 15 people dead and injured 70 others.
All three suspects were taken to the DOJ on Friday to undergo inquest proceedings.
An inquest is a summary investigation conducted by a public prosecutor in a criminal case involving a person arrested and detained without the benefit of a warrant of arrest for the purpose of determining whether the person should remain under custody and be charged in court.
The three were arrested on board a motorcycle with no license plate in a mobile checkpoint by joint elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police last Oct. 4 in Cotabato City.
Confiscated from the suspects were various components for improvised explosive devices, a sub-machine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, their motorcycle, and various cellular phones.
Based on initial investigations and debriefing, it was found that Macabalang detonated the bomb that was placed in position by Facturan.
Mustapha, meanwhile, took a video of the incident using his cellular phone.
The said video, along with the other photos of the incident were recovered from the cellular phones and were supposed to be used for propaganda.
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): GRP-NDF sub-panels okay framework for peace accord
Negotiators from the Philippine government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) yesterday agreed on common frameworks and outlines of the last three substantive agenda that will comprise the final peace agreement with communist guerrillas.
The common frameworks and outlines were completed after marathon sessions conducted by the Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) and Working Groups (RWGs) of the GRP and NDF for Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR) and End of Hostilities/Disposition of Forces (EOH/DOF).
The report of the RWCs and the RWG will be submitted to the negotiating panels of the two parties, which will meet today to discuss the agreements for approval before closing the second round of peace talks being held in Asker, Norway, a suburb near Oslo.
"The efforts extended by the RWC and RWGs of both panels are commendable. Exhibiting a great amount of patience, they literally worked round the clock and refused to be stymied by minor differences of opinions," said Labor Secretary and government panel chair Silvestre H. Bello III.
"It was a roller-coaster ride but in the end, both parties reached their desired destination. Sharing a common vision, they were willing to walk the extra mile just to move the peace process forward," Bello added.
As expected, the longest session was reserved for the discussion on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) which would eventually tackle the most contentious issues such as agrarian reform, national industrialization and foreign policy.
The GRP-RWC on CASER is chaired by Atty. Efren Moncupa, a human rights lawyer and former political detainee, with government negotiator Hernani Braganza as supervising panel member. The NDF side, on the other hand, is led by panel member Juliet de Lima-Sison.
In the RWC report, the overall objective set for CASER is the "eradication of Philippine poverty and reduction of inequality in all their aspects and dimensions to have productive, decent and dignified lives."
The agreed outcomes for CASER include:
Rural equality and development to achieve food self-sufficiency; A sovereign, self-reliant and industrialized national economy; Protected and rehabilitated environment, just compensation for affected populations, and sustainable development; Social, economic and cultural rights of the working people upheld and discrimination eliminated; Sustainable living incomes for all; Affordable, accessible and quality social services and utilities; Sovereign foreign economic policies and trade relations supporting rural development and national industrialization; and Monetary and fiscal policy regime for national development.
Both parties also agreed that even before a negotiated political settlement is reached, Filipinos may immediately enjoy the benefits of "peace dividends" derived from CASER, ceasefire, PCR, EOH-DOF, and CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law).
"Even while the GRP and the NDF are on negotiation stage, reforms may already be implemented as a result of agreements on topics such as agrarian reform and national industrialization," Bello explained.
"We need not wait for the conclusion of a final peace agreement before Filipinos enjoy the fruits of concurrent peace negotiations," he added.
In their report to the panels, the RWC on CASER of both parties agreed to fulfill their commitment to "endeavor to complete work within a period of six months." An extension may be allowed provided it does not exceed more than nine months.
The RWG on PCR, for their part, agreed on a common outline that includes discussions on:
National Sovereignty and Self-determination Economic Sovereignty and National Patrimony Self-determination, National Minorities, Indigenous Peoples, and Bangsamoro Social Justice Form/System of Government Electoral and Political Party Reforms Constitutional Bodies Accountability and Good Governance Judicial Reform Fiscal Policy and Management Security Reform International Relations
The RWG on PCR is expected to fully complete its work by January 2017 for submission to the GRP-NDF panels.
The GRP-RWC on PCR is chaired by Dean Sedfery Candelaria of Ateneo College of Law, with government negotiator Rene Sarmiento as supervising panel member. Their counterparts from NDF are led by Communist Party Founding Chairman Jose Ma. Sison.
The RWG on EOH-DOF, for its part, agreed to adopt the outlines submitted by both parties. The outline contains eight main parts:
Preamble Declaration of Principles Bases, Scope and Applicability Definition of Terms End of Hostilities Disposition of Forces Mechanisms to Implement the Comprehensive Agreement on EOH/DOF Concluding Provisions
The RWG on EOH/DOF is chaired by Defense Assistant Secretary Teodora Torralba III, with government negotiators Antonio Arellano and Angela Librado-Trinidad both supervising the RWG. The NDF side is led by Wilma Tiamzon as chair and Benito Tiamzon as vice chair.
“With these frameworks and outlines, we are right on schedule. We expect a final peace agreement after one year so we can devote five more years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in implementing the reforms agreed upon by both parties,” Bello pointed out.
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): PNP nabs ASG member in QC
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested a Malaysian national who is a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group's Anti-Transnational Crimes Unit (CIDG-ATCU) head Chief Insp. Roque Merdegia on Sunday reported that joint elements of the PNP-CIDG-ATCU and the Intelligence Group (IG) arrested Amin Aklam, a hardened ASG member, in a house at 104 Cotabato St., Barangay Culiat, Quezon City on Saturday.
Aklam is a Malaysian national affiliated with the terrorist group.
He stands an accused in a case for kidnapping with frustrated murder now pending before the Jolo, Sulu Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 3.
Aklam is included in the list of most wanted person (MWP) affiliated with the ASG issued by the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Other persons who were found inside the said house were invited for verification.
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): US yet to give notice on pullout of troops in Zamboanga City -- PA chief
Philippine Army (PA) head Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano on Sunday said that the US government is still to give notice that it is pulling out its 107 personnel in Zamboanga City.
He made this statement in wake of reports that a US C-17 transport aircraft has landed in the Zamboanga City airport to pick up equipment of American troops currently deployed in the locality.
"The US government is still to give a notice regarding a pull-out, so they are still there,"Ano added in Filipino.
When asked if whether a US pullout would have any bearing on Philippine counter-terror efforts, the PA commander said operations against terror groups in Mindanao will continue as forces have been setup for the neutralization of these lawless groups.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said US troops in Mindanao should leave as they could be kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists.
These American personnel are providing intelligence, technical and training to Filipino counter-terrorist forces.
American presence in the area started in 2003 with the creation of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines which was tasked to provide anti-terror training to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Currently, US military personnel in Mindanao only amounts to 107 with all of them concentrated at Western Mindanao Command headquarters at Camp Don Basilio Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Amnesty for detained rebels up with President Duterte --OPAPP
Philippine Government panel member Angela Librado-Trinidad said they have already submitted a draft amnesty proclamation to the Office of the President a week before leaving for the second round of the peace talks which began here on Thursday, Oct. 6.
This is consistent with the GRP panel’s commitment to immediately recommend to the President a draft of an Amnesty Proclamation covering those listed by the National Democratic Front (NDF), the final list of which was received on Sept. 15, 2016.
“We have in our possession a stamped receipt of our endorsement letter together with the draft proclamation. It was received by the Office of the Executive Secretary,” Librado disclosed during Thursday’s opening session of the resumption of the talks under the Duterte government.
Covered by the draft proclamation are 434 detained leaders and alleged members of the NDF and its political party and army – the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).
The NDF earlier also included in the list 81 detained rebels who it wanted already released based on humanitarian grounds.
The draft proclamation will also include NDF consultants who were already released on bail and are now participating in the peace negotiations.
During the opening session of the second round of talks here, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said they understand fully the concerns raised by the NDF panel over the continued detention of their members and activists. He, however, explained that the amnesty has to go through the process, which includes review of the draft proclamation and concurrence of Congress “when the president has already signed it.”
Government panel chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III said the release of the detained rebels would just be a matter of time.
“I see no reason why we cannot do it the way we are accelerating the peace process,” he added.
The draft proclamation now under review at the presidential palace covers only the updated list of detained rebels submitted on Sept. 15 by now NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili.
“We have the draft proclamation received by Malacanang on Sept. 27,” Librado-Trinidad said.
The lone woman member of the government peace panel also said that aside from the amnesty, the government is reconstituting the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance, and Pardon (PCBREP) to facilitate the immediate release of prisoners on humanitarian grounds.
This is in compliance with the commitment of the GRP panel to recommend to the President the immediate release of these prisoners.
"The guidelines have already been signed by the Secretaries of the three departments (Departments of Justice, Defense, and Interior and Local Government) and is on its way to the Office of the President for review and signing," she said.
From InterAksyon (Oct 9): Suspected Malay-Indonesian terrorist nabbed in QC raid
Police intelligence agents arrested Saturday a suspected international terrorist of Malay-Indonesian descent who is allegedly linked up with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
A statement Sunday by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the suspect as Amin Aklam, whom Chief Inspector Roque Merdigia described as “a hardened Abu Sayyaf group member." Aklam "is a Malaysian national affiliated with international terrorist group.”
Merdigia, head of the Anti-Transnational Crimes Unit of CIDG, said in his after-operation report that Aklam was arrested at around 4 a.m. by his team that raided a house with address at 104 Cotabato Street in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.
Merdigia said the suspect is one of the accused in a case for kidnapping with frustrated murder docketed as CC NO 398-3 now pending in Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, Jolo, Sulu.
Aklam is on the list of most wanted persons of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and of National Defense.
It was not known if the government has placed a reward for Aklam's arrest.
According to Merdigia, some of Aklam's companions inside the house during his arrest “were invited for verification”.
