From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 30): NPAs attack school, burn heavy equipment in Bukidnon
A group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels believed to be under Guerilla Front 6, attacked Barangay Concepcion Elementary School in Valencia City and burned the faculty room, classroom, and its library that destroyed the books, school supplies, and other instructional & learning materials.
Reports showed the rebels burned up school facilities late Sunday afternoon, March 26, after teachers reportedly ignored them and refused to grant their demand for a ‘Share’ from the school’s fund intended for pupils’ feeding program.
Similarly, at around 10:00 p.m. Monday, March 20, a group of NPA terrorists disarmed two guards of Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) and burned three units of pineapple boom harvester & one skidder at Patpat village in Malaybalay City.
Col. Antonio I. Bautista Jr, 8th Infantry Battalion commander said it shows that NPA exempts no one in their extortion activities—not even schools.
“It has always been the strategy of NPAs to instil fear and terrorize communities especially those companies providing livelihood in the neighborhood. NPAs are anti-development and anti-democratic groups who use labor and environmental issues as disguise to their extortion scheme. They claimed they are pro-people but their actions speak otherwise,” he said.
He denounced these cowardly acts of the NPA and vowed that there will be no let-up in pursuit operations against the rebels.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501490767551/npas-attack-school-burn-heavy-equipment-in-bukidnon
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Military denounces NPA for burning public school in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): Military denounces NPA for burning public school in Bukidnon
The military on Wednesday denounced the burning of a public school allegedly by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterland village of Concepcion in Valencia City in Bukidnon.
A belated military report reaching here said that the NPA rebels allegedly burned the public school in Concepcion last Sunday after school officials refused to give in to the rebel’s extortion activities.
“The teachers refused to give in to the demands of the NPA rebels, who resorted to terroristic activities,” Lt. Erwin Bugarin, the spokesperson of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, said in the report.
Without considering the effects of their actions to the civilian populace, especially the students of the said school, the armed group burned the faculty room, one classroom and the school library, Bugarin said.
He said that it becomes evident "that the NPA exempts no one in their extortion activities, not even the schools which are essential in providing education to the pupils and students living in marginal communities."
Bugarin said that the military and also the civilian community denounced the cowardly acts that "show the real character of the NPA as a terror group even at a time when the resumption of the peace talks was scheduled to commence in the first week of April."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=976038
The military on Wednesday denounced the burning of a public school allegedly by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterland village of Concepcion in Valencia City in Bukidnon.
A belated military report reaching here said that the NPA rebels allegedly burned the public school in Concepcion last Sunday after school officials refused to give in to the rebel’s extortion activities.
“The teachers refused to give in to the demands of the NPA rebels, who resorted to terroristic activities,” Lt. Erwin Bugarin, the spokesperson of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, said in the report.
Without considering the effects of their actions to the civilian populace, especially the students of the said school, the armed group burned the faculty room, one classroom and the school library, Bugarin said.
He said that it becomes evident "that the NPA exempts no one in their extortion activities, not even the schools which are essential in providing education to the pupils and students living in marginal communities."
Bugarin said that the military and also the civilian community denounced the cowardly acts that "show the real character of the NPA as a terror group even at a time when the resumption of the peace talks was scheduled to commence in the first week of April."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=976038
5,000 cops, soldiers to secure ASEAN Summit meetings in Cebu
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): 5,000 cops, soldiers to secure ASEAN Summit meetings in Cebu
Security preparations have shifted to high gear for Cebu’s hosting next week of the seven finance and defense ministerial meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, an official said.
Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, ground commander for the ASEAN Summit ministerial meetings in Cebu, said some 5,000 policemen, soldiers and other security forces will be deployed during the ministerial meetings.
They will secure the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), major thoroughfares, hotels where the delegates are staying and cell sites of telecommunications companies.
K9 units will also be deployed at the MCIA and the airport in Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
Tagbilaran City will host the 10th Meeting of the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) Trade Negotiating Committee and Related Meetings set on April 18-22.
The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office will deploy some 100 police personnel to secure the ministerial meeting venues in the city, while the Cebu City Police Office will deploy some 200 police officers to secure other venues and hotels.
Five finance-related ministerial meetings will be held simultaneously from April 3-7 in Cebu.
These include the ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFCDM); ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFCDM+3); ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM); ASEAN Central Bank Governors Meeting (ACGM); and ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM /3-7).
Cebu will also be the venue for the 1st ASEAN Defense Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) and ADSOM-Plus Meetings that will be held from April 5-7.
The ministerial meetings will precede the 31st ASEAN Summit Leaders’ Meeting at Clark Field, Pampanga on Nov. 10-14.
ASEAN groups the ten countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=976106
Security preparations have shifted to high gear for Cebu’s hosting next week of the seven finance and defense ministerial meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, an official said.
Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, ground commander for the ASEAN Summit ministerial meetings in Cebu, said some 5,000 policemen, soldiers and other security forces will be deployed during the ministerial meetings.
They will secure the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), major thoroughfares, hotels where the delegates are staying and cell sites of telecommunications companies.
K9 units will also be deployed at the MCIA and the airport in Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
Tagbilaran City will host the 10th Meeting of the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) Trade Negotiating Committee and Related Meetings set on April 18-22.
The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office will deploy some 100 police personnel to secure the ministerial meeting venues in the city, while the Cebu City Police Office will deploy some 200 police officers to secure other venues and hotels.
Five finance-related ministerial meetings will be held simultaneously from April 3-7 in Cebu.
These include the ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFCDM); ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFCDM+3); ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM); ASEAN Central Bank Governors Meeting (ACGM); and ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM /3-7).
Cebu will also be the venue for the 1st ASEAN Defense Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) and ADSOM-Plus Meetings that will be held from April 5-7.
The ministerial meetings will precede the 31st ASEAN Summit Leaders’ Meeting at Clark Field, Pampanga on Nov. 10-14.
ASEAN groups the ten countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=976106
Talks underway with Japan on helicopter spare parts transfer to PAF
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): Talks underway with Japan on helicopter spare parts transfer to PAF
To keep the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) fleet of UH-IH combat utility helicopters serviceable and mission-ready at all times, talks are underway with the Japan Ministry of Defense's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) regarding the transfer of "Huey" spare parts to the PAF.
This was confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the sidelines of the transfer ceremony for the two Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft in Sangley Point, Cavite early this week.
"We are pleased to announce that the DND has already started discussions with ATLA regarding the possible transfer of UH-IH helicopter spare parts to the PAF," he said when asked on whether the Philippines can expect more equipment aid from Japan.
The PAF is known to operate 40 to 60 units of the Vietnam-era "Huey" helicopters in its fleet.
These spare parts, if the talks are formalized, will extend the service life of the UH-IH currently in PAF service.
The helicopter is being used for troop and supply transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and close air support missions.
"We are looking toward the actualization of this proposal," Lorenzana stressed.
The DND chief also expressed his thanks and gratitude for the support being extended by the Japanese government to the Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=975912
To keep the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) fleet of UH-IH combat utility helicopters serviceable and mission-ready at all times, talks are underway with the Japan Ministry of Defense's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) regarding the transfer of "Huey" spare parts to the PAF.
This was confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the sidelines of the transfer ceremony for the two Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft in Sangley Point, Cavite early this week.
"We are pleased to announce that the DND has already started discussions with ATLA regarding the possible transfer of UH-IH helicopter spare parts to the PAF," he said when asked on whether the Philippines can expect more equipment aid from Japan.
The PAF is known to operate 40 to 60 units of the Vietnam-era "Huey" helicopters in its fleet.
These spare parts, if the talks are formalized, will extend the service life of the UH-IH currently in PAF service.
The helicopter is being used for troop and supply transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and close air support missions.
"We are looking toward the actualization of this proposal," Lorenzana stressed.
The DND chief also expressed his thanks and gratitude for the support being extended by the Japanese government to the Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=975912
No threat to PHL sovereignty over Benham Rise -- Esperon
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): No threat to PHL sovereignty over Benham Rise -- Esperon
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Wednesday said that there was no threat from other nations on the sovereignty of the Philippines over the Benham Rise.
In a Senate panel hearing on the creation of a proposed Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA), Esperon said that although he did not see current threats, he did not rule out possible threats in the future.
"There could be (potential threats) but we don’t see any right now. Pronouncements of the Foreign Affairs of China are saying that they recognize our sovereign rights over Benham Rise," Esperon told Sen. Sherwin Gatchlian, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs.
To recall, the Department of National Defense (DND) previously reported the Chinese survey ship was seen plying the waters of Benham Rise for around three months last year.
Chinese Embassy, however, denied that it intentionally sailed to Benham Rise and simply passed by international sea noting that they had the right of freedom of navigation.
Esperon said that at present, the government could not determine if the Chinese research ship conducted researches in the seabed. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already sent a note verbale to China.
Esperon explained that China had the right to pass through Philippine waters but only in the name of freedom of navigation and innocent passage which he defined as “passing from your point of origin to your point of destination by the safest means or route.”
Although supportive of the proposal to create a BRDA, he said that first and foremost, the government should know “what we really have in the area.”
”…The first priority should be organizing maritime, scientific researches in the area. Since we do not know yet what is in the area. Let us strengthen our research capabilities,” Esperon said.
He meanwhile suggested the creation of a Department of Maritime Resources and Ocean Affairs to have a single body to tackle these issues.
DFA Acting Executive Director and OIC Maria Lourdes Montero also denied that there was a breach in protocol that took place.
She revealed that the request of China to conduct scientific research in Benham Rise in 2015 was rejected.
“On the recent movement of Chinese vessels, we are not sure as to the conduct of activities there. We do not have the actual details. At this point, given that we don’t have the exact information, I would not be in the position to say that a breach has actually occurred,” Montero said.
“If I may say, ‘breach’ may be a strong word because we don’t have the complete details. We would like to note that the ocean is quite vast, it’s divided in different zones…they can exercise such as freedom of navigation or innocent passage,” she added.
Montero said that one recommendation she could give to improve process of the Philippines in undertaking research in the area is to build the capacity of the DFA’s technical agencies.
”…We have very good scientists, we have very good technical people but they share a common experience with respect for the need for resources, equipment, training and additional personnel. We do rely a lot on our technical agencies. Our recommendation is really to somehow strengthen our technical agencies,” Montero said.
The Benham Rise is a 13 million-hectare underwater landmass that is about 250 kilometers off the coastline of Aurora province.
It officially became part of the Philippines in 2012 when the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that the Benham Rise area was fell under its exclusive economic zone.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976013
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Wednesday said that there was no threat from other nations on the sovereignty of the Philippines over the Benham Rise.
In a Senate panel hearing on the creation of a proposed Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA), Esperon said that although he did not see current threats, he did not rule out possible threats in the future.
"There could be (potential threats) but we don’t see any right now. Pronouncements of the Foreign Affairs of China are saying that they recognize our sovereign rights over Benham Rise," Esperon told Sen. Sherwin Gatchlian, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs.
To recall, the Department of National Defense (DND) previously reported the Chinese survey ship was seen plying the waters of Benham Rise for around three months last year.
Chinese Embassy, however, denied that it intentionally sailed to Benham Rise and simply passed by international sea noting that they had the right of freedom of navigation.
Esperon said that at present, the government could not determine if the Chinese research ship conducted researches in the seabed. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already sent a note verbale to China.
Esperon explained that China had the right to pass through Philippine waters but only in the name of freedom of navigation and innocent passage which he defined as “passing from your point of origin to your point of destination by the safest means or route.”
Although supportive of the proposal to create a BRDA, he said that first and foremost, the government should know “what we really have in the area.”
”…The first priority should be organizing maritime, scientific researches in the area. Since we do not know yet what is in the area. Let us strengthen our research capabilities,” Esperon said.
He meanwhile suggested the creation of a Department of Maritime Resources and Ocean Affairs to have a single body to tackle these issues.
DFA Acting Executive Director and OIC Maria Lourdes Montero also denied that there was a breach in protocol that took place.
She revealed that the request of China to conduct scientific research in Benham Rise in 2015 was rejected.
“On the recent movement of Chinese vessels, we are not sure as to the conduct of activities there. We do not have the actual details. At this point, given that we don’t have the exact information, I would not be in the position to say that a breach has actually occurred,” Montero said.
“If I may say, ‘breach’ may be a strong word because we don’t have the complete details. We would like to note that the ocean is quite vast, it’s divided in different zones…they can exercise such as freedom of navigation or innocent passage,” she added.
Montero said that one recommendation she could give to improve process of the Philippines in undertaking research in the area is to build the capacity of the DFA’s technical agencies.
”…We have very good scientists, we have very good technical people but they share a common experience with respect for the need for resources, equipment, training and additional personnel. We do rely a lot on our technical agencies. Our recommendation is really to somehow strengthen our technical agencies,” Montero said.
The Benham Rise is a 13 million-hectare underwater landmass that is about 250 kilometers off the coastline of Aurora province.
It officially became part of the Philippines in 2012 when the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that the Benham Rise area was fell under its exclusive economic zone.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976013
Esperon recommends use of satellites to monitor Benham Rise
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): Esperon recommends use of satellites to monitor Benham Rise
To better monitor foreign maritime activity in the Benham Rise, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Wednesday recommended the procurement and use of satellites.
“…When you have an EEZ (exclusive economic zone) that is as big as what we have, then we would require to be able to have awareness of everything that’s going there,” Esperon said during a Senate panel hearing on the proposed creation of a Benham Rise Development Authority (BDRA).
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines has the exclusive right to over 200 nautical miles off its coast.
“We have our Nomad (planes) which are giving us some good pictures but we don’t even have satellites. We are one big country with a big EEZ that doesn’t have image satellites much more communication satellites,” he added.
Esperon explained that the government should build those capabilities to have a better view and management of Philippine resources.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, agreed with Esperon noting that it is important to use such technologies to determine what a Chinese survey ship was doing when it was seen plying Benham Rise for around three months last year.
Chinese Embassy maintained that they simply passed by international sea noting that they had the right of freedom of navigation.
“We lack technology and equipment. The Security Adviser (Esperon) recommended the use of satellite to know not just the direction of the ship but also what the ship is doing,” Gatchalian told reporters in an interview.
Gatchalian pointed out that while the government did have technology to find out where the ship is, it did not have technology to find out what the ship is doing.
“I think what we need to know right now is what the (Chinese) ship exactly did,” he added.
Synchronization
The neophyte senator also pointed out that because Pres. Duterte is the country’s chief policy maker, agencies had to synchronize their policies with the President’s policies.
“We clarified from DFA what are the process and protocols. They need to synchronize this with the policy of the President. The President is our chief policy maker and from that policy emanates the process,” he said.
He also said that the Philippines had the right to partner with any countries when it comes to research and maritime research.
“The research ships must file for permission with the DFA but there is already the general invitation from the President. It’s still necessary that’s why we still have the application,” he explained.
“There is the general invitation that is extended to neighboring countries but there are still protocols to followChina,” he added.
He also assured that security threats should not be a cause for alarm at present and that concerned government agencies are currently looking into its capabilities.
“Is it just the ships of China we are not aware of or we are generally weak in overseeing the EEZ? That is why I am advocating the strengthening of our awareness, surveillance capabilities,” Esperon said.
The Benham Rise is a 13 million-hectare underwater landmass that is about 250 kilometers off the coastline of Aurora province.
It officially became part of the Philippines in 2012 when the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that the Benham Rise area was fell under its exclusive economic zone.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976067
To better monitor foreign maritime activity in the Benham Rise, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Wednesday recommended the procurement and use of satellites.
“…When you have an EEZ (exclusive economic zone) that is as big as what we have, then we would require to be able to have awareness of everything that’s going there,” Esperon said during a Senate panel hearing on the proposed creation of a Benham Rise Development Authority (BDRA).
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines has the exclusive right to over 200 nautical miles off its coast.
“We have our Nomad (planes) which are giving us some good pictures but we don’t even have satellites. We are one big country with a big EEZ that doesn’t have image satellites much more communication satellites,” he added.
Esperon explained that the government should build those capabilities to have a better view and management of Philippine resources.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, agreed with Esperon noting that it is important to use such technologies to determine what a Chinese survey ship was doing when it was seen plying Benham Rise for around three months last year.
Chinese Embassy maintained that they simply passed by international sea noting that they had the right of freedom of navigation.
“We lack technology and equipment. The Security Adviser (Esperon) recommended the use of satellite to know not just the direction of the ship but also what the ship is doing,” Gatchalian told reporters in an interview.
Gatchalian pointed out that while the government did have technology to find out where the ship is, it did not have technology to find out what the ship is doing.
“I think what we need to know right now is what the (Chinese) ship exactly did,” he added.
Synchronization
The neophyte senator also pointed out that because Pres. Duterte is the country’s chief policy maker, agencies had to synchronize their policies with the President’s policies.
“We clarified from DFA what are the process and protocols. They need to synchronize this with the policy of the President. The President is our chief policy maker and from that policy emanates the process,” he said.
He also said that the Philippines had the right to partner with any countries when it comes to research and maritime research.
“The research ships must file for permission with the DFA but there is already the general invitation from the President. It’s still necessary that’s why we still have the application,” he explained.
“There is the general invitation that is extended to neighboring countries but there are still protocols to followChina,” he added.
He also assured that security threats should not be a cause for alarm at present and that concerned government agencies are currently looking into its capabilities.
“Is it just the ships of China we are not aware of or we are generally weak in overseeing the EEZ? That is why I am advocating the strengthening of our awareness, surveillance capabilities,” Esperon said.
The Benham Rise is a 13 million-hectare underwater landmass that is about 250 kilometers off the coastline of Aurora province.
It officially became part of the Philippines in 2012 when the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that the Benham Rise area was fell under its exclusive economic zone.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976067
No plans yet to retire PN Britten-Norman Islander fleet
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): No plans yet to retire PN Britten-Norman Islander fleet
The Philippine Navy (PN)'s venerable Britten-Norman Islander aircraft will not be retired even if all the five Japanese Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft are delivered this year.
"We will not retire (our Britten-Norman Islander fleet) yet. The TC-90s will just complement them and add to the number of aircraft that the PN is (using) for its maritime domain awareness capabilities," said PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado.
The Navy currently operates six Britten-Norman Island aircraft for its patrol and other security missions, having acquired them in the early 1980s.
It has a maximum speed of 170 miles per hour and range of 756 nautical miles.
While the TC-90s have a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 260 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.
Last Monday, Japanese naval personnel formally turned over two of the five TC-90s to the PN during short ceremonies in Sangley Point, Cavite.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976062
The Philippine Navy (PN)'s venerable Britten-Norman Islander aircraft will not be retired even if all the five Japanese Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft are delivered this year.
"We will not retire (our Britten-Norman Islander fleet) yet. The TC-90s will just complement them and add to the number of aircraft that the PN is (using) for its maritime domain awareness capabilities," said PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado.
The Navy currently operates six Britten-Norman Island aircraft for its patrol and other security missions, having acquired them in the early 1980s.
It has a maximum speed of 170 miles per hour and range of 756 nautical miles.
While the TC-90s have a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 260 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.
Last Monday, Japanese naval personnel formally turned over two of the five TC-90s to the PN during short ceremonies in Sangley Point, Cavite.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976062
DFA: China's requests for marine reasearch in Benham Rise denied
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): DFA: China's requests for marine reasearch in Benham Rise denied
The Philippine government has denied China's requests to conduct marine scientific research in Benham Rise, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said.
Maria Lourdes Montero, acting executive director and officer-in-charge of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) under the DFA, said applications were made in 2015 and 2016.
“In the past, we have received applications for marine scientific research in that area from China and we have consulted the technical agencies. And so far, with respect to the request referring to the Benham Rise area, we have received in 2016 and 2015, this request has been denied based on the consensus of the agencies involved,” Montero told the joint hearing by the Senate committees on finance and economic affairs.
"The usual reasons for the denial is the non-involvement of Filipino scientist in the conduct of marine scientific research," Montero said, adding that the Philippine government requires Filipinos to be part of a foreign team that will study the Benham Rise, an undersea plateau 135 miles off the coast of Aurora.
However, Montero cannot confirm whether the entities who were denied to conduct the research were the same entities spotted in the mineral-rich area from November last year to January this year.
“I cannot speak with accuracy on the entity itself. I can only say accuracy with the state…[It’s] China,” she said.
The DFA, she said, has not yet established what the Chinese service ship spotted in the Benham Rise did in the area.
It was in 2012 when the Benham Rise officially became part of the Philippines after the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that the area fell under the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
It is the DFA which usually grants applications to conduct research in the area, with coordination from technical agencies depending on the type of research.
But National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the President also has the power to grant such permit.
“From my point of view, I'd like to say that the exercise of giving permits can also be exercised by the President whether it’s done verbally or not,” he added.
Esperon explained that “better arrangements” are expected between the two countries after Duterte’s state visit in China last year.
Meanwhile, DFA Spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said Manila and Beijing agreed in principle to have formal talks on how they will resolve disputes on West Philippine Sea.
“Right now, the two sides are discussing the specific dates in May for the meeting. No agreement yet on the agenda,” Jose stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976141
The Philippine government has denied China's requests to conduct marine scientific research in Benham Rise, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said.
Maria Lourdes Montero, acting executive director and officer-in-charge of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) under the DFA, said applications were made in 2015 and 2016.
“In the past, we have received applications for marine scientific research in that area from China and we have consulted the technical agencies. And so far, with respect to the request referring to the Benham Rise area, we have received in 2016 and 2015, this request has been denied based on the consensus of the agencies involved,” Montero told the joint hearing by the Senate committees on finance and economic affairs.
"The usual reasons for the denial is the non-involvement of Filipino scientist in the conduct of marine scientific research," Montero said, adding that the Philippine government requires Filipinos to be part of a foreign team that will study the Benham Rise, an undersea plateau 135 miles off the coast of Aurora.
However, Montero cannot confirm whether the entities who were denied to conduct the research were the same entities spotted in the mineral-rich area from November last year to January this year.
“I cannot speak with accuracy on the entity itself. I can only say accuracy with the state…[It’s] China,” she said.
The DFA, she said, has not yet established what the Chinese service ship spotted in the Benham Rise did in the area.
It was in 2012 when the Benham Rise officially became part of the Philippines after the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that the area fell under the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
It is the DFA which usually grants applications to conduct research in the area, with coordination from technical agencies depending on the type of research.
But National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the President also has the power to grant such permit.
“From my point of view, I'd like to say that the exercise of giving permits can also be exercised by the President whether it’s done verbally or not,” he added.
Esperon explained that “better arrangements” are expected between the two countries after Duterte’s state visit in China last year.
Meanwhile, DFA Spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said Manila and Beijing agreed in principle to have formal talks on how they will resolve disputes on West Philippine Sea.
“Right now, the two sides are discussing the specific dates in May for the meeting. No agreement yet on the agenda,” Jose stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976141
NPAs not really interested in long and just peace -- AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): NPAs not really interested in long and just peace -- AFP
The New People's Army (NPA) is not really interested in peace.
This after the insurgents vowed to step up their recruitment of more fighters as they celebrated their 48th founding anniversary Wednesday.
"This is a sad development granting this is truly their real intent. Why? Because it is an indication of an expansion program that ironically runs counter to the essence of the ongoing peace talks," said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla reacting to the statement of the communist group.
"It also belies the real intent of the group... that they really do not desire a long, just and lasting peace for the country," he added.
Earlier, Padilla said all military units were placed on alert for this rebel event.
In the same vein, troops were also ordered to keep a tight watch on their surroundings to prevent the rebels from surprising them.
"All of our troops are told to prepare for any act of violence that the rebel group might undertake during their 48th founding anniversary," the AFP spokesperson added.
Likewise, civilian sympathizers of the NPAs, planning to conduct protest actions, are advised to coordinate with proper authorities so that their rallies will not affect traffic and inconvenience to the public.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976193
The New People's Army (NPA) is not really interested in peace.
This after the insurgents vowed to step up their recruitment of more fighters as they celebrated their 48th founding anniversary Wednesday.
"This is a sad development granting this is truly their real intent. Why? Because it is an indication of an expansion program that ironically runs counter to the essence of the ongoing peace talks," said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla reacting to the statement of the communist group.
"It also belies the real intent of the group... that they really do not desire a long, just and lasting peace for the country," he added.
Earlier, Padilla said all military units were placed on alert for this rebel event.
In the same vein, troops were also ordered to keep a tight watch on their surroundings to prevent the rebels from surprising them.
"All of our troops are told to prepare for any act of violence that the rebel group might undertake during their 48th founding anniversary," the AFP spokesperson added.
Likewise, civilian sympathizers of the NPAs, planning to conduct protest actions, are advised to coordinate with proper authorities so that their rallies will not affect traffic and inconvenience to the public.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976193
US Embassy to help PHL law enforcers deter cybercrimes
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): US Embassy to help PHL law enforcers deter cybercrimes
The United States Embassy in Manila will help enhance the capability of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to prevent cybercrime incidents in the country.
Lamont Stiller, Legal Attache of the US Embassy in Manila said the goal of the training program is to enable the personnel from these law enforcement agencies to become first responders in addressing cyber threats that may emanate particularly from private business organizations.
Stiller said the embassy envisions strengthening the cooperation between the Philippine government and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to address these security threats that might compromise data security and result to significant losses in businesses.
“We will focus on addressing cybercrime incidents being reported by the private sector to the government. We want to assist the government on how to deal with the private sector and resolve these threats through the use of forensic analysis and other best practices on cybersecurity,” Stiller said in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the 2017 IT-BPM Cybersecurity Summit organized by the Information Technology and Business Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
“We have an encyclopedia of malwares; we will be providing guidelines on malicious hashtags on social media and identify where they came from. We are willing to provide these resources to the government,” he added.
Stiller said around forty attendees from the DOJ, PNP and the NBI will participate in the training program to be conducted by cybersecurity experts from the FBI.
Eventually, the US Embassy expects that these individuals will serve as advisors to organizations that are willing to strengthen their cybersecurity measures.
For his part, Allan Cabanlong, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Enabling Technologies, urged the government agencies to migrate their websites to the National Government Portal to preserve data security.
The online portal, known as the Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil) project, is a single window containing all online information and operational infrastructures and public services of the government providing a one-stop shop of online government services to the public sector and private businesses.
The single government portal will also significantly reduce costs (financial, human resources, and spatial) typically incurred in managing multiple websites.
Stiller emphasized that private sector must cooperate in order to strengthen investigation of cybercrime incidents that would lead to the arrest of hackers in the country.
“Legislative measures should also take place that would assist the law enforcement here in the Philippines. The Internet service providers need a venue to preserve and store more data on their servers so that when law enforcers request they will be armed with the legislation to conduct their investigation,” he stressed.
The IT-BPM Cyber Security Summit 2017 aims to enhance the security and resiliency of IT-BPM companies while helping build sector capabilities to defend, mitigate and secure current and planned systems and infrastructure against cyber attacks.
The summit gathered experts and industry leaders who shared their best practices in addressing the emerging challenges in cyber security.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976196
The United States Embassy in Manila will help enhance the capability of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to prevent cybercrime incidents in the country.
Lamont Stiller, Legal Attache of the US Embassy in Manila said the goal of the training program is to enable the personnel from these law enforcement agencies to become first responders in addressing cyber threats that may emanate particularly from private business organizations.
Stiller said the embassy envisions strengthening the cooperation between the Philippine government and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to address these security threats that might compromise data security and result to significant losses in businesses.
“We will focus on addressing cybercrime incidents being reported by the private sector to the government. We want to assist the government on how to deal with the private sector and resolve these threats through the use of forensic analysis and other best practices on cybersecurity,” Stiller said in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the 2017 IT-BPM Cybersecurity Summit organized by the Information Technology and Business Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
“We have an encyclopedia of malwares; we will be providing guidelines on malicious hashtags on social media and identify where they came from. We are willing to provide these resources to the government,” he added.
Stiller said around forty attendees from the DOJ, PNP and the NBI will participate in the training program to be conducted by cybersecurity experts from the FBI.
Eventually, the US Embassy expects that these individuals will serve as advisors to organizations that are willing to strengthen their cybersecurity measures.
For his part, Allan Cabanlong, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Enabling Technologies, urged the government agencies to migrate their websites to the National Government Portal to preserve data security.
The online portal, known as the Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil) project, is a single window containing all online information and operational infrastructures and public services of the government providing a one-stop shop of online government services to the public sector and private businesses.
The single government portal will also significantly reduce costs (financial, human resources, and spatial) typically incurred in managing multiple websites.
Stiller emphasized that private sector must cooperate in order to strengthen investigation of cybercrime incidents that would lead to the arrest of hackers in the country.
“Legislative measures should also take place that would assist the law enforcement here in the Philippines. The Internet service providers need a venue to preserve and store more data on their servers so that when law enforcers request they will be armed with the legislation to conduct their investigation,” he stressed.
The IT-BPM Cyber Security Summit 2017 aims to enhance the security and resiliency of IT-BPM companies while helping build sector capabilities to defend, mitigate and secure current and planned systems and infrastructure against cyber attacks.
The summit gathered experts and industry leaders who shared their best practices in addressing the emerging challenges in cyber security.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976196
DWDD: Soldiers, police recovers 34 firearms in Sulu
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 30): Soldiers, police recovers 34 firearms in Sulu
Headquarters, WESMINCOM — Task Group Panther (TGP) under MAJ CAUSING supporting the personnel of Omar Municipal Police Station under P/Insp Wanawan while on law enforcement operation (LEO) against a certain Saudi K Hamja and his armed group encountered an estimated 20 lawless elements at Brgy Capual, Omar, Sulu on morning of March 29. A brief exchange of fires ensued before the enemy scampered towards different directions.
Headquarters, WESMINCOM — Task Group Panther (TGP) under MAJ CAUSING supporting the personnel of Omar Municipal Police Station under P/Insp Wanawan while on law enforcement operation (LEO) against a certain Saudi K Hamja and his armed group encountered an estimated 20 lawless elements at Brgy Capual, Omar, Sulu on morning of March 29. A brief exchange of fires ensued before the enemy scampered towards different directions.
The operation resulted in the arrest of the target personality, neutralization (killed/BC) of another enemy personality and the recovery of the following:
- one (1) 60MM mortar;
- one (1) cal 50 HMG (with 2 spare barrels);
- eight (8) M16 rifles (1 with attached M203);
- four (4) M653 (1 with attached M203);
- seven (7) M14 rifles;
- five (5) Garand rifles;
- three (3) Carbine;
- two (2) M79 GLs (1 improvised);
- one (1) AK47 rifle;
- one (1) FN FAL rifle;
- one (1) cal 22 rifle (improvised); and,
- assorted magazines and ammunitions.
There was no casualty on the operating government troops.
A still unidentified civilian who was reportedly wounded during the firefight was immediately rushed to Luuk District Hospital for medical treatment.
Government troops are still thoroughly scouring and clearing the area.
Earlier, government troops were also encountered in the said barangay while on focused military operations (FMO) against the Kidnap For ransom Group (KFRG/ASG) who have made the area their safe haven and staging areas for kidnapping activities.
Saudi Kahil Hamja is the leader of a lawless group in the area of Brgy Capual. He has a standing warrant of arrest (WOA) for arson and attempted murder. (COL BLASCO-4th CRG, CRSAFP)
MILF: Japan gives $6M for children’s education in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 29): Japan gives $6M for children’s education in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao
The Government of Japan has given US$6.2 million to UN children’s agency UNICEF to support peacebuilding and education efforts for conflict-affected children of Mindanao, including children disengaged from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) armed forces, an Inquirer online article said on March 27.
In a statement released recently, UNICEF Philippines said, “The program is broadly aligned with the country’s peace process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro led by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Conflict affects multiple aspects of children’s development, including survival, gender equity, poverty reduction and access to education. Children living in fragile or conflict-affected countries are more than twice as likely to be malnourished, three times as likely to miss primary school and almost twice as likely to die before age five compared to children in developing countries, UNICEF said in its statement.
“We are very happy to begin a close partnership with the Government of Japan. Japan has been a staunch supporter of the peace process and the economic and social development of conflict-affected Mindanao. We are one in our belief that children can only grow and develop to their full potential if they live in a peaceful society without armed conflict,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander says.
The program within the mandate of UNICEF aims to deliver quality enhancement and expansion of basic social services through basic education, early learning and social re-integration of conflict-affected children and youth.
It will also support children (child soldiers) who have been disengaged from the MILF’s armed forces through social protection, psychosocial support, life skills training and other learning opportunities.
On his part, Mr. Kazuhide Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines said, “We believe that education is surely the key for the peace and development in the long run, this project will serve as the foundation for their future through utilizing the expertise of UNICEF. I sincerely believe that these projects will greatly contribute to the social and economic development of the Philippines. At the same time, these projects will mark another milestone in strengthening the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines as well as the strategic partnership between our two countries”.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/19-national/1125-japan-gives-6m-for-children-s-education-in-conflict-affected-areas-in-mindanao
The Government of Japan has given US$6.2 million to UN children’s agency UNICEF to support peacebuilding and education efforts for conflict-affected children of Mindanao, including children disengaged from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) armed forces, an Inquirer online article said on March 27.
In a statement released recently, UNICEF Philippines said, “The program is broadly aligned with the country’s peace process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro led by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Conflict affects multiple aspects of children’s development, including survival, gender equity, poverty reduction and access to education. Children living in fragile or conflict-affected countries are more than twice as likely to be malnourished, three times as likely to miss primary school and almost twice as likely to die before age five compared to children in developing countries, UNICEF said in its statement.
“We are very happy to begin a close partnership with the Government of Japan. Japan has been a staunch supporter of the peace process and the economic and social development of conflict-affected Mindanao. We are one in our belief that children can only grow and develop to their full potential if they live in a peaceful society without armed conflict,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander says.
The program within the mandate of UNICEF aims to deliver quality enhancement and expansion of basic social services through basic education, early learning and social re-integration of conflict-affected children and youth.
It will also support children (child soldiers) who have been disengaged from the MILF’s armed forces through social protection, psychosocial support, life skills training and other learning opportunities.
On his part, Mr. Kazuhide Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines said, “We believe that education is surely the key for the peace and development in the long run, this project will serve as the foundation for their future through utilizing the expertise of UNICEF. I sincerely believe that these projects will greatly contribute to the social and economic development of the Philippines. At the same time, these projects will mark another milestone in strengthening the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines as well as the strategic partnership between our two countries”.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/19-national/1125-japan-gives-6m-for-children-s-education-in-conflict-affected-areas-in-mindanao
MILF: Moro farmers to organize Sarangani Muslim Organic Farmers Association
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 29): Moro farmers to organize Sarangani Muslim Organic Farmers Association
Moro farmers enthusiastic to delve in organic farming agreed to form an group they will call Sarangani Muslim Organic Farmers Association this year in order to create an avenue where they can help one another as they would venture into agriculture the natural way.
Ustadz Mahmoud Wasag from Malapatan, Sarangani Province, said in an interview by Luwaran that there is an increasing awareness among the public on the health benefits of consuming agriculture products free from synthetic pesticides and inorganic fertilizer.
He said the proposed organization will carry the voice of the Muslim organic farmers of Sarangani. “There are more than ten of us as core members of the proposed association,”Wasag disclosed.
“We are still in the process of acquiring more knowledge and applying what we learn in our own farms,” he said.
The Moro farmers were trained in vermiculture, crop rotation, contour farming, organic goat raising, and producing natural pesticides at Kauyagan demo farm in Tupi, South Cotabato.
The facility primarily aims to help farmers from the Moro and Indigenous Peoples sectors to have an increased income through organic methods of farming.
Wasag said they look forward for an increased production of organic vegetable, native chicken and goat.
“In shaa Allah, once we become productive, we shall have in the future a small market of Halal organic vegetables preferably in General Santos City,” he said.
“And that will answer the needs of the Muslim consumers for Halal organic farm products,” he said.
Halal means permissible. Muslims consume Halal foods. These are foods that are free from filth, alcohol, swine derivatives, blood or any substance that is detrimental to human health.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/1126-moro-farmers-to-organize-sarangani-muslim-organic-farmers-association
Moro farmers enthusiastic to delve in organic farming agreed to form an group they will call Sarangani Muslim Organic Farmers Association this year in order to create an avenue where they can help one another as they would venture into agriculture the natural way.
Ustadz Mahmoud Wasag from Malapatan, Sarangani Province, said in an interview by Luwaran that there is an increasing awareness among the public on the health benefits of consuming agriculture products free from synthetic pesticides and inorganic fertilizer.
He said the proposed organization will carry the voice of the Muslim organic farmers of Sarangani. “There are more than ten of us as core members of the proposed association,”Wasag disclosed.
“We are still in the process of acquiring more knowledge and applying what we learn in our own farms,” he said.
The Moro farmers were trained in vermiculture, crop rotation, contour farming, organic goat raising, and producing natural pesticides at Kauyagan demo farm in Tupi, South Cotabato.
The facility primarily aims to help farmers from the Moro and Indigenous Peoples sectors to have an increased income through organic methods of farming.
Wasag said they look forward for an increased production of organic vegetable, native chicken and goat.
“In shaa Allah, once we become productive, we shall have in the future a small market of Halal organic vegetables preferably in General Santos City,” he said.
“And that will answer the needs of the Muslim consumers for Halal organic farm products,” he said.
Halal means permissible. Muslims consume Halal foods. These are foods that are free from filth, alcohol, swine derivatives, blood or any substance that is detrimental to human health.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/1126-moro-farmers-to-organize-sarangani-muslim-organic-farmers-association
MILF: “Give us our government”: MILF 1st Vice Chairman Jaafar
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 30): “Give us our government”: MILF 1st Vice Chairman Jaafar
‘Three years after the signing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014, Congress has yet to pass a law that would establish a new autonomous Bangsamoro political entity, and MILF's patience is wearing thin”, GMA online news said in its report on March 29.
“Everything has been said to the government, and we do not know what to say except give us our government”, Ghazali Jaafar, MILF 1st Vice Chairman, and concurrent Chair of the Bangsamaoro Commission (BTC) said during the 3rd year commemoration of the signing of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27 at Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City.
Jaafar stressed that Mohagher Iqbal has said it in the past, and the MILF Central Committee had been ordered to relay the same during the previous meetings of the peace panels.
The MILF is counting on the popularity of President Rodrigo Duterte, both in Congress and with the public, to give the BBL a second chance.
Duterte hails from Mindanao and claims to have a Moro blood.
The BTC has a self-imposed deadline of May 18 to come up with the BBL in time for a new Congress in July.
"The MILF remains to be an Islamic revolutionary government of the Bangsamoro people. The MILF does not intend to give away its guns until the Bangsamoro issue is resolved," Jaafar said as quoted by GMA News.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1127-give-us-our-government-milf-1st-vice-chairman-jaafar
‘Three years after the signing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014, Congress has yet to pass a law that would establish a new autonomous Bangsamoro political entity, and MILF's patience is wearing thin”, GMA online news said in its report on March 29.
“Everything has been said to the government, and we do not know what to say except give us our government”, Ghazali Jaafar, MILF 1st Vice Chairman, and concurrent Chair of the Bangsamaoro Commission (BTC) said during the 3rd year commemoration of the signing of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27 at Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City.
Jaafar stressed that Mohagher Iqbal has said it in the past, and the MILF Central Committee had been ordered to relay the same during the previous meetings of the peace panels.
The MILF is counting on the popularity of President Rodrigo Duterte, both in Congress and with the public, to give the BBL a second chance.
Duterte hails from Mindanao and claims to have a Moro blood.
The BTC has a self-imposed deadline of May 18 to come up with the BBL in time for a new Congress in July.
"The MILF remains to be an Islamic revolutionary government of the Bangsamoro people. The MILF does not intend to give away its guns until the Bangsamoro issue is resolved," Jaafar said as quoted by GMA News.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1127-give-us-our-government-milf-1st-vice-chairman-jaafar
MILF: Madrasah teachers complete MSU-Gensan’s sponsored teaching strategies seminar-workshop
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 30): Madrasah teachers complete MSU-Gensan’s sponsored teaching strategies seminar-workshop
More than thirty Madrasah teachers from General Santos City and Sarangani Province completed the seminar-workshop on teaching techniques/strategies and sports management sponsored by Mindanao State University-General Santos held on eight Wednesdays in the months of January to March.
The activity was part of the university’s initiative to help enhance the teaching capabilities of the participants who handles classes on Saturdays and Sundays in their respective Madrasah centers.
“We learned a lot from the facilitators,” said Ustadz Mahmod Wasag, one of the participants from Sarangani Province and added, “It was a very good training.”
Wasag said they were taught on some tips on how to catch the attention of the learners especially those very young ones.
“Now we know that before we start our lecture, we need to motivate our pupils and before we end, we need to wrap up what we taught them,” he related.
Maguindanaon professors of MSU-Gensan were tapped to facilitate the training.
Part of the training was an educational exposure to a Madrasah at Davao City that offers a curriculum with both Islamic and secular subjects.
Muslim parents send their children to Madaris (plural of Madrasah) to acquire knowledge on Islamic values, Islamic history, Islamic jurisprudence as well as reading and understanding the Holy Qur’an.
Aside from Madaris public elementary and secondary schools offer the subject Arabic Literacy and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) to Muslim pupils and students.
The operation of most Madrasah centers is sustained by the help of parents and other stakeholders through contributions and donations.
Most often, the construction of many madrasah centers are sponsored by benevolent Arabs or well-off Moro individuals or families.
MSU-Gensan is under the leadership of Chancellor Atty. Abdurrahman T. Canacan. He said they will try to find ways to provide similar training to other Asatidz (Madrasah teachers) in the coming months.
There are approximately 300 Madrasah teachers in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.
The local government units of Davao City, General Santos City and the Province of Sarangani support the operation of Madrasah education through the provision of honoraria for their Asatidz and capability-building trainings.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/1128-madrasah-teachers-complete-msu-gensan-s-sponsored-teaching-strategies-seminar-workshop
More than thirty Madrasah teachers from General Santos City and Sarangani Province completed the seminar-workshop on teaching techniques/strategies and sports management sponsored by Mindanao State University-General Santos held on eight Wednesdays in the months of January to March.
The activity was part of the university’s initiative to help enhance the teaching capabilities of the participants who handles classes on Saturdays and Sundays in their respective Madrasah centers.
“We learned a lot from the facilitators,” said Ustadz Mahmod Wasag, one of the participants from Sarangani Province and added, “It was a very good training.”
Wasag said they were taught on some tips on how to catch the attention of the learners especially those very young ones.
“Now we know that before we start our lecture, we need to motivate our pupils and before we end, we need to wrap up what we taught them,” he related.
Maguindanaon professors of MSU-Gensan were tapped to facilitate the training.
Part of the training was an educational exposure to a Madrasah at Davao City that offers a curriculum with both Islamic and secular subjects.
Muslim parents send their children to Madaris (plural of Madrasah) to acquire knowledge on Islamic values, Islamic history, Islamic jurisprudence as well as reading and understanding the Holy Qur’an.
Aside from Madaris public elementary and secondary schools offer the subject Arabic Literacy and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) to Muslim pupils and students.
The operation of most Madrasah centers is sustained by the help of parents and other stakeholders through contributions and donations.
Most often, the construction of many madrasah centers are sponsored by benevolent Arabs or well-off Moro individuals or families.
MSU-Gensan is under the leadership of Chancellor Atty. Abdurrahman T. Canacan. He said they will try to find ways to provide similar training to other Asatidz (Madrasah teachers) in the coming months.
There are approximately 300 Madrasah teachers in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.
The local government units of Davao City, General Santos City and the Province of Sarangani support the operation of Madrasah education through the provision of honoraria for their Asatidz and capability-building trainings.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/1128-madrasah-teachers-complete-msu-gensan-s-sponsored-teaching-strategies-seminar-workshop
NDF: Statement on the 48th anniversary of the New People’s Army: Further Advance the People's War
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Mar 29): Statement on the 48th anniversary of the New People’s Army: Further Advance the People's War
March 29, 2017
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines – North Eastern Mindanao Region (NDFP-NEMR) joins all revolutionaries in saluting the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) on the 48th anniversary since its establishment in March 29, 1969. The NDFP-NEMR fervently hails the boundless service of the Red fighters and commanders of the NPA who have shown fighting spirit and creativity, achieving significant victories in advancing the people’s war.
This is an important day because the true soldier of the people was formed, serving as an instrument in achieving the victory of the People’s Democratic Revolution. Under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA forces, spread all over the country, continue to increase and gain strength. It has established political power and forged strong unity with the people. History has proven that without the New People’s Army, the people is without strength.
The NPA, together with the struggling people, defeated the counter-revolutionary campaigns of past presidents from Marcos to Aquino III, who all aspired to annihilate the revolutionary movement. By firmly embracing protracted people’s war, it has raised its fighting spirit against the brutal military operations of the AFP/PNP. Thus the NPA continue to launch successful tactical offensives. Red political power has broadened in the countryside and agrarian revolution continues to achieve victories, while the democratic movement in the cities is vibrantly advancing.
The Duterte regime and the AFP/PNP have started its all out war and new Oplan Kapayapaan or Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan. This is still under the US “counter-insurgency” doctrine aimed at annihilating the national democratic struggle in the Philippines. It continues to intensify military operations employing triad operations (combat, intelligence and psywar) and surrender. The DILG’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) is the new program for the surrender of revolutionaries and NPA members.
The ever worsening military operations of the AFP/PNP following its all out war against the NPA and the people, have resulted to an increase of cases of human rights violations especially threats and killings, dislocation of communities and livelihood, in the countryside. These prevent the advance of the peace talks especially on the issue of social and economic reforms. This and Oplan Kapayapaan will push the peace talks towards failure.
Like Oplan Bayanihan, the bloody brutality of Oplan Kapayapaan is wrapped in the enticing words of “peace and development.” AFP and US agents employ different ways to sabotage the positive achievements of the peace talks. In the region, the AFP has attributed brutal actions to the NPA, like the ambush drama of the 30th IB in Linungganan, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte and the massacre committed by the 29th IB against small miners in San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte. The AFP did these to discredit the NDFP-NEMR’s declared local ceasefire after the Surigao del Norte earthquake. It also lied and attributed the firefight between 30th IB forces in Buodlingin, Alegria, SDN to the NPA.
Oplan Bayanihan of the US-Aquino III regime and the opening salvo of the Duterte regime’s Oplan Kapayapaan are failures. The NPA-NEMR achieved victories within one year; since March 2016 to March 2017 the NPA-NEMR launched 181 military actions such as ambuscades, harassments, sniping, establishment of check-points and arrests. As results of these, 97 were killed, 84 were wounded and 6 were arrested among enemy ranks, while 7 were martyred and 28 were wounded on the side of the NPA. Companies that destroy the environment, are involved in landgrabbing and exploiting workers such as SUMIFRU and Dole-Philippines, were punished.
Five (5) prisoners of war (POW) from the PNP forces were successfully released as goodwill measures for the peace talks last August 2016. The releases were witnessed by thousands of people within the region from different sectors, to show support for the peace talks between the GRP and NDFP. Amidst the Duterte regime’s cancellation of the peace talks on the first week of February 2017, the people in the region strongly called for its resumption. In the last week of February, thousands of people joined the march for peace in the cities in the region to show their support for the continuation of the peace talks and to condemn the brutal all out war of the AFP. POW Pfc. Edwin Salan of the 30th IB is set to be released in support of the resumption of the peace talks once the AFP/PNP declare the temporary suspension of their operations in specified areas.
The NPA further consolidated and strengthened its forces and not a single one of its formations was damaged by the enemy. New areas were strengthened and extended. The Red fighters effectively maneuvered to launch counter-attacks, mass work, tactical offensives, production, consolidation and others. Many of the youth continue to join the armed struggle and the NPA. Political and party courses were launched among activists and cadres. Politico-military trainings were also held to improve discipline, physical and technical mastery of Red fighters. The NPA continue to deliver social services to the masses such as medical services, helping improve production, maintaining peace and order and others.
More farmers benefitted from the implementation of the minimum program of agrarian revolution such as increase of wages in agriculture reaching P300 a day with meals and snacks; free irrigation; lower land rent from 1/3 favoring land lords to 75-25 percent favoring tenants; lower rent of farm machineries and credit rate. Cooperation or labor exchange among farmers continue. There are cases where farmers occupy and farm abandoned land.
The victories we achieved must be further defended and consolidated to advance to a higher level of the people’s war. We should advance tenfold in all fields. Persevere in the recruitment to the NPA to be able to establish more platoon formations.
Defeat the Duterte regime’s all out war and Oplan Kapayapaan. Continue to conduct activities that support the peace talks. Expose the brutal acts of the AFP/PNP and the sabotage of peace negotiations.
Long live the New People’s Army!
Advance the people’s war towards victory!
https://www.ndfp.org/labaw-pang-pakusgon-ang-gubat-sa-katawhan/
March 29, 2017
Photo: MindanaoGoldStarDaily.com
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines – North Eastern Mindanao Region (NDFP-NEMR) joins all revolutionaries in saluting the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) on the 48th anniversary since its establishment in March 29, 1969. The NDFP-NEMR fervently hails the boundless service of the Red fighters and commanders of the NPA who have shown fighting spirit and creativity, achieving significant victories in advancing the people’s war.
This is an important day because the true soldier of the people was formed, serving as an instrument in achieving the victory of the People’s Democratic Revolution. Under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA forces, spread all over the country, continue to increase and gain strength. It has established political power and forged strong unity with the people. History has proven that without the New People’s Army, the people is without strength.
The NPA, together with the struggling people, defeated the counter-revolutionary campaigns of past presidents from Marcos to Aquino III, who all aspired to annihilate the revolutionary movement. By firmly embracing protracted people’s war, it has raised its fighting spirit against the brutal military operations of the AFP/PNP. Thus the NPA continue to launch successful tactical offensives. Red political power has broadened in the countryside and agrarian revolution continues to achieve victories, while the democratic movement in the cities is vibrantly advancing.
The Duterte regime and the AFP/PNP have started its all out war and new Oplan Kapayapaan or Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan. This is still under the US “counter-insurgency” doctrine aimed at annihilating the national democratic struggle in the Philippines. It continues to intensify military operations employing triad operations (combat, intelligence and psywar) and surrender. The DILG’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) is the new program for the surrender of revolutionaries and NPA members.
The ever worsening military operations of the AFP/PNP following its all out war against the NPA and the people, have resulted to an increase of cases of human rights violations especially threats and killings, dislocation of communities and livelihood, in the countryside. These prevent the advance of the peace talks especially on the issue of social and economic reforms. This and Oplan Kapayapaan will push the peace talks towards failure.
Like Oplan Bayanihan, the bloody brutality of Oplan Kapayapaan is wrapped in the enticing words of “peace and development.” AFP and US agents employ different ways to sabotage the positive achievements of the peace talks. In the region, the AFP has attributed brutal actions to the NPA, like the ambush drama of the 30th IB in Linungganan, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte and the massacre committed by the 29th IB against small miners in San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte. The AFP did these to discredit the NDFP-NEMR’s declared local ceasefire after the Surigao del Norte earthquake. It also lied and attributed the firefight between 30th IB forces in Buodlingin, Alegria, SDN to the NPA.
Oplan Bayanihan of the US-Aquino III regime and the opening salvo of the Duterte regime’s Oplan Kapayapaan are failures. The NPA-NEMR achieved victories within one year; since March 2016 to March 2017 the NPA-NEMR launched 181 military actions such as ambuscades, harassments, sniping, establishment of check-points and arrests. As results of these, 97 were killed, 84 were wounded and 6 were arrested among enemy ranks, while 7 were martyred and 28 were wounded on the side of the NPA. Companies that destroy the environment, are involved in landgrabbing and exploiting workers such as SUMIFRU and Dole-Philippines, were punished.
Five (5) prisoners of war (POW) from the PNP forces were successfully released as goodwill measures for the peace talks last August 2016. The releases were witnessed by thousands of people within the region from different sectors, to show support for the peace talks between the GRP and NDFP. Amidst the Duterte regime’s cancellation of the peace talks on the first week of February 2017, the people in the region strongly called for its resumption. In the last week of February, thousands of people joined the march for peace in the cities in the region to show their support for the continuation of the peace talks and to condemn the brutal all out war of the AFP. POW Pfc. Edwin Salan of the 30th IB is set to be released in support of the resumption of the peace talks once the AFP/PNP declare the temporary suspension of their operations in specified areas.
The NPA further consolidated and strengthened its forces and not a single one of its formations was damaged by the enemy. New areas were strengthened and extended. The Red fighters effectively maneuvered to launch counter-attacks, mass work, tactical offensives, production, consolidation and others. Many of the youth continue to join the armed struggle and the NPA. Political and party courses were launched among activists and cadres. Politico-military trainings were also held to improve discipline, physical and technical mastery of Red fighters. The NPA continue to deliver social services to the masses such as medical services, helping improve production, maintaining peace and order and others.
More farmers benefitted from the implementation of the minimum program of agrarian revolution such as increase of wages in agriculture reaching P300 a day with meals and snacks; free irrigation; lower land rent from 1/3 favoring land lords to 75-25 percent favoring tenants; lower rent of farm machineries and credit rate. Cooperation or labor exchange among farmers continue. There are cases where farmers occupy and farm abandoned land.
The victories we achieved must be further defended and consolidated to advance to a higher level of the people’s war. We should advance tenfold in all fields. Persevere in the recruitment to the NPA to be able to establish more platoon formations.
Defeat the Duterte regime’s all out war and Oplan Kapayapaan. Continue to conduct activities that support the peace talks. Expose the brutal acts of the AFP/PNP and the sabotage of peace negotiations.
Long live the New People’s Army!
Advance the people’s war towards victory!
https://www.ndfp.org/labaw-pang-pakusgon-ang-gubat-sa-katawhan/
NDF/Sison-Pakidiisa sa paranga ng mga rebolusyonaryng martir
Propaganda statement from Jose Maria Sison posted to the National Democratic Website (Mar 29): Pakidiisa sa paranga ng mga rebolusyonaryng martir (Solidarity in honor of revolutionary martyrs)
Ni Prop. Jose Maria Sison
Tagapangulong Tagapagtatag ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas
Punong Konsulta ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines
29 Marso 2017
Mahal na mga kasama at mga kaibigan, Taos puso akong nagpapaabot sa inyo ng rebolusyonaryong pagbati at pakikiisa sa okasyong ito na nakatipon kayo sa Bantayog ng mga mga Bayani upang parangalan ang mga martir na lumaban sa pasistang diktadura ng US-Marcos at sa nanatili pang naghaharing sistema ng mga malaking komprador at asendero na palasunod sa US. Makabuluhan din na ang inyong pagtitipon ay ginaganap kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng sambayanan sa ika-48 anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng Baghong Hukbong Bayan, ang di magagaping hukbo ng mamamayan.
Napapanahon na gunitain natin ang ating mga bayani at martir dahil dumadalas na naririnig mula sa propaganda ng pamilya at tagasunod ni Marcos na mabuti ang pasistang diktadura. Pati si Presidente Duterte sinasabi niya na martial law ang kailangan para lutasin ang mga problema ng bayan. Dapat palitan ng masang Pilipino ang naghaharing sistema sa pamamagitan ng rebolusyon. Labanan ang pagbabanta ng martial law at diktadura.
Itinakwil at ibinagsak ng sambayanang Pilipino ang diktadurang Marcos dahil ito ay malupit, korap at sunudsunuran sa imperyalismong US. Hindi mabuting halimbawa ito sa pamamahala kundi kasuksuklam na karanasan sa ating kasaysayan. Tandaan din na kahit sa kasagsagan ng martial law, hindi nagawang gapiin ng diktadura ang noon ay nagsisimula pa lamang na Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Hindi papayag ang sambayanang Pilipino sa panunumbalik ng madugo at sakim na halimaw na diktadura.
Ang ating mga bayani at martir laban sa diktadurang Marcos at sa nanatiling malakolonyal at malapyudal na sistema ay isang malawak na hanay ng nagtaguyod ng pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya, hustisya sosyal at pag-unlad. Karamihan sa ating mga martir ay mga kasapi ng pambansang demokratikong kilusan, Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at Bagong Hukbong Bayan dahil sila ang nangunguna sa pakikibaka at nagpapatuloy hanggang ganap na tagumpay.
Sa Netherlands ngayong Marso 29, nakatipon na ang delegasyon ng NDFP para makipag-usap sa delegasyon ng gobyernong Duterte tungkol sa kapayapaan sa The Hague magmula Abril 2. Gagawa rin kami ng paggunita at parangal sa ating mga martir at ipagbubunyi namin ang mga tagumpay ng demokratikong rebolusyong ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng digmang bayan.
Wasto ang inyong pasya na sa bawat taon ay parangalan ang mga rebolusyonaryong martir na patuloy na nasasawi sa sandatahang pakikibaka. Tama na magtuon ng pansin ang BAYAN sa mga dating kadre at aktibista ng legal na demokratikong kilusan na sumampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan at nagbuwis ng buhay para isulong ang pinakamataas na anyo ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka.
Inspirasyon sa ating lahat ang mga martir at lahat ng mga sakripisyo ng mamamayan sa pakikibaka. Handa tayong makipagkasundo sa kabilang panig tungkol sa mga batayang reporma sa lipunan, ekonomya at pulitika para magkaroon ng batayan ang makatarungan at matibay na kapayapaan. Handa rin nating ipagpatuloy ang digmang bayan kung bibiguin tayo ng mga mang-aapi at mapagsamantala.
Mabuhay ang ala-ala ng ating mga martir! Sundin natin ang kanilang inspirasyon at halimbawa! Mabuhay ang kilusan ng bayan para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!
Ni Prop. Jose Maria Sison
Tagapangulong Tagapagtatag ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas
Punong Konsulta ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines
29 Marso 2017
Mahal na mga kasama at mga kaibigan, Taos puso akong nagpapaabot sa inyo ng rebolusyonaryong pagbati at pakikiisa sa okasyong ito na nakatipon kayo sa Bantayog ng mga mga Bayani upang parangalan ang mga martir na lumaban sa pasistang diktadura ng US-Marcos at sa nanatili pang naghaharing sistema ng mga malaking komprador at asendero na palasunod sa US. Makabuluhan din na ang inyong pagtitipon ay ginaganap kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng sambayanan sa ika-48 anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng Baghong Hukbong Bayan, ang di magagaping hukbo ng mamamayan.
Napapanahon na gunitain natin ang ating mga bayani at martir dahil dumadalas na naririnig mula sa propaganda ng pamilya at tagasunod ni Marcos na mabuti ang pasistang diktadura. Pati si Presidente Duterte sinasabi niya na martial law ang kailangan para lutasin ang mga problema ng bayan. Dapat palitan ng masang Pilipino ang naghaharing sistema sa pamamagitan ng rebolusyon. Labanan ang pagbabanta ng martial law at diktadura.
Itinakwil at ibinagsak ng sambayanang Pilipino ang diktadurang Marcos dahil ito ay malupit, korap at sunudsunuran sa imperyalismong US. Hindi mabuting halimbawa ito sa pamamahala kundi kasuksuklam na karanasan sa ating kasaysayan. Tandaan din na kahit sa kasagsagan ng martial law, hindi nagawang gapiin ng diktadura ang noon ay nagsisimula pa lamang na Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Hindi papayag ang sambayanang Pilipino sa panunumbalik ng madugo at sakim na halimaw na diktadura.
Ang ating mga bayani at martir laban sa diktadurang Marcos at sa nanatiling malakolonyal at malapyudal na sistema ay isang malawak na hanay ng nagtaguyod ng pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya, hustisya sosyal at pag-unlad. Karamihan sa ating mga martir ay mga kasapi ng pambansang demokratikong kilusan, Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at Bagong Hukbong Bayan dahil sila ang nangunguna sa pakikibaka at nagpapatuloy hanggang ganap na tagumpay.
Sa Netherlands ngayong Marso 29, nakatipon na ang delegasyon ng NDFP para makipag-usap sa delegasyon ng gobyernong Duterte tungkol sa kapayapaan sa The Hague magmula Abril 2. Gagawa rin kami ng paggunita at parangal sa ating mga martir at ipagbubunyi namin ang mga tagumpay ng demokratikong rebolusyong ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng digmang bayan.
Wasto ang inyong pasya na sa bawat taon ay parangalan ang mga rebolusyonaryong martir na patuloy na nasasawi sa sandatahang pakikibaka. Tama na magtuon ng pansin ang BAYAN sa mga dating kadre at aktibista ng legal na demokratikong kilusan na sumampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan at nagbuwis ng buhay para isulong ang pinakamataas na anyo ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka.
Inspirasyon sa ating lahat ang mga martir at lahat ng mga sakripisyo ng mamamayan sa pakikibaka. Handa tayong makipagkasundo sa kabilang panig tungkol sa mga batayang reporma sa lipunan, ekonomya at pulitika para magkaroon ng batayan ang makatarungan at matibay na kapayapaan. Handa rin nating ipagpatuloy ang digmang bayan kung bibiguin tayo ng mga mang-aapi at mapagsamantala.
Mabuhay ang ala-ala ng ating mga martir! Sundin natin ang kanilang inspirasyon at halimbawa! Mabuhay ang kilusan ng bayan para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!
NDF/NPA-NEMR: Stop the destructive aerial spraying in plantations
New People's Army - Northeast Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Mar 27): Stop the destructive aerial spraying in plantations
Press Statement | 27 March, 2017
sunstar.com.ph
The New People’s Army-NEMR has been warning against the continuing destructive aerial spraying in banana plantations to avoid serious damage to the environment and health of the people around the plantation. This practice has been discontinued in other places like Davao City, because of the people’s opposition to its proven harmful effect. But with the capitalists’ greed for profit and utter disregard of the effects on the environment and the people, SUMIFRU, Dole and Del Monte continue to implement this.
Thus, last March 26, at 7:30 in the morning, a unit of the NPA-Front 14 launched a punitive action by shooting at the airplane piloted by Capt. Magbanua which was spraying the destructive chemical in the banana plantation of SUMIFRU in Barangay Sta. Fe, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. The wing and wheel of the plane were struck forcing its emergency landing. The pilot was not hit and was safe.
Another reason for the punishment is SUMIFRU’s continuing land grabbing which deprive many peasants from farming for the people’s food security. The plantation does not benefit majority of the people compared to the destruction to life and livelihood of the residents. The small number of those employed suffer from low wages, lack of benefits and lack of job security. Only the capitalist, contractor, corrupt labor leader, and corrupt government officials, military and the police, benefit.
In addition, the NPA warns the airplane companies and pilots not to rent their equipment for aerial spraying in plantations such as those owned by SUMIFRU, Dole and Del Monte. This punitive action also serves as a warning so they will not suffer the same fate of Capt. Magbanua. We call upon you to look for other uses of your airplanes.
We call on the people affected by the operation of these type of plantations to continue and persevere in your demands such as genuine agrarian reform, end to contractualization, bigger wages and more work benefits. Continue to resist land grabbing and the continuing expansion of the destructive imperialist plantations in the towns of Caraga and other regions to preserve the environment and for the good of the people.
Ka Ariel Montero
Spokesperson
Regional Operational Command
New People’s Army-NEMR
https://www.ndfp.org/stop-the-destructive-aerial-spraying-in-plantations/
Press Statement | 27 March, 2017
sunstar.com.ph
The New People’s Army-NEMR has been warning against the continuing destructive aerial spraying in banana plantations to avoid serious damage to the environment and health of the people around the plantation. This practice has been discontinued in other places like Davao City, because of the people’s opposition to its proven harmful effect. But with the capitalists’ greed for profit and utter disregard of the effects on the environment and the people, SUMIFRU, Dole and Del Monte continue to implement this.
Thus, last March 26, at 7:30 in the morning, a unit of the NPA-Front 14 launched a punitive action by shooting at the airplane piloted by Capt. Magbanua which was spraying the destructive chemical in the banana plantation of SUMIFRU in Barangay Sta. Fe, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. The wing and wheel of the plane were struck forcing its emergency landing. The pilot was not hit and was safe.
Another reason for the punishment is SUMIFRU’s continuing land grabbing which deprive many peasants from farming for the people’s food security. The plantation does not benefit majority of the people compared to the destruction to life and livelihood of the residents. The small number of those employed suffer from low wages, lack of benefits and lack of job security. Only the capitalist, contractor, corrupt labor leader, and corrupt government officials, military and the police, benefit.
In addition, the NPA warns the airplane companies and pilots not to rent their equipment for aerial spraying in plantations such as those owned by SUMIFRU, Dole and Del Monte. This punitive action also serves as a warning so they will not suffer the same fate of Capt. Magbanua. We call upon you to look for other uses of your airplanes.
We call on the people affected by the operation of these type of plantations to continue and persevere in your demands such as genuine agrarian reform, end to contractualization, bigger wages and more work benefits. Continue to resist land grabbing and the continuing expansion of the destructive imperialist plantations in the towns of Caraga and other regions to preserve the environment and for the good of the people.
Ka Ariel Montero
Spokesperson
Regional Operational Command
New People’s Army-NEMR
https://www.ndfp.org/stop-the-destructive-aerial-spraying-in-plantations/
CPP: Communiqué of the Second Congress of the Communist Party of the Philippines
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Mar 29):
Communiqué of the Second Congress of the Communist Party of the Philippines
Communist Party of the Philippines
29 March 2017
Second Congress
The Second Congress of the Communist Party of the Philippines was held successfully on the fourth quarter of 2016. It was historically dated October 24 to November 7, 2016 as a way of setting off the celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the victory of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
The historic significance of the Second Congress of the Party is indubitable. For the first time in nearly five decades, key leaders and cadres representing the Party’s close to seventy thousand members, were assembled to strengthen the Party’s unity, amend its program and constitution based on accumulated victories and lessons and elect a new set of leaders.
The successful convening of the Party’s Second Congress is a testimony both of the accumulated strength and capacity as well as determination to assemble a big number of cadres. It underscores as well the inability of the reactionary state to destroy the armed revolutionary movement.
Despite relentless enemy military operations, the Second Congress was successfully held inside a guerrilla base. It was secured by a battalion of New People’s Army (NPA) Red fighters and enjoyed boundless support of the peasant masses and indigenous minority groups in the area.
The Second Congress was composed of 120 delegates, both attending and non- attending. Of those who attended, around 30% were above 60 years old, while around 60% were in the 45-59 years age bracket, while 15% were 44 years and younger. The oldest delegate was 70 years old. The youngest delegate was 33 years old.
Reflecting the relative size of the Party’s membership, cadres from five Mindanao regions constituted around 45% of the regional delegates; while those from Luzon constituted 40%; and Visayas, 14%. The other delegates represented the Party’s central leading organs and its commissions.
Guided by the theme “Greater unity, greater victories,” the Party’s Second Congress took a long view of the Party’s 48 year history, took stock of the current objective and subjective conditions and reaffirmed the Party’s determination to advance the national democratic revolution to greater heights.
Amendments to the Constitution.
The Second Congress amended the CPP Constitution to reflect the Party’s experience in applying Marxism-Leninism-Maoism as ideological guide in its concrete revolutionary practice.
The biggest important amendment to the Constitution was the elaborated preamble which enshrined the Party’s basic principles including its analysis of the concrete conditions of Philippine society, its national democratic line and program for waging a people’s democratic revolution to pave the way for socialist revolution and construction, its stand and history of struggle against modern revisionism, its strategy and tactics for advancing protracted people’s war and waging armed struggle as principal form of struggle, and establishing the people’s democratic government.
A new article enunciating the role of the Party in the united front was introduced. Amendments were also made to complete the enumeration of the economic classes and their arrangement in terms of membership acceptance. A new provision was inserted to allow members of foreign fraternal parties assigned to work within the scope of the CPP to be accepted as members of the Party.
Another provision was inserted to specify the right of Party members who have reached the age of 70 years to retire from Party work but retain Party membership and to receive subsistence support and medical assistance.
A new provision was also approved specifying the formation of advisory committees to which Party cadres who have opted to retire can be organized into.
To ensure the vigor and vibrancy of the Party, a provision was introduced specifying that steps be undertaken to ensure that the Central Committee shall have a balance of young, middle-aged and senior cadres.
Updated general program
The Second Congress updated the Party’s Program for a People’s Democratic Revolution. It presented an updated critique of the semicolonial and semifeudal social system, giving particular attention to the post-Marcos succession of pseudo-democratic regimes, the worsening forms of oppression and exploitation of the broad masses of workers and peasants and the deteriorating socio-economic conditions of the Filipino people in almost four decades under the neoliberal regime.
Drawing lessons from the Party’s rich history, the Second Congress presented a clearer picture of the strategy and tactics for taking advantage of the insoluble and worsening crisis of the world capitalist system, the strategic decline of US imperialism and the chronic crisis of the domestic ruling system in order to advance the protracted people’s war towards complete victory.
The Party’s general program calls on all Filipino communists to “be ready to sacrifice their lives if necessary in the struggle to bring about a new Philippines that is completely independent, democratic, united, just and prosperous.”
The Party program reaffirms the necessity of waging armed revolution in order to counter the armed violence employed by the US imperialists and the local reactionary ruling classes and end the oppressive and exploitative semicolonial and semifeudal system.
The updated program presents ten general tasks and then proceeds to lay down the specific tasks in the political, economic, military, cultural and foreign relations fields.
Elections
The Second Congress elected the new Central Committee and Political Bureau for a five-year term. More than half of the newly-elected CC members are from the young and middle-aged cadres of the Party, ensuring that the Party leadership will remain vibrant, tightly linked with the lower levels of leadership and capable of leading the practical work and day-to-day tasks of the Party, especially in waging revolutionary armed struggle against the reactionary state.
The combination of senior Party members with the young and junior Party cadres will ensure the ideological, political and organizational training of a new generation of Party leaders who will be at the helm of the Party in the coming years.
It is the task of the senior cadres to transfer knowledge and skills by summing up their individual and collective experiences in order to help guide the present work of the younger generation of Party leaders.
Resolutions
The Second Congress resolved to give the highest honors to Comrade Jose Maria Sison as founding chair of the CPP. It extolled Ka Joma as a “great communist thinker, leader, teacher and guide of the Filipino proletariat and torch bearer of the international communist movement.” The Second Congress recognized his immense contribution to the Philippine revolution and the international working class movement.
It likewise resolved to continue to seek counsel and take guidance from his insights on the ideological, political and organizational aspects of the Party’s work. It also endorsed the five-volume writings of Ka Joma as basic reference and study material of the Party.
The Second Congress averred that the Party having the treasure of Marxist-Leninist-Maoist work that Ka Joma has produced over the past five decades will ever be capable of leading the national democratic revolution to greater heights and complete victory in the coming years.
The Second Congress also resolved to honor all the heroes and martyrs of the Party’s Central Committee “who served as models of selfless dedication and served the Party to their last breath.”
The Second Congress also approved the official Filipino lyrics of the Internationale, the Party’s anthem, which includes a translation of the third section of the original French, and improves the translation of some other parts. The Second Congress also resolved that only the Filipino lyrics will be sung in official Party gatherings.
The Second Congress approved to celebrate with boundless joy and appropriate festivity the 100th year anniversary of the victorious 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia on November 7, 2017.
The objectives are to draw lessons and inspiration from the first successful socialist revolution and the unprecedented rapid economic and social progress achieved from 1917 to 1953 under proletarian leadership as well as to reaffirm the continuing viability of the socialist revolution in the face of worsening crisis of the global capitalist system.
The Second Congress also approved to mark the 50th anniversary of the Party on December 26, 2018 by summing up the Party’s history and celebrating the victories achieved by the Party and people in the past five decades of revolutionary struggle.
The Second Congress finally resolved to salute all Red fighters of the NPA composite battalion force, as well as members of the people’s militias, and all other Party members and activists who helped secure the delegates, assist in their travel, prepare meals, provide medical assistance and other support services.
Communiqué of the Second Congress of the Communist Party of the Philippines
Communist Party of the Philippines
29 March 2017
Second Congress
The Second Congress of the Communist Party of the Philippines was held successfully on the fourth quarter of 2016. It was historically dated October 24 to November 7, 2016 as a way of setting off the celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the victory of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
The historic significance of the Second Congress of the Party is indubitable. For the first time in nearly five decades, key leaders and cadres representing the Party’s close to seventy thousand members, were assembled to strengthen the Party’s unity, amend its program and constitution based on accumulated victories and lessons and elect a new set of leaders.
The successful convening of the Party’s Second Congress is a testimony both of the accumulated strength and capacity as well as determination to assemble a big number of cadres. It underscores as well the inability of the reactionary state to destroy the armed revolutionary movement.
Despite relentless enemy military operations, the Second Congress was successfully held inside a guerrilla base. It was secured by a battalion of New People’s Army (NPA) Red fighters and enjoyed boundless support of the peasant masses and indigenous minority groups in the area.
The Second Congress was composed of 120 delegates, both attending and non- attending. Of those who attended, around 30% were above 60 years old, while around 60% were in the 45-59 years age bracket, while 15% were 44 years and younger. The oldest delegate was 70 years old. The youngest delegate was 33 years old.
Reflecting the relative size of the Party’s membership, cadres from five Mindanao regions constituted around 45% of the regional delegates; while those from Luzon constituted 40%; and Visayas, 14%. The other delegates represented the Party’s central leading organs and its commissions.
Guided by the theme “Greater unity, greater victories,” the Party’s Second Congress took a long view of the Party’s 48 year history, took stock of the current objective and subjective conditions and reaffirmed the Party’s determination to advance the national democratic revolution to greater heights.
Amendments to the Constitution.
The Second Congress amended the CPP Constitution to reflect the Party’s experience in applying Marxism-Leninism-Maoism as ideological guide in its concrete revolutionary practice.
The biggest important amendment to the Constitution was the elaborated preamble which enshrined the Party’s basic principles including its analysis of the concrete conditions of Philippine society, its national democratic line and program for waging a people’s democratic revolution to pave the way for socialist revolution and construction, its stand and history of struggle against modern revisionism, its strategy and tactics for advancing protracted people’s war and waging armed struggle as principal form of struggle, and establishing the people’s democratic government.
A new article enunciating the role of the Party in the united front was introduced. Amendments were also made to complete the enumeration of the economic classes and their arrangement in terms of membership acceptance. A new provision was inserted to allow members of foreign fraternal parties assigned to work within the scope of the CPP to be accepted as members of the Party.
Another provision was inserted to specify the right of Party members who have reached the age of 70 years to retire from Party work but retain Party membership and to receive subsistence support and medical assistance.
A new provision was also approved specifying the formation of advisory committees to which Party cadres who have opted to retire can be organized into.
To ensure the vigor and vibrancy of the Party, a provision was introduced specifying that steps be undertaken to ensure that the Central Committee shall have a balance of young, middle-aged and senior cadres.
Updated general program
The Second Congress updated the Party’s Program for a People’s Democratic Revolution. It presented an updated critique of the semicolonial and semifeudal social system, giving particular attention to the post-Marcos succession of pseudo-democratic regimes, the worsening forms of oppression and exploitation of the broad masses of workers and peasants and the deteriorating socio-economic conditions of the Filipino people in almost four decades under the neoliberal regime.
Drawing lessons from the Party’s rich history, the Second Congress presented a clearer picture of the strategy and tactics for taking advantage of the insoluble and worsening crisis of the world capitalist system, the strategic decline of US imperialism and the chronic crisis of the domestic ruling system in order to advance the protracted people’s war towards complete victory.
The Party’s general program calls on all Filipino communists to “be ready to sacrifice their lives if necessary in the struggle to bring about a new Philippines that is completely independent, democratic, united, just and prosperous.”
The Party program reaffirms the necessity of waging armed revolution in order to counter the armed violence employed by the US imperialists and the local reactionary ruling classes and end the oppressive and exploitative semicolonial and semifeudal system.
The updated program presents ten general tasks and then proceeds to lay down the specific tasks in the political, economic, military, cultural and foreign relations fields.
Elections
The Second Congress elected the new Central Committee and Political Bureau for a five-year term. More than half of the newly-elected CC members are from the young and middle-aged cadres of the Party, ensuring that the Party leadership will remain vibrant, tightly linked with the lower levels of leadership and capable of leading the practical work and day-to-day tasks of the Party, especially in waging revolutionary armed struggle against the reactionary state.
The combination of senior Party members with the young and junior Party cadres will ensure the ideological, political and organizational training of a new generation of Party leaders who will be at the helm of the Party in the coming years.
It is the task of the senior cadres to transfer knowledge and skills by summing up their individual and collective experiences in order to help guide the present work of the younger generation of Party leaders.
Resolutions
The Second Congress resolved to give the highest honors to Comrade Jose Maria Sison as founding chair of the CPP. It extolled Ka Joma as a “great communist thinker, leader, teacher and guide of the Filipino proletariat and torch bearer of the international communist movement.” The Second Congress recognized his immense contribution to the Philippine revolution and the international working class movement.
It likewise resolved to continue to seek counsel and take guidance from his insights on the ideological, political and organizational aspects of the Party’s work. It also endorsed the five-volume writings of Ka Joma as basic reference and study material of the Party.
The Second Congress averred that the Party having the treasure of Marxist-Leninist-Maoist work that Ka Joma has produced over the past five decades will ever be capable of leading the national democratic revolution to greater heights and complete victory in the coming years.
The Second Congress also resolved to honor all the heroes and martyrs of the Party’s Central Committee “who served as models of selfless dedication and served the Party to their last breath.”
The Second Congress also approved the official Filipino lyrics of the Internationale, the Party’s anthem, which includes a translation of the third section of the original French, and improves the translation of some other parts. The Second Congress also resolved that only the Filipino lyrics will be sung in official Party gatherings.
The Second Congress approved to celebrate with boundless joy and appropriate festivity the 100th year anniversary of the victorious 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia on November 7, 2017.
The objectives are to draw lessons and inspiration from the first successful socialist revolution and the unprecedented rapid economic and social progress achieved from 1917 to 1953 under proletarian leadership as well as to reaffirm the continuing viability of the socialist revolution in the face of worsening crisis of the global capitalist system.
The Second Congress also approved to mark the 50th anniversary of the Party on December 26, 2018 by summing up the Party’s history and celebrating the victories achieved by the Party and people in the past five decades of revolutionary struggle.
The Second Congress finally resolved to salute all Red fighters of the NPA composite battalion force, as well as members of the people’s militias, and all other Party members and activists who helped secure the delegates, assist in their travel, prepare meals, provide medical assistance and other support services.
Communists seek ‘free’ lands, rural industrialization in April talks
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 28): Communists seek ‘free’ lands, rural industrialization in April talks
Also, rebels oppose any foreign control of PH biological resources, seek ban on toxic, hazardous wastes
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza (right), Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (second from right) , shake hands with Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison (left) and Fidel Agcaoili (center) of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines after they sign an agreement in Rome, Italy, on Jan. 25, 2017, that would be the basis for future talks on socio-economic reforms. (Photo release from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process)
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) wants free land distribution and rural industrialization as part of the social and economic reform package it wants the government to implement to end the decades-old poverty hounding rural folk.
In the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (Caser), which the NDFP will be tackling with Philippine government negotiators during next month’s resumption of talks in The Netherlands, communist rebels said “the distribution of land to the tillers for free” would be a vital component of agrarian reform that would dismantle and end land monopoly in the countryside.
The NDFP also wanted the government to implement rural industrialization and rural development as integral parts of the agrarian reform program.
Under rural industrialization and development, the NDF seeks for “the provision of more farm technicians, agricultural credit to the tillers, post-harvest facilities, marketing agencies, irrigation systems, and farm-to-market roads.”
The NDFP’s social reform agenda also lists environmental protection as an issue, including the prohibition of open pit mining, reclamation, export logging and monocrop plantations.
It also seeks to prohibit the use of hazardous and toxic wastes and technologies, and other ecologically destructive practices.
The NDFP has also sought the patenting of the country’s flora, fauna and other biological resources and an end to foreign and corporate control over the country’s natural resources.
“No other document has authoritatively articulated concrete solutions to the long-standing economic, social, and ecological crises in the Philippines,” environmental group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment said.
Anakpawis Representative Ariel Casilao said the peasant sector and local government units should rally behind the NDFP draft of Caser “as it sincerely pushes for the welfare of poor peasants in the country, as well as, genuine development in the countryside.”
Casilao said he believed the NDFP document would open fundamental reforms in the country and address the root causes of the armed conflict involving the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Majority of the NPA are farmers who were victimized by displacement, feudal and semi-feudal forms of exploitation, and were driven to bear arms to fight oppression and exploitation,” Casilao said.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said there was no magic formula for peace but it could be achieved if everyone would participate in the negotiations.
“There can be no peace without development. There can be no sustainable development without peace,” Dureza said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/884617/communists-seek-free-land-distribution-rural-industrialization-in-april-talks
Also, rebels oppose any foreign control of PH biological resources, seek ban on toxic, hazardous wastes
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza (right), Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (second from right) , shake hands with Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison (left) and Fidel Agcaoili (center) of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines after they sign an agreement in Rome, Italy, on Jan. 25, 2017, that would be the basis for future talks on socio-economic reforms. (Photo release from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process)
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) wants free land distribution and rural industrialization as part of the social and economic reform package it wants the government to implement to end the decades-old poverty hounding rural folk.
In the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (Caser), which the NDFP will be tackling with Philippine government negotiators during next month’s resumption of talks in The Netherlands, communist rebels said “the distribution of land to the tillers for free” would be a vital component of agrarian reform that would dismantle and end land monopoly in the countryside.
The NDFP also wanted the government to implement rural industrialization and rural development as integral parts of the agrarian reform program.
Under rural industrialization and development, the NDF seeks for “the provision of more farm technicians, agricultural credit to the tillers, post-harvest facilities, marketing agencies, irrigation systems, and farm-to-market roads.”
The NDFP’s social reform agenda also lists environmental protection as an issue, including the prohibition of open pit mining, reclamation, export logging and monocrop plantations.
It also seeks to prohibit the use of hazardous and toxic wastes and technologies, and other ecologically destructive practices.
The NDFP has also sought the patenting of the country’s flora, fauna and other biological resources and an end to foreign and corporate control over the country’s natural resources.
“No other document has authoritatively articulated concrete solutions to the long-standing economic, social, and ecological crises in the Philippines,” environmental group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment said.
Anakpawis Representative Ariel Casilao said the peasant sector and local government units should rally behind the NDFP draft of Caser “as it sincerely pushes for the welfare of poor peasants in the country, as well as, genuine development in the countryside.”
Casilao said he believed the NDFP document would open fundamental reforms in the country and address the root causes of the armed conflict involving the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Majority of the NPA are farmers who were victimized by displacement, feudal and semi-feudal forms of exploitation, and were driven to bear arms to fight oppression and exploitation,” Casilao said.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said there was no magic formula for peace but it could be achieved if everyone would participate in the negotiations.
“There can be no peace without development. There can be no sustainable development without peace,” Dureza said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/884617/communists-seek-free-land-distribution-rural-industrialization-in-april-talks
Agri chief slams communists' revolutionary tax
From ABS-CBN (Mar 29): Agri chief slams communists' revolutionary tax
Suspected communist rebels torched a mini tanker truck in Misamis Oriental earlier this month. Greanne Mendoza, ABS-CBN News
Revolutionary taxes imposed by communist rebels in rural areas have led to the closure of operations of several agricultural companies in the countryside, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday.
"The New People's Army (NPA) are on a rampage extorting money from poor farmers, small businessmen and burning and destroying equipment and properties of big agricultural corporations who refuse to pay the revolutionary tax," Piñol said in a statement.
In a span of a month, banana and pineapple companies operating in Mindanao have reported at least "nine attacks which resulted in the death of seven soldiers and two suspected NPA members and the destruction of hundreds of millions worth of equipment," Piñol said.
"In August last year, Dole Stanfilco was forced to close down its operations in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur which employed about 1,500 poor workers after a series of attacks by the NPAs," he said.
Even poor farmers were not spared from the unlawful taxation as small rubber farmers in North Cotabato were charged by the communists with a monthly payment of P3 for every rubber tree they own.
"That if a farmer has a one-hectare area with 500 trees, he has to pay P1,500 every month," Piñol said.
The agriculture chief said he is scheduled to take up the matter to President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday.
The halt to the collection of revolutionary taxes was one of the conditions set by Duterte weeks before the government resumes talks with the communist rebels.
The Reds, however, were firm that they would not stop collecting revolutionary taxes despite the president's directive.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/29/17/agri-chief-slams-communists-revolutionary-tax
Suspected communist rebels torched a mini tanker truck in Misamis Oriental earlier this month. Greanne Mendoza, ABS-CBN News
Revolutionary taxes imposed by communist rebels in rural areas have led to the closure of operations of several agricultural companies in the countryside, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday.
"The New People's Army (NPA) are on a rampage extorting money from poor farmers, small businessmen and burning and destroying equipment and properties of big agricultural corporations who refuse to pay the revolutionary tax," Piñol said in a statement.
In a span of a month, banana and pineapple companies operating in Mindanao have reported at least "nine attacks which resulted in the death of seven soldiers and two suspected NPA members and the destruction of hundreds of millions worth of equipment," Piñol said.
"In August last year, Dole Stanfilco was forced to close down its operations in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur which employed about 1,500 poor workers after a series of attacks by the NPAs," he said.
Even poor farmers were not spared from the unlawful taxation as small rubber farmers in North Cotabato were charged by the communists with a monthly payment of P3 for every rubber tree they own.
"That if a farmer has a one-hectare area with 500 trees, he has to pay P1,500 every month," Piñol said.
The agriculture chief said he is scheduled to take up the matter to President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday.
The halt to the collection of revolutionary taxes was one of the conditions set by Duterte weeks before the government resumes talks with the communist rebels.
The Reds, however, were firm that they would not stop collecting revolutionary taxes despite the president's directive.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/29/17/agri-chief-slams-communists-revolutionary-tax
Rebels torch road construction equipment
From Tempo (Mar 29): Rebels torch road construction equipment
The construction of roads that would connect the municipalities of Alcala and Baggao in Cagayan may be facing some delays after suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels destroyed heavy equipment being used for the said construction.
Ltc Rembert R Baylosis, Commanding Officer of 17th Infantry Battalion in Masin, Alcala, Cagayan said at least six alleged NPA rebels set on fire three road construction equipments of the Pulsar Construction Corp. in Baybayog, Alcala.
The rebels then stole the construction company’s Isuzu Elf truck which they used as their getaway vehicle.
Baylosis said owners of the firm reveal that damage to their equipment was estimated to be around P10 million.
There were about 50 workers tapped to be part of the road construction project and Baylosis as well as the owners fear they would end up being jobless because of the senseless attack.
Baylosis also said most of the workers and their families were most likely traumatized by the incident.
The Army Officer confirmed that there was a letter handed to the worker containing an extortion demand.
http://tempo.com.ph/2017/03/29/rebels-torch-road-construction-equipment/
The construction of roads that would connect the municipalities of Alcala and Baggao in Cagayan may be facing some delays after suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels destroyed heavy equipment being used for the said construction.
Ltc Rembert R Baylosis, Commanding Officer of 17th Infantry Battalion in Masin, Alcala, Cagayan said at least six alleged NPA rebels set on fire three road construction equipments of the Pulsar Construction Corp. in Baybayog, Alcala.
The rebels then stole the construction company’s Isuzu Elf truck which they used as their getaway vehicle.
Baylosis said owners of the firm reveal that damage to their equipment was estimated to be around P10 million.
There were about 50 workers tapped to be part of the road construction project and Baylosis as well as the owners fear they would end up being jobless because of the senseless attack.
Baylosis also said most of the workers and their families were most likely traumatized by the incident.
The Army Officer confirmed that there was a letter handed to the worker containing an extortion demand.
http://tempo.com.ph/2017/03/29/rebels-torch-road-construction-equipment/
NPAs hold rallies in Davao City
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 29): NPAs hold rallies in Davao City
Supporters and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) staged several lightning rallies around Davao city in celebration of its 48th anniversary, Wednesday, March 29.
Supporters of the New Peoples Army staged a lightning rally along Quirino Avenue, Davao City on the 48th founding anniversary of the rebel movement. (Credits: Keith Bacongco | Manila Bulletin)
People in red, some of whom wearing slain rebel leader Leoncio Pitao (Ka Parago) of the southern Mindanao region, trooped to the streets and were allowed to protest without interference by the police.
The NPA, in a statement, asked for the masses to take part of its rebellion, days before planned talks between the GPH and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Utrecht, Netherlands.
The NPA said it was dismayed at a lack of change promised by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Hapit usa ka tuig sukad sa iyang pagkadaug, wala pay nahatag nga mahinungdanong kabag-ohan si Duterte sa kinabuhi sa katawhang Pilipino (there has been no change for the months of the Duterte administration).”
The rebel organization lamented the continued abuses in the countryside, as well as in sectors such as labor.
The rebels said they were conducting their own punitive measures against drug syndicates in the countryside and its protectors.
Sr. Insp. Catherine Dela Rey, in an interview with Manila Bulletin, said the groups were not able to stay long after the arrival of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office and responding police.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/03/29/npas-hold-rallies-in-davao-city/
Supporters and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) staged several lightning rallies around Davao city in celebration of its 48th anniversary, Wednesday, March 29.
Supporters of the New Peoples Army staged a lightning rally along Quirino Avenue, Davao City on the 48th founding anniversary of the rebel movement. (Credits: Keith Bacongco | Manila Bulletin)
People in red, some of whom wearing slain rebel leader Leoncio Pitao (Ka Parago) of the southern Mindanao region, trooped to the streets and were allowed to protest without interference by the police.
The NPA, in a statement, asked for the masses to take part of its rebellion, days before planned talks between the GPH and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Utrecht, Netherlands.
The NPA said it was dismayed at a lack of change promised by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Hapit usa ka tuig sukad sa iyang pagkadaug, wala pay nahatag nga mahinungdanong kabag-ohan si Duterte sa kinabuhi sa katawhang Pilipino (there has been no change for the months of the Duterte administration).”
The rebel organization lamented the continued abuses in the countryside, as well as in sectors such as labor.
The rebels said they were conducting their own punitive measures against drug syndicates in the countryside and its protectors.
Sr. Insp. Catherine Dela Rey, in an interview with Manila Bulletin, said the groups were not able to stay long after the arrival of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office and responding police.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/03/29/npas-hold-rallies-in-davao-city/
CPP cites gains, elects young leaders in its 2nd Congress
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Mar 29): CPP cites gains, elects young leaders in its 2nd Congress
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/cpp-cites-gains-elects-young-leaders-in-its-2nd-congress/
REVOLUTIONARIES. Members of revolutionary groups under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines wore masks of the late New People’s Army commander in Davao City, Ka Parago to during a lightning rally along Crossing Elpidio Quirino Street, Davao City on Wednesday, March 29. The protest marked the 48th founding anniversary of the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines’s armed wing. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
The Communist Party of the Philippines said that it elected young leaders and amended its programs and constitutions during its second congress held on Oct.14 to Nov. 7, last year.
The CPP has released a communique coinciding with the 48th founding anniversary of its armed-wing the New People’s Army on Wednesday, Mar. 29. The CPP’s congress was held to kick off its observance of the centennial victory of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
The CPP has released a communique coinciding with the 48th founding anniversary of its armed-wing the New People’s Army on Wednesday, Mar. 29. The CPP’s congress was held to kick off its observance of the centennial victory of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
“The successful convening of the Party’s Second Congress is a testimony both of the accumulated strength and capacity as well as determination to assemble a big number of cadres. It underscores as well the inability of the reactionary state to destroy the armed revolutionary movement,” the CPP said in a statement.
The underground organization said the congress was indubitable as “for the first time in nearly five decades, key leaders and cadres representing the Party’s close to seventy thousand members, were assembled to strengthen the Party’s unity, amend its program and constitution based on accumulated victories and lessons and elect a new set of leaders.”
The underground organization said the congress was indubitable as “for the first time in nearly five decades, key leaders and cadres representing the Party’s close to seventy thousand members, were assembled to strengthen the Party’s unity, amend its program and constitution based on accumulated victories and lessons and elect a new set of leaders.”
However, the CPP’s communique did not name the newly-elected members of the Central Committee and Political Bureau which will hold a five-year term.
“More than half of the newly-elected CC members are from the young and middle-aged cadres of the Party, ensuring that the Party leadership will remain vibrant, tightly linked with the lower levels of leadership and capable of leading the practical work and day-to-day tasks of the Party, especially in waging revolutionary armed struggle against the reactionary state,” the CPP said.
It added: “The combination of senior Party members with the young and junior Party cadres will ensure the ideological, political and organizational training of a new generation of Party leaders who will be at the helm of the Party in the coming years.”
Apart from the election, the CPP also updated its programs to achieve a clearer strategy and tactics against the global capitalist crisis and the threat of US imperialism in order “to advance the protracted people’s war towards complete victory.”
The updated program presents 10 general tasks and then proceeds to lay down the specific tasks in the political, economic, military, cultural and foreign relations fields.
“More than half of the newly-elected CC members are from the young and middle-aged cadres of the Party, ensuring that the Party leadership will remain vibrant, tightly linked with the lower levels of leadership and capable of leading the practical work and day-to-day tasks of the Party, especially in waging revolutionary armed struggle against the reactionary state,” the CPP said.
It added: “The combination of senior Party members with the young and junior Party cadres will ensure the ideological, political and organizational training of a new generation of Party leaders who will be at the helm of the Party in the coming years.”
Apart from the election, the CPP also updated its programs to achieve a clearer strategy and tactics against the global capitalist crisis and the threat of US imperialism in order “to advance the protracted people’s war towards complete victory.”
The updated program presents 10 general tasks and then proceeds to lay down the specific tasks in the political, economic, military, cultural and foreign relations fields.
According to CPP, its programs “reaffirms the necessity of waging armed revolution in order to counter the armed violence employed by the US imperialists and the local reactionary ruling classes and end the oppressive and exploitative semi-colonial and semi-feudal system.”
Also, the underground organizations’ second congress amended its CPP Constitution specifically “the elaborated preamble which enshrined the Party’s basic principles including its analysis of the concrete conditions of Philippine society, its national democratic line and program for waging a people’s democratic revolution to pave the way for socialist revolution and construction, its stand and history of struggle against modern revisionism, its strategy and tactics for advancing protracted people’s war and waging armed struggle as principal form of struggle, and establishing the people’s democratic government.”
Also, the underground organizations’ second congress amended its CPP Constitution specifically “the elaborated preamble which enshrined the Party’s basic principles including its analysis of the concrete conditions of Philippine society, its national democratic line and program for waging a people’s democratic revolution to pave the way for socialist revolution and construction, its stand and history of struggle against modern revisionism, its strategy and tactics for advancing protracted people’s war and waging armed struggle as principal form of struggle, and establishing the people’s democratic government.”
Other amendments include:
1. A new article enunciating the role of the Party in the united front was introduced. Amendments were also made to complete the enumeration of the economic classes and their arrangement in terms of membership acceptance. A new provision was inserted to allow members of foreign fraternal parties assigned to work within the scope of the CPP to be accepted as members of the Party.
2. Another provision was inserted to specify the right of Party members who have reached the age of 70 years to retire from Party work but retain Party membership and to receive subsistence support and medical assistance.
3. A new provision was also approved specifying the formation of advisory committees to which Party cadres who have opted to retire can be organized into.
4. To ensure the vigor and vibrancy of the Party, a provision was introduced specifying that steps be undertaken to ensure that the Central Committee shall have a balance of young, middle-aged and senior cadres.
1. A new article enunciating the role of the Party in the united front was introduced. Amendments were also made to complete the enumeration of the economic classes and their arrangement in terms of membership acceptance. A new provision was inserted to allow members of foreign fraternal parties assigned to work within the scope of the CPP to be accepted as members of the Party.
2. Another provision was inserted to specify the right of Party members who have reached the age of 70 years to retire from Party work but retain Party membership and to receive subsistence support and medical assistance.
3. A new provision was also approved specifying the formation of advisory committees to which Party cadres who have opted to retire can be organized into.
4. To ensure the vigor and vibrancy of the Party, a provision was introduced specifying that steps be undertaken to ensure that the Central Committee shall have a balance of young, middle-aged and senior cadres.
The CPP’s congress with the theme “Greater unity, greater victories,” was composed of 120 persons, 30 percent were above 60 years old, while around 60 percent were in the 45-59 years age bracket, while 15 percent were 44 years and younger. The oldest delegate was 70 years old. The youngest delegate was 33 years old.
“Reflecting the relative size of the Party’s membership, cadres from five Mindanao regions constituted around 45 percent of the regional delegates; while those from Luzon constituted 40 percent; and Visayas, 14 percent. The other delegates represented the Party’s central leading organs and its commissions,” the CPP said.
“Reflecting the relative size of the Party’s membership, cadres from five Mindanao regions constituted around 45 percent of the regional delegates; while those from Luzon constituted 40 percent; and Visayas, 14 percent. The other delegates represented the Party’s central leading organs and its commissions,” the CPP said.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/cpp-cites-gains-elects-young-leaders-in-its-2nd-congress/
IN PHOTOS| Lightning rally marks NPA’s 48th anniv in Davao City
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Mar 29): IN PHOTOS| Lightning rally marks NPA’s 48th anniv in Davao City
AN INVITATION. A large banner celebrating the 48th anniversary of the New People’s Army hangs on the side of an overpass along crossing Elpidio Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday, Mar. 29. Members of revolutionary groups under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines hung the banner as they staged a lightning rally to mark the anniversary of the NPA. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
YOUNG REVOLUTIONARIES. Members of revolutionary groups under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines wore masks of the late New People’s Army commander in Davao City, Ka Parago to during a lightning rally along Crossing Elpidio Quirino Street, Davao City on Wednesday, March 29. The protest marked the 48th founding anniversary of the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines’s armed wing. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
CALL. A protester wearing the picture of slain New People’s Army Commander Leoncio “Ka Parago” Pitao carries a placard urging President Rodrigo Duterte to “lay the foundation of Socialism” on Wednesday morning (March 29) along Elpidio Qurino Avenue in Davao City. The protesters staged a lightning rally in celebration of the NPA’s 48th anniversary and urged Dabawenyos to join the armed group. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
REVOLUTIONARIES. Members of revolutionary groups under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines wear masks of the late New People’s Army commander in Davao City, Ka Parago during a lightning rally along Crossing Elpidio Quirino Street, Davao City on Wednesday, March 29. The protest marked the 48th founding anniversary of the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines’s armed wing. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
LOVERS. Two masked members of underground revolutionary organization hold hands during a lightning rally along Elpidio Quirino Avenue in Davao City. The protest, which lasted about 20 minutes, marked the 48th anniversary of the New People’s Army. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
WHAT’S LEFT. A personnel of the City Traffic and Transportation Management Office picks up some streamers and banners left behind by members of underground revolutionary groups who staged a lightning rally along Elpidio Quirino Avenue in Davao City to mark the 48th anniversary of the New People’s Army on Wednesday, March 29. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
AN INVITATION. A large banner celebrating the 48th anniversary of the New People’s Army hangs on the side of an overpass along crossing Elpidio Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday, Mar. 29. Members of revolutionary groups under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines hung the banner as they staged a lightning rally to mark the anniversary of the NPA. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
CPP announces leadership change as NPA marks 48th anniversary
From Rappler (Mar 29): CPP announces leadership change as NPA marks 48th anniversary
The Communist Party of the Philippines says it has elected young leaders to its central committee as it aims to 'complete victory'
GUERRILLAS IN THE METRO. Communist rebels stage a rally on March 27, 2017, in Quezon City, before their March 29 founding anniversary. Photoby Romeo Mariano/Rappler
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Wednesday, March 29, marked the 48th anniversary of its armed wing New People's Army (NPA) by announcing the election of a new set of young members to its central committee.
The announcement came as the guerrillas and the Duterte administration revive a stalled peace process that began last year.
In a communique, the CPP disclosed that it held its historic Second Party Congress from October 24 to November 7, 2016, the first national party congress that Asia's longest-running insurgent movement held in 5 decades.
The national congress is the highest policy-making body of the party. In between sessions of the congress, it's the CC that crafts policies and implements party decisions.
In the guerrillas' congress last year, the CPP amended its constitution to guarantee the participation of younger members to the CC.
"More than half of the newly-elected CC members are from the young and middle-aged cadres of the Party, ensuring that the Party leadership will remain vibrant, tightly linked with the lower levels of leadership and capable of leading the practical work and day-to-day tasks of the Party, especially in waging revolutionary armed struggle against the reactionary state," the CPP said.
Up to 120 leaders participated in the historic gathering, the party said. "Of those who attended, around 30% were above 60 years old, while around 60% were in the 45-59 years age bracket, while 15% were 44 years and younger. The oldest delegate was 70 years old. The youngest delegate was 33 years old," the statement added.
The amendments also allowed "members of foreign fraternal parties" and paved the way for the retirement of CC members older than 70 but who will retain party membership and continue to enjoy financial support from the CPP.
"The Party program reaffirms the necessity of waging armed revolution in order to counter the armed violence employed by the US imperialists and the local reactionary ruling classes and end the oppressive and exploitative semicolonial and semifeudal system," the CPP said.
"Drawing lessons from the Party's rich history, the Second Congress presented a clearer picture of the strategy and tactics for taking advantage of the insoluble and worsening crisis of the world capitalist system, the strategic decline of US imperialism and the chronic crisis of the domestic ruling system in order to advance the protracted people's war towards complete victory," the CPP added.
Peace under Duterte?
The statement made no mention of the ongoing peace talks with the Duterte administration. The gathering last year was held just after the 2nd round of peace negotiatons in Norway between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) that represents the rebels in the talks.
Separate unilateral ceasefires were in place at the time, but the CPP claimed the military kept on attacking its guerrillas.
The first firefight to break the ceasefire between the military and the NPA would happen in January 2017 while the peace panels were holding the 3rd round of talks in Rome.
The CPP claims to have close to 70,000 members nationwide, mostly from Mindanao.
The military scoffed at this, saying the guerrillas have been reduced to banditry and extortion. Military estimates show the NPA has 4,000 armed combatants.
"Given the serious degradation of the strength and following of the NPA, we deem it no longer a force to reckon with compared to the 1970s and 1980s," said the military's public affairs chief, Colonel Edgard Arevalo.
The CPP disagrees, saying its second congress "is a testimony both of the accumulated strength and capacity as well as determination to assemble a big number of cadres. It underscores as well the inability of the reactionary state to destroy the armed revolutionary movement."
At its peak in the mid-1980s, the CPP had 25,000 armed regulars, according to the military. The movement suffered a bitter ideological split in the 1990s that caused the formation of breakaway rebel groups and a subsequent decline in rebel influence in major areas.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/165505-communist-party-philippines-npa-peace-talks
The Communist Party of the Philippines says it has elected young leaders to its central committee as it aims to 'complete victory'
GUERRILLAS IN THE METRO. Communist rebels stage a rally on March 27, 2017, in Quezon City, before their March 29 founding anniversary. Photoby Romeo Mariano/Rappler
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Wednesday, March 29, marked the 48th anniversary of its armed wing New People's Army (NPA) by announcing the election of a new set of young members to its central committee.
The announcement came as the guerrillas and the Duterte administration revive a stalled peace process that began last year.
In a communique, the CPP disclosed that it held its historic Second Party Congress from October 24 to November 7, 2016, the first national party congress that Asia's longest-running insurgent movement held in 5 decades.
The national congress is the highest policy-making body of the party. In between sessions of the congress, it's the CC that crafts policies and implements party decisions.
In the guerrillas' congress last year, the CPP amended its constitution to guarantee the participation of younger members to the CC.
"More than half of the newly-elected CC members are from the young and middle-aged cadres of the Party, ensuring that the Party leadership will remain vibrant, tightly linked with the lower levels of leadership and capable of leading the practical work and day-to-day tasks of the Party, especially in waging revolutionary armed struggle against the reactionary state," the CPP said.
Up to 120 leaders participated in the historic gathering, the party said. "Of those who attended, around 30% were above 60 years old, while around 60% were in the 45-59 years age bracket, while 15% were 44 years and younger. The oldest delegate was 70 years old. The youngest delegate was 33 years old," the statement added.
The amendments also allowed "members of foreign fraternal parties" and paved the way for the retirement of CC members older than 70 but who will retain party membership and continue to enjoy financial support from the CPP.
"The Party program reaffirms the necessity of waging armed revolution in order to counter the armed violence employed by the US imperialists and the local reactionary ruling classes and end the oppressive and exploitative semicolonial and semifeudal system," the CPP said.
"Drawing lessons from the Party's rich history, the Second Congress presented a clearer picture of the strategy and tactics for taking advantage of the insoluble and worsening crisis of the world capitalist system, the strategic decline of US imperialism and the chronic crisis of the domestic ruling system in order to advance the protracted people's war towards complete victory," the CPP added.
Peace under Duterte?
The statement made no mention of the ongoing peace talks with the Duterte administration. The gathering last year was held just after the 2nd round of peace negotiatons in Norway between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) that represents the rebels in the talks.
Separate unilateral ceasefires were in place at the time, but the CPP claimed the military kept on attacking its guerrillas.
The first firefight to break the ceasefire between the military and the NPA would happen in January 2017 while the peace panels were holding the 3rd round of talks in Rome.
The CPP claims to have close to 70,000 members nationwide, mostly from Mindanao.
The military scoffed at this, saying the guerrillas have been reduced to banditry and extortion. Military estimates show the NPA has 4,000 armed combatants.
"Given the serious degradation of the strength and following of the NPA, we deem it no longer a force to reckon with compared to the 1970s and 1980s," said the military's public affairs chief, Colonel Edgard Arevalo.
The CPP disagrees, saying its second congress "is a testimony both of the accumulated strength and capacity as well as determination to assemble a big number of cadres. It underscores as well the inability of the reactionary state to destroy the armed revolutionary movement."
At its peak in the mid-1980s, the CPP had 25,000 armed regulars, according to the military. The movement suffered a bitter ideological split in the 1990s that caused the formation of breakaway rebel groups and a subsequent decline in rebel influence in major areas.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/165505-communist-party-philippines-npa-peace-talks