Negotiators do not control NPA – Joma

From the Manila Bulletin (May 10): Negotiators do not control NPA – Joma

Prof. Jose Maria Sison said Monday night that although he is the founding chairman of the 49-year-old Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), he does not exercise control over the leftist group’s armed component, the New People’s Army (NPA), which has continued to engage government forces in armed conflict despite ongoing peace negotiations.

 

In a rare and exclusive interview with the Manila Bulletin (MB) editors Monday night through Skype from Utrecht, Netherlands, where he has been in exile for 31 years, Sison said “no one in Utrecht has ever claimed to control the revolutionary forces and people in the Philippines.”


(MANILA BULLETIN)

“No one in Utrecht can give orders to the CPP, NPA, NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) in the Philippines,” said Sison, who is the Senior Political Consultant of the NDFP.

The Philippine Government (GRP) and NDFP are in the thick of peace negotiations that were resumed in Oslo, Norway, last August, and will be on the fifth round of formal talks in Noordwick ann-see in the Netherlands from May 26 to June 2.

“The collective leading organs of the CPP, NPA, NDFP, which are based in the Philippines, are the principal of the NDFP Negotiating Panel. They give orders and instructions to the NDFP Negotiating Panel,” said Sison, who is more popularly known as “Joma.”

And while many regard him and Leftist stalwarts Luis Jalandoni and Fidel Agcaoli as the senior leaders of Communist movement, the 78-year-old Sison said that the leaders of the CPP, NPA, and NDFP “give orders to the NDFP Negotiating Panel and to the NPA in the battlefield.”

In fact, Sison pointed out, “there is nothing the NDFP Negotiating Panel can do if the order from its principal in the Philippines is to disengage from the peace negotiations.”

Jalandoni, 81, stepped down as NDFP Peace Panel chairman in October last year, and Agcaoili has taken over his post since then.

The NPA and government forces have figured in fierce, and often deadly, encounters since January after the two groups withdrew their respective unilateral ceasefires.

Both sides have also hurled accusations of violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Laws (CARHRIL) because of the skirmishes.

Despite this, Sison said he was still optimistic about the results of the peace negotiations to end 49 years of armed struggle by the Communist insurgents.

At the moment, Sison said, reaching a Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) is the pivotal point in the negotiations.

Discussions on the CASER, which are currently being held in the country, include issues on agrarian reform, rural development, and national industrialization.

“Malaki na ang inabante ng (There has been much progress in the discussion on) CASER,” Sison said,but much still has to be done to reconcile “87 pages of the drafts of the NDFP and 35 pages from the GRP.”

But he expressed confidence that the CASER could be signed before the end of the year, together with another pillar of the negotiations – the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPRC).

“By the first quarter of 2018, we may already have the foundations for a Joint Bilateral Ceasefire,” he said.

In the meantime, Sison said, the Communist side continues to be open to “simultaneous and reciprocal unilateral ceasefire declarations” with the government as a “transitory measure” to put a stop to the armed conflict.

He underscored that this remains the position of the NDFP since a backchannel agreement was reached last March 1 in Utrecht.

NO TO CIMATU

Sison also slammed the appointment of former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Roy Cimatu as replacement for Gina Lopez as Environment and Natural Resources secretary.

He charged that the appointment of Cimatu, a native of Bangi, Ilocos Norte, was only made possible because of the concession given by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the Marcoses who helped him win in the 2016 presidential elections. Sison said Cimatu was a “very bad substitute, replacement” for Lopez.

“Kung ganyan ang Kongreso na di mo maasahan sa mga gustong ilagay ni Duterte sa kabineta, ano na ang maasahan mo sa (If Duterte cannot rely on Congress to approve the nomination of his choices for cabinet secretaries, what more with his priority) legislation?” Sison asked.

 

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/05/10/negotiators-do-not-control-npa-joma/

BRP Davao Del Sur, PH Navy's latest ship, arrives in Manila

From Rappler (May 9): BRP Davao Del Sur, PH Navy's latest ship, arrives in Manila

(UPDATED) The BRP Davao Del Sur is the second Strategic Sealift Vessel of the Philippine Navy. It is a versatile ship that can serve as a one-stop operations center at sea.

BIGGEST SHIP. File photo of former President Benigno Aquino III christening the landing dock vessel BRP Tarlac during the Philippine Navy 118th Anniversary Celebration on June 1, 2016. Malacañang Photo 

 

(UPDATED) – The Philippine Navy's second brand new landing dock vessel, the BRP Davao Del Sur, arrived at the South Harbor on Monday, May 8.

"After almost 4 days of voyage, Davao Del Sur has anchored at [the South Harbor in Manila]," said Navy spokesperson Lued Lincuna.

"She will undergo customs, immigration, quarantine and security (CIQS) procedures,"

The welcome ceremony for BRP Davao Del Sur is scheduled on Wednesday, May 10. Separate commissioning rites is expected to immediately follow.

The BRP Davao Del Sur departed Surabaya, Indonesia for Manila last week, May 4. Rear Admiral Gaudecio Collado, commander of the Philippine Fleet, was in Indonesia to conduct the ceremonial Sail Away ceremony for the vessel.

BRP Davao Del Sur is the navy's second Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV), following the arrival of the BRP Tarlac in June 2016. The two brand new ships cost the previous Aquino administration P4 billion ($85 million*).

It is a much awaited asset of the Philippine Navy. The SSV has ability to serve as one-stop operations center at sea, crucial in sending quick deployments such as in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

"It will complement our first, the BRP Tarlac, of course. It will have an impact on our HADR [high availability disaster recovery] operations because it's a very big vessel. It can accomodate a lot of cargo and a lot of personnel," said Lincuna.

Measuring 123 meters long and with a maximum carrying capacity of 11,583 tons, the SSVs can transport heavy equipment, supplies, and troops to anywhere in the archipelago. It has provisions for 121 crew members and can house up to 500 soldiers. It can also carry up to 3 naval helicopters on its heli-deck and two "baby boats" in its rear hold. No other load-bearing ship in the Navy's fleet can compare.

The BRP Tarlac has also been recently deployed to conduct naval blockades in southern Philippines, helping in the military's operations against local terrorists.

It will also participate in the Philippines-US Balikatan exercises scheduled this week.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169111-preview-brp-davao-del-sur-philippine-navy

US troops turn over school buildings to Ormoc villages

From the Sun Star-Tacloban (May 8): US troops turn over school buildings to Ormoc villages
 

American and Filipino soldiers build classrooms for Ormoc City villages through the ongoing Philippine-US Balikatan Exercise 2017. (PNA)

 

AN UPLAND village in Ormoc City has received new classrooms through the ongoing Philippine-US Balikatan Exercise 2017.

 

 Villager Betty Ann Catapon said the two new classrooms inside the Don Carlos Rivilla Elementary School in Boroc village would be a great help for the community, which was devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

 

The elementary school has more than 400 enrollees from kindergarten to Grade 6 in the last academic year. To date, a group of 60 children share a single room. 

 

Catapon said that with the project, constructed by American and Filipino troopers, the "crowded" classrooms will be decongested.

 

Boroc is more than three kilometers away from the national road and more than five kilometers away from the city’s downtown.

 

Balikatan 2017 soldiers will also build classrooms in nearby Margen Elementary School. At least four classrooms were destroyed by Yolanda on November 8, 2013, prompting students to use makeshift classrooms for their classes.

 

Margen Elementary School Principal Elvira de Leon said that the construction of classrooms was timely for the opening of the school year. “This is timely because this coming school year, four new teachers will be assigned in this school,” according to De Leon.

 

Margen campus has 627 registered students. From the usual war games since 2000, Balikatan Exercise 2017 has shifted to humanitarian assistance to cope with challenges that the country are facing and to prepare the US Forces and the Philippine Army to response during natural calamities and disaster, to carry out delivery of humanitarian aid and enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities.

 

“Balikatan gives us opportunities to share ideas, to learn from each other, to desire many more years of close relationship and partnership,” said Commander Robert Christian, head of US Armed Forces community relations team.

 

“We have a long history of working together for our common good, it will be our military and your military and people that we will be working together in times of disaster which is why we are doing this today,” Christian told reporters on Monday.

 

US Armed Forces joining the Balikatan Exercise 2017 are personnel from the US Air Force, Navy, Marines, Infantry and Seabees or the US Naval Construction Forces. Most of them are stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

 

Their counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines are personnel from the 546th and the 543rd Engineering Construction Battalion and the Army Reserve Command.

 

The US troops are also conducting humanitarian civic assistance in selected villages covered by military humanitarian exercise.

 

Lt. Col. George Domingo of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division said the holding of Balikatan Exercise in Eastern Visayas was not only a good experience for soldiers assigned in the region, but also for people always facing threats of natural disaster.

 

Balikatan Exercise 2017 in Eastern Visayas started early April and will end on May 18 after the turnover of the constructed classroom to recipient schools.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/local-news/2017/05/09/us-troops-turn-over-school-buildings-ormoc-villages-540707

Balikatan brings school buildings, hope to remote Leyte villages

From Rappler (May 9): Balikatan brings school buildings, hope to remote Leyte villages

Barangays Margen and Don Carlos Revilla in Ormoc City are the latest recipients of new classrooms built under this year's PH-US military exercises



NEW CLASSROOMS. US soldiers build classrooms in a remote village in Ormoc City, Leyte, as part of the 2017 Balikatan Humanitarian Program. Photo by Jazmin Bonifacio
LEYTE, Philippines – Residents of two remote villages in Ormoc City welcomed the construction of school buildings under the 2017 Balikatan exercises ahead of the new school year, saying they brought "hope" to the poor communities.

Barangay Margen and Barangay Don Carlos Revilla have become the latest recipients of new classrooms built under the humanitarian program of the annual PH-US military exercises which kicked off on Monday, May 8.

The barangays have a shortage of classrooms – a challenge that both students and teachers deal with every day.

The construction of the school buildings is the fulfillment of a promise made by US forces through the Balikatan Humanitarian Program that by this year, they will gift the children of this city with new classrooms.

"It gives us hope for our children’s future," Barangay Margen chairperson Editha Mantos said in Bisaya.

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez told Rappler in an interview that Balikatan forces are transforming the lives of poor children of the two villages.

"Every child deserves to have healthy, happy, and productive lives – no matter who they are or where they are born," Gomez said.



BOODLE FIGHT. Filipino and US soldiers have a boodle fight with local officials in Ormoc City. Photo by Jazmin Bonifacio
"It’s inspiring that the Balikatan forces are with us now. There are no words to express enough gratitude to the US Armed Forces and the Philippine Army and to every single one out there who has made this possible," the mayor added.

US Navy Lieutenant Patrick Baker encouraged the community also to use the school buildings.

"Our goal is not just building schools to give enough classrooms and comfort to students, but rather bringing health and life to the community of Margen and Don Carlos Revilla as well," Baker said.

"We hope this schools we built will help the community recover and heal the wounds from that tragic experience they had with Typhoon Yolanda," he added.

Ormoc City was among the areas hit hard by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that barreled through Eastern Visayas in 2013.

Balikatan forces have also built new classrooms in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, another Yolanda-affected area. (READ: LOOK: PH, US soldiers build classrooms in Guiuan)

In the first Balikatan under the Duterte administration, the two militaries will share techniques and tactics on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) and fighting terrorism.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169335-balikatan-2017-classrooms-ormoc-leyte

Exercise directors expect a very productive 33rd Balikatan Exercises

From the Manila Bulletin (May 9): Exercise directors expect a very productive 33rd Balikatan Exercises

The Balikatan exercise directors of both the Philippines and the United States said this year they are looking forward to a very productive 33rd Balikatan Exercises, which focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations and counterterrorism.

In a joint press conference held on Monday (May 8) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, shortly after the opening ceremonies of the Balikatan held at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club (AFP), Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao and Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, Balikatan exercise director of the Philippines and the US, respectively, said that despite the scaling down of the exercises, the scenarios are equally important to them.



Philippine Air Force honor guards and their American Marine counterparts perform the parade of colors at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Balikatan military exercises at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. (FEDERICO CRUZ / MANILA BULLETIN)
Nicholson, for one, stressed that humanitarian and disaster relief and counterterrorism are two very important topics that affect all nations in the region. He added that the scaling down doesn’t mean they are disappointed.

“We’re looking forward to a very productive 33rd Balikatan Exercises and this year’s themes were discussed and will touch on the humanitarian and disaster relief and counterterrorism. And so we are looking forward to a great couple of weeks,” Nicholson said.

” I can tell you that marines, sailors, soldiers who are coming to the Philippines and here for the exercises are not disappointed. They are looking forward (to it),” he said.

“The scope of this year’s exercise has changed and HADR and counterterrorism are two critically important areas of concern for both of our nations, for all other nations, so I think there’s a lot of work to be done. There’s a lot of sharing of techniques, tactics and procedures so we’re excited by the work that we’re gonna do,” he added.

Nicholson, in the same press briefing, said that anytime they get a chance to work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is a privilege for them.

“So whether it’s during other exercises, whether it’s Balikatan, whether it’s smaller individual efforts, when we get a chance to train with the AFP that’s great for us'” Nicholson said.

Meanwhile, Lactao said this year’s Balikatan Exercise was approved no less than President Duterte himself.

“Through the chief of staff, secretary of national defense and of course, the President. and with the success of the opening ceremony, I could see that it will be a very successful exercise,” Lactao said.

Lactao said this early, preparation for Balikatan 2018 is already being discussed.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/05/09/exercise-directors-expect-a-very-productive-33rd-balikatan-exercises/

Australia collaborates with US and Philippines in major exercise

From Defence Connect (May 10): Australia collaborates with US and Philippines in major exercise



Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have deployed to the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan 2017 — an annual exercise hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Pacific Command (US PACOM).

This is the fourth time that Australia has participated in the exercise.

Air Commodore Noel Derwort, Director General Engagement and Assessment, Headquarters — Joint Operations Command said Exercise Balikatan demonstrates Australia’s commitment to build regional capacity in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and regional security.

"This exercise allows us to build on our strong relationship with the Armed Forces of the Philippines while maintaining good interoperability with United States Pacific Command," AIRCDRE Derwort said.

"This year’s exercise has already seen ADF personnel return to Ormoc City on Leyte Island where they made an important contribution to the recovery from Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

"Other ADF personnel are contributing to exercises that build regional capacity to respond with HADR and security operations."

Exercise Balikatan 2017 runs from 08-19 May and will involve 80 ADF personnel.

The exercise includes a command post exercise component, a humanitarian civic assistance program on Leyte and Samar Islands and a range of military training activities involving an Air Force AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and personnel from Special Operations Command.

https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/658-australia-collaborates-with-us-and-philippines-in-major-exercise

Indama’s follower surrenders to troops in Basilan

From the Manila Bulletin (May 9): Indama’s follower surrenders to troops in Basilan

A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) under top leader Furudji Indama, who is listed under the Periodic Status Report of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), yielded to the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan on Sunday.



Basilan Map (Photo courtesy of Google maps | Manila Bulletin)

Urban terrorist and Abu Sayyaf member Hussin Asrap Wahid, alias Ottoh Wahid or Jay Pilmita, 28, and a resident of Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, surrendered to the troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The Abu Sayyaf member also turned over his Caliber .45 pistol to troops.

Wahid underwent custodial debriefing conducted by the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan under Colonel Juvymax Uy at the headquarters of the 18th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Camalig, Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan.
“We consider the recent surrender of another Abu Sayyaf member as a manifest of the effective combat operations sustained by the Joint Task Force Basilan against the terrorist group in the province,” Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the WestMinCom, said.

“The Armed Forces further encourage other members of the Abu Sayyaf to surrender to the troops as we continue to counter terrorism and sustain the internal peace in Mindanao,” Galvez said.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/05/09/indamas-follower-surrenders-to-troops-in-basilan/

AFP: We did not get a cut from cash reward

From the Sun Star-Cebu (May 9): AFP: We did not get a cut from cash reward

THE Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) dismissed speculations that the military and the police received a share of the reward money for civilian tipsters.

 

“We are not allowed to accept the reward money because we are being paid by the government,” said Gen. Arnulfo Matangguihan, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander.

 

He asked the public to stop sowing distrust on the government, and instead, help them protect the identities of informants.

 

Matangguihan issued the statement amid questions on why the habal-habal driver, one of the informants, only received P450,000 cash reward instead of the P1-million cash earlier announced by President Rodrigo Duterte.

 

The information provided by the driver reportedly led government troops to the Abu Sayyaf hiding place in Clarin, Bohol. Matangguihan, however, said that the AFP received many kinds of informants that led troops to the Abu Sayyaf hideout.

 

 Speaking in front of local government officials and the police during a security briefing in Tagbilaran City, Matangguihan said that the information given by the habal-habal driver and three others was only for the neutralization of Joselito Melloria at 12:45 p.m. last April 22.

 

Military intelligence then took charge of the other three Abu Sayyaf members. “We do our own reconnaissance, we get information from open sources like the media and the internet and finally we have civilian tips to help us in tracking down lawless elements,” Matangguihan said.

 

At least 11 members of the ASG engaged military and police in two separate clashes in Inabanga and Clarin, Bohol.

 

 Nine members were killed, while two more are being hunted down by government troops. They were last sighted in the mountain barangay of Candungao, San Isidro town.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/05/09/afp-we-did-not-get-cut-cash-reward-540976

 

Info from mobile phones shows terrorist plots, videos

From the Sun Star-Cebu (May 9): Info from mobile phones shows terrorist plots, videos

 

ASG videos. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 7 shows to the local media the videos and conversations recovered from the mobile phones of suspected ASG members. (SunStar Foto/Arnold Bustamante of Superbalita)

CELLULAR phones recovered from suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Bohol revealed plots of bombing, kidnapping and rescue, as well as more than 100 videos and songs of ISIS teachings and executions.

 

These information were discovered after the conversations, which were in Tausug, from at least three phones were interpreted.

 

The mobile phone included the one confiscated from Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza.

 

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 Chief Royina Garma said her office uncovered the information by interpreting the conversations between an ASG member and the party of Nobleza and her husband Renierlo “Kudri” Dongon, a bomb expert who allegedly has links to leaders of terrorist groups.

 

“There were text messages that highlighted why they failed their mission in Bohol. It was a miscommunication on their part because there was a strong possibility that they’re planning a kidnapping but they missed the location where they were supposed to dock their pump boats because they were unfamiliar with the terrain in Bohol,” said Garma.

 

The text messages were sent by an ASG member to Nobleza. A portion of the conversation included the ASG asking for Nobleza’s advice on whether they should ask locals for directions.

 

“Wag (Don’t),” Garma quoted the police official’s response.

 

Among the videos recovered include those of children being taught hand-to-hand combat and gun accuracy, Syrian military officials being executed and other terroristic activities.

 

Since the test messages were in Tausug, Garma said, the CIDG 7 tapped the Muslim Affairs Office to help interpret the information.

 

“We were very sensitive on the usage of every word. Because you must interpret it for what it is, stripped of your own opinion,” Garma said.

 

There was one conversation that alarmed the authorities. “It basically said, ’Just tell us when you are near so that we will put it,’ as for that ‘it’ they were talking about, we don’t know. It can be anything, it can be a bomb to act as diversion so that they can exit,” she said.

 

Garma said that Nobleza and Dongon were in Bohol to rescue a 17-year-old Said Santos, a bomb expert and believed to be Basilan royalty.

 

Nobleza’s group, however, was arrested.

 

The phone of Saad Samad Kiram, who was killed when he allegedly attempted to escape from the authorities in Cortes, was also forwarded to the forensics team for analysis. Judging from the recovered evidence, Garma said that Nobleza “coddled” the ASG.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/05/10/info-mobile-phones-shows-terrorist-plots-videos-540975

The Philippines Just Bought a Warship for $100

From Popular Mechanics (May 9): The Philippines Just Bought a Warship for $100

But what does a single Benjamin actually buy you?



The Republic of the Philippines is getting a real bargain. In this age of $1.3 billion guided missile destroyers, the island nation is "buying" a used warship from South Korea for the bargain-basement price of just $100. While that sounds like a screaming deal, exactly what is it getting for its money?

The Philippines is in the midst of a defense buildup. The island country has been locked in a political face-off with China over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. With no end in sight, the concern is the political dispute will escalate to a military one, a hypothetical conflict the Philippines would be woefully unready for. The country has been fighting an insurgency against various internal groups, including the Al Qaeda-aligned Abu Sayyaf guerrilla force, funding its army at the expense.
The country has been on a low-grade shopping binge, purchasing a dozen F/A-50 fighters from South Korea and accepting donated Coast Guard cutters from the United States. Now, according to The Jakarta Post, it is about to get a Pohang-class corvette from South Korea for the fantastic sum of $100. The ship, ROK Chungju, was decommissioned from the Republic of Korea Navy in December 2016. The "purchase" is actually a transfer, and the $100 is largely symbolic.



Pohang-class corvette firing its stern mounted 76-millimeter gun during a fleet review, 2015.
Getty

The Pohang-class corvettes were some of the first large warships built by South Korean shipyards. Twenty-four corvettes were built during the mid 1980s and early 1990s between 1984 and 1993. Each weighed 1,200 tons fully loaded and had a maximum speed of 32 knots, armed with a pair of Italian-made 76-millimeter deck guns, four Harpoon anti-ship missiles, two 40-millimeter cannons, and anti-submarine torpedoes as well as depth charges. The Pohang-class ships were built mainly to patrol South Korean coastal waters and square off against North Korea's fleet of small gunboats and coastal submarines.

While the ex-Chungju is essentially free, the Philippines has also committed to paying to bring the ship back into service. One Philippine former naval officer-turned-blogger describes the necessary work as "repair, minor refurbishing works, replacement of obsolete systems required for safe use of the ship, crew billeting and training, and other expenses." That will cost an estimated 200 million Philippine pesos, or the equivalent of $4 million dollars.

The ship will also not transfer with all of its weaponry. The Harpoon missiles are not part of the sale—the missiles are still useful to South Korea and Seoul would have to get permission from the United States to sell them, a process that could take years. The ship might also lose its American-made Mk. 46 anti-submarine torpedoes.



The stern of ROKS Cheonan being lifted by crane. Visible in the lower turret is a 76-millimeter gun, in the upper turret a pair of 40-millimeter cannon, and a pair of Harpoon missile launchers.
Getty
There's also the question of what kind of condition the ship is in. In 2014 the Philippine Navy looked at another Pohang-class ship, Mokpo, and found it in "very poor condition" and not worth refurbishing. Chungju is two years younger and presumably inspectors found it in slightly better condition. Another Pohang-class corvette, ROKS Cheonan, was sunk by a North Korean torpedo in its 21st year of service. At the time of the sinking, one news report quoted the mother of a crewmember as saying her son thought the ship was in poor condition and complained about serving on it. Still, given that some of the ships in the Philippine Navy were built during World War II, even a worn-out thirty year old ship is better than a seventy year old one.

Even if the ex-Chungju is stripped of its weapons, South Korea is well positioned to re-equip it for the Philipines, at a price. Harpoon missiles can be replaced with Korean Haeseong missiles and Mk. 46 anti-submarine torpedoes can be replaced with Blue Shark torpedoes. This is not a coincidence, as South Korea is pushing to develop its own arms export industry. Think of Chungju as a free ice cream cone—it's the ice cream that's going to cost real money.

The Philippines' "new" warship will end up costing a lot more than a hundred dollar bill, but it's still likely a welcome upgrade. While it's still not on equal terms with a brand-new Type 056 corvette, the Chungju's second career will give the People's Liberation Army Navy something to think about.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a26443/philippines-south-korea-warship-100-dollars/

‘8 terrorists seek sanctuary in Philippines’

From the Gulf Today (May 10): ‘8 terrorists seek sanctuary in Philippines’

At least eight foreign terrorists have sought refuge in the Philippines and are being “coddled” by terror groups like the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf that has gained notoriety for the kidnapping and beheading of their foreign and Filipino hostages, according to a senior military intelligence officer.

Major General Felimon Santos, the military’s chief intelligence officer, however, did not identify the terrorists and only said they were from the Philippines’ neighbouring countries particularly Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Santos appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on National Defense and Security amid reports on the presence of foreign terrorists linked to extremists like the Abu Sayyaf as well as the Maute Group and the secessionist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) that have pledged allegiance to the Daesh extremists in the Middle East.

Santos also disclosed that Malaysian authorities have confirmed that the terrorists have been using the island state of Sabah to enter the Philippines.

In a separate but related development, Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, the head of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, expressed optimism they could beat the deadline set by President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte to beat the Abu Sayyaf by June 30.

Galvez cited one major factor for his optimism, which is the unabated “search and destroy” operation launched by the military against the Abu Sayyaf, with attack helicopters aiding the ground forces in the campaign.

Another significant factor, Galvez disclosed, was the reported plan of top Abu Sayyaf leaders particularly the Radullah Sahiron to surrender mainly due to his age as well as the unabated military campaign against them on the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan.

“We see that the will of the enemy is now beginning to crumble. We have reached the tipping point of the Abu Sayyaf. No matter what they do they cannot recover,” Galvez stressed.

He disclosed that since January, at least 60 militants were killed, 13 arrested and 41 surrendered in the all-out military operations.

Other security officials also revealed that Abu Sayyaf members who have already surrendered have started cooperating with the military in identifying their former comrades and their areas of operation.

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/7922eb08-3b87-4207-95be-42892d095c4f.aspx

Abu Rami and the three states

From Arab News (May 10): Abu Rami and the three states
This is not the first time Daesh has released pictures of its military training. But its latest pictures, released last Friday, catch the eye because they were for Daesh in the Philippines, what it called “The Soldiers of Khilafah in East Asia.”

The official announcement of Daesh’s presence in the Philippines was made a year ago by its leadership in Raqqa, naming Isnilon Hapilon as leader of “the State of Philippines.” Hapilon is no different from the militants of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who are generally ignorant and illiterate.

At the end of last month, the armed forces of the Philippines killed one of the most active and famous ASG militants, Muammar Askari, also known as Ammar or Abu Rami. This nickname has a story.

On the second day of my kidnapping by the ASG in June 2012, Askari came to me holding a Qur’an in his hand and asked me in broken English: “You’re an Arab and speak the language, what does this word mean?” He was referring to the word “Ramayt,” which means “threw” or “shot.” I told him what it meant, and that it refers to a person who can throw or shoot (Rami). So he said: “From now on I’m Abu Rami.” He lived and died with this nickname.

He left university after his first year and joined the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), after which he joined the ASG. He was only 27 when he was killed. He was the most educated among my kidnappers. Most of them did not know more than the jungles they were born in.

Every time Abu Rami felt the negotiations were going better and the money was getting closer, he would tell me: ‘You’re my brother and we’ll release you soon.’ But when the negotiations stumbled or connections were cut with the MILF, which was negotiating my release, he used to call me ‘Khawarij.’

Baker Atyani
The leader of the ASG community that kidnapped me, Kasman Sawadjan, an illiterate, used to brag about his past as a pirate in Tawi-Tawi island, claiming he looted scores of fishing boats. Sawadjan suddenly became an ASG leader.

Abu Rami frequently visited the hut where I was kept. He asked me once if the Americans are Shiite, and: “Is London in the US?” I replied: “Before my kidnapping, London was in one place and the US somewhere else, but I don’t know if that has changed after my kidnapping.”

In the southern Philippines, more than 10 groups or communities carried the ASG name, mostly based in Solo and Basilan islands. The communities comprise multiple families, each provided with weapons and food by the head of the community. The arrangement with the top ASG leadership is a fixed percentage of lootings and spoils in exchange for using the ASG banner.

Most of these communities have not joined Daesh, which has declared three states in the south: IS-Basilan, led by Hapilon; IS-Lanao, led by the Maute brothers; and IS-Maguindanao, led by Ismail Abu Bakr, or Bungos. It is unclear if the last two Daesh-declared states have pledged loyalty to Hapilon, especially since he is considered inferior for being illiterate.

Both Daesh and the ASG were against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), since the latter signed a deal with the government to establish autonomous rule for the Muslims of the southern Philippines. MILF Chairman Haji Murad Ibrahim has since been called by them an “apostate,” a common tradition of describing people as non-believers to exhibit displeasure.

Every time Abu Rami felt the ransom negotiations were going better and the money was getting closer, he would tell me: “You’re my brother and we’ll release you soon.” But when the negotiations stumbled or connections were cut with the MILF, which was negotiating my release, he used to call me “Khawarij” (astray). I asked him once if he knew what the word meant. He kept silent because he did not.

[Baker Atyani is a veteran journalist with two decades of covering militant groups in Asia. He was held captive for 18 months by the Abu Sayyaf Group in the southern Philippines.     Originally published in Asharq Al-Awsat]

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1097146

No threat in Palawan, AFP says amid US travel advisory

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 10): No threat in Palawan, AFP says amid US travel advisory
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it had not monitored any threats in Palawan after the US Embassy issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid the island province because of the possibility of kidnappings.

“Wala tayong ganong information. We are not aware as to where the US Embassy obtained that information. Kung meron man, it did not come from the AFP,” military public affairs chief Col. Edgard Arevalo told reporters.

The US Embassy is asking Americans to review their travel plans to Palawan, including Puerto Princesa City and the areas surrounding Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, because of “credible information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals.”

While they have not monitored any threat, Arevalo said they were not taking the report lightly.

“We recognize and respect the responsibility to issue travel advisory sa travel citizens ganun din naman tayo,” he said.

“Whether there is a threat or not nagpapatuloy ang vigilance. We will monitor and look into it. Even in the absence of an advisory continious ang montioring at vigilance. Nagpapatuloy to ensure hindi tayo masisingitan,” he also said.

Despite the advisory, he said they were not deploying additional troops other than those deployed in the area at the moment.

The US embassy also issued a travel warning on reports of possible kidnappings in Central Visayas last April.

Responding to the warning, the AFP said that it had not monitored any indication that would support the travel advisory. It added that it did not see any threats in the Central Visayan region.

A day later, Abu Sayyaf bandits were spotted in Bohol, a tourist destination in Visayas. Ensuing firefights left a policeman and three soldiers dead.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/895664/no-threat-in-palawan-afp-says-amid-us-travel-advisory

MILF-CC: Bangsamoro Transition Commission Calls For Dialogue-Consultation With CSO Leaders

From the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Central Committee Website (May 8): Bangsamoro Transition Commission Calls For Dialogue-Consultation With CSO Leaders



The Office of Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar has called for a dialogue- consultation with leaders of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Central and other parts of Mindanao on Saturday, May 6 at Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The program was facilitated by a committee on CSO’s of the Office of the BTC Chairman headed by Duma Mascud and his Chief of Staff Prof. Raby Angkal.

Hundreds of CSOs have participated in the program mostly came from members of League of Bangsamoro Organizations (LBO), Mindanao Alliance of Peace (MAO) together with other NGOs and CSOs.

Angkal said that the role of Bangsamoro CSOs in pushing for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that is based on the compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is invaluable.

He recognized the efforts of peace allies like the church for their initiatives in conducting activities such as the conducted torch for peace, children for peace, run for peace, peace caravan, the lobbying mission in congress, among other activities for peace’

"We exerted much of our efforts during the past administration and all of those things didn't succeed, BBL was never passed. I think we must think other ways and for this we need to consolidate our strengths," Angkal said.

He said that there is a need to help push the BBL for its approval by the 17th Philippine Congress. "This law aims to achieve dignified peace, justice, security, progress and development...and this could be stopped the sufferings of the people", he said further.

As to the tentative timeline of submission of the draft Bangsaamoro Law to the Office of the President, Angkal said that an all-Bangsamoro Consultative Assembly shall be held first in the last week of May, this year, while the target date for submission of the draft law is early June 2017.

The commissioners that were present during the dialogue were Dra. Susana Anayatin, Atty. Datu Omar Yasser Sema, and Timuay Melanio Ulama, and Romeo Saliga, both are representing the indigenous peoples in the BTC.

Meanwhile, Anayatin emphasized the importance of the consultation. "You can now register here what you want to include in the BBL".

Ulama has recalled the challenges in the GPH-MILF peace process during the negotiations, the fate of Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that was declared by the Philippine Supreme Court as unconstitutional which eventually resulted to armed skirmishes between the government forces and MILF guerillas.

He said, only you CSOs can look for other alternatives to stop the war and end the sufferings of IDPs, can call for immediate ceasefire and for the resumption of peace talks.

"Isa kayo sa bayani dito sa kapayapaan, kayo ang aming lakas, kumukuha kami ng lakas sa inyo," (You are the heroes of the peace process, you are our strength, we obtain our energy from you), said Ulama.

Commissioner Saliga told before the participants that, on the other way around, the CSOs could be big heroes of the peace process but could also be a hindrance.

He said that the current expanded BTC is working for the common good of Bangsamoro people. "This will be our legacy to newly-born babies and for the next generation," he said.

Saliga have also recognized the efforts of LBO-member organization United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) as a good example for their peace initiatives in facilitating settlement of ‘rido’ in the region.

Talking about CSOs in the Bangsamoro Homeland, Atty. Sema said "We’re still intact and united because of one driving idea that is to help establish the Bangsamoro government. BM government must be established, thus will be the template for future federal system of the country", Sema said. “It shall become the pattern of congress in crafting laws for federated states”, Sema stressed.

"We must maximize the BTC, all things that we can plea, we will ask," he said.

Sema has common stand with fellow Moros and promised that once the government will offer a government for the Bangsamoro lower that the ARMM, it never be acceptable.

BTC Chair Jaafar however reiterated that Bangsamoro wants self-rule, not the ‘equipment’ that has been offered to the MILF”. Jaafar was referring to farm equipment distributed to farmers in MILF formers controlled camps".

“All we want is the establishment of our own government. See, if we have our government we can make our own tractors," he said.

Some issues raised by CSOs during the dialogue were the Moro land acquisition in the present state laws; the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), landless farmers, mining/environment, inclusive education, youth and women-child rights, and other concerns.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1178-bangsamoro-transition-commission-calls-for-dialogue-consultation-with-cso-leaders

MILF-CC: OIC Convenes Meeting of Muslim Moro Fronts in Jeddah in Steps towards Peace in the Southern Philippines

From the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Central Committee Website (May 9): OIC Convenes Meeting of Muslim Moro Fronts in Jeddah in Steps towards Peace in the Southern Philippines



Upon the invitation of the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front are due to meet in Jeddah on 7-8 May 2017 for a session of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) as part of the implementation of OIC Council of Ministers Resolutions, online report posted on OIC official website said on May 06.

The purpose of the BCF is to provide a venue to discuss issues and concerns confronting the Bangsamoro people, including finding common grounds between the 1976 Tripoli Agreement -1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), in order to harmonize the two peace tracks and preserve the gains contained in these agreements, which the MNLF and the MILF mutually recognize and respect.

It is to be recalled that the OIC maintained that the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Jakarta Agreement continue to formulate the basis of any settlement of the conflict.
Ambassador Sayed Kassem El-Masry, Special Envoy for Peace in the Southern Philippines, will preside over the detailed discussions between the fronts. This latest meeting is a continuation of a process organized by the OIC since the 37th Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Dushanbe Tajikistan in 2010 and continued in June 2014 at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in Manila and Davao City, Philippines in 2015.

By bringing the two factions closer together the OIC maintains its commitment to positive engagement in the Southern Philippines peace process with a view to achieving a just, inclusive, and comprehensive peace.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/76-international/1179-oic-convenes-meeting-of-muslim-moro-fronts-in-jeddah-in-steps-towards-peace-in-the-southern-philippines

CPP/NPA-South Central Bukidnon: 11 Ka armas Nasakmit sa mga Aksyong Militar sa NPA sa Valencia City

New People's Army-South Central Bukidnon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 8): 11 Ka armas Nasakmit sa mga Aksyong Militar sa NPA sa Valencia City



Ka Ariel Magbanua, Spokesperson
NPA-South Central Bukidnon

8 May 2017

Gisaluduhan sa NPA-South Central Bukidnon Subregional Command ang mga mapangahasong aksyong militar sa mga Pulang manggugubat sa malampuson niining pagreyd sa DASIA Security Agency sa mismong Brgy. Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon pasado alas 6 sa gabii sa Mayo 5, 2017. Walo ka armas nga gilakipan sa 1 AK47, 1 ka .45 nga pistola, 3 ka shotgun ug 4 ka .38 nga pistola ang nasakmit dinhi.

Sa national highway sa Valencia City, nagmontar og checkpoint sa mao gihapong higayona ang lain pang yunit sa NPA-SCB. Nasakmit sa NPA ang usa ka 9mm Glock nga pistola gikan sa usa ka membro sa Maramag-PNP nga mopadulong sa Valencia City.

Aduna pay laing yunit sa NPA-SCB ang nagcheckpoint duol sa security agency. Nadakop dinhi si TSgt. Joseph Paredes sa 8th Infantry Batallion diin nakuha kaniya ang usa ka.45 nga pistola. Human sa maong mga aksyon, luwas nga nakawidro ang mga operatiba sa NPA.

Ang maong pag-atake sa NPA sa sentrong bahin sa Valencia City nagpahimakak sa ginapagarpar sa 8th Infantry Batallion ug 403rd Brigade nga nagkagamay ug nagkahuyang ang suportang masa sa NPA kay mismong ang sentro sa syudad na man ang giatake nga nagpakita sa lapad nga suportang masa aron masulod ug makalunsad og pinakilab nga aksyong militar ug luwas nga nakawidro ang NPA sa kabukiran.

Nahimong kasangkapan ang mga security agencies aron depensahan ang interes sa mga bangko, negosyante ug kompanya busa nahimo silang lehitimong target sa opensiba sa NPA ilabina karon nga nahimong init ang isyu sa kontraktwalisasyon ug Endo sa mga mamumuo. Gigamit sila aron pig-otan ang mga mamumuo sa pagpanghingusog sa ilang mga lehitimong demanda ug katungod.

Ang kaylap nga mga taktikal opensiba sa NPA sa rehiyon ug bisan sa tibuok nasud pagpakita lang sa hugot nga pagsuporta niini sa peace talks kay pinaagi niini mahatagan og katarungan ang paglunsad sa peace negotiations aron masalom gyud ang gamut hinungdan sa armadong panagbangi, ug sa ingon, makab-ot na ang makatarunganon ug malahutayong kalinaw.

Ug samtang wala pay napirmahang kasabutan alang sa sispyr o hunong-buto magpadayon ang NPA sa paglunsad og mga aksyong militar subay sa nagkalapad ug nagkalalom nga baseng masa aron mapanghingusog ang pagpatuman sa tinuod nga reporma sa yuta ug paglunsad sa nasudnong industriyalisasyon.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170508-11-ka-armas-nasakmit-sa-mga-aksyong-militar-sa-npa-sa-valencia-city

CPP/NPA-Sierra Madre: One (1) government soldier killed, two (2) seriously wounded in the encounter between NPA forces and AFP troops in Infanta, Quezon

New People's Army-Sierra Madre propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 8): One (1) government soldier killed, two (2) seriously wounded in the encounter between NPA forces and AFP troops in Infanta, Quezon



Armando “Ka Mando” Jacinto, Spokesperson
NPA-Sierra Madre (Rosario Lodronio Rosal Command)

8 May 2017

The NPA forces in Mt. Sierra Madre-Southern Tagalog under Rosario Lodronio Rosal Command (RLRC-NPA-Mt. Sierra Madre-Southern Tagalog Sub-Regional Command) repulsed the attack of government troops on a CPP-NPA controlled territory in Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon resulting in one (1) government soldier killed and two (2) seriously wounded while the NPA forces suffered no casualties.

A company size of AFP soldiers numbering more or less 80 members of 1st Infantry Battalion (1st IB-PA) arrived early morning today, May 8, 2017 to attack an NPA platoon resting in a CPP-NPA controlled territory. They tried to surreptitiously enter the resting place of the NPA troops but the people in the area immediately warned the NPA troops of the impending attack giving them ample time to prepare for battle. When the AFP troops arrived, they were immediately met by gunfire coming from NPA position, thereby neutralizing the AFP troops offensive. The firefight started at exactly 10:30AM and lasted until 11AM when the attacking forces scampered for their safety while firing without directions.

This incident once again proves that the NPA forces supported by the people can effectively repulsed any attacks on CPP-NPA controlled territory by the government troops and that any AFP troops attempt will be foiled. They will be defeated because the people knew that the AFP troops are just paper tiger who are numerically superior but can easily be defeated by a united actions of the people and its true army, the New People’s Army (NPA).

The successive defeats of AFP troops on NPA hands are clear manifestations that the declaration of Department of National Defense (DND) Secreary Delfin Lorenzan and AFP Chief Eduardo Ano that they can crush the NPA are just empty boasts. The fascist and mercenary government troops cannot defeat the real army of the people, the NEW PEOPLES’ ARMY because of the strong support of the masses. The masses knew that without their people’s army, the people have nothing. Only with the strong people’s army that the masses can effectively defend their interest and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Only the NEW PEOPLES ARMY genuinely serves the interest and well being of the people.

Long Live the New People’s Army!
Long Live the Filipino People!
Long Live the Communist Party of the Philippines!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170508-one-1-government-soldier-killed-two-2-seriously-wounded-in-the-encounter-between-npa-forces

CPP/NPA-Southern Mindanao: NPA punishes destructive mining company in Mati City

New People's Army-Southern Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 8): NPA punishes destructive mining company in Mati City



Rigoberto F. Sanchez, Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Mindanao (Merardo Arce Command)

8 May 2017

The ComVal–Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command of the New People’s Army successfully meted out punitive action against Mil-Oro Mining Corp. in Sitio Salingkomot, Brgy. Macambol, Mati City on May 6, 2017. At around 5:00 in the morning, Red fighters seized 2 US carbines, six shotguns, military radios, ammunitions and several gadgets and gutted down mining equipment, including 5 backhoes, four graders and company vehicles.

The open-pit mining company is owned by transnational Austral-Asia Link Mining Corp., whose environmental compliance certificate was revoked last year by environmental advocate and then DENR Secretary Gina Lopez for its environmentally-destructive operations. It has been operating since 2015 under the patronage and behest of current Davao Oriental Cong. Corazon Malanyaon. Malayaon, who was the province’s governor at the time, has continuously allowed the incursion of destructive mining companies in protected areas in the province.

Mil-Oro’s nickel ore-mining operations straddle almost 5,000 hectares of the protected areas of Pujada Bay and Mt. Hamiguitan range, declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site in 2014. For almost three years now, masses in the surrounding barangays, especially poor fisherfolk whose livelihood depend on the area’s rich marine biodiversity, have been complaining against the mining operation of Mil-Oro. Many Lumad and peasant families have also been displaced to make way for the expansion of its operation.

For years, the so-called mining industry in Davao Oriental and elsewhere in the region has amassed billions in yearly profit for big compradors and their foreign partners but hardly made any difference to the lives and livelihood of poor peasants, Lumad and workers where mining companies operate. Worse, when their exploration permits expire or get cancelled, like in the case of Austral-Asia Link Mining Corp. which owns Mil-Oro, these companies skirt reactionary laws by simply using dummy corporations to continue their extensively extractive mining practices and further destroy the environment.

The latest punitive action continues the NPA’s duty in protecting the country’s natural resources and an exercise of the political authority of the People’s Democratic Government. Furthermore, it is a stern warning against large scale and foreign mining companies that not only exploit our non-renewable resources but also victimize our people in the name of superprofit.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170508-npa-punishes-destructive-mining-company-in-mati-city

CPP/NDF-Bohol: AFP/CAA detachment sa Datag, Inabanga, Bohol, giatake sa NPA

National Democratic Front-Bohol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 8): AFP/CAA detachment sa Datag, Inabanga, Bohol, giatake sa NPA



NDFP Bohol

7 May 2017
Press Release

Niadtong Mayo 3, 2017 sa may alas 10 sa gabii, giatake sa yunit sa Francisco Dagohoy Command sa New People’s Army (NPA) sa Bohol ang detachment sa 47th IB Phil. Army ug CAFGU sa Brgy. Datag, Inabanga, Bohol. Mikabat sa pipila ka minutos ang sinukliay sa mga bala nga miresulta sa pagkamatay sa usa ka regular army ug 3 ka sakop sa CAFGU ang nahimong samaron samtang walay casualty sa han-ay sa NPA.

Kining pag-atake gipahamtang isip silot ngadto sa AFP nga mihimo og lainlaing pangabuso sa nakapalibot nga sibilyang komunidad sama sa pagpabuto-buto sa ilang armas kun mangahubog. Midugang niini’ng mga salaod mao ang paturagas nga pagpamomba sa Brgy.Napo, Inabanga niadtong Abril 11 ginamit ang isyung gyera batok sa teroristang Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) nga miresulta pagkagutad-gutad sa lawas ug pagkamatay sa duha ka inosenteng sibilyan nga pulos senior citizen. Ang maong pagpamomba miresulta og grabeng kahadlok sa
katawhan ilabi na sa mga kabataan ug mibunga sab og dakong kadaot sa kabtangan sa mga sibilyan lakip na niini ang pagkamatay sa 3 ka kabaw, mga baboy ug uban pang hayopan.

Ang magtiayong biktima nga si Constancio ug Crisanta Petalco, parehong nag-edad og kapin 60 anyos, pugos nga gipasanginlan sa militar nga mga sakop sa ASG aron ipatuo sa mga nabalaka kaayong Bol-anon nga gamay na lang ang nahibilin sa 11 kuno ka terorista. Apan
nabulgar ang drama sa dihang pagka Abril 22, nasakpan si Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza, usa ka colonel sa Philippine National Police, nga buot muluwas sa nahibiling sakop sa bandidong grupo nga bisan sa kagamay na lang gyud, di gihapon mapuo. Hinuon, pinaagi sa pagbutyag ni kanhi Senador Aquilino Pimentel nga amahan karon sa presidente sa senado nga si Koko Pimentel, nahimo nang usa ka publikong kasayoran nga niadtong sayong bahin diay sa
dekada 90 ang ASG girekruta sa Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) ug gibansay mismo sa mga elite nga yunit sa AFP didto sa Sulu ug Tawi-Tawi. Human niini, gipadala ang ASG isip mga mujahideen kun holy warriors sa nagtakuban nga gubat sa US batok sa militar sa Rusya
didto sa Afghanistan.

Ang mga kadaot nga bunga sa paggukod sa ASG dinhi sa Bohol nga kunsabo ra sab diay sa mga pwersang pangseguridad sa gobyerno, simple lang nga gisalikway sa militar nga murag wala silay tulubagon. Kining ilang gihimo, kalapasan sa regulasyon sa kondukta sa gubat nga nagtakda nga nangunang katungdanan sa AFP ang pagpaseguro sa kaluwasan sa mga sibilyan
ug ilang kabtangan.

Ang NDF-Bohol lakip na ang Communist Party of the Philippines ug NPA sa probinsya, miduyog sa kagul-anan sa masa nga nabiktima niining maong gyera. Nag-awhag kini nga angay magmatukion ang katawhan ug dili na magpailad sa pakana sa US ug AFP nga miggamit sa gubat batok terorismo aron gukdon ang makatarunganong rebolusyonaryong pakigbisog sa katawhan ug hatagag rason ang pagpondo ug direktang interbensyon sa US
niining atong nasud isip kabahin sa ilang maniobra dinhi sa Asya batok sa China.

Nanawagan kini sa tanang rebolusyonaryong pwersa nga patas-on ang diwang masukolon batok sa tanang pagpanglingla ug kabangis nga gipatuman sa AFP pinaagi sa bag-ong kontra-insurhensyang kampanyang Oplan Kapayapaan. Gipadayag sab sa NPA ang pagpakusog niini
sa paglunsad og mga taktikal nga opensiba batok sa mga abusadong yunit sa mersenaryong AFP ug batok sa mga patigayong langyaw nga nakadaot sa kinaiyahan ug katawhan.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170507-afpcaa-detachment-sa-datag-inabanga-bohol-giatake-sa-npa

LOOK: ASEAN air forces commanders meet in Philippines

From Update Philippines (May 9): LOOK: ASEAN air forces commanders meet in Philippines


PAF photo

The commanders of ASEAN air forces have gathered here in the Philippines for the 14th ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (AACC) May 2 to 7. AACC is being held in nation of the current year’s ASEAN chairman.

Philippines first hosted the AACC in 2007 when the country was also ASEAN chairman.

“The AACC is an annual meeting that started in 2004 where outputs of the conferences held previously became the bases for cooperation of many policies and agreements among the Air Force of ASEAN member countries, particularly in addressing issues on counterinsurgency, maintaining peace and security in the region, and non-traditional security threats,” the Philippine Air Force said.

The conference was spearheaded by PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Edgar R. Fallorina.

Representing their countries in the annual meeting were: Brigadier General (U) Shahril Anwar Bin Haji Ma’Awiah, Commander of Royal Brunei Air Force; Air Chief Marshal Hadi Jahjanto, S. IP, Chief of Staff of Indonesian Air Force; General Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi Bin Buang, Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force; Major General Tan Wei Ming, Chief of Air Force of Republic of Singapore Air Force; Air Chief Marshal Johm Rungswang, Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Air Force; Lieutenant General Le Huy Vinh, Commander of Air Defense and Air Force Service, Vietnam People’s Army; General Soeung Samnang, Commander of Royal Cambodian Air Force; Brigadier General Khamphath Phimmahxay, Chief of the Air Force, General Department, Ministry of National Defense of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic of Laos; and General Khin Aung Myint, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Air Force.

“There were presentations and exchange of views among the Air Forces’ Chiefs,” PAF said.

“The conference recapitulated the importance of air power and air diplomacy in the ASEAN region in order to help others and build bridges of goodwill as evidenced by the PAF’s current engagements with other ASEAN counterparts at the bilateral and multilateral levels,” PAF said.

Next year’s ASEAN chair is Singapore.

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/look-asean-air-forces-commanders-meet-in-philippines/17290

AFP Modernization 2nd Horizon: Securing territory via land, air, sea

From Update Philippines (May 9): AFP Modernization 2nd Horizon: Securing territory via land, air, sea

 

The Department of National Defense (DND) will be developing the territorial defense capability – through land, air, and sea – of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the Second Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP), while acquiring essential equipment for individual soldiers.

The Second Horizon of RAFPMP will start next year and will end 2022. The First Horizon is now on its last year.

“The DND will continue to acquire defense equipment for the AFP for the use of individual soldiers, such as rifle and force protection equipment,” DND told Update Philippines.

“At the same time, we will pursue the development and enhancement of our territorial defense capability by acquiring major defense assets such as, but not limited to, radars, fighter aircraft, frigates, patrol boats, attack and utility helicopters, missile systems, and unmanned aerial systems,” the DND said.

The DND also told Update Philippine that projects in the first horizon which are 6 Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft acquisition project, 2 Long-range Patrol (LRP) aircraft acquisition project, and FA-50PHs munitions acquisition project will be completed and are currently in various stages of procurement.

DND also said that Philippine Navy’s submarine capability will be developed with acquisition of submarines may be included in the Second and/or Third Horizon (2023 to 2028) of RAFPMP, depending on the Navy’s immediate needs.

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/afp-modernization-2nd-horizon-securing-territory-via-land-air-sea/17293

PMA cadets oriented to BRP Andres Bonifacio, Marines and NAVSOU assets

From Update Philippines (May 9): PMA cadets oriented to BRP Andres Bonifacio, Marines and NAVSOU assets


NFW photo

Philippine Navy Naval Forces West (NFW) welcomed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 2019 on May 7. NFW provides naval assets to AFP Western Command which is the primary command securing West Philippine Sea.

“This activity is part of the PMA’s Southern Cruise 2017 Program, wherein its second class are oriented to the various AFP units,” NFW said.

NFW said this activity provides cadets better appreciation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) organization and its branches of service, as well as to promote the PMA in different areas of the country in order to recruit the best, brightest and the fittest applicants for the military service.
NFW commander Commodore Rommel Jude G. Ong led the welcome reception for the second class cadets aboard Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Andres Bonifacio (FF17) docked at Puerto Princesa City Pier.

The cadets were given a tour of FF17 and were presented with a static display of the capabilities of the 3rd Marine Brigade and Naval Special Operations Unit-4 (NAVSOU-4).


NFW photo

AFP Western Command commanding general Lieutenant General Raul L. Del Rosario, 570th Composite Tactical Wing commander Brigadier General Romeo N Dela Cruz, and 3rd Marine Brigade commander Brigadier General Nathaniel Y Casem were present at the said event.

Commodore Ong and Lieutenant General Del Rosario closed the event with their remarks to PMA cadets.

NFW said the PMA contingent is composed of 284 second-class cadets, 11 officers, 39 support personnel, and 6 civilian employees.

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/pma-cadets-oriented-to-brp-andres-bonifacio-marines-and-navsou-assets/17307

Balikatan 33 officially opens

From InterAksyon (May 9): Balikatan 33 officially opens



Lieutenant General Oscar Lactao, US Ambassador Sung Y. Kim, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ariel Abadilla, General Eduardo Año, and Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson at the opening ceremony for Balikatan 33 in Camp Aguinaldo. (US Embassy photo)


MANILA, Philippines — The 33rd edition of the Balikatan joint military exercises with the United States officially opened in Camp Aguinaldo Monday.

The opening of Balikatan 33-2017 was graced by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ariel Abadilla, US Ambassador Sung Kim and Philippine and American military officers.

The May 8 to 19 exercises will take place in locations in Luzon and the Visayas and will involve “high value training events designed to enhance the capabilities of both AFP and US armed forces,” a statement from the US embassy said.

The training will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism operations.

Prior to the opening, troops from both countries began work in mid-April in Panay, Leyte, and Samar where they renovated five schools and conducted community medical engagements.

“No nation can face today’s challenges alone,” Kim said in the statement. “Whether a natural disaster ravages part of the world or a man-made crisis shocks a community, our two militaries can deliver much stronger responses together.”

In the counterterrorism aspect, US and Philippine forces “will conduct operational and counterterrorism training exercises in diverse areas of expertise, including live fire advanced marksmanship, counter improvised explosive devices, maritime interdiction, and amphibious raids.”

The military of South Korea, East Timor, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom have also been invited to be part of the International Observers Program of this year’s Balikatan.

http://beta.interaksyon.com/balikatan-33-officially-opens/

7 more Abu Sayyaf members give up in Sulu

From InterAksyon (May 10): 7 more Abu Sayyaf members give up in Sulu



Philstar file photo of Abu Sayyaf fighters

Seven more members of the Abu Sayyaf surrendered to government forces in Sulu this week, bringing the number of extremists who have given themselves up as the military pressed its offensive to 47, the Western Mindanao Command said.

Westmincom said Aminula Sakili, Saharijan Sakili, Haydel Sahidul, Sattar Sadjal, Orik Samsuraji, Princibal Abdan, and Annu Asaraji alias Anwar, turned themselves in to Marines in Sitio Kanjawali, Barangay Tandu Bato, Luuk town at 12:35 p.m. Monday, bringing with them an M16 and M14 rifle, an M1 Garand, and a .38 and .45 caliber pistols.

The seven were described as followers of Sansibar Bensio and Tomas Idjas, who used to be under the late subleader Alhabsy Misaya.

The day before, Hussin Asrap Wahid, 28, a known follower of top Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama, also gave up in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.

To date, Westmincom said, 11 Abu Sayyaf fighters have surrendered in Sulu, 25 in Basilan, and 11 in Tawi-Tawi.

http://beta.interaksyon.com/7-more-abu-sayyaf-members-give-up-in-sulu/

US warns citizens vs travel to Palawan over ‘credible info’ of terror threats

From InterAksyon (May 10): US warns citizens vs travel to Palawan over ‘credible info’ of terror threats



The United States embassy in Manila has warned Americans against traveling to Palawan citing “credible information” of plans by terrorist groups to carry out kidnappings in the province, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

“The US Embassy has received credible information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals in the areas of Palawan Province, Philippines, to include Puerto Princesa City, and the areas surrounding Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park,” the advisory posted on the embassy site (https://ph.usembassy.gov/security-message-u-s-citizens-travel-advisory-palawan-province/) said.

“US citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as they make their travel plans and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times,” it added.

Last month, the embassy issued a similar advisory against travel to Bohol, another popular tourist destination, due to threat of terrorist groups.

Soon after, government forces battled a band of Abu Sayyaf gunmen on the Central Visayas island.

The embassy also reminded its citizens of its March 6 Worldwide Caution, which “indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.”

“Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems — including airlines, and other public venue where large crowds gather,” the warning said.

It urged Americans to be “mindful of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines‎.”

http://beta.interaksyon.com/us-warns-citizens-vs-travel-to-palawan-over-credible-info-of-terror-threats/

Rebs seize Army soldier in Valencia raid

From MindaNews (May 9): Rebs seize Army soldier in Valencia raid

An Army soldier was taken captive by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who raided a security agency in neighboring Valencia City last week, the NPA said in a statement Monday.

The NPA-South Central Bukidnon Subregional Command identified the captive as TSgt Joseph Paredes of the 8th Infantry Battalion.

Paredes happened to pass by the rebel checkpoint along the highway in Valencia on Friday night (May 5). The rebels took his caliber .45 pistol.

A policeman identified as Police Officer 1 Emilio Traya of the Maramag town police station was also flagged down at the checkpoint. His service pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, was taken by the rebels, but he managed to escape, the statement said.

The NPA raided the office of DASIA Security Agency at the city proper on Friday night and carted away eight firearms — one AK47 rifle, one caliber .45 pistol, three shotguns and four caliber .38 pistols.

“The attack in Valencia proper belied claims by the 8th Infantry Battalion and the 403rd Infantry Brigade that the NPA is losing mass base support because the city center itself had become the target of attack,” the statement written in Cebuano said.

It accused security agencies of defending the interests of banks and businesses by persecuting workers to suppress their legitimate demands.

Aside from the statement, the NPA sent a video footage of Paredes posted on Youtube where the captive asked Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. and Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Philippine Independent Church to ask the military to suspend operations to expedite his release.

Paredes told his wife and family not to worry as the rebels had promised to release him.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/05/rebs-seize-army-soldier-in-valencia-raid/

4 Rajah Buayan cops injured in roadside blast in Mamasapano

From MindaNews (May 9): 4 Rajah Buayan cops injured in roadside blast in Mamasapano

Four policemen from the municipal police station of Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao were injured when an improvised bomb exploded as they were passing between the Mamasapano Elementary School and the public market in Mamasapano town.
Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan said the roadside bombing “alarms our people” as he noted that “the usual target has been Army vehicles.”

“The police has not been a target, which indicates that there is a new dimension to the peace and order situation in the area. While the site of bombing is in another town, we hope that this will not jeopardize the security of our people,” the mayor said.

Ampatuan identified the injured policemen as SPO2 Mohammad K Ampatuan, PO3 Ali Ibrahim Malok, Harim G Ampatuan and PO1 Norudin E Olympain.



Fragments from the improvised explosive device that went off in Mamasapano town , Maguindanao Tuesday afternoon, 09 May 2017, injuring four policemen from neighboring Rajah Buayan town. Photo courtesy of Mayor Ampatuan

Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello, provincial police chief of Maguindanao said the policemen were on their way to a conference he called for against illegal drugs and annual fiscal examination when the bomb exploded.

The policemen were rushed to the provincial hospital in neighboring Shariff Aguak town. The vehicle was riddled with shrapnel.

No groups has accepted responsibility for the bombing but the mayor said” I sense this is a reprisal” against the police operations against illegal drugs in Rajah Buayan last week.

A mother and her two children were killed while her two younger children were injured when the suspected drug personalities reportedly fired at the policemen who were about to serve warrants of arrest in Barangay Panadtaban, Rajah Buayan early afternoon of May 2.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/05/4-rajah-buayan-cops-injured-in-roadside-blast-in-mamasapano/

NPA rebels own up daring attack on nickel mining firm in Mati City

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 9): NPA rebels own up daring attack on nickel mining firm in Mati City

Communist New People’s Army rebels on Monday owned up a daring attack on a nickel mining firm in Mati City in the southern Philippine province of Davao Oriental.

Rigoberto Sanchez, a rebel spokesman, said NPA forces swooped down on the compound of Mil-Oro Mining Corporation in the village of Macambol over the weekend and destroyed mining equipment, including 5 backhoes and four road graders.

Rebels also seized 2 rifles and six shotguns and ammunition, and several military radio sets from the firm’s security force, and several company vehicles.

Chief Inspector Leonilo Lad, of the local police force, said at least 15 gunmen were involved in the raid that destroyed some P100 million in properties.

The Mil-Oro operates an open-pit mining technique in Mati and is owned by the transnational Austral-Asia Link Mining Corp., whose environmental compliance certificate was revoked last year by then Environment Secretary Gina Lopez for its alleged destructive operations, according to Sanchez.

“It has been operating since 2015 under the patronage and behest of current Davao Oriental Congresswoman Corazon Malanyaon, who was the province’s governor at the time, and has continuously allowed the incursion of destructive mining companies in protected areas in the province,” he said.

Sanchez said Mil-Oro’s operations straddle almost 5,000 hectares of the protected areas of Pujada Bay and Mount Hamiguitan range, declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site in 2014.

“For almost three years now, masses in the surrounding barangays, especially poor fisher folk whose livelihood depend on the area’s rich marine biodiversity, have been complaining against the mining operation of Mil-Oro. Many Lumad and peasant families have also been displaced to make way for the expansion of its operation,” he said.

“For years, the so-called mining industry in Davao Oriental and elsewhere in the region has amassed billions in yearly profit for big compradors and their foreign partners but hardly made any difference to the lives and livelihood of poor peasants, Lumad and workers where mining companies operate. Worse, when their exploration permits expire or get cancelled, like in the case of Austral-Asia Link Mining Corp. which owns Mil-Oro, these companies skirt reactionary laws by simply using dummy corporations to continue their extensively extractive mining practices and further destroy the environment,” he added.

The rebel spokesman said the latest punitive action continues the NPA’s duty in protecting the country’s natural resources and an exercise of the political authority of the People’s Democratic Government. “It is a stern warning against large scale and foreign mining companies that not only exploit our non-renewable resources but also victimize our people in the name of super profit,” Sanchez said.

The NPA has been fighting for a separate state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/npa-rebels-own-up-daring-attack-on-nickel-mining-firm-in-mati-city/