Reds wary about govt sincerity to end insurgency

From InterAksyon (Dec 5): Reds wary about govt sincerity to end insurgency



The inability of President Rodrigo Duterte to keep the military from unduly operating in the hinterlands casts doubt on the government's sincerity or ability to negotiate an end to the almost 50-year communist armed struggle in the country, Luis Jalandoni, the former chairman and now senior consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace negotiating panel, said Monday.

Jalandoni told a forum in Bacolod City that the "continued militarization of the countryside" in the guise of civil-military actions, such as medical and "peace and development" missions, is a violation of the government's unilateral cease fire declaration and undermines Duterte's pronouncement of his seriousness "to achieve national unity and peace" as well as his earlier order to state security forces to "be friendly to the revolutionary movement and government."

Jalandoni cited one occasion where Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, chief of the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command, was supposed to have declared that they can now sweep in to clear more than 100 barangays in his area of operations because, with the existing cease fire, "the NPA (New People's Army) won't fire at us."

"We later learned that Duterte was present" when Guerrero blustered about it, Jalandoni said. "Why didn't he call him out and why hasn't he disciplined military forces that have violated the cease fire?"

He also noted inconsistencies between Duterte's "progressive" pronouncements and the actions of the government and its forces.

No surrender

Jalandoni also stressed that the final agenda of the peace talks – the end of hostilities and disposition of forces – does not mean the NPA will surrender its weapons and demobilize its forces.

"Never think that the NPA will surrender its arms," Jalandoni told the forum.

"The NDFP has always declared that the negotiation does not and should not involve the surrender of the NPA because they are needed to protect the people and the people's democratic government, including the services it provides directly to the people in many of the country's 81 provinces," as well as any gains from a peace agreement, such as agrarian reform, national industrialization, and even external threats, he said.

He pointed to The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, which lays down the framework for the peace negotiations and mandates "parity and reciprocity" between the two parties.

Jalandoni explained that, once the last agenda of the talks is completed and a peace agreement forged, "there may be a general amnesty for all combatants, both NPA and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) but there will be absolutely no surrender."

Counter-insurgency

The communist rebels warned they may be forced to terminate their unilateral cease fire and "engage in active defense and defend the people" against continued military operations unless President Rodrigo Duterte ends the counterinsurgency campaign "Oplan Bayanihan."

President Duterte "must order an end to the Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression and rescind his earlier declaration that he will not pull out his troops from the guerrilla zones," the Communist Party of the Philippines said in a statement released at the weekend to mark the 100th day since it declared a unilateral cease fire to match that of government to mark the resumption of formal peace negotiations.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, claimed the CPP, "has maliciously taken advantage of the NPA cease fire to gain military and political advantage on the ground. For the past three months, the AFP has practically observed no cease fire."

"During the entire course of the unilateral cease fire, the AFP has deployed armed units and maintained armed presence in centers of civilian communities in," it said.

"Based on partial reports, at least 470 barangays have been affected by Oplan Bayanihan armed operations since August 26," the CPP said.

"Once the full report is completed, the number is expected to reach more than 800. Close to a half a million people in 43 provinces and 146 towns have been subjected to or were exposed to various forms of AFP abuses in just over three months," it added.

It accused the military of "deceptively" describing the operations of "fully-armed combatants" as "non-combat operations" even as troops "occupy barangay halls, day care centers, health centers, gyms, elementary schools as well as civilian residences," and "do not spare even such sacrosanct places as the Dap-ay reserved for community elders in the Cordilleras."

It said it was "utterly dismayed at the failure of ... Duterte to rein in the war dogs of the AFP". It pressed him, "in the spirit of peace negotiations and extending the unilateral cease fire declarations," to order the military to "withdraw its armed combatants from the guerrilla zones and areas under the sway of the revolutionary government."

Duterte, it added, "must cast away his illusion that the (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) has exclusive dominion over the entire Philippines, adding that in significant parts of the country, there exist two governments that are at war with each other: the GRP and the people's democratic government which the NDFP represents."

Unless Duterte scraps the current counterinsurgency campaign and orders a military pullout from the hinterlands, it said, he "would be virtually setting the stage for widespread armed clashes with the New People's Army as Red fighters will be forced into active defense posture and defend the people against abuses by the forward-deployed combat troops of the AFP."

"He will only have himself to blame if this forces the hand of the CPP to terminate its unilateral cease fire declaration," it added.

Marcos burial

Meanwhile, the burial of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos violates a human rights agreement between government and communist rebels and will be among the issues raised by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines at the next round of formal peace negotiations in late January.

Luis Jalandoni, former chairman and now senior consultant of the NDFP peace negotiating panel, told a forum and reporters in Bacolod City that the secretive and hurried burial of Marcos at the heroes' cemetery on November 18 violates the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which was forged in 1998 to cap the first of the four so-called substantive agenda of the peace talks.

Explaining how the burial of Marcos, which President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to fulfill a promise to the dictator's family and which the Supreme Court allowed, Jalandoni said the CARHRIHL, specifically Part 3, Article 2(2), recognizes "the inherent and inalienable right of the people to establish a just, democratic and peaceful society, to adopt effective safeguards against, and to oppose oppression and tyranny similar to that of the past dictatorial regime."

Jalandoni stressed that allowing the burial with honors of Marcos, whose 14-year dictatorship was marked by widespread human rights abuses and plunder, violated this by disrespecting the sentiments of the survivors and the families of victims of the atrocities committed under strongman rule.

http://interaksyon.com/article/134950/reds-wary-about-govt-sincerity-to-end-insurgency

Mindanao at risk of losing investments due to unchecked rebels’ extortion activities

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 5): Mindanao at risk of losing investments due to unchecked rebels’ extortion activities

The ceasefire between the government and the communist rebels in Mindanao is not working for plantations and businesses in the region as investors continue to experience harassment coming from the New People’s Army (NPA).

A statement showed on Monday that NPA continues to harass businesses even if there is ongoing peace talks between the government and rebel groups and among the hardest hit are banana plantations and big transportation companies operating passenger buses and contractors.

Businessmen, who requested anonymity for security reasons, asked the administration to find solutions to this worsening scenario in the region.

They said what’s happening now to businesses in Mindanao will not give a good impression to foreign investors that were invited by President Rodrigo Duterte to do business here in the country.

According to them, the rebels are asking money from companies in Mindanao, among them agricultural plantations, private contractors, quarrying operators, public market stallholders and even small-time entrepreneurs.

The amount ranges from as low as P5,000 to as high as P5 million a month.

“If we pay, we will lose our shirts and would be forced to close shop; if we refuse to pay, our lives and that of our family members will be in danger, ” said a businessman in Toril, a district in Davao City.

In some provinces, the extortionists even demand revolutionary taxes from barangay captains and municipal mayors and councilors.

Businessmen asking for protection from the military are also disappointed that the military and the police can’t do anything about the extortion activities since they have been ordered to stay in the barracks amid the government’s unilateral ceasefire.
 
Just a few months ago, Dole-Stanfilco decided to shutdown its plantation in Surigao del Sur after losing a total of more than P20 million to the NPAs when they burned their equipment and packing plants.

The firm’s decision resulted in worsening of joblessness in the area, a businessman noted.

To recall, President Rodrigo R. Duterte already acknowledged that the banana industry is hampered by the continuous harassment of lawless groups in Mindanao.

“The greatest challenge of the banana growers in the Philippines is really the law and order. Until and unless you can put together a country that’s bereft of any revolutionary tax, extortion and everything, sinusunog ang (burning) property, it’s all because of the taxation. If it’s not taxation of the communists, it’s extortion of the roving bandits in Mindanao,” Duterte said earlier.

The same fate is being suffered by telecommunications companies that have a presence in the region.

In a different statement, Globe Telecoms had admitted before that it couldn’t set up cell sites fast enough in certain areas in Mindanao partly because of the big amount being demanded to them by rebels.

http://business.mb.com.ph/2016/12/05/mindanao-at-risk-of-losing-investments-due-to-unchecked-rebels-extortion-activities/

Incumbent AFP chief bids farewell to soldiers in Oro

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Dec 6): Incumbent AFP chief bids farewell to soldiers in Oro



CAGAYAN DE ORO. A soldier, one of about 249 new soldiers of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) is hugged by a relative after he took his oath before MGEN Harold Cabreros, Vice Commander of the Philippine Army, during a simple ceremony at Camp Edelberto Evangelista, Patag, Saturday morning, December 3. (Joey P. Nacalaban)

TWO days before his mandatory retirement from service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), incumbent AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya visited the 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division of the Philippine Army at Camp Evangelista in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on December 5.

As the former commander of the Diamond Division of the AFP, Visaya visited Camp Evangelista to bid farewell to the troops of the 4ID.

Visaya was first assigned in the 4ID as a young lieutenant immediately after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy "Matikas" class in 1983.

He then served as the division's commander from 2013 to 2014.

During his time as the commander of 4ID, he was able to manage the conflict situations in Northern Mindanao and Caraga that led to the surrender of more than 300 members of the New People's Army and witnessed in four so-called “Pagbabalik-loob” programs.

"I would like to thank the 4ID for being part of my big success in the military service. This is where I started my career as a young lieutenant and got a chance to be awarded as the junior officer of the year back in 1985. I was again given the opportunity to lead the division in 2013 as its 38th Commander. During that time, I could clearly recall that we have contributed to the peace and stability of the two regions and was able to encourage every diamond trooper to do their part and contribute to the attainment of just and lasting peace in this part of the country," Visaya said.

Aside from expressing his gratitude to the diamond troopers, Visaya also commended 4ID's recent success in negotiating with the New People's Army in the Caraga region.

"This visit is not only to thank you for all the support that you have given me in my lieutenant days and when I was the division commander but also I would like to thank you for all the efforts that you have been giving, at least you maintained the situation in the Caraga region. As ever, this division is the Diamond division, walang kupas (never ending)," Visaya said.

He added that if the Army becomes successful in these negotiations with the NPA, the rebels may even be integrated with the Army as long as they pass the army's requirements.

"I want you to continue with that. As you all know, the 10,000 additional troops already has a budget. 8,000 will go to the army, 1,000 to the air force, and 1,000 to the navy," Visaya said.

With regards to the issue of terrorism in the country, Visaya said that the AFP has been doing good in the anti-terrorism move in the Philippines.

Visaya said they have at least prevented further kidnapping cases by terrorists especially in the high seas.

"Because that is what the President has really told us to crush the Abu Sayaf because of the reputation that the kidnapping activities are giving to us. And that also goes to the Maute group as well. But we are doing good," Visaya said.

With regards to the recent encounters with the Maute group in Butig, Lanao del Sur, Visaya said that as the AFP has completely regained control of the area, they will further continue their presence there.

"Well as the Maute group has lost 61 members, those who have died, and that is a fairly significant loss. But then, under the judgment of Commander Barrientos, the troops will remains there as we cannot be sure if the Maute group will stop reclaiming Butig because the place is very important for them," Visaya said.
 
The incumbent AFP chief reminded the 4ID troops about the instructions of President Rodrigo Duterte in avoiding the usage of drugs among the army personnel.

"At least for us here, the number of users have already decreased to none. But I have to warn everyone that you have to be careful about negotiating with people who are suspected of being involved with drugs. Do not ruin your career because of those things," Visaya said.

Moreover, Visaya also assured the troops of the continuing modernization that the army will undergo for the next year.

He added that two FA-50 combat aircraft from South Korea have already arrived and more will come for the succeeding months.

Visaya's successor as AFP Chief of Staff has not been announced and will be determined before his retirement on December 7.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2016/12/06/incumbent-afp-chief-bids-farewell-soldiers-oro-513546

AFP still in pursuit of retreating Maute Group

From Tempo (Dec 6): AFP still in pursuit of retreating Maute Group

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) revealed that the manhunt operations versus the Maute Group is now concentrated on the forested areas in Lanao Del Sur.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Marine Col. Edgard A. Arevalo said that government forces have already made interactions with residents in the area to enlist their support or cooperation in reporting to them if they see any movements coming from the bandits.

“Well pursuit operations are still ongoing on those who are still hiding, at the forested areas.

 Secondly, we are waiting for approval on the recommendation to build a military installation or camp in Butig. We just know where the exact location will be,” Arevalo said.

 

Arevalo said although the center of Butig is already 100 percent full control of the AFP, they are still not allowing the entry of civilians due to the possible presence of unexploded ordnance.

“That’s the reason why we had to add K9 bomb sniffing dogs for us to find the unexploded ordnance more faster,” said Arevalo.

Upon the recommendation of Army 103rd Brigade command Col. Roseller Murillo, Arevalo said they are looking into the possibility of building a military camo or installation to prevent the Maute gunmen re-setting foot in Butig town.

The AFP earlier said a total of 61 Maute Group fighters were allegedly killed while 12 others were wounded since fighting broke out between them and government troops more than a week ago.

He added that 35 soldiers were hurt as a result of the clashes.

The group was allegedly behind the Davao City night market bombing last September 2, when 15 died and around 70 were hurt.

http://tempo.com.ph/2016/12/06/afp-still-in-pursuit-of-retreating-maute-group/

IEDs, terror docs seized from house of Maute leaders' mom

From ABS-CBN (Dec 6): IEDs, terror docs seized from house of Maute leaders' mom



BREAKING: Joint forces of AFP & PNP raided 5 houses believed to be owned by Farhana Maute, mother and presumed financier of Maute brothers

MANILA - Soldiers and elite policemen on Tuesday recovered two homemade bombs and important documents from a residential compound allegedly owned by the mother of the Maute terrorists' leaders in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur.

The documents seized from the five houses of Farhana Maute could prove the alleged terror activities of her sons, Abdul and Omar Maute, authorities said.



BREAKING: 2 IEDs found inside the houses believed to be owned by Farhana Maute, mother and presumed financier of the Maute Group leaders.

The Maute matriarch is believed to be the financier of the Maute Group which occupied the town of Butig in Lanao Del Sur last week, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.

The CIDG said her residential compound is often used as a safehouse by Maute terrorists.

A policeman from the raiding party was wounded after stepping on a trip wire inside the compound.
The raid also yielded water and power bills bearing Farhana's name.

Her maiden surname, Romato, was also found written on several walls.

Some residents in the compound, however, denied knowing any Maute fighter.

Farhana is a former government contractor. Her family, known for being affluent, sent her sons to study in the Middle East, where they were allegedly radicalized.

The Maute Group occupied Butig's vital installations, including its unused town hall, madrasa and national high school last week.

State forces retook the town center on Thursday, driving the Maute Group to the fringes of Butig.

President Duterte has offered an olive branch to Maute, saying he does "not want to wage war on his countrymen." But there is no indication that the terrorists, who earlier pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS), will lay down arms.

On the contrary, videos declassified and shared by the Army show the Maute Group training children in a location that has not been confirmed yet.

Children wearing ISIS headbands and shirts can be seen chanting, conducting drills and listening to speakers in the clips which were recovered from Maute fighters in the course of the military operations.

Outgoing Armed Forces chief of staff General Ricardo Visaya said he was not aware of any report that the Maute Group is willing to talk to the government.

• READ: Attempts to talk peace with the Maute group underway

He added there will be no let up against Maute unless otherwise instructed by the commander-in-chief, President Duterte.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/05/16/ieds-terror-docs-seized-from-house-of-maute-leaders-mom

PNP, AFP raid Maute compound in Marawi City

From Rappler (Dec 6): PNP, AFP raid Maute compound in Marawi City

(2nd UPDATE) One Special Action Force trooper is wounded in the raid

SUSPECTS. A banner across the street from a military camp in Marawi shows the faces of suspected members of the Maute Group. Rappler photo

 

(2nd UPDATE) – The Maute compound in Marawi City was raided Tuesday morning, December 6, as troops continued pursuit operations against the leaders of the local terrorist group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS).

 

One Special Action Force (SAF) trooper was wounded in the joint operation of the police and military.

 

The military's 65th Infantry Battalion, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police Regional Office's Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) and Criminal and Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) implemented search warrants against several members of the Maute family.

 

Search warrants for the violation of the country's firearms and illegal drugs laws were issued by a Maguindanao court against the homes of Farhana R. Maute, Abdullah R. Maute, Mohammad Khayam, Abdulrhaman R. Maute, Mahater R. Maute, Abdul Azis R. Maute, Hamsa R. Maute and Mahater R. Maute.

 

By 2:15 in the morning, government forces "dominated the area of operation and immobilized all persons inside the target houses without any resistance," according to a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF), which provided tactical support for the operation.

 

One SAF trooper, PO2 Rolando Redondo of the 103rd Special Action Company, was injured when an improved explosive device set off at target 4 of the area. He was brought to an Army ambulance right away.

 

Government forces also recovered the following: two 81-mm mortar cartridges and a Romeo-Suarez shotgun.

 

The Maute brothers – Omar and Abdullah – grew up in Marawi City. The town of Butig in Lanao del Sur, where they camped out and recruited locals to their organization, is the hometown of their mother. It is less than 2 hours away by land from the city.

 

Clashes first erupted between the military and the Maute group in February this year, prompting the local government to abandon the municipal hall and hold office at the neary building of the National Irrigation Authority. (READ: On the day of Duterte visit, AFP retakes Butig town hall from Maute)

 

The military launched a massive offensive against the group in late November, that killed 49 alleged Maute group members and wounded 21 soldiers.

 

The terrorists have since retreated, occupying areas close to the camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Butig. This prompted the MILF to raise concern. (READ: Maute group taking refuge near MILF areas)

 

The military claims the members of the Maute group have been attempting to take refuge near MILF areas to take advantage of the peace process, confident that the military will not attack MILF camps. But some residents said they suspect MILF members are coddling Maute members.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/154638-raid-maute-compound-marawi

Soldier slain in clash with Maute Group

From InterAksyon (Dec 6): Soldier slain in clash with Maute Group



An armored personnel carrier near damaged buildings in Butig, Lanado del Sur after the military retook the town from the Maute Group. (photo by Richel Umel, AFP)

A soldier was killed in a clash with suspected members of the Maute Group in Lanao Del Sur Monday afternoon, Western Mindanao Command Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said.

Aside from the slain member of the 1st Scout Ranger Company, Tan said an undetermined number of the gunmen were also killed or wounded.

The clash happened as government forces continue to pursue the Maute Group after dislodging the extremists from the town of Butig following a weeklong offensive.

"As of December 6, 7 a.m., fire missions were delivered to enemy locations. The enemy has, to date, incurred 63 killed and 17 wounded, while the troops suffered one killed and 38 wounded in action," Tan said.

Meanwhile a police officer was wounded in a firefight during a joint operation on the home of Farhana Maute, mother of Maute Group’s founder, in Butig early Tuesday morning.

http://interaksyon.com/article/134978/soldier-slain-in-clash-with-maute-group

More Marines sent to secure Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine Star (Dec 6): More Marines sent to secure Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat



Philippine Marines disembark from a troop transport. File photo

The Philippine Marine Corps on Sunday has augmented its forces securing coastal towns in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao provinces with an additional battalion to help local authorities address fanatical Islamic militants.

 

The 2nd Marine Battalion, comprised of more than 500 Marines, was welcomed on Sunday by residents of Kalamansig town led by Mayor Ronan Garcia.

 

The unit will join four other battalions under the 2nd Marine Brigade based in nearby Lebak town also in Sultan Kudarat.

 

Gen. Alvin Parreño, brigade commander, was also present in the welcome honors that local officials extended to the Marines.

 

Parreño said the battalion will be engaged in peace-building and humanitarian activities while also performing security duties in local communities. 

 

The Marines are popular in Central Mindanao for having driven away more than a hundred Khilafa Islamiya militants from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat in late 2015.

 

That operation resulted in the deaths of seven jihadists and the restoration of government control over their enclave.

 

The outlawed Khilafa Islamiya used the black flag of the Independent State of Iraq and Syria while it operated a “shadow government” from its camp southwest of Palimbang.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/12/06/1650856/more-marines-sent-secure-maguindanao-sultan-kudarat

IED blast kills 2 children in Basilan

From ABS-CBN (Dec 5): IED blast kills 2 children in Basilan

Two children were killed while two others were injured after an improvised explosive device allegedly planted by Abu Sayyaf bandits exploded in So Bohe Begang, Barangay Bohe Piang, Albarka, Basilan Province last Friday.

The casualties were identified as Hamodi Almadi, 10; and Alkodi Almadi, 8.

Almodzri Anali, 15; and Albadal Ananli, 5; suffered injuries from the blast.

The children were playing outside their home when the bomb exploded.

“The said IED was laid by the Abu Sayyafs intended to inflict casualty to government troops.

However, it is sad to say that innocent civilians, particularly children, are victims of this kind of atrocity,” the Armed Forces' 104th Brigade said in a statement.

Barangay Bohe Piang lies within a kilometer of the Abu Sayyaf’s complex of defensive hilltops and strongholds that were seized by government troops last August.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/05/16/ied-blast-kills-2-children-in-basilan

After Army kicks Maute out, it can’t say when group will die

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 5): After Army kicks Maute out, it can’t say when group will die


The relentless assault by government forces may have driven the Maute Group out of Butig, Lanao del Sur, but the military is uncertain if the group had been neutralized, according to a ranking armed forces official.

Maj. Gen. Harold Cabreros, vice commander of the Philippine Army, said he could not give a time frame for the complete annihilation of Maute Group but said the military is exerting extra effort to make sure that the group, which had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (IS), is no longer a threat to communities in Lanao del Sur.

He said the military “cannot just predict” when the Maute Group would be annihilated, “but based on the success of our operations, surely our troops can get the group anytime.”

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Soldiers from the Army’s 1st Infantry Division continue to be in pursuit of members of the group.

Butig was freed from the control of the Maute Group after several days of attacks and bombardment by the military last week, but the offensives left parts of the town in ruin with houses and buildings shattered by mortars.

Thousands of residents have also fled their homes following the series of fighting between the terrorists and government troops.

Cabreros said the Army is ready to lend a hand in the reconstruction of the structures that had been destroyed.

Cabreros visited the 4th Infantry Division headquarters at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Barangay Patag here as guest of honor in graduation rites for 248 new soldiers over the weekend.

The new soldiers would be deployed to the division’s battalions in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

While there is no shortage of soldiers, Cabreros said the Army needed more soldiers to fill vacancies for those who retired or had been discharged from duty.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/850619/after-army-kicks-maute-out-it-cant-say-when-group-will-die

19 NDF consultants join hunger strike

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 5): 19 NDF consultants join hunger strike

At least 19 consultants of the National Democratic Front have limited their food intake to call for the release of 432 political prisoners all over the country.

Some were taking only one square meal a day while the others, especially the elderly, had two square meals per day. They also partook of crackers and water in between meals.
One of them was an ailing 65-year-old alleged rebel leader of Panay Island.

The consultants, many of them in their 50s and 60s, took turns in fasting from Dec. 3 to 10, the International Human Rights Day.

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“We resorted to fasting because of the repeated broken promises of the government peace panel to work out the release of political detainees,” said Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala.

The 19 consultants, including couple Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, alleged chairman and secretary general, respectively, of the Communist Party of the Philippines, were released in August after they were allowed to post bail and be part of the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF.

Bocala said they assured that at least 200 prisoners would be released before the November round of talks. She said they were later told that 70 would be released.

“None of these pronouncements have been fulfilled,” she said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/850670/19-ndf-consultants-join-hunger-strike

Jalandoni visits jailed comrades in Negros Occidental

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Dec 5): Jalandoni visits jailed comrades in Negros Occidental

NATIONAL Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) senior adviser Luis Jalandoni reiterated the need to release the political prisoners prior to the signing of the peace pact.

Jalandoni, along with wife Consuelo Ledesma, a member of the NDFP peace panel, served as guest speakers at the #JustPeace forum held at the Department of Education Social Hall in Bacolod City Saturday. It was attended by 250 people from various sectors, including those from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Karapatan, and Promotion of Church People’s Response.

Before speaking at the forum, Jalandoni and his wife visited two political prisoners at the Negros Occidental District Jail in Bago City.

The two are Victor Tapang and Renald Febreo, who are among the four political detainees in the province, according to Karapatan-Negros Island Region (NIR).

Tapang, an alleged leader of the New People’s Army, was arrested in 2014 while Febreo was apprehended last year, the police said.

To continue the ceasefire and for the peace talks to move forward, it is a must for the National Government to release the political prisoners, Jalandoni said at the forum.

“It's a key factor, and it would be also a big obstacle that causes peace negotiations to start going backwards. It will be an incentive for the peace talks to move forward. Without it, it will be difficult to continue with the ceasefire and it would be difficult to continue the discussions on socio- economic reforms,” Jalandoni said.

Moreover, the NDFP adviser noted that there’s an existing ceasefire between the government and the communist rebels although they received reports that violations against the truce are being committed by the military.

For years, Jalandoni, along with his wife, had been in self-exile with communist leader Jose Maria Sison and other members of the NDFP in The Netherlands. They came back to the country in 2010.

In October this year, Jalandoni resigned as NDFP chief negotiator, a post he held for 20 years. He was replaced by Fidel Agcaoili. He is still involved in the peace negotiations with the Philippine government as a senior adviser.

Last Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an order granting presidential pardon to four communist rebels convicted for murder and kidnapping.

To date, there are about 434 NDF members who are detained throughout the country.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, government’s chief peace negotiator, said the release of four pardoned detainees is part of the continuing commitment of Duterte to free detained communist rebels.

More political prisoners are reportedly set to be released before the next round of talks in January at Rome, Italy.

For her part, Clarizza Dagatan, secretary-general of Karapatan-NIR, said they are supporting the peace negotiations between the government and NDF as it could benefit the Filipinos.

She reiterated the call of Jalandoni to release the more than 400 political prisoners nationwide.
In Negros Occidental, we have four political prisoners, she said.

Some NDFP members staged a hunger strike on Saturday to demand the release of political prisoners.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Deoma, secretary-general of Bayan Muna-Negros, said he is expecting that the draft on the comprehensive agreement on socio-economic reforms, political, and constitutional reforms will be approve in the next round of peace negotiations.

He added that a bilateral ceasefire is needed for the cessation of hostilities and disposition of forces

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2016/12/05/jalandoni-visits-jailed-comrades-negros-occidental-513380

Pinoy cadet at West Point recognized

From Update.Ph (Dec 5): Pinoy cadet at West Point recognized

United States Military Academy (USMA), also known as West Point, Filipino cadet Don Stanley ‘DS’ Dalisay was selected for the 2017 Schwarzman scholarship. He was chosen together with 5 American cadets. He is a economics and operations research major with a minor in grand strategy at West Point.

Schwarzman Scholars are awarded will be undergoing one-year Master’s Degree program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s most prestigious universities and an indispensable base for the country’s scientific and technological research.

“Scholars chosen for this highly selective program will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion, attending lectures, traveling, and developing a better understanding of China,” said in the official social networking page of West Point.

Dalisay spent his first year (Fourth Class) at the Philippine Military Acedemy. He was president and top of his class at PMA. Prior to entering PMA, he gained his degree in Public Health from the University of the Philippines Manila.

He will be serving the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

http://www.update.ph/2016/12/pinoy-cadet-at-west-point-recognized/11693

Eastern Visayas Army reaffirms loyalty to admin

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Eastern Visayas Army reaffirms loyalty to admin

The military in Eastern Visayas does not see the need to conduct a loyalty check among its soldiers in the region amid rumors of possible martial law declaration of their Commander-in-chief President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Our soldiers in the region remain faithful to the chain of command and the constitution,” said Col. Cesar M. Idio, assistant division commander of Army’s 8th Infantry Division Phil. based in Catbalogan City, Samar.

Idio said they did not receive any reports of plans of soldiers in the region to stage an anti-government uprising.

“Loyalty is imparted in every soldier early in their lives when they first learned the Pledge of Allegiance,” Idio said.

According to the official, they recognize that loyalty is the thread that binds their actions together. It defines their commitment to each other, to their units, country and the Constitution.

“Soldiers in Eastern Visayas have a reputation for excellence, a strong reflection of its soldiers and officers and this reputation arises from their commitment, self-sacrifice and mutual trust,” Idio added.

Amid recent talks about the possibility of another martial law, President Duterte said that it’s far from his mind. He said he found no reason nor relevance for it.

The 8th Infantry Division is one the Army’s units in the Visayas under the Armed Forces of the Philippine Central Command, with its mission to conduct internal security operations in the area to dismantle the presence of local communists in Eastern Visayas region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=945717

President Duterte ready to pardon old, ailing political prisoners before Christmas

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): President Duterte ready to pardon old, ailing political prisoners before Christmas

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will release the elderly and ailing political prisoners in the country before Christmas Day.

President Duterte made this announcement before lighting a 12-foot Christmas Tree made of 360 pieces of Las Pinas Christmas parols at the Malacanang Palace buildings in a ceremony attended by 2016 Miss International titlist Kylie Versoza.

”There is no point of detaining a person who is old and sick. I find it very awkward feeling. I’m uncomfortable. So all the elderly, ailing, you can go,” the 71-year-old Filipino leader said in his speech.

President Duterte said qualified detainees for his pardon are those 70-year old and above and suffering from incurable diseases like kidney failure and cancer.

”If they are ready to be released and will be accepted by their families, I will release them before Christmas time,” he said.

The President failed to give the numbers of elderly and ailing political prisoners but reports said there are 25 elderly political detainees and 140 who are sickly.

Meanwhile, President Duterte said he will also agree for the release of over 130 political prisoners if the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) can show peace agreement signed between the Philippine government and the CPP-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).

”They’re asking for the release of 130 political prisoners. I said I cannot give you that. I’m sorry but I have already conceded so much on the side of the government,” the President said, referring to the detained CPP-NDF leaders who were allowed to attend the peace talks in Oslo, Norway.

”But if you can show me a document signed by the Republic of the Philippines representatives and the communist, then I will release the 130 plus more,” he noted.

”I know the left have vision for our country. I used to cross the ideological border because I was a student once and I saw the iniquity, the sense of uselessness of the Filipinos, and I saw also the other side how should it be in the government,” President Duterte explained.

As President, Duterte said he pleads for unity of the country free from communal wars and for generation of Filipinos who are able, competent, healthy and good.

”I please for peace so that our citizens can move around anytime of the day or night,” the President said.

He reiterated his campaign promise to extinguish illegal drugs, corruption and criminality in the country.

”Expect to pass to this world but once, therefore any good that I can do to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again,” President Duterte said, quoting from an anonymous writer.

The President also promised to work hard to achieve peace with the Moro rebels particularly with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

”The MILF has shown its sincerity to talk to us about peace. Nur Misuari (of MNLF) chooses to be different but he has said that he will work with us in government to find peace,” President Duterte said.

”So I’m happy except for the extremists, actually that would really be a danger to our country in the days to come,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=945904

Maute fighters kill first soldier, train child warriors

From ABS-CBN (Dec 5): Maute fighters kill first soldier, train child warriors



President Duterte, his hand raised in a fist, poses for a photo with troops fighting the Maute Group in Butig, Lanao Del Sur.

The ongoing war against the Maute Group in Butig, Lanao Del Sur has claimed its first military life on Monday. 

On the 10th day of operations, a soldier in the frontlines was declared dead in battle, but his remains has yet to be extricated as the fierce firefight continued to rage. 

The circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, except that he is part of the forces that have engaged with Maute fighters in their new position in Butig.

The terrorists previously occupied Butig's vital installations, including its unused town hall, madrasa, and national high school.

State forces retook the town center on Thursday, driving the Maute Group to the fringes of Butig.

President Duterte has offered an olive branch to Maute, saying he does "not want to wage war on his countrymen." But there is no indication that the terrorists, who earlier pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS), will lay down arms.

CHILD SOLDIERS 

On the contrary, videos declassified and shared by the Army show the Maute Group training children in a location that has not been confirmed yet.

Children wearing ISIS headbands and shirts can be seen chanting, conducting drills and listening to speakers in the clips which were recovered from Maute fighters in the course of the military operations.

The faces of the adults were completely covered while the faces of the children were exposed.

Most Maute fighters were in black civilian clothes, others were wearing fatigues, while some were clad in the tiger-stripe uniforms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Outgoing Armed Forces chief of staff General Ricardo Visaya said he was not aware of any report that the Maute Group is willing to talk to the government.

• READ: Attempts to talk peace with the Maute group underway

Outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Gen Visaya arrives in Zambo del Sur for his farewell visit to 1st Division. Commanders of Butig are present

During his farewell visit to the Army First Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur, Visaya said the military does not negotiate with terrorists and that offensives against the Maute Group will continue as planned.

Visaya also commended the leadership of 1st Division Commander Major General Gerardo Barrientos and 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander Coloner Roseller Murillo for recapturing Butig with minimal troop casualty.

He added there will be no let up against Maute unless otherwise instructed by the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte.

It is imprudent for the Armed Forces to stop fighting the group, he said, when the terrorists are still attacking soldiers and planting explosives where they may pass.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/05/16/maute-fighters-kill-first-soldier-train-child-warriors

Court junks Misuari's motion to travel abroad

From the Philippine Star (Dec 5): Court junks Misuari's motion to travel abroad



President Rodrigo Duterte meets with Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari during a courtesy call at Malacañan on Nov. 28, 2016. PPD/Albert Alcain

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari attempted to travel abroad but his request was turned down by a Pasig court hearing his rebellion and violation of international humanitarian law cases.

Misuari last week filed a motion before the Pasig Regional Trial Court to allow him to travel to the Middle East and attend the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, City Legal officer Jesus Carbon said.

Misuari, who was fugitive for more than 3 years, came out from hiding on November 3 and was granted temporary liberty after the Pasig court suspended the warrant for his arrest for six months.

The court's relief for Misuari was for him to attend the peace negotiations initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte's government. It, however, junked Misuari's motion to travel.

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"The judge said I cannot do that, I can allow you to travel only if the peace process will be held not outside the Philippines," Carbon told newsmen at a briefing here.

The Pasig court added that is has no authority to grant the request of Misuari as it was not in connection with the peace process.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/12/05/1650570/court-junks-misuaris-motion-travel-abroad

ReCAAP issue alert on the increasing cases of abduction of crew from ships

From the Hellenic Shipping News (Dec 3): ReCAAP issue alert on the increasing cases of abduction of crew from ships

As previously reported by the club here and here, ReCAAP ISC have reported a spate of abductions of crew from ships in waters off Eastern Sabah and Southern Philippines. Now ReCAAP ISC have published a follow-up incident report entitled Incident Alert on Increasing Cases of Abduction of Crew from Ships.

ReCAAP ISC report that they are ‘deeply concerned about the situation of abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region’ and make a particular note that the perpetrators are becoming more ambitious. Originally, smaller, slow moving vessels such as tug boats towing barges and fishing trawlers were targeted. However, it has now been reported that ships of greater tonnage are being targeted.

ReCAAP ISC advise that all ships should re-route from the area where possible and otherwise, ships should report immediately to the following centres when transiting the area:

Operation Centre in the Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao for monitoring and immediate responses in any eventualities. (Sat phones: +63 929686 4129/+63 916626 0689, VHF: Channel 16 with callsign “ENVY”, Email: hcgdswm@yahoo.com)

 Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) when transiting nearer to eastern Sabah. (Tel: +60 89863181/016, Fax: +60 89863182, VHF: Channel 16 with call-sign “ESSCOM”, Email: bilikgerakanesscom@jpm.gov.my)

 Source: The Standard Club
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/recaap-issue-alert-on-the-increasing-cases-of-abduction-of-crew-from-ships/

Army brigade for Panay, Guimaras gets new commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Army brigade for Panay, Guimaras gets new commander

Colonel Pio Q. Dińoso assumed as the new commander of the 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) in a change of command ceremony held at the Camp Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo on Monday.

Dińoso succeeded General Eric Uchida who will take his post as assistant deputy chief of staff for education and training of the Philippine Army.

General Jon N. Aying, commander of the 3ID, officiated the change of command ceremony.

Dińoso, in his speech, assured that there will be no drastic changes in plans and policies of the brigade.

“I will continue what my predecessor started, what the plans have crafted, everything will be the same,” he said.

He also assured to become an obedient subordinate to local officials in Panay and Guimaras and to “support them in their quest for peace, progress and development”.

Prior to his current designation, Col. Dińoso served as the assistant chief of staff of the logistics of the Philippine Army. He served as executive officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Occidental and battalion commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion in Negros Oriental.

Uchida committed to continue in keeping the peace and security of the people and the communities in the region.

He cited that his greatest achievement was when the brigade, including the units under his operations supervision, did not incur even a single fatality in their battles.

Commander Aying lauded the two military officers for their achievements in their former posts and wished them good luck as they serve in their higher positions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=945814

Outgoing AFP chief tells PMA graduating class: Be competent, excellent

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Outgoing AFP chief tells PMA graduating class: Be competent, excellent

Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya urged the 2017 graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to conduct themselves "in the highest level of competence and excellence".

“We must act and conduct ourselves with the highest level of excellence and competence expected of us. Just do your job to the best of your ability and you will be surprised that what you will receive is actually more than what you aimed for," Visaya said as the PMA Corps of Cadet paid him a tribute and testimonial parade during his final visit to Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City as AFP chief over the weekend.

Visaya will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Dec. 8. He will be stepping down after 37 years of military service.

Visaya is a member of the PMA Class of 1983 that has so far produced three AFP chiefs.

Prior to his appointment as AFP chief last July 1, Visaya held several key positions in the military.
He was the former brigade commander of two prestigious Brigades – the 104th Infantry Brigade in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Lanao Provinces and Basilan, and 901st Brigade in Bicol Region.
Visaya also commanded the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City.

Before becoming AFP chief last July 1, Visaya also served as the 28th commander of the Southern Luzon Command.

“This is where it all started. This is where we all realized our dreams to serve our nation through the noble profession of arms,” Visaya said in thanking the PMA for the honors rendered to him.

“The PMA is where we were honed to be the best that we can be, to live the honorable way, and to be leaders of courage, integrity and loyalty,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=945706

Pres. Duterte now has shortlist for next AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Pres. Duterte now has shortlist for next AFP chief

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has already submitted to the Office of the President the shortlist of possible replacements for outgoing AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya who is scheduled to retire on Dec. 8.

This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo but said he is not in a position to reveal the names of the candidates.

"There is already a shortlist but I am not in position to divulge the names but what I heard is that the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo Duterte) is now looking and studying the list (for Gen. Visaya's) possible replacement," he said in Filipino.

While all in the list are "very qualified", Arevalo said the AFP is giving the President a freehand in picking the next chief-of-staff.

"We would like to give him ample choices of successors to chose from, or options to chose from, but before we submit (the names of) possible candidates, all of them goes through a tedious process, taking into account their command experience, their assignments and experience in handling higher level command," he added.

Visaya will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Dec. 8. He will step down after 37 years of military service.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=945738

PNP: Manhunt ongoing vs 3 other suspects in foiled bombing attempt

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): PNP: Manhunt ongoing vs 3 other suspects in foiled bombing attempt

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday assured that their effort is ongoing to arrest the three other suspects in the attempted bombing in a portion of Roxas Boulevard in Manila near the United States Embassy last Nov. 28.

PNP Chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa asked for more time to arrest the suspects behind the attempted bombing as the whereabouts are still being determined.

"Check ko pa baka mamaya meron pa silang ongoing operation na ginagawa tapos sasabihin ko agad baka ma preempt ang kanilang ginagawa imbes mahuli pa yong lima tatlo na lang ang mahuli, kasi nakasibat na yong dalawa (I will still check. Maybe, they still have an ongoing operation then I would talk immediately about it, it may preempt their ongoing operation instead of arresting the other five suspects, because the two others have escaped)," Dela Rosa said in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

"Tatlo na lang ang 'di pa nahahanap, pero kung may nakuha na isa, baka dalawa na lang. Pag na-confirm ko na nakuha ang isa, so 'yong dalawa baka tumakas, mahirapan tayong kunin. Sige lang, baka magkaroon ng kaukulang presscon tungkol dyan, 'wag lang tayo magmadali. Bigyan natin ng time 'yong operation unit para maghabol. 'Di ko i-confirm di ko din ide-deny (Only three have not been located, but if one is arrested maybe only two are left. If I confirmed that the other one is arrested, so the two others might have escaped, we'll have difficulty in arresting them. There might be a presscon about that, let's not be in a hurry. Let's give the operation unit to hunt them down. I would neither confirm nor deny) but I will inform you in due time," he added.

The PNP chief neither confirmed nor denied the information that one of the said three other suspects has been arrested.

Dela Rosa refused to provide information because he said it could affect the ongoing operation.
He added that he would confirm whether the suspects are arrested at the proper time. Two of the five suspects, identified as Rashid Makilala and Jaiher Guinar, were arrested last Wednesday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=945757

AFP to issue stickers to private motorists passing through Camp Aguinaldo this week

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): AFP to issue stickers to private motorists passing through Camp Aguinaldo this week

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will start issuing stickers to private motorists on Thursday so that they can pass through Camp Aguinaldo on their way to EDSA and C-5 and vice versa.

General Headquarters and Headquarters Support Command head Brig. Gen. Allan Martin said the stickers, costing PHP500 each, will be distributed to private motorists who already complied with the AFP requirements.

Requirements are receipt, Certificate of Registration, ID pictures, valid government-issued IDs, NBI clearance, a little background check and interview, Martin added.

This includes screening by the Bureau of Immigration to ensure that these motorists are not terrorist threats.

The opening of the camp's gates to private motorists is a way to decongest traffic in the metropolis.
Martin said motorists passing through the military facility must comply with the AFP security and road rules.

Motorists with stickers will be allowed to pass through Camp Aguinaldo's Gates 6 and 3 for a limited period of time.

For Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, private motorists will be allowed to enter the military camp starting 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, the time period is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Martin said these stickers are good until the end of December 2017.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=945778

DND in the market for Php240-M worth of thermal imaging devices

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): DND in the market for Php240-M worth of thermal imaging devices

To ensure that the military is capable of meeting all kinds of security threats even at night time, the Department of National Defense (DND) has allocated some Php240 million for the procurement of thermal imaging devices for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This is Lot 1 of the project, said DND Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chair Assistant Secretary Josue S. Gaverza.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the items within 180 calendar days upon receipt of the Notice To Proceed.

They also must have integrated logistic support.

Prospective bidders should have completed, within the last five years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project being applied.

Bid opening is scheduled on Dec. 20, 10 a.m. at the DND BAC Conference Room, Left Wing, Basement, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=945768

Ceasefire not working for plantations, other businesses in Mindanao -- stakeholders

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Ceasefire not working for plantations, other businesses in Mindanao -- stakeholders

The New People’s Army (NPA) is still harassing agricultural plantations while there is an ongoing peace talks between the government and the communist rebels, according to businessmen and agricultural stakeholders in Mindanao.

They claimed that rebels continue to extort money from companies in Mindanao, among them agricultural plantations, private contractors, quarrying operators, public market stallholders and small-time entrepreneurs. The amounts range from as low as PHP5,000 to as high as PHP5 million a month.

Some NPA groups allegedly ask "commission" ranging from 5 to 10 percent from private contractors doing multi-million peso projects for the government and private companies.

In some provinces of Mindanao, the extortionists even demand revolutionary taxes from barangay captains, municipal mayors and councilors. A number of politicians were also reportedly asked to settle unpaid permits to campaign (PTC), which became due during the elections last May.

The affected businessmen are asking themselves whether or not to pay. "If we pay, we will lose our shirts and would be forced to close shop; if we refuse to pay, our lives and that of our family members will be in danger," said a businessman in Toril, Davao City.

Hardist hit

Among the hardest hit are banana plantations, big transportation companies operating passenger buses and contractors.

Just a few months ago, one banana company had to close its plantation in Surigao del Sur after losing a total of more than PHP20 million to the NPAs burning their equipment and packing plans since the start of its operation in 2010. The firm’s decision resulted in worsening of joblessness in the area.

Dole-Stanfilco recently shutdown its plantation and packing plants in the northern part of Mindanao after the rebels torch container trucks early this year because the company refused to pay the revolutionary taxes.

Even President Rodrigo R. Duterte acknowledged that the banana industry is hampered by the continuous harassment of lawless groups in Mindanao.

"The greatest challenge of the banana growers in the Philippines is really the law and order. Until and unless you can put together a country that’s bereft of any revolutionary tax, extortion and everything, sinusunog ang property, it’s all because of the taxation. If it’s not taxation of the communists, it’s extortion of the roving bandits in Mindanao," said President Duterte during the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Banana Congress held in Davao City last October.

Big banana plantations, have been seeking government support in fighting extortionists from the communist rebels who are demanding revolutionary taxes.
 
The President noted that Mindanao is the key to driving developments in Philippine agriculture.
While mining industries and export processing zones can sprout everywhere, he said, "what would make the industry valuable is actually agriculture in Mindanao, and only in Mindanao."

He added that he is bullish about agriculture in the country, and sees that the sector will "make it big… in the span of the next 30 years," provided the country is able to iron out law and order, and stop extortion attempts of bandits on farm owners.

According to these businessmen who requested anonymity for security reasons, the biggest adverse impact of revolutionary taxes, apart from the unchecked government red tape and corruption, is on foreign investors who were invited to do business in the Philippines. Now the business community would logically wished that the administration find solutions to this worsening scenario in the countryside.

The rebels allegedly are also harassing other businesses in the countryside. Last November 24, the rebels burned a bus of the Yellow Bus Lines (YBL) in Kiamba, Sarangani. The unit, which could easily cost Php5 million, was not the first YBL bus burned by the rebels.

The burning is just one of the four communist attacks that happened recently in Region 12, including the burning of two heavy equipment used in building a road. This was after the November 14 torching of another YBL bus in Tupi, South Cotabato.

The same fate is being suffered by telecommunications companies, which could set up cell sites fast enough partly because of the big amount being demanded by rebels in areas selected for the cell sites.

Globe Telecom had openly admitted that the high cost of setting up cell sites due to local government units’ demand, generally red tape in many levels of the government and the rebels’ extortion activities are partly to blame for the difficulty in setting up cell sites and the telcos’ inability to improve connectivity in the country.

Businessmen asking for protection from the military are disappointed that the military and the police can’t help to stop the extortion activities after the government declared a unilateral cease fire as part of the ongoing peace process. They have been ordered to stay in the barracks.

Worried businessmen are concerned what could the peace talks really mean to their businesses since the rebels are taking advantage of the government’s unilateral ceasefire.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=945836