Monday, February 27, 2017

NPA rebels try to regain lost strength in Bataan, Pampanga

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 27): NPA rebels try to regain lost strength in Bataan, Pampanga

The New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were trying to regain their lost strength in the industrial province of Bataan, but government troopers have vowed to foil it.

The army leadership has assured that they will not allow the resurgence of NPA rebels in this province and nearby Pampanga.

Determination is etched on the face of this New People’s Army (NPA) combatant in a show of force by the communist rebels during a news conference held at a guerilla encampment in the Sierra Madre mountains, November 23. (AP | Manila Bulletin)
 
Determination is etched on the face of this New People’s Army (NPA) combatant in a show of force by the communist rebels during a news conference held at a guerilla encampment in the Sierra Madre mountains, November 23. (AP | Manila Bulletin)

During the recent Peace and Order Council (POC) meeting held inside the 1Bataan Headquarters in Orani, Bataan, Col. Ramil Anoyo, Commanding Officer of the army’s 48th infantry battalion, said that the rebels were trying to encroach Bataan and neighboring Pampanga in their bid to regain their strength in these two provinces in Central Luzon

Col. Anoyo’s action came in the wake of reported three sightings in Pag asa, Orani town last February 13, where eight armed men were seen roaming around the forested area.

On February 8, another sightings of three armed men were also reported in Bilolo, Orion town while last January 12, two armed men were also sighted in Maligaya, Dinalupihan town.

But Anoyo said that they will continue to conduct operations against the rebels “in order to preserve an environment inhospitable to the armed threat that will compel them (NPA) to abandon their armed struggle.”

Anoyo said however that these sightings were subjected to validation since Bataan had been declared by the army leadership free of insurgents.

Gov. Abet Garcia, Chairman of POC, thanked the army as he offered support for the soldiers to maintain an atmosphere of peace in this industrial province.

The governor wanted to preserve the peaceful environment of Bataan, now becoming one of the preferred investments place in the region with the pouring in of various investors-local and foreign.

To prevent the rebels from encroaching Bataan, Anoyo said that they will put up another army detachment in Dinalupihan town to ensure that the rebels cannot against infiltrate Bataan, once their (rebels) bailiwick in late 80s.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/02/27/npa-rebels-try-to-regain-lost-strength-in-bataan-pampanga/

NPA rebel killed in Lian clash; LGUs eye localized peace

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 27): NPA rebel killed in Lian clash; LGUs eye localized peace

Lian, Batangas — While local initiatives are rolling in several provinces and localities to establish sustained peace in areas infested by New People’s Army (NPA), a clash between government troops and the communist guerrillas broke out yesterday in Batangas resulting in the death of one rebel.
 
Army Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, commander of the 202nd Brigade, said the encounter took place in Barangay Lumanag, Lian, Batangas around 3 a.m. yesterday.
 
Batangas Police Provincial Office (PPO) Director Leopoldo Cabanag said operatives of the 730th Combat Group of the Philippine Air Force (AFP), led by Staff Sergeant Eduardo Ocampo, traded fire with around 20 NPA rebels for about 15 minutes, ending in the retreat of the rebels and the death of one of their comrades.
 
Major General Rhoderick Parayno, 2nd Infantry Division commander of the Philippine Army, said the identity of the slain rebel was still unknown, but government troops collected three rebel firearms left at the scene of the battle – an M16 armalite rifle, an M14 rifle, and a Garand rifle.

Lost strength
As in Batangas, NPA rebels are trying to regain their lost strength in Bataan and Pampanga, but the military is confident this will not happen.

Addressing the recent Peace and Order Council (POC) meeting at the One Bataann Headquarters in Bataan, Colonel Ramil Anoyo, commanding officer of the army’s 48th infantry battalion, said they are not giving the rebels an inch.

Anoyo said a bid by the rebels to encroach Bataan last week had been foiled and that only a few of them have been roaming around and are being monitored.

3 Reds surrender

In Ilocos Sur, the army’s 18th Infantry Battalion (18IB) based in Sta. Cruz town has gained ground in its initiative to bring rebels back into the fold of the law.

Yesterday, Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, commander of the 18IB, said three NPA rebels have surrendered – “Ka Lumen,” a medic of the NPA, and one “Ka Fera,” both from the NPA’s Kilusang Larangang Guerilya (KLG)-Montes, and a “Ka Ren,” from the NPA’s SPP South Central command.

Localized peace

In the Bondoc Peninsula, Quezon Provincial Board Member Dominique Reyes is drafting a resolution seeking for a local peace initiative between the NPA and the provincial government.
 
Reyes, chairman of the POC, told The Manila Bulletin that he believes the local NPA rebels, particularly those moving in his district, are quite amenable to establishing peace for the welfare of the communities.

The challenge, he said is for talks between the NPA leadership in the locality and local government leaders, with the guidance of Quezon Governor David C. Suarez, and the cooperation of the military and police.
 

NPA attacks power plant, burns down trucks in Bukidnon

From the Rappler News Briefs Section (Feb 27): NPA attacks power plant, burns down trucks in Bukidnon

BUKIDNON – The New People's Army (NPA) attacked two private companies in Bukidnon on Saturday, February 25.

The first attack was on the construction compound of the proposed 10.6 megawatt Pulanai Hydroelectric Power Plant at Zone 11, Hangaron, Barangay Lumbayao. They confiscated the cellular phones of workers, and ordered them to leave the compound. They then planted some improvised explosive devices inside the compound.

On the same evening, another NPA group burned down two spray trucks owned by the Davco Agri Venture Corporation of Barangay Merganiran, Quezon, Bukidnon. A police investigation showed the company refused to give in to NPA extortion attempts.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/162664-news-briefs-philippines-february-27-2017

PAF-NPA battles intensify

From Tempo (Feb 28): PAF-NPA battles intensify

An armed guerilla member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed during a 15-minute firefight between rebels and the 730th Combat group of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) yesterday here.

The gunfight started after authorities acted on a report regarding the presence of an armed group said to be conduting extortion activities.

The rebels almost immediately opened fire when they saw the approaching troops.
In Davao del Norte, two suspected NPA members guerrillas were killed following an encounter against government soldiers in Asuncion town.
 Army Captain Ryan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief said soldiers from the 60th IB engaged around 20 NPA rebels belonging to Guerrilla Front 33 in a 40-minute firefight at Sitio Alungan, Brgy Sangayen in Asuncion.

Two dead bodies of unidentified NPA rebels and two AK-47 rifles were recovered in the said area after the encounter.

In Bukidnon, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) simultaneously attacked two private companies in Bukidnon on Sunday.

Sunday afternoon, about 15 fully-armed NPAs entered the compound of the proposed site for the 10.6 megawatt Pulanai Hydroelectric Power Plant in Valencia City while another NPA group burned down two spray trucks owned by Davco Agri Venture Corporation (DAVCO).

http://tempo.com.ph/2017/02/28/paf-npa-battles-intensify/

2 suspected NPA fighters slain in Davao del Norte clash

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Feb 28): 2 suspected NPA fighters slain in Davao del Norte clash



NEGROS. Police cordons the area where a drug suspect was shot to death by suspected New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla town Monday. (Moises Padilla MPS Photo)
A NEWLY-IDENTIFIED drug personality was gunned down by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Balonggay, Barangay Montilla in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental around 3:20 p.m., Monday.
 
Senior Inspector Alan Reloj, chief of Moises Padilla Municipal Police Station, identified the fatality as Dante Bajala, 27, a laborer and a habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire) driver.
 
Bajala was sitting outside his house with some friends when five unidentified men arrived and told his companions to stay away, and fired at him.
 
He was able to run for a few meters, but he fell down and died. He sustained gunshot wounds on his chest and hands.
 
Investigators recovered 20 fired bullets of two different short firearms. Reloj said it took them an hour to respond since he decided to ask for assistance from the Philippine Army first for the conduct of thorough inspection as residents believed the assailants were NPA members.
 
They heard the suspects shouting “NPA ni, re-route kamo alagyan” (We are the NPA, find alternative routes), Aside from the five assailants, there were also 25 armed men who surrounded the area and fired at Bajala’s house, Reloj said.
 
He added that they are eyeing grudge as the motive since the victim has previous police records, including the alleged killing of two persons three years ago.
 
It could also be related to illegal drugs as the victim’s brother was already subjected to Oplan Tokhang earlier, Reloj added. Investigation is ongoing.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2017/02/28/drug-suspect-shot-dead-negros-occidental-528294

2 suspected NPA fighters slain in Davao del Norte clash

From InterAksyon (Feb 28): 2 suspected NPA fighters slain in Davao del Norte clash



Government forces killed two suspected fighters of the New People’s Army in a clash in Asuncion town, Davao del Norte Monday morning, police said.

Chief Inspector Andrea Dela Cerna, chief information officer of the Davao regional police, reported to Camp Crame that a joint patrol with the military chanced on an armed band in Barangay Sangayen around 10:03 a.m. Monday, triggering a 40-minute firefight.

When the gunmen withdrew, the patrol found the bodies of the slain rebels along with two AK47 assault rifles, mobile phones, and backpacks.

http://interaksyon.com/article/137354/2-suspected-npa-fighters-slain-in-davao-del-norte-clash

Army, NPA clash rages on in Misamis Oriental

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 28): Army, NPA clash rages on in Misamis Oriental


INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
 
Classes in public elementary schools in two villages in Misamis Oriental were suspended as a firefight between Army soldiers and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels that began Monday continued on Tuesday.

Provincial information officer Nicole Managbanag said they received information from school administrations in Barangays Matampa in Salay town and in Guinalaban in Sugbongcogon that students were advised not attend classes due to the fighting.

Managbanag said teachers in the two barangay were told by village officials not to hold classes early Tuesday morning.

Gerrymae Pasco, local disaster risk reduction and management officer, said no word has reached their office if residents have moved out of their homes in Matampa and Guinalaban.

“They (villagers) have not evacuated yet as the encounter is still far away, but they could already hear gunshots in the distance,” Pasco said.

She said the provincial government has already prepared food packs, stored in a warehouse, in case the people in the two villages evacuate.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division, earlier said the military launched pursuit operations against the rebels following an encounter on Monday in Barangay Kaulayanan, Sugbongcogon, where a soldier was killed.
 

Answers on kidnappings in the Philippines

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 28): Answers on kidnappings in the Philippines

Abu Sayyaf (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
Abu Sayyaf. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
 
Islamic militants in the southern Philippines beheaded an elderly German yachtsman on Sunday after their ransom demands were not met, authorities said Monday.

The murder of Jurgen Kantner was the latest attributed to the Abu Sayyaf, a kidnap-for-ransom gang that is believed to have earned millions of dollars through its grisly business since the 1990s.

Here are five questions and answers about kidnappings in the southern Philippines:

Who is doing it?

The Abu Sayyaf is a radical offshoot of a Muslim separatist insurgency that has claimed more than 120,000 lives in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines since the 1970s.

The group was established in the 1990s with funds from a relative of former Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, although its key leaders have since switched allegiance to the rival Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group.

The Abu Sayyaf’s strongholds are the relatively small Muslim-populated islands of Jolo and Basilan in the far south of the Philippines.

It has only about 400 armed followers, according to the latest military estimate, but when members are killed in military battles it can easily restock from the largely supportive local communities.

Who is getting kidnapped?

The Abu Sayyaf has been involved in the kidnapping of hundreds of people since the 1990s, according to security analysts.

Using fast boats, the militants raid resorts, coastal communities and port areas in the southern and western Philippines, sometimes travelling hundreds of kilometers from their strongholds and as far as Malaysia’s Sabah state.

Many of its highest-profile targets have been foreign tourists staying at beach resorts.

In recent years the Abu Sayyaf has heavily expanded operations into the waters around the southern Philippines, abducting Indonesian, Vietnamese, Korean and Malaysian sailors on fishing vessels and cargo barges.

While their biggest paychecks come from kidnapping foreigners, locals such as businesspeople and schoolteachers are also frequently abducted then ransomed for smaller amounts.

Currently the Abu Sayyaf is holding six Vietnamese, five Malaysians, seven Indonesians, a Dutchman and seven locals, according to the military.

How lucrative is the business?

A single kidnapping can literally earn millions.

The Abu Sayyaf claimed it had received all of the more than $5 million ransom it demanded for a German couple abducted off their yacht in 2014 and released after six months. It posted a video on YouTube of the cash.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said this month companies that employed two Indonesian sailors paid a ransom of 20 million pesos ($400,000) for their release.

What’s been done to stop them?
From 2002-2014, the US deployed special forces to train and provide intelligence to Filipino troops, which led to the killing or arrest of many Abu Sayyaf leaders.

US assistance was scaled back after the Pentagon concluded the group, originally with about 1,000 fighters, had lost the ability to launch international attacks.

Shortly after taking office last year, President Rodrigo Duterte launched a military offensive to “destroy” the Abu Sayyaf. But, like his predecessors who also waged assaults that claimed dozens of soldiers’ lives, Duterte has so far failed.

Why are they so resilient?
Mastery of the terrain in the mountainous and jungle-clad Jolo and Basilan islands, as well as support from the local communities, enables them to fend off military assaults.

The huge ransoms also allow them to buy more weapons and pay off local communities.

Perhaps most importantly, local authorities and security forces who should be trying to stop them are also involved.

“Rogue elements of the police, military, village officials or higher officials are involved,” Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, told AFP.

“It’s really organized crime.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/876133/answers-on-kidnappings-in-the-philippines
 

Grumblings in the military bared as Duterte woos Reds

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 27): Grumblings in the military bared as Duterte woos Reds

President Duterte’s alliance with the communist leaders has caused “grumblings” within the Armed Forces of the Philippines, but the discontent was not enough for the military to oust its Commander in Chief, a former rebel officer-turned-party-list congressman said on Sunday.

While clarifying that he does not speak for the military, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said “the AFP knows Mr. Duterte’s relationship with the Left.”

Alejano said the President had given several concessions to the Communist Party of the Philippines to revive the stalled peace talks, including the release of several high profile communist leaders.

e also noted that throughout the peace talks, Mr. Duterte had been trying to win the military over. It was an “unusual courtship” by the President himself, that includes promises of higher salaries and pension hikes to raffling off firearms at several military camp visits.

“The President is confused over his (strategy) because he wants to please everybody, but you can’t do that,” Alejano said.

Alejano warned that while there was no ouster moves against the President, “there is always a breaking point,” referring to issues that could still come out against Mr. Duterte aside from allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

“I told myself before I will never join any attempt to overthrow the President but I ended up joining two because the situation had become untenable,” he said.

Alejano, then a Marine junior officer, along with now Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, led nearly 300 officers and men in two coup attempts in 2003 and 2007.


http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/875606/grumblings-in-the-military-bared-as-duterte-woos-reds

3 NPA rebels yield in Ilocos Sur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 27): 3 NPA rebels yield in Ilocos Sur

New People's Army  AP FILE PHOTO

New People’s Army AP FILE PHOTO

Three members of the New People’s Army, one of them a woman, have surrendered to the military in Ilocos Sur, the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division said on Monday (Feb. 27).
 
Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, head of the division’s 81st Infantry Battalion based in Ilocos Sur, identified them only by their aliases “Ka Lumen,” “Ka Ren” and “Ka Fera” for security reasons.

In a statement, Osias said two of them served as medics in the guerilla front “Montes” while another was a regular fighter in an armed propaganda unit in the south central part of the province.

He said the three rebels placed themselves under military custody sometime between January and Feb. 24.

According to Osias, the rebels gave up out of dismay over the lifting of the unilateral ceasefire by the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the NPA said, has militarized communities during the peace negotiations.

The Philippine government pulled out of the peace talks due to what it called NPA offensives in Mindanao.
 

AFP denies troops disgruntled over alleged failure to double salaries

From Update.Ph (Feb 27): AFP denies troops disgruntled over alleged failure to double salaries

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday vehemently denied that some of its members are disgruntled due to the government’s ” “unfulfilled promise to double their salaries”. “There are no disgruntled members of the military over the so-called ‘unfulfilled promise to double their salaries’,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

Earlier, Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Lejano claimed that some members of the AFP are disappointed with the alleged failure of President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfill his promise to double their salaries.

“While we give due respect to the good Representative from the Magdalo Partylist, we say that the morale of the soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines is high.They take exception to the claim of displeasure,” Arevalo added.

“In the first place, the AFP personnel were given a raise in their take home pays without them even asking for it. To be given a raise therefore is a privilege,” the AFP official pointed out.

And on the matter of salary increase not being given yet in full as promised; and the intricacies of budgeting, among other issues, have been properly explained to every AFP personnel, he disclosed.

“And they understood. May we reiterate that your soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines are happily serving the nation and fellow Filipinos motivated by honor, service, and patriotism — and not only by mere financial remuneration,” Arevalo concluded.

 http://www.update.ph/2017/02/afp-denies-troops-disgruntled-over-alleged-failure-to-double-salaries/14916

Brand new FA-50PH jets conduct test flight to Davao City

From Update.Ph (Feb 27): Brand new FA-50PH jets conduct test flight to Davao City

The two just arrived FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” jets from South Korea have conducted test flight to Davao City from Pampanga Friday, February 24 minutes before 12 noon, said in a report by SunStar Davao. These jets first arrived in country at Clark Airbase, Pampanga on February 22.

The said aircraft, FA-50PH 005 and 006, are the fifth and sixth of twelve ordered aircraft from Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI). Remaining six FA-50PHs are expected to be delivered this year.
When accepted for Air Force service, 005 and 006 will join the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Air Defense Wing of Philippine Air Force based at Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

The Fighting Eagles are acting as country’s interim fighter at the same time lead-in fighter trainer aircraft, until the Air Force gets enough experience of operating fast jet assets and budget to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
–– ADVERTISEMENT ––

The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

http://www.update.ph/2017/02/brand-new-fa-50ph-jets-conduct-test-flight-to-davao-city/14925

FA-50PH jet fighters bombard ASG camp in Basilan

From Update.Ph (Feb 27): FA-50PH jet fighters bombard ASG camp in Basilan

Government forces, using FA-50PH jet fighters and artillery units, bombarded an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) camp in Al Barka town, Basilan Monday early morning. The strike, which took place 2:57 a.m., targeted an ASG camp in Barangay Macalang of the said town, said 1st Infantry Division public affairs office Major Richard Enciso.

The attack took place as the military intensified its rescue efforts for hostages still in the clutches of the terrorists.

Enciso said the ASG camp is headed by Furuji Indama and Nurhassan Jamiri. Following ground units reported finding blood trails in the bombarded camp.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing, he added.

Monday’s operation came as the military continued rescue operations for kidnap victims being held by the ASG in nearby Sulu.

On Sunday, the military said it received information that one of the hostages, German Jurgen Kantner, had been beheaded due to the failure of his government to pay the bandits’ PHP30 million ransom demand.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said information is still being validated as no real evidence of the execution has been discovered so far.

http://www.update.ph/2017/02/fa-50ph-jet-fighters-bombard-asg-camp-in-basilan/14958

Driven away from Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishermen now train in China

From Rappler (Feb 27): Driven away from Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishermen now train in China

Outside the diplomatic arena, China’s decision to explore a different approach and strategy in dealing with Filipino fishermen appears to be shaky

This photo taken on June 16, 2016 shows a fishing vessel anchored at the South China Sea off the town of Infanta in Pangasinan province, as they wait for their fishing expedition to Scarborough Shoal. Ted Aljibe/AFP/File

This photo taken on June 16, 2016 shows a fishing vessel anchored at the South China Sea off the town of Infanta in Pangasinan province, as they wait for their fishing expedition to Scarborough Shoal. Ted Aljibe/AFP/File

Leonardo Cuaresma, leader of a fisherfolk organization in Masinloc, Zambales, spent the beginning of 2017 surveying the fishing sites in the province of Guangdong in China, at one point even riding a Chinese coastguard ship along with 15 other Filipino fishermen.

This is the very same ship which at mere sight, had raised fear among members of Cuaresma’s organization, some of whom were attacked with water cannons by the Chinese coastguard in January 2014.

This incident, among others, signaled the growing tension between China and the Philippines over the maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, where Panatag Shoal, (also called Bajo de Masinloc and Scarborough Shoal) lies. The two have claimed ownership over the resource-rich area.

But in January 2017, Cuaresma and other Filipino fishermen who ventured in the disputed waters of Panatag Shoal and Spratly Islands in Palawan (5 participants hailed from Region III or Central Luzon and 11 others came from Region IV-B where Palawan is) – were not sent away by this ship; it instead took them to fishing havens in China to expose them to Beijing’s fisheries technology.

“We rode in the ship of [the] maritime coastguard. From the shoreline up to 200 nautical miles, [you can see] fish cages,” Cuaresma, the leader of Nilalamo A Asosyanon Nin Maninilay Ha Babalin Masinloc (NAMBM Inc) or Federated Association of Fisherfolk in Masinloc, said.

It was a gesture of goodwill, one that could not be expected from China 4 years ago, when the Philippines lodged a case against the military and economic behemoth before an arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Philippines said China’s nine-dash line is an invalid basis for its maritime claim over the West Philippine Sea.

In July 2016, the Philippines won; China did not recognize the ruling.

In spite of this, President Rodrigo Duterte moved to develop warmer ties with Beijing partly because Manila could not match China’s military might. It was also a consequence of his decision to veer away from the United States, the Philippines’ longstanding ally.

The Philippines, along with the 9 other member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, 3 of which are also claimants of parts of the South China Sea (Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei) now aim to finalize a framework for the Code of Conduct over the area by June. This was announced on February 21 as ASEAN foreign ministers held a meeting in Boracay.

But outside the diplomatic arena, China’s decision to explore a different approach and strategy in dealing with Filipino fishermen appears to be shaky. They sent Filipino fishermen to an educational trip and mentioned possible investments.

But here’s the catch – Cuaresma said they cannot adopt China’s techniques to increase fish production.

'Not so good'

The apprehension stems from what they saw in China’s waters.

“Not so good. The water in the river is not good. Malabo (murky). Because of the fishpond,” Cuaresma said.

“In China, they cannot protect their marine resources. They don’t have any corals, sea grass. Too much activities,” he added.

Cuaresma and his companions were flown to China in the second week of January to attend a workshop on the Sino-Filipino Fishery Training Exchange. The goal is for Filipino fishermen to learn how China increased its fish production.

The workshop was announced in December 2016 when Liu Xinzhong, deputy director of the Fisheries Administration of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture went to Masinloc to discuss the provision of modern technology, equipment, and financial assistance to fishermen.

Cuaresma and his group met officials from the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute in the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences and the National Agricultural Science and Technology Park in Guangdong. They were taught about aquaculture, or fish farming and marine culture, one of the methods of aquaculture which uses fish cages.

Cuaresma said, however, that these are not appropriate for the waters of Masinloc because they require the proliferation of fish cages. “Puro burak gawa ng fish cages, may sediments,” he said. (A lot of mire because of the fish cages, there were sediments.)

The Fisheries Code of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 8550 states that “not over 10 percent of the suitable water surface area of all lakes and rivers shall be allotted for aquaculture purposes like fish pens, fish cages and fish traps.”

Masinloc also bars the construction of additional fish cages. “Our friend in China likes fish cages [but] our municipality has a resolution that only the existing fish cages can operate in our municipality, municipal waters,” Medel Murata, the municipal environment and natural resources officer, said.

Murata said fish cages cause siltation especially during summer as well as algal bloom. The algae covers or swamps the corals, killing them; hence they have prohibited the establishment of more fish cages because, he said, the number of coral reefs in Masinloc has dwindled.

He added that he is worried about the proliferation of fish cages because they may drive the fisherfolk in Masinloc out of business. “If this multiplies in our coastal or in our marine water, there’s no area for small fishers.”

Cuaresma said if the Chinese float financial investments or assistance for the fishermen in Masinloc, he and his 1,000-member organization cannot accept these if they will require the use of fish cages.

“Our reaction – tanggapin pera (accept the money) but not regarding marine o aquaculture. The fishermen here in our country [are] really concerned about the environment. If people have their marine culture we cannot allow that..di siya applicable sa aming katubigan (it's not applicable to our waters),” he said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which attended the workshop, along with the fishermen and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, held the same view that Chinese technology is not fit for Philippine waters.

“The group appreciates the technologies but concern for the environment was considered if ever the technologies were adopted in the Philippines,” Willy Cruz from BFAR Region III said.

“Aquaculture technologies without the use of formulated feeds is considered. Only high value feeds using trash fish like the sardines of Zamboanga is prioritized.”

We tried to get the side of the Chinese government about the issues raised by Cuaresma and BFAR. We emailed the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute in the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, the National Agricultural Science and Technology Park, Liu Xinzhong, deputy director of the Fisheries Administration of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and the Chinese embassy but have not gotten any response as of posting.

Up to the government

During their one-week training in China, Cuaresma said there had been no mention of the territorial tiff over the West Philippine Sea.

The Filipino fishermen did not inquire if they can fish again in the lagoon in Bajo de Masinloc – which, they said, is teeming with fish – and not just in the waters surrounding it. Neither did the Chinese make any reference to the issue.

But it was the big elephant in the room.

Aside from environmental concerns, Cuaresma wanted to know if there are tradeoffs to China’s sudden show and offer of friendship.

He said even if the Chinese pour investments or opportunities for them to earn money, such as possibly having Chinese companies buy their fish, this will not be enough compensation for what the fishermen in Masinloc stand to lose if the Chinese government continues to forbid them from fishing in Bajo de Masinloc.

“Sa tingin ko, sariling pananaw, hindi yun ang dahilan, offer nila sa min yun, di yun ang kapalit lang ng mawawala sa amin. Ginagawa nila sa min pambu-bully lang,” he said. (I think, my personal view is, that is not the reason, they're ofering that to us in exchange for what we will lose. They're just bullying us.)

Unknown to Cuaresma and his group, however, the prohibition to fish in the lagoon in Bajo de Masinloc had the approval of the Philippine government.

President Rodrigo Duterte said in November 2016 he would issue an executive order declaring Panatag Shoal a marine sanctuary, turning it into a no-fish zone.

Cuaresma said they will stand firm and not accept any assistance from the Chinese if this again, will mean that they will have to use fish cages and if this will lead to the banning of Filipino fishermen from Bajo de Masinloc.

But he said if the national government says they should say yes, they will have no choice but to comply.

“What the government decides, we will follow them. [But] for me, [there’s] no trust [for the Chinese].”

http://www.rappler.com/nation/162647-panatag-scarborough-shoal-filipino-fishermen-training-china

Filipino Abu Sayyaf hostage freed

From Rappler (Feb 28): Filipino Abu Sayyaf hostage freed

Ricson Romoc is freed and gets the chance to reunite with his father, who was also abducted and released by the Abu Sayyaf



 The Abu Sayyaf freed kidnap victim Ricson Romoc on Monday, February 27.

Ricson is the son of an earlier released captive – his father, Elmer Romoc. He was released by the Abu Sayyaf in the vicinity of Barangay Anuling, Patikul, Sulu, Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, confirmed.

Ricson was fetched by Ging Hayudini, Barangay charimen of Anuling, and subsequently brought to Jolo airport on a pickup owned by the chairman.

He then boarded a private aircraft owned by Governor Abdul Sakur Tan and departed on the same date.

The family of the victim allegedly paid a P3 million ransom demand for his safe release.

Ricson's father, Elmer Ybañez Romoc, was released by the Abu Sayyaf group at an undisclosed location in Jolo, Sulu back in November of 2016.

The Romocs were abducted by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Barangay Kulisap, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, on August 5, 2016.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/162762-filipino-abu-sayyaf-hostage-freed

PH, China coast guards discuss cooperation - DFA

From InterAksyon (Feb 28): PH, China coast guards discuss cooperation - DFA



Philippine Coast Guard personnel in a drill (Reuters file)

The Philippine and China coast guards met recently in Subic Bay to discuss maritime cooperation under a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries during President Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit last October.

Transportation Undersecretary for the maritime sector Felipe Judan, who delivered the keynote address for the February 20 to 22 Second Organizational Meeting and Inaugural Meeting of the Joint Coast Guard Committee, stressed the importance of mutual understanding, cooperation and friendship between the two services in strengthening bilateral ties.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said “both sides recognized the significance of coast guard diplomacy” and agreed to cooperate in “preventing and combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes, search and rescue, environment protection and emergency response through, among other modalities, information exchange, and pragmatic empowerment activities unique for coast guards and enforcement agencies.”

They also established a hotline mechanism to facilitate communications in identified areas and agreed to conduct bilateral exchange activities within the year, “including high-level visits, maritime operations and related exercises, vessel visits and capacity building.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/137344/ph-china-coast-guards-discuss-cooperation---dfa

Zamboanga Sibugay kidnap gang head killed, Maguindanao councilor survives slay try

From InterAksyon (Feb 28): Zamboanga Sibugay kidnap gang head killed, Maguindanao councilor survives slay try

Government forces killed the alleged leader of a kidnap for ransom group with ties to the Abu Sayyaf Group and captured two of his followers following a clash early Tuesday in Zamboanga Sibugay.

In Datu Sangki town, Maguindanao province, a village chairman who sits as ex-oficio member of the municipal council survived an assassination attempt on Monday, authorities said.

Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, director of Police Regional Office-9, said the 3 a.m. clash in Sitio Tarlah, Barangay Tampalan, Alicia town, in which Imam Yasin died and Aujie Moh Abdul Karim and Mura Mohammad were captured also left Police Officer 2 Larry Falitnang of the Special Action Force wounded.

Beltran said Yasin and his men resisted when authorities tried to serve a warrant of arrest for murder on the gang leader.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, said Edris Dading Sangki, 45, chairperson of Barangay Kaya-Kaya who sits on the town council as Association of Barangay Chairpersons, was at home when two men riding a motorcycle drove up and fired at him around 4 p.m. Monday.

Sangki was hit in the side but has been declared out of danger.

http://interaksyon.com/article/137348/zamboanga-sibugay-kidnap-gang-head-killed-maguindanao-councilor-survives-slay-try

Tight security measures imposed in DavOr, DavSur

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 27):  Tight security measures imposed in DavOr, DavSur

INTENSIFIED security measures are put up in Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur following the series of encounters between government soldiers and communist rebels in these areas.
 
Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, the army’s 10th Infantry Division commander, said that his command will use all available capabilities to protect the people against armed groups, including the New People’s Army.
 
Valencia said they will not hesitate to apply legitimate military force against any armed group sowing fear on the people.

The army general urged every Filipino to contribute in the pursuit for permanent and lasting peace for our country.

“We are all Filipinos. We cannot fight forever, thus, we should be one with the peoples’ clamor of silencing the guns and listening from each other and help achieve the reforms that our country needs,” he added.

Residents in a barangay in Bansalan, Davao del Sur reportedly fled to evacuation site following Saturday’s encounter.
As the nation was celebrating the 31st People’s Power Revolution on Saturday, a series of encounters happened in the region, said Capt. Rhyan Batchar, the 10th ID spokesperson.
 
The first incident happened at 7 a.m. as troopers of the 28th Infantry Battalion (IB) engaged some 30 NPA rebels belonging to Pulang Bagani Company 6 in a 30-minute gunfight at Purok DP Line, Calapagan in Lupon.

The troopers recovered an M14 rifle, ammunition, four IEDs, five pieces of 50-meter wires, several back packs, military uniforms, food stuffs and several subversive documents left by the fleeing NPAs.

An hour later in Sitio San Francisco, Barangay Campawan in Baganga, members of 67th IB soldiers engaged the rebels under Guerrilla Front 25 in a 20-minute firefight.
 
The pursuing 67th troopers engaged the fleeing rebels in Mantumbo, Barangay Matunao, Cateel, at 11:45 a.m. that day.

A soldier, identified as Pvt. Febrian Paradero, was slightly hurt. Troopers also recovered several personal belongings, a 30-meter wire and subversive documents left by the fleeing NPA.

Mantumbo was the same barangay where the 67IB troopers engaged the NPAs on Friday morning.

In Bansalan at 3 a.m. on Saturday, rebels under Guerrilla Front 51 attacked the soldiers and CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) of 72nd IB at the detachment in Sitio Balagonon, Barangay Managa. The NPA immediately fled.

Pursuing troopers from the 39th IB caught up with the NPA and engaged them in a firefight at Sitio Mahayag in the same barangay.


Attack helicopters and artillery pieces were deployed to support the army troopers. The soldiers recovered an M16 armalite rifle left by the rebels.
 

Troops clash with Sayyafs in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 27): Troops clash with Sayyafs in Basilan province

Government forces clashed Monday with Abu Sayyaf rebels on the troubled province of Basilan, a known stronghold of the notorious group tied to the Islamic State.

The fighting, which started before sunrise, broke out in the town of Al-Barka, also a known lair of the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently holding peace talks with Manila.

The military’s Western Mindanao Command confirmed the fighting, but there were no immediate reports of casualties from both sides. Details of the clashes were also limited, but other reports said troops were pursuing the group of a senior Abu Sayyaf leader, Nurhasan Jamiri, tagged as behind numerous ransom kidnappings in Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula.
It was unknown whether the military operation was connected to unconfirmed reports that the rebel group has executed German yachter Jurgen Kantner, who was kidnapped at sea off Tawi-Tawi province – also in the autonomous region – in November.

His wife, Sabine Merz, 56, was killed by rebels. The woman’s naked was found by soldiers on the boat. A shotgun was also recovered near her body, according to the Western Mindanao Command.

The military tagged Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Muamar Askali as behind the kidnapping and originally demanded P500 million ransom for Kantner’s safe release.

The Abu Sayyaf demand was contained in a video released on February 14 on Telegram Messenger where it showed Kantner pleading to his government to save his life. The military said it also received reports of Kantner’s beheading, but officials would not confirm this unless his body is found.

In April 2014, Askali’s group also kidnapped two German yachters – Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71, and Henrike Diesen, 55, while heading to Sabah from a holiday in the Philippines and demanded P250 million in ransoms in exchange for their lives.

Askali originally demanded from Germany – on top of the ransoms – to cease all support to U.S. coalition campaign against Islamic State which is fighting for a caliphate in Syria and Iraq. The duo was freed six months later after the German government paid the ransoms delivered by Filipino security officials. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding about two dozen Malaysian, Indonesian and Vietnamese sailors kidnapped since last year in Sabah and Basilan province.

The Abu Sayyaf group, formed by Ustadz Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani in 1992 in Basilan, continues to recruit members to fight the government in their attempt to set up a strict Islamic caliphate in Mindanao. Janjalani was killed in a gun battle with the police in Basilan in 1998.

Since then, the group now has hundreds of members in the Muslim autonomous region and the military had miserably failed to stop the growing influence and violent campaigns of the rebel group because it did not sustain the combat operations needed to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf in the restive region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-clash-with-sayyafs-in-basilan-province/

Abu Sayyaf beheads German hostage, releases video of grisly murder

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 27): Abu Sayyaf beheads German hostage, releases video of grisly murder

An elderly German national, who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in November off Tawi-Tawi, a province in the troubled Muslim autonomous region in the Philippines, had been killed and the notorious ISIS-affiliate group even posted a video clip of the execution.

The SITE Intelligence Group – which monitored the Abu Sayyaf activities – reposted on Monday the grisly murder of the 70-year old Jurgen Kantner, who was believed executed on February 26 – the deadline set by his captors for his family to pay the P30 million ransom demand.

In another report by Al Jazeera, the television network said the video showed an elderly captive slumped on a grassy lot and a man holding a knife to his neck. “Now they’ll kill me,” Kantner said before he was brutally killed.

Kantner’s wife, Sabine Merz, 56, was also killed by rebels during the kidnapping. The woman’s naked was found by soldiers on the boat. A shotgun was also recovered near her body, according to the Western Mindanao Command.

The military tagged Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Muamar Askali as behind the kidnapping. Askali originally demanded P500 million ransom for Kantner’s safe release, but lowered this to P30 million, however, Manila also rejected the demand although it said it would not stop the German’s family to pay the ransom.
The Abu Sayyaf demand was contained in a video released on February 14 on Telegram Messenger where it showed Kantner pleading to his government to save his life. The military has not release any statement following reports of Kantner’s execution.

In April 2014, Askali’s group also kidnapped two German yachters – Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71, and Henrike Diesen, 55, while heading to Sabah from a holiday in the Philippines and demanded P250 million in ransoms in exchange for their lives.

Askali originally demanded from Germany – on top of the ransoms – to cease all support to U.S. coalition campaign against Islamic State which is fighting for a caliphate in Syria and Iraq. The duo was freed six months later after the German government paid the ransoms delivered by Filipino security officials. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding about two dozen Malaysian, Indonesian and Vietnamese sailors kidnapped since last year in Sabah and Basilan province.

The Abu Sayyaf group, formed by Ustadz Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani in 1992 in Basilan, continues to recruit members to fight the government in their attempt to set up a strict Islamic caliphate in Mindanao. Janjalani was killed in a gun battle with the police in Basilan in 1998.

Since then, the group now has hundreds of members in the Muslim autonomous region and the military had miserably failed to stop the growing influence and violent campaigns of the rebel group because it did not sustain the combat operations needed to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf in the restive region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/abu-sayyaf-beheads-german-hostage-releases-video-of-grisly-murder/

Coming soon: Russia as military partner

From Business World (Feb 27): Coming soon: Russia as military partner

RUSSIA’S potential for partnership with the Philippines, including in defense, “is really a big one” and it will take its time to introduce the “possibilities” it could offer to its new partner, a Russian lawmaker said.



 Russian marines attached to the anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs display their skills during a demonstration at a park in Manila on January 5, 2017, as part of their five-day port-of-call activities in the country's capital. AFP

Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte is scheduled to visit Moscow in May, where most of the agreements he will sign are anticipated to be in the area of defense.

For his part, Andrey Klimov, a member of the Russian parliament’s Federation Council, told BusinessWorld last week he sees Russia’s potential for partnership with the Philippines in defense and other areas.

“In a period of some years, we will change the vision of our potential of cooperation in our country, and we are not in a hurry,” Mr. Klimov said, adding that Russia is keen on providing infrastructure in the Philippines, including railways, roads, and energy facilities.

“After some years, you can ask me again and you will see that our potential is really a big one... This is one of [the] possibilities [and] It is up to Philippines to choose,” he said.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Russia has not had any foreign direct investment in the Philippines since 1999.

But Russia ranked 31st out of 223 trade partners in 2015, the Department of Trade and Industry said. It is also the Philippines’ 44th largest export market (out of 211), and 27th largest source of imports (out of 203).

Last month, a Pulse Asia survey showed the United States and the United Nations, as well as Japan, having the continued trust of majority of Filipinos, in contrast to the “distrust” towards China and Russia -- superpowers being wooed by Mr. Duterte.

“Today, the Philippines is also not a main partner [of Russia]... we do not think that even in [the] future, our trade turnover with Philippines may be bigger than our trade with China or with Japan,” the Russian lawmaker said.

Bilateral trade between the two countries will be beneficial to both countries, Mr. Klimov assured. “For you it will be something very big and visible for your country, for us, we gained new friends in the area,” he said.

‘RUSSIA IS NOT A BUILDER’

As Mr. Duterte’s upcoming visit to Moscow is focused on finalizing a security deal with Russia, Mr. Klimov said Russia is also capable of offering infrastructure to the Philippines.

Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said at the sidelines of the recent Bangsamoro Economic Development Summit: “Russia is not a builder. You cannot rely on them.”

Sought for comment regarding Mr. Diokno’s remarks, Mr. Klimov said: “We have to know each other much better... This is from a lack of information about my country and its potential.”

“So, if your President, if his administration is looking for military cooperation, why not? But this cooperation must be based on the international law and the very specific agreement between us because military cooperation is a very sensitive thing.”

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=coming-soon-russia-as-military-partner&id=141309

2 MILF leaders killed in ambush

From the Business World (Feb 28): 2 MILF leaders killed in ambush

GUNMEN killed two senior members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in an ambush in Pikit, North Cotabato on Sunday.

Solaiman Dimanalaw and Suk Macasasa, both community leaders of the MILF in Barangay Kabasalan in Pikit, died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

They were attacked while on board a motorized riverboat en route to Barangay Kabasalan from a market where they delivered fish caught from the Liguasan Delta.

Investigators said gunmen armed with M14 and M16 rifles riding a larger watercraft opened fire from behind as they got close to the smaller boat carrying Messrs. Dimanalaw and Macasasa.

Witnesses said the victims returned fire, but were eventually killed by their attackers.

Investigators are still trying to identify the culprits and their motive, but the attackers divested the victims of their wallets and assault rifles before they fled.

The incident was preceded by an attack early Sunday by alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters on a group of barangay officials in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=2-milf-leaders-killed-in-ambush&id=141369

NDF: NDF-Mindanao to release 6 POWs; AFP, PNP must cease offensive operations

Propaganda statement/video posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 23): NDF-Mindanao to release 6 POWs; AFP, PNP must cease offensive operations  

Press Statement
23 February 2017

On behalf of the people’s democratic government, the National Democratic Front in Mindanao shall release the six (6) prisoners of war (POW) who were arrested earlier this year and are currently in the custody of the New People’s Army (NPA) in 4 separate regions in the island.

These releases, that will be promptly disclosed soon by the various regions, shall be carried out as a gesture of goodwill for the resumption of the peace talks. These are also in response to the request of the families and loved ones of the POWs, as well as to the call of various concerned sectors in society.

Both the NDF and NPA in Mindanao, acting on the call of the CPP, have already begun the process to facilitate the immediate and safe release of the following 6 POWs: 1. PFC Edwin Salan, captured in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on January 29; 2. Sgt. Solaiman Calucop and 3. Pfc Samuel Garay, captured in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on February 2; 4. PO2 Jerome Natividad, captured in Talakag, Bukidnon on February 9; and, 5. Paramilitary Rene Doller and 6. Paramilitary Carl Mark Nucos, captured in Lupon, Davao Oriental on February 14.

The actual safe release of these abovementioned POWs however can only be realized if and when the AFP, the PNP and the Local Government Units (LGUs) give their full and undivided cooperation. The NDF-Mindanao, therefore, encourages GRP President Rodrigo Duterte, who himself is a veteran at facilitating POW releases, and the LGUs concerned to direct the AFP to implement a temporary suspension of military operations (SOMO), and the PNP, a suspension of police operations (SOPO), in areas which the NDF in the region concerned will specify and announce soon.

Both the SOMO and the SOPO will help expedite the safe release of the mentioned POWs. Without which, the lives of these POWs and those who will receive them will be put in danger, and, therefore, any manner of prisoner release becomes impossible.

We also encourage the families of the POWs, alongside various groups from the church, the academe, peace advocates and other concerned individuals and aggrupation, to make an appeal before President Duterte, for him to respond to this call positively to ensure that the POWs will be released safely and be once again locked in the embrace of their loved ones.

In earnest reply to the AFP’s dare to “just do it, release them”, the NDF-Mindanao says “yes we will” but only if the AFP, PNP and their troops fully cooperate by way of a SOMO and a SOPO and avoid acts of treachery that will bring harm to the POWs, their loved ones and the third party facilitators. If these conditions are satisfied, the release will push through. The ball is now in the AFP’s hands.#

Ka Joaquin Jacinto
Spokesperson
NDFP-Mindanao

https://www.ndfp.org/ndf-mindanao-release-6-pows-afp-pnp-must-cease-offensive-operations/

NDF: NDF-NCMR abli nga masugdan ang panagsabot alang sa pag-release sa POW nga si PO2 Gerome Anthony Natividad

Propaganda statement/video posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 23): NDF-NCMR abli nga masugdan ang panagsabot alang sa pag-release sa POW nga si PO2 Gerome Anthony Natividad  (NDF-NCMR open to initiating talks for the release of POW PO2 Gerome Anthony Natividad)

Pamahayag sa Media
Pebrero 23, 2017



Isip pagsanong sa pamahayag sa NDF-Mindanao pinaagi sa tigpamaba niini nga si Ka. Joaquin Jacinto, abli ang NDF-NCMR nga masugdan ang panagsabot uban sa Local Crisis Committee sa Bukidnon alang sa hapsay ug luwas nga pag-release sa POW nga si PO2 Gerome Anthony Natividad pinaagi sa pagpatunga sa Local Third Party Facilitators gikan sa mga Kristyanong lider-relihiyoso sa rehiyon.

Si PO2 Gerome Anthony Natividad nga nabihag sa yunit sa New Peoples’ Army ubos sa Mt. Kitanglad Sub-Regional Command kaniadtong Pebrero 9, 2017 atol sa gilunsad nga checkpoint didto sa KM 28, Duminorog, Talacag, Bukidnon anaa karon ubos sa pag-atiman sa custodial unit niini – luwas ug anaa sa maayong kahimtang sa panglawas.

Sa pamilya ug sa mga minahal sa kinabuhi ni PO2 Gerome Anthony Natividad, among ipasalig kanila ang maayo namong pag-atiman kaniya subay sa mga lagda sa Geneva Conventions kalabot sa mga lagda paglunsad og pakiggubat ug sa bag-o palang naoperasyunalisa nga Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. Sama sa gibati nila, gibati usab namo ug ilabina sa mga hingtungdang pamilya ang kabalaka ug dili matugkad nga kamingaw sa mga minahal nga padayong binilanggo sa daghan nang katuigan tungod sa mga tinumo-tumong salang kriminal nga gipasaligan ni Pres. Rodrigo Duterte nga buhian. Makalaum ang pamilya sa POW sa iyang sayo ug luwas nga pagpauli kung dili magmakuli ang AFP pinaagi sa 403rd Bde ubos sa 4th ID PA ug sa Provincial ug Regional PNP pagtubag sa among pangayuong kundisyon alang sa hapsay ug luwas nga pag-release.

Ngadto kang Bishop Cabantan sa Bukidnon, napadangat sa amo ang hangyo panabang sa asawa ni PO2 Gerome Anthony Natividad kanimo nga mahimong tulay aron luwas nga mabuhian ang iyang minahal. Kung abli ka niini, palihog koordineyt sa establisado nang Local Third Party Facilitators alang sa hiniusa ninyong paningkamot nga mapadangat ngadto sa Local Crisis Committee ang among demand.

Sa makausa pa, magpabilin kaming abli nga makigsabot sa Local Crisis Committee nga nagarepresentar sa Gubyerno sa Pilipinas sa lokal nga ang-ang kabahin sa petsa ug lugar sa pag-release kang PO2 Gerome Anthony Natividad pinaagi sa Local Third Party Facilitators.

Ka. Cesar Renerio
Tigpamaba
NDFP-NCMR


https://www.ndfp.org/ndf-ncmr-abli-nga-masugdan-ang-panagsabot-alang-sa-pag-release-sa-pow-nga-si-po2-gerome-anthony-natividad/

NDF/NPA: To pursue lasting peace and advance the welfare of the masses, NPA open to hold talks with Sara Duterte

Propaganda statement from the New People's Army posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 26): To pursue lasting peace and advance the welfare of the masses, NPA open to hold talks with Sara Duterte  

New People’s Army
Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao Region
Press Statement

February 26, 2017

The Regional Operations Command of the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao reciprocates the gesture made by GRP Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte by suspending for a few hours the NPA operations and ordering any NPA camp in NDF territories in Davao City and nearby areas to host the talks with her at a mutually agreed time and date.

The NPA would gladly discuss any matter that she would like to take up with the revolutionary movement, the duties and responsibilities of the people’s democratic government, the role of the NPA, the on-going all-out war of the AFP and the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations.

The talks is auspicious in the light of the series of punitive tactical offensives of the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion-NPA launched last February 16 when the AFP’s 3rd IB and 72nd IB CAFGU were hit three times in Paquibato and Calinan districts that killed at least 12 and wounded more than 20 of their troops. More AFP troops were again hit by NPA attritive offensives in Toril and Paquibato districts on February 21 and 22.

The revolutionary forces recognize Sara Duterte’s willingness to talk to the NPA as a group and not to individuals amid the growing public clamor to resume the suspended GRP-NDFP peace negotiations and achieve substantial gains in the peace process.

The NPA in the region, however, finds it ominous that as per the GRP Presidential daughter’s stern warning that should the NPA decline her gesture, a viable alternative would be to “leave it everything to the AFP…” Mayor Sara must know by now that the AFP is a corrupt, wily and mercenary organization that makes a mockery of the peace process and continuously sabotages her father’s and the NDFP’s efforts at peace every chance it gets.

Furthermore, we are optimistic that Mayor Sara would judiciously discern the realities of the civil war, not merely through the statistics of AFP casualties and its civilian victims but by seeing the imperative to address the roots of the armed conflict. Certainly, the heavy burden being borne every single day by Filipinos because of the continued exploitation of the oligarchs and US imperialism prods the masses and the revolutionary forces to wage and advance the people’s war.

The NPA in Southern Mindanao is looking forward to a substantial discussion with Mayor Duterte on the common ground of advancing the welfare of the masses, especially in Davao City. In the same manner that she expresses her willingness to meet for the sake of peace, the NPA advances the people’s war and adheres to the victories of the negotiations to ensure that peace will be just and lasting.

RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ
Spokesperson
Regional Operations Command
NPA-Southern Mindanao

https://www.ndfp.org/pursue-lasting-peace-advance-welfare-masses-npa-open-hold-talks-sara-duterte/

MILF: IMT-Mission 11-WesMinCom visits village, donates school supplies

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 27): IMT-Mission 11-WesMinCom visits village, donates school supplies



The Site- 3 Mobile team of International Monitoring Team (IMT)-Mission 11-Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom), Zamboanga City spent its remaining days through various engagements by visiting a Moro village before it will be replaced by a new batch next month.

Under its dynamic Team leader, Col. Mohammad Zaki bin Abu of Malaysian Royal Armed Forces together with DSP Kamarudin, Malaysian Royal Police, Brother Dennis of Brunei Marines and other officers visited Asta Moro Madrasa (Arabic School) in Barangay Tulungatung, Zamboanga City on February 25 to donate some school supplies.

The IMT Officials were welcomed by Moro Community leaders headed by Imam Akob Asta, Imam Omar Alip, Head of Moro Community Da’wah, Arabic teachers and pupils.

In his welcome Message, Ustadz Benjabar Daris expressed his appreciation and gratefulness on the assistance extended to them by the Team. It was a clear manifestation of showing concerns to their underdeveloped Madrasa and to their pupils.

“Your donation with the truest concern to our Madrasa pupils is really a big matter especially to our pupils, despite your hectic schedule and appointments you can still remember us. The joyous faces and smiles of our pupils are seen as they welcome you today”, Ustadz Daris said.

On his part, Col. Zaki said that it just a little contribution personally and sincerely from us that may benefit these pupils and teachers and we hope that these pupils will grow productively and become somebody who can contribute later to Bangsamoro, Mindanao and to Philippines as well.

In his closing message, Imam Akob Asta, Administrator of Asta Moro madrasa expressed his profoundest gratitude to visiting IMT Site-3 Mobile team for their unwavering support not only to GPH-MILF Peace Process but also showing concern to his underdeveloped madrasa and poorly-equipped pupils and hoping that more assistance will come to us especially when the Bangsamoro Government will take place in due time, Insha Allah! (If Allah wills).

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1090-imt-mission-11-wesmincom-visits-village-donates-school-supplies

MILF: New BTC is second best chance, says MILF chair

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 27): New BTC is second best chance, says MILF chair




The launching of the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) last Friday in Davao City is the “best second chance,” according to MILF Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim during his speech for the occasion.

“We feel more confident in achieving a lasting solution today to the Moro Question than at any other time in our struggle, because we have a President who understands the history and the root cause of the Moro Question,” Ebrahim said.

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, who appointed the 21 members of the new BTC last February 10, was the guest of honor for the event that was attended by no less than 500 leaders and members of the MILF and a similar number invited by the government.

The “re-launch” of the BTC was also described by Ebrahim as “rekindl(ing) the hope of thousands of our people for a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro.” (see Chairman Murad Ebrahim’s speech)

The previous 15-member BTC was launched on April 3, 2013 and its officials served co-terminus with then Pres. Benigno Aquino III.

Last November 7, President Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 8 which increased the number of commissioners to 21, ten of whom were nominated by the government while eleven, including the chairman, come from the side of the MILF.

In his much-applauded impromptu speech, Pres. Duterte urged the BTC to “navigate the hindrances and obstruction at hanapin ninyo ang daan hanggang patungo ng kapayapaan.”

“The one thing that is really important is that you have the control of the resources and of course the income of your own land, that is what is important to the Moro people, their territory … the changing fortunes of time un their hands,” Duterte said.

Chairman Ebrahim disclosed that even if they are “occasionally gripped by sadness at the failure earlier to pass the BBL,” they have to be more prepared this time to meet head-on the challenges of hurdling the legislative mill.

Ebrhim said that the “epoch-making task” of bringing peace is a unique opportunity provided even by the Constitution “for the Executive to negotiate peace; for the Legislative to enact peace legislation; and for the Supreme Court to rule on constitutional issues for peace.“

Ebrahim made an appeal to the Filipino people to “embrace not only democracy but justice and equity as well.”

He also said that the Filipinos, many of whom still harbor deep-seated biases against the Moros, must equally stand prepared to accept the latter as “partners in achieving peace and progress, not only for this region but for the entire country.”

The new members of the expanded BTC who were formally presented last Friday are Ghazali Jaafar (chairman), Mohagher M. Iqbal, Abdulraof A. Macacua, Ibrahim D. Ali, Haron M. Abas, Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie, Said M. Shiek, Hussein P. Muñoz, Melanio U. Ulama, Gafur A. Kanain, Ammal D. Solaiman, Atty. Firdausi Y. Abbas, Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema, Hatimil Hassan, Atty. Jose I. Lorena, Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, Atty. Hussin Amin, Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, Mussolini S. Lidasan, Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin and Romeo Saliga.

MILF: Confederation of Royal Sultanates in Mindanao holds 1st Grand Summit

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 28): Confederation of Royal Sultanates in Mindanao holds 1st Grand Summit 




The Mindanao’s Sultanates held their 1st Grand Summit with the theme, “In Unity there is Strength, In Solidarity there is Peace” in Davao City on February 23rd, a MindaNews report said.

They declared support to the peace efforts and proposal for a shift to a federal form of government of the Duterte administration.

Rep. Suharto T. Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat said that the gathering is essential to the success of the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

While admitting that though the sultans no longer exercise political powers, as traditional leaders, they still command respect among the Moro people that dates back to the pre-colonial period.

He said that the traditional leaders have formed a confederation to strengthen the Moro people to ensure the success of the peace efforts with the MILF and the MNLF.

Datu Manaros Simbaan, of the Royal Sultanate of Masiu, said that the convergence is “a symbol of unity” among the traditional leaders who seek peace and development in Mindanao through the government’s peace efforts and push for a shift to federalism.

“All stakeholders of Mindanao must be represented in order to know the strategy to succeed in the peace process. The sultanates – they are the chieftains of their communities where they can express the real sentiment of their own people,” he said.

Datu Tungko Saikol admitted that although they have no power like a barangay captain, mayor, governors, but when it comes to our families, our clans, we have a say because they listen to us.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1092-confederation-of-royal-sultanates-in-mindanao-holds-1st-grand-summit

DWDD: ANTI-DEVELOPMENT | NPA Terrorists Attack Anew in Bukidnon

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 27): ANTI-DEVELOPMENT | NPA Terrorists Attack Anew in Bukidnon

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — The anti-development terrorist New People’s Army stormed two private companies in Bukidnon on February 25,  2017.
At around 5:40 in the afternoon, more or less 15 fully-armed NPAs entered the Compound of the proposed site for the 10.6 megawatts Pulanai Hydroelectric Power Plant at Zone 11, Hangaron, Barangay Lumbayao, an outskirt community of Valencia City. The NPAs confiscated the cellphones of the workers and ordered them to go out of the said compound. According to the witnesses, the NPAs fired several shots after laying some Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) inside the compound.
 
Col Antonio Bautista Jr., 8IB Commanding Officer immediately sent troops including a team from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) to go after the said armed group and to carefully recover the said planted IEDs.
It can be recalled that on Dec 10, 2016, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced its groundbreaking ceremony. He even mentioned in his speech that he is asking the NPAs to spare the project from their attacks as the Pulanai plant, owned and operated by Repower Energy Development Corp., is one of the power-generation facilities that are envisioned to boost the economic activity in that area for it will cater the electric requirements for the people of Mindanao and will generate employment for the people in that area.
Meanwhile, at around 10 pm the same day, another NPA group burned down two spray trucks owned by Davco Agri Venture Corporation (DAVCO) in Brgy Merangiran, Quezon, Bukidnon.
 
According to the PNP investigation, the company’s refusal to give-in to NPA extortion demand is the reason behind the incident.
MGen Benjamin R Madrigal Jr., 4ID Commander lambasted the NPA’s attack and promised that there will be no let-up on the pursuit operation against the perpetrators. He said “The NPA terrirists have once again proven to the whole nation that they really do not want our country to develop. What they did in those areas is plain economic sabotage that aims to make our people suffer.”
“We are one with the peace-loving people of Bukidnon in condemning this terror group. I have ordered my line units that there will be no let-up in our operation. We shall see to it that we will hit them harder until they cease in doing their atrocities in the area.”

APC slams into military truck; 1 soldier killed

From Tempo (Feb 27): APC slams into military truck; 1 soldier killed

A soldier died while three other Army troopers were injured when the military truck they were riding in was hit by an armored personnel carrier (APC) along a national highway in Lupi town, Camarines Sur.

Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the military truck was hit from behind by the Simba APC in what appears to be a convoy of military vehicles.

He identified the lone fatality as a certain Sergeant Cortes. The three other injured victims were certain Corporal Peniero and Privates First Class Canicola and Hobilla.
 
“Another private vehicle was also hit during the accident but the driver is safe,” said Carlos.

He said the accident occurred at around 6 a.m. yesterday along the Andaya Highway at the portion of Barangay Cabutagan in Lupi town.

The soldiers, it was learned, are from the 21st Light Armor Cavalry Troop of the Philippine Army.

http://tempo.com.ph/2017/02/27/apc-slams-into-military-truck-1-soldier-killed/

Sayyaf uploads video of German’s beheading

From the Philippine Star (Feb 28): Sayyaf uploads video of German’s beheading



The brief video, circulated on the internet by the SITE Intelligence Group that monitors jihadi websites, was the first sign that the militants proceeded with their threat to kill Kantner. SITE Intel Group via AP

The Abu Sayyaf yesterday released a video showing the beheading of German captive Juergen Gustav Kantner.

The brief video, circulated on the internet by the SITE Intelligence Group that monitors jihadi websites, was the first sign that the militants proceeded with their threat to kill Kantner.

On Feb. 14, the Abu Sayyaf threatened to execute Kantner if P30 million in ransom was not paid by 3 p.m. of Feb. 26.

The video showed the 70-year-old Kantner sitting in a grassy clearing and saying, “Now he kills me,” shortly before a masked militant beheaded him with a curved knife.

A few gunmen muttered “Allahu Akbar,” or God is great.

The executioner placed the head beside the body after the beheading that occurred in an undisclosed area believed to be in Sulu.   

Intelligence reports that circulated on Sunday said the militants led by Muamar Askali alias Abu Rami executed Kantner in Sitio Talibang, Barangay Buanza after the deadline for ransom payment lapsed.

Presidential peace process adviser Jesus Dureza confirmed that the bandit group had beheaded Kantner.

Dureza said the bandits’ barbaric activities must be stopped, noting terrorism has no place in the country.

He said he had always been in contact with the German government in an effort to save Kantner.

Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa also confirmed the beheading, but the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) refused to do so.

The military said the video is not enough proof, as it insisted on finding the victim’s body to confirm the execution.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said he would not dignify the video by watching it.

Col. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said his men were searching for Kantner’s head and body.

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año said they were still verifying the report and have yet to receive confirmation on the ground.

Año said there should be proof such as the identifiable remains of the victim, body parts that can be subjected to DNA and confirmatory testing or a reliable eyewitness account.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana issued a similar statement, saying: “We cannot confirm unless we see the body.”
 
Operations continue

Capt. Jo Ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command, said reports of Kantner’s beheading have not slowed down the military operations to crush the Abu Sayyaf and rescue all remaining hostages.

The military fired mortar rounds on Abu lairs in the mountains of Al-Barka yesterday morning.

Troops from the Joint Task Force Basilan bombarded the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhassan Jamiri in Barangay Makalang at around 3 a.m., Petinglay said.

Reports from ground forces said several mortar rounds hit the bandits’ camp, where about 70 Abu Sayyaf followers led by Jamiri were reportedly encamped.

Al-Barka Mayor Darus Lajid confirmed the bombardment, saying residents from nearby villages fled their homes for fear for their lives.

At least 14 battalions of soldiers are pursuing the militants who have been holding captive seven Filipinos and 20 foreigners, excluding six Vietnamese seized in a recent Tawi-Tawi pirate attack.

  Complicated

President Duterte admitted the problem of the Abu Sayyaf is complicated and requires sustained military effort.

“It needs a sustained military action. It cannot be solved by just a command conference here,” Duterte told journalists after presiding over a joint military and police command conference at Malacañang yesterday.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo confirmed last night the beheading of Kantner.

“We have finally received information from reliable sources confirming that Mr. Juergen Gustav Kantner was mercilessly and inhumanly murdered by the evil Abu Sayyaf group,” the AFP said in a statement.

“We express our heartfelt sympathies and condole sincerely with the family of Kantner for their loss. TheAFP condemns in the strongest terms this abominable act of ruthlessness, loathe and greed of this evil terrorist group.”

“The deaths of hapless civilians like Mr. Kantner in the hands of these terrorists feed the resolve of our soldiers to hunt down all the perpetrators and bring them to the bar of justice.”

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/02/28/1676464/sayyaf-uploads-video-germans-beheading