GRP prefers Philippine venue of peace talks with Reds; to request Joma’s delisting from terror list

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jan 25): GRP prefers Philippine venue of peace talks with Reds; to request Joma’s delisting from terror list

MOST AWAITED. Meeting the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines Jose Maria Sison (left) is listed on the bucket list of Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr (right). Yasay said he admires Sison’s dedication for the welfare of the Filipino people. The two met during the third round of the GRP-NDF peace talks in Rome, Italy.  The Government panel will recommend to the US the delisting of Sison from its terror list. (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)

 

The Joint Statement that is set to be read during the closing ceremonies of the third round of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines today will include the request of the government peace panel to the US government to delist NDFP chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison from the US terror listing.

 

“It is important for Joma to be able to go to the Philippines, probably in response to the President’s statement that he is willing to meet Joma Sison in any neutral Asian country,” GRP peace panel chair and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III told reporters in an interview here Tuesday.

Fidel Agcaoili, chairperson of the NDFP peace panel said: “we welcome the government’s move to delist Professor Sison, the CPP/NPA/NDF from the US’ terrorist list inasmuch as it was something that was done upon the behest of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government.”

He, however said the Philippines does not qualify as a “foreign, neutral place” where President Rodrigo Duterte would want to meet his former professor, Sison.

Joma’s participation

Bello said the basis of the request is Sison’s participation to the peace process.

The removal from the terrorist list “negates the character of a terrorist,” he said.

He said if the request is granted by the Philippine government they would probably hold the peace talks in the Philippines.

“If it’s possible, we would prefer that talks be held in the Philippines,” he said.

In August 2002, the Arroyo government lauded the US government’s designation of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization.”

A portion of the US’ State Department’s Patterns of Global Terrorism 2002 document reads: “The US government also designated CPP/NPA and its founder Jose Maria Sison pursuant to Executive Order 13224. Authorities in The Netherlands, where Sison is living in self-exile, subsequently froze assets in his bank accounts there and cut off his social benefits.”

Philippines not ‘foreign, neutral’ venue

“How can it be a foreign neutral venue? It’s not a neutral country, it is the Philippines and the GRP is the power seating in Malacanang,” NDFP’s Agcaoili said.

Agcaoili said in 1987, when the GRP and NDFP held the talks in the Philippines, the NDFP panel was “constantly put in surveillance.”

He said when the peace negotiations broke down, many NDFP peace consultants were arrested and killed.

“That’s why we have always insisted that the talks be carried out in a foreign neutral venue abroad,” he said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/grp-prefers-philippine-venue-of-peace-talks-with-reds-to-request-jomas-delisting-from-terror-list/

MILF’s Jaafar to head expanded Bangsamoro transition body

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 24): MILF’s Jaafar to head expanded Bangsamoro transition body



Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs. (INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO/ RYAN LEAGOGO)

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar will head the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that will draft a new charter for the Bangsamoro autonomy.

Although the MILF has yet to issue an announcement identifying its contingent to the 21-member BTC, a post in the MILF’s official website on Sunday mentioned Jaafar chairing it.

The same post mentioned that MILF information chief and peace implementing panel chair Mohagher Iqbal “will remain part of the commission as member.”

Iqbal, the longest serving peace negotiator for the MILF, used to chair the BTC, which had 15 members then.

Jaafar was part of a group that broke away from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1977 owing to leadership issues and differences in revolutionary perspective. Headed by then MNLF vice chair Salamat Hashim, this breakaway group formally became the MILF in 1984.

In the past, Jaafar oversaw pioneering initiatives that resulted in the government’s opening of political negotiations with the MILF in a bid to resolve the Moro conflict.

While the administration of then President Fidel Ramos was putting final touches to a peace deal with the MNLF that was eventually inked in September 1996, Jaafar led efforts by the MILF to set the ground for its own negotiations with government.

He met then Executive Secretary Ruben Torres in August 1996 to set the stage for the peace talks that formally began in January 1997.

From 1996 to 1997, Jaafar chaired the MILF peace panel. From 1997 to 2001, he was a member of the panel chaired by the late Aleem Abdulazis Mimbantas, who was the group’s vice chair then.

Jaafar is said to be closely associated with President Duterte way back when the latter was still mayor of Davao City.

Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the BTC shall be chaired by someone nominated by the MILF.

Of its current 21 members, 11 will be nominated by the MILF while 10 will be nominated by the government. All of them will be appointed by the President.

In preparation for the BTC’s reactivation, the 11 MILF nominees underwent training on parliamentary procedures in Davao City last week.

The draft Bangsamoro autonomy charter written by the previous BTC was never enacted into law by the 16th Congress, setting back the overall timeframe of the Mindanao peace process.

Banking on his campaign pledge, expectations are high the administration of Mr. Duterte will give priority to enacting a new autonomy charter that spells out greatly enhanced political and economic government powers by the Moro people to run their own affairs.  http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/864919/milfs-jaafar-to-head-expanded-bangsamoro-transition-body

Marcelino gets backing from military intel unit

From ABS-CBN (Jan 24): Marcelino gets backing from military intel unit



Lt Col. Ferdinand Marcelino. File Photo

The military's intelligence unit supported the defense of anti-drug-enforcer-turned-drug-suspect Lt Col. Ferdinand Marcelino that he had been conducting intelligence operations against drug syndicates when he was caught in a drug buy-bust in 2016.

In a certification by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) on January 19, the unit said Marcelino had been collaborating in anti-drug efforts with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other agencies even after his stint with the ISAFP.

The ISAFP further said Marcelino has never been involved in illegal activities particularly illegal drugs.

The certification, signed by ISAFP Chief BGen Ronald Villanueva, was one of the documents presented by Marcelino's defense panel from the Public Attorney's Office at a hearing in Branch 49 of the Manila Regional Trial Court Tuesday morning.

Marcelino was not present at the hearing.

PAO Chief Atty Persida Acosta said the certification showed the military's support for Marcelino, an active duty officer who faces a revived drug-trading case together with Chinese national Yan Yi Shou.

The defense also presented a letter from former Customs commissioner Jessie Dellosa calling Marcelino a prime support agent for the bureau's intelligence group who provided information for its anti-drug cases and operations.

During the hearing, however, representatives of the police anti-illegal drugs group and the PDEA said they knew of no involvement by Marcelino in anti-drug operations at the time or that the ISAFP had been conducting such ops.

The prosecution also pointed at the lack of proof or documents that gave Marcelino authority to conduct operations in the townhouse where he and Yan Yi Shou were apprehended in January 2016.

The defense said Marcelino was only gathering information on the drug operation for the NBI along with the Chinese national who they described as an "action agent".

Meanwhile, prosecutors also opposed the military's request to the court to handle custody of Marcelino and detain him at Camp Aguinaldo.

Prosecutor Atty Juan Pedro Navera said Marcelino should be detained at the city jail since he was being tried for a criminal and civilian case and had not been proven to be involved with the military at the time he was arrested.

The court presided by Judge Daniel Villanueva gave the prosecution and defense 30 days to submit their respective memoranda of their facts and arguments before it decides the case.

It also gave the prosecution 15 days to pass a rejoinder for the custody of Marcelino.

The PDEA nabbed P320 million worth of shabu in the townhouse where Marcelino and Yan Yi Shou were caught and which was allegedly used as a clandestine laboratory.

Marcelino's drug case was dismissed by the DOJ later in 2016 before it reversed its decision.

Marcelino was known for his involvement in celebrated anti drug busts, such as the Alabang boys in 2008.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/24/17/marcelino-gets-backing-from-military-intel-unit

Philippines Secretary of National Defence visits Singapore, affirms 'warm and friendly' defence ties

From The Straits Times (Jan 24): Philippines Secretary of National Defence visits Singapore, affirms 'warm and friendly' defence ties



Philippine Secretary of National Defence Delfin Lorenzana (left) calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) in the Ministry of Defence.PHOTO: MINDEF



Secretary Lorenzana inspecting the Guard of Honour in Mindef.PHOTO: MINDEF



Secretary Lorenzana delivering the Special Address at the Delegates’ Dinner for the Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting on Monday evening.PHOTO: MINDEF



Secretary Lorenzana being briefed on the capabilities of the Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle during a tour of the 2nd People's Defence Force on Tuesday morning.PHOTO: MINDEF

Singapore: Philippine Secretary of National Defence Delfin Lorenzana, currently on an introductory three-day visit here, has affirmed his country's "warm and friendly" defence relationship with Singapore.

Mr Lorenzana, who arrived in Singapore on Monday (Jan 23), called on Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday morning.

He inspected a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence before exchanging views with Dr Ng and discussing ways for Singapore and the Philippines to enhance cooperation on regional and international security issues, including counter-terrorism and cyber security.

Dr Ng also expressed Singapore's support for the Philippines' 2017 chairmanship of the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Cyber Security with New Zealand, said Mindef in a press release.

According to Mindef, Mr Lorenzana delivered a special address at the delegates' dinner for the Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting on Monday evening.

He is due to call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana later on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, he will visit the Changi Command and Control Centre for a tour of the Information Fusion Centre and to witness the inaugural Exercise Coordinated Response. This is the first multi-national Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise jointly organised by the Changi Regional HADR Coordination Centre, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the United States' Centre for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

Mindef said Mr Lorenzana's visit underscores the warm defence relations between the two countries.

It added: "Both countries' armed forces interact regularly through visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, and multilateral exercises such as the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise in May 2016."

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/philippines-secretary-of-national-defense-visits-singapore-affirms-warm-and-friendly 

'AFP sincere in talks, NDF should restrain NPA'

From Rappler (Jan 25): 'AFP sincere in talks, NDF should restrain NPA'

Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año says the North Cotabato encounter underscores the urgency to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement

ROAD TO PEACE. In this file photo, President Rodrigo Duterte talks to AFP chief General Eduardo Año in Malacañang. File photo courtesy of Malacañang

 

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año reiterated the sincerity of the military in supporting the peace talks with communist rebels as his alleged record of human rights violations is raised.

 

The National Democratic Front (NDF), which represents the rebels in talks with the government, accused soldiers of sabotaging the talks following the death of a New People's Army (NPA) combatant in a clash with the military over the weekend, the first firefight to disrupt a 5-month-old ceasefire declared separately by both sides.

"We are sincere in the peace talks and we will continue to support the peace negotiation until the permanent and long-lasting peace is attained," Año told Rappler on Tuesday, January 24, when asked to comment on the NDF statement.

The NDF said they've been observing similar tactics against the communist rebels and political activists during the Arroyo administration. The statement noted that the same people are at the helm, singling out Año and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (READ: Rebel hunter Año is new AFP chief)

The NDF threatened that the North Cotabato clash could be the "last straw" that will force the revolutionary organization to withdraw its unilateral indefinite ceasefire declaration.

'Restrain the NPA'

Año called on the NDF to restrain its combatants.

"We hope that the NDF would restrain and control the NPA to stop committing criminal activities like extortion and arson. The PNP and the AFP will continue to enforce the law and protect the people in the communities," Año said.

The AFP chief claimed the troops did not know they encountered communist rebels until after the firefight, when the NPA itself issued a statement.

"The army responded to the call of PNP (Philippine National Police) to confront a group of lawless armed men who commandeered the truck of SLDC (Santos Land Development Corporation) with the intent to burn it," Año said.

"The 39th Infantry Battalion troopers were not even sure if the perpetrators are NPA until after the encounter and the NDF issued a statement," he added.

It's a claim dismissed by the NDF, which maintained that the military operation in North Cotabato was meant to hunt down the rebels.

Urgent: Bilateral ceasefire

Año echoed government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III in saying that the incident underscores the urgency of signing a bilateral ceasefire deal that will impose common rules for the military and the NPA to avoid misencounters.

"This is really unfortunate, but we [ask] the other side to work with us in finding the peaceful solution to this conflict, the first step of which is forging a bilateral ceasefire agreement," Año said.

The government raised hopes the deal would be signed before the panels end their 3rd round of talks in Rome. But Bello acknowledged in an interview on Tuesday, January 24, that both sides now need more time.

"They have some strong positions, but they are open. In fact, they are talking of a possible initialing – instead of signing – a bilateral ceasefire deal," Bello said in an interview in Rome posted on the Facebook page of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

http://www.rappler.com/nation/159393-general-ano-military-ndf-peace-talks

GRP submits bilateral cease fire proposal; NDFP complains about Makilala clash

From InterAksyon (Jan 24): GRP submits bilateral cease fire proposal; NDFP complains about Makilala clash



At the negotiating table in Rome during the third round of talks. Photograph from Kodao productions.

The peace negotiating panels of the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) exchanged documents Tuesday over the bilateral cease fire proposal of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) as well as the NDF's formal complaint regarding the Makilala clash of January 21.

GRP chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III said he was encouraged by the NDFP's reception to the bilateral cease fire proposal, one of the government's major objectives in this round of talks.
"The NDFP said we will discuss our bilateral cease fire proposal on February 22 or 24 in The Netherlands," Bello disclosed.

"I find their response reasonable," Bello said.

Convening the ad hoc cease fire committee on the fifth day of the formal talks, the parties each received the documents in a brief meeting.

Bello also revealed that the final date of their meeting next month would depend of the availability of Utrecht Archbishop Wim Eijk, who will be the caretaker of the reconstituted list of protected consultants and peace process participants for the NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

"I will witness the NDFP's submission of their list of holders of documents of identification," Bello said.

Both parties agreed to a reconstituted list after the pass key was corrupted by a raid conducted by the Dutch police on the NDFP International Office in August 28, 2007.

The NDFP, in turn, submitted to the GRP Panel a letter of protest in relation to the Makilala, North Cotabato clash between elements of the 39th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) and the New People's Army (NPA).

NDFP panel chairperson Fidel Agcaoili called the Makilala clash "a clear breach" of the GRP's own unilateral cease fire declaration.

A 33-year old NPA fighter was confirmed killed, even as Lt. Gen. Rey Guerrero, commanding officer of Eastern Mindanao Command of the AFP, denied that eight Army soldiers were killed as alleged by the NPA's Rigoberto Sanchez.

The GRP reportedly told NDFP that they will study the protest letter and await the official report from the AFP.

http://interaksyon.com/article/136491/grp-submits-bilateral-cease-fire-proposal-ndfp-complains-about-makilala-clash

P20M ransom paid for Indonesians freed by Abu Sayyaf- Lorenzana

From InterAksyon (Jan 25): P20M ransom paid for Indonesians freed by Abu Sayyaf- Lorenzana



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana addresses the Fullerton Forum at the Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, in Singapore. (photo by Roslan Rahman, AFP)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana admitted early this week that the companies which employed two recently freed Indonesians had paid a ransom of ₱20 million ($400,000).

He did not identify the captives but the military said two Indonesian hostages were freed last month by militants from the Abu Sayyaf, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. The two were among seven crewmen seized from a tugboat off the southern Philippines in June.

Speaking at a security forum in Singapore, Lorenzana said 25 hostages are still being held by militants in the southern Philippines but urged that no ransom be paid for their release.

He also said President Rodrigo Duterte has been under pressure to declare martial law in at least three southern islands where jihadists operate, but he did not think there was a need.

Security analysts had said ransom had also been paid for the release by the Abu Sayyaf last year of a Norwegian hostage, although the Philippine and Norwegian governments denied it.

Lorenzana told the Fullerton Forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies that the 25 kidnap victims are still being kept in Jolo, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, which is known to behead its victims if ransoms are not paid.

The group decapitated a Malaysian in 2015 and two Canadians last year.

Lorenzana said the army's chief difficult in hunting the militants was the presence of civilians in communities where they operate, who also benefit from the ransom money.

"It seems that the whole of the community are into it, not everybody but a major part of the community are benefitting from the ransom," he said.

The government is trying to "convince the companies and the families not to pay ransom because every time they pay ransom they make the kidnappers stronger," he said.

"They have more money to distribute to the communities and they have more money to procure all the gadgets that they need -- cellphones, firearms and even materials to manufacture improvised explosive devices."

Lorenzana said the government's strategy against militants was a "holistic approach" -- introducing development projects and providing "incentives for the people to go fishing rather than go kidnapping."

He claimed many Filipinos wanted the president to declare martial law over South Tawi Tawi, Jolo and Basilan islands. But this would be "very controversial" and Duterte was not considering the idea.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/136515/p20m-ransom-paid-for-indonesians-freed-by-abu-sayyaf--lorenzana

Duterte to create a commission to probe Mamasapano tragedy

From MindaNews (Jan 24): Duterte to create a commission to probe Mamasapano tragedy

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the creation of a seven-person commission similar to the Agrava Commission that investigated the 1983 assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. to investigate the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano Tragedy that left 66 persons dead — 44 of them from the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police, 17 from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces and five civilians.

Duterte told relatives of the 44 slain SAF members during a dialogue in Malacanang Tuesday afternoon that he would appoint people of “integrity and honor” and give them until the end of the year to submit its findings so “(we) can have the truth” about what happened.

Fellow police officers carry the caskets of slain police commandos to transport them home aboard Philippine Air Force C-130 planes in January 2015.  MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
Earlier in his speech, however, he said former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has to “answer to the nation” for the tragedy that was “an American adventure with the cooperation of some and apparently with your (Aquino’s) blessing.”

He asked why the SAF was deployed there when it is trained for urban settings and the Army is practially surrounding the Mamasapano area. ” And why was it under wraps? At bakit ninyo itinago na actually it was an operation of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency of the United States)?”

Duterte said it was not enough for Aquino to have admitted responsibility for the tragedy.

“Sabihin mo sa Pilipino, sabihin mo sa akin kung paano ka nagkasala? At anong ginawa ninyo, bakit why you fed the soldiers to the lion’s den, to be eaten by death?,” he asked.

“What went badly, horrible result was ….  Hindi kasi lumabas ang totoo eh (The truth did not come out),” he said.

Duterte said he will appoint “men of integrity and honor” and would choose “mostly the justices of the Supreme Court, maybe a few from the civilian sector, maybe a lawyer.”

“I will bestow upon that commission the powers that (were) exactly given to Agrava Commission, ‘yung panahon sa pagkamatay ni Aquino and let us see. Maybe I’ll just give them … at the end of the year and they can have the truth,” Duterte said.

The President said he wants to know what happened “from the time the plan was maybe being hatched, who were the guys who went to President Aquino to talk about this thing?”

He said the board can call the US Embassy in Manila to ask “What was your role there” and to whom was the reward money of 5 million US dollars (PhP 220 million at the January 2015 exchange rate of 44 pesos to one US dollar).

PD 1886
Using his martial law powers, then President Ferdinand Marcos created the fact-finding board “with plenary powers to investigate the tragedy” through Presidential Decree 1886 issued on October 14, 1983, barely two months after the assassination of Aquino.

The board, he decreed, ” shall be independent from the three departments of the Government, to determine all the facts and circumstances” behind the killing.

The fact-finding board, later referred to as Agrava Commission, was chaired by then retired Court of Appeals Justice Corazon Juliano Agrava. Its members were lawyer Luciano Salazar, businessman Dante Santos, labor leader ErnestoHerrera, and educator Amado Dizon.

PD 1886 gave the Board the power to “review the evidence already submitted and determine which to accept and which to hear anew; to issue subpoena or subpoena duces tecum and other compulsory processes requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any evidence relative to any matter under investigation by the Board.”

It also provided that findings of the Board shall be made public and that if the findings warrant prosecution of any person, “the Board may initiate the filing of the proper complaint with the appropriate government agency.”

A year later, in October 1984, the Agrava Commission blamed the Aquino killing on a military conspiracy but two reports were submitted — the Minority Report by Chair Agrava and the Majority Report by the members. Agrava’s report said Air Force General Luther Custodio and six soldiers plotted the assassination while the Majority Report said it was a wider conspiracy of 26 persons including the Armed Forces Chief of Staff then, Gen. Fabian Ver.

Several bodies conducted a probe on the Mamasapano Tragedy, among them the  Philippine National Police’s Board of Inquiry, the Senate Committee, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Special Investigative Commission, the Department of Justice, the House of Representatives and the Commission on Human Rights, the International Monitoring Team.

President Rodrigo Duterte meets boy whose father was among 44 Special Action Force trooper killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015. The President met with the families of the fallen police officers at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace on January 24, 2017, a day before the second anniversary of the tragedy.   ROLANDO MAILO /Presidential Photo

Duterte also ordered PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa and Local Governments Undersecretary for Police Matters Catalino Cuy to “study the matter very carefully” why only two of the slain SAF members were given medals of valor when all of them died. “Give me the result within, probably at the end of the month,” he said.

“Tutal nandiyan na ‘yung records hindi naman kailangan mag-imbestiga-imbestiga. Look at the records of the Senate and everything. And if you think as a soldier that the 44 deserve the Valor, then recommend it and I would give it to them. All of the soldiers, the 44,” Duterte said.

He announced he would also set “A Day of Remembrance” for the SAF 44.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/01/duterte-to-create-a-commission-to-probe-mamasapano-tragedy/

CPP/NPA: Sa ika-30 anibersaryo ng Mendiola Massacre, Melito Glor Command, kinundina ang patuloy na panlipunan at pampulitikang injustisya sa bansa

NPA propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (Jan 22): Sa ika-30 anibersaryo ng Mendiola Massacre, Melito Glor Command, kinundina ang patuloy na panlipunan at pampulitikang injustisya sa bansa



Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla
Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Tagalog
Southern Tagalog
New People's Army

22 January 2017

Press Release

 

Mariing kinukundina ng Melito Glor Command ang ika-30 taong inhustisya sa mga biktima ng Mendiola Massacre sa ilalim ng rehimen ng tinaguriang “Ina ng Demokrasya” na si Cory Aquino.
Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin napapanagutan ang pamilya Aquino sa pamamaslang at pandarahas sa mga magsasakang iginiit lamang ang kanilang karapatan para sa lupa at kabuhayan noong Enero 22, 1987.

Ginugunita rin ng Melito Glor Command ang 13 pinaslang na sina Adelfa Aribe, Vicente Campomanis, Danilo Arjona, Ronilo Domanico, Roberto Yumol, Dionisio Bautista at Bernabe Laquindanum mula sa Timog Katagalugan at sina Roberto Caylo, Rordrigo Grampan, Dante Evangelio, Angelito Gutierrez, Lepoldo Alonzo, Sonny Boy Perez at maraming mga sugatan sa tama ng balang isinalubong ng Rehimeng Cory Aquino.

Patuloy na panlipunan inhustisya

 Hindi demokratiko ang pagpapaulan ng mga bala sa mga magsasakang nais lamang iparating ang kanilang mga hinaing.

Dagdag pa, isang malaking sampal sa mukha ng mga magsasaka ang pagpapatupad ni Cory Aquino ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) upang pakalmahin ang mga kumakalam na sikmura nang hindi man lamang tumugon sa kabuhayan at karaingan ng mga magsasaka sa loob ng 25 taon sa bansa.

Sa haba ng panahon, hindi nakinabang ang mga magsasaka sa Timog Katagalugan, bagkus pinaboran lamang nito ang mga Panginoong Maylupa at malalaking developer sa mga lupaing pinaghirapan ng mga magsasaka.

Panginoong maylupa / developer	Lawak ng lupain	Lugar
Yulo King Ranch	40,000	Coron-Busuanga, Palawan
Pujalte Estate/Guevent Development Corp.	1,265	Taytay, Palawan
Quintos-Golden Country Farm Inc.	604	Mamburao, Occ. Mindoro
Saulog Estate	90	Rizal, Occ. Mindoro
Hacienda Looc	8,650	Nasugbu, Batangas
Hacienda Roxas	7,813	Nasugbu, Batangas
Hacienda Puyat	2,400	Nasugbu, Batangas
Hacienda Patugo (Manzano-Rubio-Metro Tagaytay)	1,003	Balayan, Batangas
Hacienda Zobel	12,000	Calatagan Batangas
Aguinaldo Estate	350	Silang, Cavite
Emerito Ramos & Son	372	Dasmariñas City, Cavite
South Cavite Land / Enrile	150	Dasmariñas City, Cavite
Hacienda Yulo	7,100	Calamba City
UP Land Grant	9,000	Siniloan, Laguna/Real Quezon
Atty. Romeo Roxas/Green Circle	81,000	General Nakar, Quezon
Rancho Tumbaga	6,000	San Francisco, Quezon
Hacienda Reyes	13,000	San Narciso, San Andres, Buenavista, Quezon
MWSS	2,700	Montalban, Rizal
Solar Power Plan	350	Macabud, Montalban, Rizal
Laiban Dam	20,000	8 baryo sa Tanay, Rizal, 1 Brgy. sa Gen. Nakar, Quezon

Dahil sa CARP, umabot sa 7 sa 10 magsasaka sa Timog Katagalugan ang walang sariling lupa. Pinagtiyaga nito ang mga magsasaka sa kakarampot na kita sa pang-araw-araw habang limpak-limpak na salapi ang napapasakamay sa mga Panginoong Maylupa nang walang kahirap-hirap.
Patuloy na pampulitikang inhustisya.

 Bigo ang popular na pag-aalsang People Power sa kanilang layuning itigil ang inhustisya at pasismo ng estado dahil hanggang ngayon dahas pa rin ang itinatapat ng bawat nagdaang rehimen.
Bukod sa kawalan ng katarungan sa 13 pinaslang sa Mendiola Massacre, parami nang parami ang bilang ng mga magsasakang pinapatay, tinatakot o hinuhuli sa tuwing iginigiit nila ang kani-kanilang mga karapatan sa lupa.

Nakaraang taon pa lamang, pinaslang ang isang lider-magsasaka sa Yulo King Ranch habang tinatakot ng mga goons ang mga magsasaka sa Hacienda Reyes. Iligal ring idinitine ang ilang lider-magsasaka. Tinayuan naman ng mga kampo ng militar o para-militar ang mga hacienda upang pigilan ang paglaban ng mga magsasaka rito.

Dahil sa walang hustisyang nakakamit ang mga magsasaka, tanging ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatupad ng Rebolusyong Agrarayo, ang tutugon sa mga hinaing nila. Sa Rebolusyong Agraryo nakakamit ng mga magsasaka ang minimum na layuning pababain ang upa sa lupa, pataasin ang sahod ng mga manggagawang bukid, pagpawi ng usura, pataasin ang presyo ng produktong bukid hanggang sa makamit ang maksimum na layuning kumpiskasyon at pamamahagi ng lupa sa mga magsasaka.

Makakamit ng mamamayan ang hustisyang hinihiling nila sa mga iginagawad na rebolusyonaryong hustisya ng demokratikong gobyernong bayan.

Kailangang sumuporta ng masmalawak na mamamayan sa pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170122-sa-ika-30-anibersaryo-ng-mendiola-massacre-melito-glor-command-kinundina-ang-patuloy-na-pan

CPP/NPA: PNP, makapangyarihang sindikatong kriminal at mamamatay tao

NPA propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (Jan 22): PNP, makapangyarihang sindikatong kriminal at mamamatay tao

Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla
Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Tagalog
Southern Tagalog
New People's Army

22 January 2017

Press Release

 

Kinukondena ng Melito Glor Command ang pagkakasangkot ng Philippine National Police (PNP) sa mga kriminal na aktibidad gaya na ng kidnap for ransom at pagpatay kay Jee Ick-Joo, isang executive official ng South Korean Heavy Industries at iba pang pang-aabuso ng PNP sa tabing ng kampanyang anti-droga ng gubyernong Duterte.

Ayon kay Jaime Ka Diego Padilla, tagapagsalita ng Melito Glor Command-New Peoples Army Southern Tagalog, isa itong realidad na kayang gawin ito ng mga pulis di lamang sa simpleng mamamayan kundi maging sa mga dayuhang negosyante sa bansa.”

Ipinahayag rin ni Ka Diego ang kanyang pagkabahalang nagagawa mismo sa loob ng Kampo Crame ang pagpatay sa kanilang nagiging biktima kung kayat paano pa kaya ang laganap na extra-judicial killings sa buong bansa sa ngalan ng gera laban sa droga.

Matatandaang umabot na sa 6,000 inosente, maliliit na drug user at pusher ang marahas na pinaslang sa ilalim ng Oplan Tokhang habang hindi seryosong nahuhuli ang mga utak ng malalaking krimen at malalaking druglord sa bansa.

“Pinatunayan nitong hindi maaasahan at hindi na dapat pang humihingi ng tulong ang mga mamamayan sa PNP sapagkat sila mismo ang mga kriminal na sangkot sa maraming ibat ibang krimen sa bansa, pagdidiin ni Ka Diego.

Dagdag ni Ka Diego, nagagamit ng mga kapulisan ang kanilang awtoridad upang gumawa ng mga gawa-gawang kaso sa mga mamamayan para maaresto at isakatuparan ang mga kriminal na gawain tulad ng extortion, kidnapping at mga katulad na aktibidad.

Sa kabilang banda, hinahamon ni Ka Diego ang gobyernong Duterte na kung gusto ni Rodrigo Duterte na maiwasan ang malawakang pagpatay sa mga kawawang mga biktima ng iligal na droga, unahin niya munang linisin ang kapulisan at mga malalaking taong sangkot sa sindikato ng droga sa bansa.

“Sa dami ng nasa listahang hawak at pinagyayabang sa midya, ano at hanggang ngayon ay wala ni isa sa kanila ang pinarusahan ng kamatayan? pagkuwestiyon ni Ka Diego. “Bakit kailangan pang sila ay dumaan sa tamang proseso samantalang ang mga maliliit ay parang manok na pinagpapatay ng mga pulis at mga kasapakat nilang vigilante na sangkot din sa malawakang extrajudicial killings sa buong bansa?”

Paliwanag ni Ka Diego, ipinapakita nito kung sino ang pangunahing pinaglilingkuran ng PNP at ang tungkulin nito bilang protektor ng bulok na sistema at ng mga naghaharing uri sa bansa.

Mulat sapul, kinagisnan ko na ang PNP na imbwelto sa kurapsyon, mga sindikato at kriminal aktibidad sa panahon pa lamang ng Philippine Constabulary,” pagbabahagi ni Ka Diego. Ang PNP ay nagmula sa Philippine Scouts at Philippine Constabulary na sinanay ng mga US Troops para paglingkuran sila at maging protektor ng mga dayuhang negosyante at lokal nitong papet.”

Dahil dito, ipinanawagan ni Ka Diego na walang ibang solusyon sa ganitong bulok na sistema kundi ang baguhin ito sa pamamagitan ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan upang makamit ang tunay na katarungan at kapayapaan na ipinagkakait ng kasalukuyang bulok na sistemang panlipunan ng mga naghaharing uri at mga makapangyarihan sa lipunang Pilipino.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170122-pnp-makapangyarihang-sindikatong-kriminal-at-mamamatay-tao

CPP/NPA: 8 enemy troops killed in 39th IB-AFP’s bullheaded combat operation against NPA in Makilala, North Cotabato

NPA propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jan 22):
8 enemy troops killed in 39th IB-AFP’s bullheaded combat operation against NPA in Makilala, North Cotabato

Rigoberto F. Sanchez
Spokesperson
Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao
New People's Army

22 January 2017

Press Release

 

The Regional Operations Command of the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao denounced the sinister combat operation of the 39thIB-AFP in Makilala, North Cotabato which resulted in a firefight with Red fighters yesterday, January 21 even as the third round of peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines is underway.

At around 5:00 in the morning yesterday, troops from the 39th IB-AFP arrived at Sitio Concepcion, Brgy. Kisante, Makilala and launched offensive operation towards Sitio Lokatong in Brgy. Biangan where an NPA unit was encamped. Having monitored the enemy’s movement, Red fighters promptly maneuvered to avoid armed encounter. At around 5:00 in the afternoon, the 39th IB troops caught up with Red fighters and engaged them in an hour-long firefight which martyred one guerrilla fighter. Eight enemy troops were killed.

The war dogs of the 39th IB and the entire AFP cannot wash its hands clean of this flagrant violation of their own ceasefire: Sitio Lokatong in Brgy. Biangan is a remote area that their presence can only mean an offensive operation against the NPA. Furthermore, they fool no one by claiming that their combat operation was merely in response to reports by local authorities of the presence of lawless groups: for the entire day, they actively maneuvered to engage the evading unit of the NPA.

In truth, since late August last year, the fascist 39th IB did not abide by the GRP’s unilateral indefinite ceasefire. A mere week following the GRP declaration, it dispatched peace and development outreach program (PDOP) teams in barangay halls, health centers and schools in Kidapawan City, Pres. Roxas, Magpet and Arakan municipalities in North Cotabato. It, likewise, continued to mobilize its troops and paramilitaries in various forms of combat operations such as intelligence gathering, combat and psywar in far-flung areas that resulted in harassments; extra-judicial killings of civilians Rita and Norberto Gascon on September 13 in Arakan and Rolan Malignan on November 22 and the enforced evacuation of several families in Magpet on December 6.

The NPA consistently demonstrated its commitment the negotiations while the AFP and the PNP have continued to make a mockery of the peace process. For more than three months, the ceasefire only existed because the NPA was consciously maneuvering its forces in order to avoid armed skirmish in the face of unrelenting combat operations of AFP and PNP troops.

The Duterte government must know by now that it is the bullish insincerity of its armed forces to continue its counter-insurgency campaign that is the biggest impediment in the quest for just and lasting peace.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170122-8-enemy-troops-killed-in-39th-ib-afps-bullheaded-combat-operation-against-npa-in-makilala-n

NDF Video: Isko Moreno on Peace Talks

Propaganda video posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jan 23): Isko Moreno on Peace Talks

Isko Moreno, public servant for 18 years, attended the 2nd and 3rd round of the NDFP and GRP peace talks as an observer. He shared his insights on how the peace talks could succeed and on the release of political prisoners in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAY5_4Inns4

NDF Video: Fidel Agcaoili interview on AFP attack in Makilala

Propaganda video posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jan 23): Fidel Agcaoili interview on AFP attack in Makilala



Fidel Agcaoili speaks on the AFP attack of an NPA unit in Makilala as a ceasefire violation, mulls prospects of the indefinite unilateral ceasefire of the revolutionary movement and how the GRP can show sincerity for its own unilateral ceasefire and their desire for a bilateral ceaefore. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhjdoQNSMYY

NDF Video: Third Round of Talks in Rome

Propaganda video posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jan 23): Third Round of Talks in Rome



We must prove to our people that these negotiations will indeed bring about genuine change. They are tired of broken promises from politicians and the failed policies of previous GRP regimes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVtHQK8E6aM

NDF: NDFP sees finished CASER draft this year

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jan 25): NDFP sees finished CASER draft this year  

NDFP Media Office
Press release
January 24, 2017

Bilateral talks between the reciprocal working committees on socio-economic reforms (RWC-SER) of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) ended today, with agreements already reached on the Preamble and Declaration of Principles, and common ground found in the Bases, Scope and Applicability (Part II) and Desired Outcomes (Part III). Discussions have also already begun on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (Part IV).

In an interview, NDFP RWC-SER spokesperson Randall Echanis said that with the SER talks proceeding as scheduled so far, they expect to finish the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) within the year. The RWCs of both panels held four working meetings between January 20 and 24.

Talks on SER comprised the bulk of the working meetings in the third round of the peace negotiations held in Rome. In the second round last October, the parties agreed on a common outline consisting of a Preamble and 15 Parts. They proceeded to flesh out their respective drafts upon their return to the Philippines.

The NDFP conducted a series of sectoral consultations in November and a national consultation in December, and exchanged drafts with the GRP in the second half of January. Copies of the drafts were also provided the Royal Norwegian Government which is acting as Third Party Facilitator in the talks.

The NDFP draft describes the Philippine economic situation and the revolutionary organization’s proposed reform solutions, said Echanis. It paints the economic and social suffering of the peasantry and working people in the country. Its premise is that Philippine society is semifeudal and semicolonial and thus needs genuine agrarian reform, national industrialization and a free and independent foreign trade and monetary policy for national development.

While there has already been some consensus, Echanis said that there are many provisions that will be needing greater discussion and resolution in the course of the negotiations. “These cover the most important measures for redistributing assets and income, asserting independent foreign economic policy, providing social services and utilities especially for the country’s poor majority, government support for Filipino farms and enterprises, and ensuring democracy in the economy. These are critical,” he said, “for reversing neoliberalism and developing the national economy for the benefit of the people.”

For the purpose of facilitating the resolution of contentious issues, the RWC-SERs of both parties decided in this round to create bilateral teams composed of three persons each. The bilateral teams will make the necessary recommendations to reconcile the differences in the RWC-SER drafts during formal talks. The first contentious issue on the table to be tackled by the bilateral teams concerns the free distribution of land.

Echanis stressed that should an agreement on socio-economic reforms be signed, the next and more important phase would be the implementation, both jointly and separately. There will be areas of cooperation, but for the most part, the GRP will be enacting, amending or repealing laws as needed to implement the CASER and launch programs within the government framework. The NDFP, on the other hand, will also be implementing the CASER’s provisions through the revolutionary organs of political power in the countryside.

https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-sees-finished-caser-draft-year/

MILF: Editorial -- It is almost February!

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jan 24): Editorial -- It is almost February!

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is supposed to be submitted to Congress by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) in July this year. It is five months away, and the BTC is not yet formally in place. The 21 commissioners have not yet received their appointment papers, although we were informed that their appointments, except one, were already signed by the president.

It is now almost February, and time is ticking away fast and it is not returning. Among Muslims, their time is their life; and a good Muslim life is one who spent wisely, productively, and morally.  It is a world view that anchors on what Allah says in the Qur’an “to seek the bounty of the earth after worshipping Him.”

This view contrasts with the secular world where time is equated with gold, because everything is reckoned with materials that glitter. Except for few, many bartered away their religiousness or moral life for secularism, hedonism, and pleasures.

But worldly life, devoid of spirituality or morality, is like living in an empty world. What is the purpose of life is never attempted to be addressed. It is just being merry (and eat all you can) for tomorrow we shall die; and nothing, comes out after. Consequently, loneliness is easily noticeable amongst men and women who spend their time drinking liquor, sipping tea or coffee or eating at roadsides in developed states.

Back on the BTC, we are not saying there is a deliberate plan to delay its formal launching. We understand there are hitches that required to be knitted well. Urgency is oftentimes hijacked by red tape of governance.

But under the Duterte administration red tape has been reduced to a very appreciable level.

Movements of papers in offices, especially applying for licenses, have been very fast and efficient. There are lesser complaints now than before.

Be this as it may, there is really a need to launch the BTC now! While we have no reason to doubt the sincerity of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to deliver the BBL and the delay is not deliberate, but the same is the consequence: The BTC is not formally constituted and the crafting of the BBL is delayed. It is like pardoning someone after an offense, but just the same harm has been done already.

It is for this reason that we urge government to travel the extra mile to ensure the immediate launching of the BTC. Any further delay will only force the BTC, once constituted, to rush up the crafting of the new BBL; something like someone haunted by a headless ghost. It is no joke to craft a proposed law, especially by a body where many of its members do not have experience in legislation. Like the previous BTC, there is only one member, who was a former congressman, of the new BTC.

We are informed that Secretary Jesus Dureza, the man who is directly handles this matter, is out of the country. He will not be back, report also said, until just before next month comes in.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/editorial/26-january-24-31/1046-it-is-almost-february

DWDD: Russia at Pilipinas nagpulong na para sa bilateral activities

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 24): Russia at Pilipinas nagpulong na para sa bilateral activities

Nagkaroon na ng pagpupulong ang mga opisyal ng Department of National Defense (DND) at ang kanilang Russian counterparts na bubuo ng action plan para sa mga aktibidad na gagawin sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng Russia.

Isinagawa ang pagpupulong noong ika-16 ng Enero 2017 at napagkasunduan ang ilang mga bilateral activities.

Sa ngayon ay sumasailalim sa masusing pag-aaral at pagsusuri ang naturang kassunduan.

Ilan sa mga nakalinyang Gawain na magpapatibay sa defense relations ng dalawang bansa ang pagbisita ng mga barkong pandigma, pagsasagawa ng mga seminar, general staff consultation at iba pa.

Bahagi rin umano sa reciprocal visits ang mga ahensyang magsasagawa ng scientific research, military schools, at mga delegado at observer para sa military exercises.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/24/russia-at-pilipinas-nagpulong-na-para-sa-bilateral-activities/

DWDD: AFP Chief imungkahing ibigay ang lahat ng makakaya kontra Abu

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 24): AFP Chief imungkahing ibigay ang lahat ng makakaya kontra Abu



Hinimok ni Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año ang tropa at mga opisyal na ibigay ang lahat ng kanilang makakaya upang masugpo ang Abu Sayyaf at iba pang mga teroristang grupo.

Ipinag-utos ni Año sa mga miyembro ng Joint Staff na italaga ang mga mahuhusay na opisyal sa nasabing kampanya at gamitin ang mga maaayos na kagamitan.

Ipinahayag din ni Año ang kanyang paghanga sa isinasagawang preparasyon ng tropa mula sa kahandaan ng mga kagamitan hanggang sa support units.

Matatandaang sinabi ni Año na susugpuin nila ang bandidong grupo sa loob ng anim na buwan.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/24/afp-chief-imungkahing-ibigay-ang-lahat-ng-makakaya-kontra-abu/

Armed group in Ilocos Sur seizes, burns tobacco firm's truck

From the Philippine Star (Jan 24): Armed group in Ilocos Sur seizes, burns tobacco firm's truck

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines –- Guerrillas believed to be members of New People's Army torched a truck owned by tobacco giant Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. on Saturday.

Ilocos Sur police spokesperson Chief Superintendent William Nerona said Sigay town policemen actually discovered two Isuzu Centro Elf trucks in Barangay Mabileg, this town, when alerted of the incident Saturday afternoon.

Policemen found the first vehicle abandoned along the road with a damaged right turn signal light assembly while the second Isuzu Elf truck was found abandoned and burned near the river in that barangay.

Though the Ilocos Sur police have yet to determine who were behind the attack, Philippine Army officials said that NPA rebels torched the tobacco firm’s truck.

Army Lt. Col Julio Osias, commander of the 81st Infantry Battalion, said six armed NPA rebels flagged down the truck driver and his assistant and commandeered it.

 

The rebels, however, abandoned the truck when it got stuck in the muddy road. They flagged down another truck soon after.

According to the military, the truck had just delivered free fertilizers to farmers in Sigay.

Osias said that rebels might just be making their presence felt. He said the rebels did not demand anything from PMFTC.

PMTC has temporarily suspended deliveries of free fertilizers, the military said.

http://beta.philstar.com/nation/2017/01/24/1665076/armed-group-ilocos-sur-seizes-burns-tobacco-firms-truck

PH defense chief Lorenzana: Abu Sayyaf still holding 25 hostages

From Rappler (Jan 24): PH defense chief Lorenzana: Abu Sayyaf still holding 25 hostages

Delfin Lorenzana tells the Fullerton Forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies that 25 kidnap victims are still being kept on the island of Jolo



DELFIN LORENZANA. Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana addresses the Fullerton Forum at the Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting in Singapore on January 23, 2017. Photo by Roslan Rahman/AFP

The Philippine defense chief said on Monday, January 23, that 25 hostages are still being held by the Abu Sayyaf in the southern Philippines but urged that no ransom be paid for their release.

Delfin Lorenzana also told a security forum in Singapore that President Rodrigo Duterte has been under pressure to declare martial law in at least three southern islands where group operates, but he did not think there was a need.

The defense secretary said the companies which employed two recently freed Indonesians had paid a ransom of 20 million pesos ($400,000).

He did not identify the captives but the Philippine military said two Indonesian hostages were freed last month by the Abu Sayyaf, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

The two were among 7 crew seized from a tugboat off the southern Philippines in June.

Security analysts had said the ransom was paid for the release by the Abu Sayyaf last year of a Norwegian hostage, although the Philippine and Norwegian governments denied it.

Lorenzana told the Fullerton Forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies that 25 kidnap victims are still being kept on the southern island of Jolo.

Jolo is a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, which is known to behead its victims if ransoms are not paid. The group decapitated a Malaysian in 2015 year and two Canadians last year.

Lorenzana said the army's chief difficult in hunting militants was the presence of civilians in communities where they operate, who also benefit from the ransom money.

"It seems that the whole of the community are into it, not everybody but a major part of the community are benefitting from the ransom," he said.

The government is trying to "convince the companies and the families not to pay ransom because everytime they pay ransom they make the kidnappers stronger," he said.

"They have more money to distribute to the communities and they have more money to procure all the gadgets that they need – cellphones, firearms and even materials to manufacture improvised explosive devices."

Lorenzana said the government's strategy against militants was a "holistic approach" – introducing development projects and providing "incentives for the people to go fishing rather than go kidnapping".

He said many Filipinos wanted the president to declare martial law over South Tawi Tawi, Jolo and Basilan islands.

But this would be "very controversial" and Duterte was not considering the idea.

 http://www.rappler.com/nation/159286-lorenzana-militants-still-holding-hostages-philippines

U.S.: We won't ask Philippines to be our proxy

From Rappler (Jan 24): U.S.: We won't ask Philippines to be our proxy

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim agrees with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana 'that the Philippines should not be a proxy for anybody'



PH-US relations. US Ambassador Sung Kim addresses questions at a media roundtable on January 24, 2017. Photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim vowed on Tuesday, January 24, that Washington will not ask Manila to be its "proxy" in issues such as the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute.

"We have tremendous respect for the Philippines as a sovereign state. We're not going to ask the Philippines to be a proxy for us on anything – South China Sea or some other issue," Kim said in a roundtable discussion with select Filipino journalists, including Rappler executive editor Maria Ressa.

 

Kim made these remarks after Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told major global powers that Southeast Asia was not a "proxy" for superpower rivalries.

 

"I agree with Secretary Lorenzana that the Philippines should not be a proxy for anybody," the US ambassador said.

 

Kim, a Korean-born diplomat who served as US ambassador to Korea from 2011 to 2014, has been in the Philippines for less than two months.

 

He succeeded Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who earned the ire of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for criticizing one of his rape jokes.

 

Duterte has also slammed the US as "hypocritical" for meddling in Manila's affairs.

 

Kim admitted on Tuesday that the Philippines and the US "had a rough patch" in the second half of 2016. The ambassador, however, said he is confident about the countries' relationship.

 

"Both sides, Washington and Manila, remain committed to this relationship. It is a relationship built on mutual affection, mutual respect, and essentially a great deal of warmth between Filipinos and Americans," the US ambassador said.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/159363-us-not-ask-philippines-proxy

Duterte claims US role in Mamasapano tragedy

From Rappler (Jan 24): Duterte claims US role in Mamasapano tragedy

President Duterte says the ill-fated Mamasapano operation was an 'American adventure' with the blessing of former president Benigno Aquino III   



UNEARTHING MAMASAPANO. President Rodrigo Duterte has many questions about the Mamasapano massacre. File photo from Malacañang

President Rodrigo Duterte blasted his predecessor former president Benigno Aquino III for covering up details about the Mamasapano massacre, including US involvement in the ill-fated operation.

"It was an American adventure with the cooperation of some and apparently with your blessing...You fed [SAF troopers] to the lion's den," said Duterte on Tuesday, January 24, in front of family members of the fallen SAF troopers.

 

He was speaking a day before the two-year anniversary of the Mamasapano massacre.

 

"Why was it under wraps and why did you hide that actually it was an operation of the CIA [Central Intelligence Agency]? Far from the highway, the chopper was there and you had to delude the nation after the Marwan finger was cut?" said an angry Duterte in a mix of English and Filipino.

 

Senate investigations had previously revealed the presence of US soldiers during the operation but most officials involved kept mum about US involvement.

 

There were even reports that Aquino had instructed former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II to keep secret the extent of US participation in the operation.

 

Duterte also claimed it was peace negotiator Teresita "Ging" Quintos Deles who asked Aquino to call off military support for the SAF to ensure no government violation of its agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), with whom the government was pursuing peace talks.

 

"Ikaw yung peace negotiator and para sa akin ikaw yung nagpigil kay PNoy na huwag kasi war will break out, by then you would have violated – kaya pinigilan ninyo yung air assets," said Duterte. (You were the peace negotiator and for me you were the one who stopped PNoy not to send military support because war will break out, by then you would have violated – that's why you blocked air assets.)

 

He then admitted that he had personal knowledge of the deadly operation because he was present at the command conference with Aquino and Roxas in Zamboanga City, right after the massacre.

 

Duterte said he was in the area to campaign when Aquino called for him. He heard Aquino ask a military general for advice on what to do about the situation, which he said irritated him.

 

"Patay na tapos nagtanong ka pa sa isang general ano ang dapat gawin? (They were dead and you asked a general what should be done?) I was really sorry to say and you can criticize me for this, I was really pissed off...Patay na lahat, mabaho na nga eh, tapos sabihin mo, ano ang dapat gawin? (They were all dead, smelly, and then after you ask, what should be done?)" said Duterte.

 

He ended his tirade about the Mamasapano tragedy by promising to award all 44 SAF troopers with medals of valor and to create a commission to reinvestigate the operation.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/159362-duterte-aquino-united-states-role-mamasapano

China says it will not back down on South China Sea – gov't

From Rappler (Jan 24): China says it will not back down on South China Sea – gov't

This comes after the Trump administration vowed to defend US and international interests in the disputed South China Sea



This file photo taken on May 5, 2016 shows crew members of China's South Sea Fleet taking part in a drill in the Xisha Islands, or the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. Stringer/AFP

China warned Washington Tuesday, January 24, that it would not back down over its claims in the disputed South China Sea, following vows by the Trump administration to defend US and international interests there.

Comments by White House spokesman Sean Spicer about China's artificial islands in the Sea, some capable of military use, have upped the ante in the dispute.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing, adding that the country is "firm in safeguarding our rights and interests."

"The United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue."

Spicer said Monday that the US "is going to make sure we protect our interests" in the Sea.

"If those islands are, in fact, in international waters and not part of China proper, yeah, we'll make sure we defend international interests from being taken over by one country," he said.

Trump's nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, said last week China's access to the islands might be blocked – raising the prospect of a military confrontation.

China lays claim to a vast swathe of the South China Sea within a so-called "nine dash line," including waters claimed by several of its neighbours.

Under President Barack Obama's administration, Washington insisted it was neutral on the question of sovereignty over the islets, reefs and shoals.

But, while calling for the dispute to be resolved under international law, the US supported freedom of navigation by sending naval patrols through Chinese-claimed waters.

Hua said China "firmly upholds freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law" and urged the US to "fully respect the efforts of regional countries to safeguard peace and stability."

http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/159367-china-not-back-down-south-china-sea

US vows China won’t take South China Sea islands

From InterAksyon (Jan 24): US vows China won’t take South China Sea islands



The new US administration of President Donald Trump vowed on Monday that the United States would prevent China from taking over territory in international waters in the South China Sea, something Chinese state media has warned would require Washington to "wage war."

The comments at a briefing from White House spokesman Sean Spicer signaled a sharp departure from years of cautious US handling of China's assertive pursuit of territory claims in Asia, just days after Trump took office on Friday.

"The US is going to make sure that we protect our interests there," Spicer said when asked if Trump agreed with comments by his Secretary of State nominee, Rex Tillerson, on January 11 that China should not be allowed access to islands it has built in the contested South China Sea.

"It’s a question of if those islands are in fact in international waters and not part of China proper, then yeah, we’re going to make sure that we defend international territories from being taken over by one country," he said.

Tillerson's remarks at his Senate confirmation hearing prompted Chinese state media to say the United States would need to "wage war" to bar China's access to the islands where it has built military-length air strips and installed weapons systems.

Tillerson, who was expected to be confirmed as secretary of State on Monday, was asked at the hearing whether he supported a more aggressive posture toward China and said: "We’re going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops and, second, your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed.”

The former Exxon Mobil Corp chairman and chief executive did not elaborate on what might be done to deny China access to the islands.

But analysts said his comments, like those of Spicer, suggested the possibility of US military action, or even a naval blockade, that would risk armed confrontation with China, an increasingly formidable nuclear-armed military power. It is also the world's second-largest economy and the target of accusations by Trump that it is stealing American jobs.

Spicer declined to elaborate when asked how the United States could enforce such a move against China, except to say: “I think, as we develop further, we’ll have more information on it.”

Risk of dangerous escalation

Military experts said that while the US Navy has extensive capabilities in Asia to stage blockading operations with ships, submarines and planes, any such move against China's growing naval fleets would risk dangerous escalation.

Aides have said that Trump plans a major naval build-up in East Asia to counter China's rise.

China's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the White House remarks.

China's Foreign Ministry said earlier this month it could not guess what Tillerson meant by his remarks, which came after Trump questioned Washington's longstanding and highly sensitive "one-China" policy over Taiwan.

Washington-based South China Sea expert Mira Rapp-Hooper at the Center for a New American Security called the threats to bar China's access in the South China Sea "incredible" and said it had no basis in international law.

"A blockade -- which is what would be required to actually bar access -- is an act of war," she added.

"The Trump administration has begun to draw red lines in Asia that they will almost certainly not be able to uphold, but they may nonetheless be very destabilizing to the relationship with China, invite crises, and convince the rest of the world that the United States is an unreliable partner."

Bonnie Glaser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank called Spicer's remarks "worrisome" and said the new administration was "sending confusing and conflicting messages."

Dean Cheng, a China expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said Spicer's remarks showed the South China Sea was an important issue for the Trump administration.

He said it was significant that neither Spicer nor Tillerson had been specific as to what actions would be taken and this left open the possibility that economic measures -- instead of military steps -- could be used against China and firms that carry out island building.

http://interaksyon.com/article/136467/us-vows-china-wont-take-south-china-sea-islands