From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 15): Army overruns NPA camp in Leyte
Soldiers belonging to the 78th Infantry Battalion overran a camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday morning following a 20-minute gunfight with communist rebels in Barauen town, about 80 km from here.
No one was reported hurt in the government side, said Lt. Col Danilo Dupiag, 78th IB commander.
He said his men were conducting foot patrol in Baragay Roxas, Burauen, Leyte when they stumbled upon an NPA camp.
A gunfight ensued that lasted for 20 minutes before the communist rebels retreated to the forest.
Dupiag said his men might have hit some rebels based on the bloodstains on the area.
Found inside the camp were one sack of rice and one backpack containing subversive documents and personal belongings of the rebels.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/922958/army-military-npa-new-peoples-army-leyte-npa-camp-gunfight
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
MILF: Editorial --The same old view
Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 16): Editorial --The same old view
During colonial times, colonizers arrogated to themselves the alleged bounden duty to care for non-white colonized peoples, who were treated as inferior race. This was the so-called white man’s burden, which originated and made popular after a poem of the same title by Rudyard Kipling in 1899. In this poem, he urged the U.S. to take up the “burden” of empire, as had Britain and other European nations.
Until today, there are lot of so-called leaders in “Imperial Manila” who would like to predetermine what is good for the Moros and the indigenous peoples in Mindanao. Such is not only reminiscent of this old colonial policy but it is still very much a part of policies of changing administrations in this country.
This view is not only a violation of the right of self-determination (RSD) of people but more seriously, any policy of such nature is sure to fail. Like an illness, the doctor prescribes the wrong medicine. This is the primordial reason why the so-called Moro Question of Problem remains unsolved to this day, which contributed in no small way to the radicalization of youths in Mindanao.
The current example of this old colonial policy is the bill authored by former President and now Congresswoman of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called Basic Act for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BABAR). The acronym itself already means “foolish” or “crazy” in Maguindanao language, which is spoken by over a million people. The last letter “r” is sometimes changed to “l” if it is uttered by people farther from the Iranon areas between Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.
The filing of this kind of law is disgusting in all aspects. It clearly runs counter to the letter and spirit of the FAB and CAB. As former president, who was supposed to be the “mother” of all peoples, she should not have filed such a bill that clearly favours special groups of people, and more seriously, rescinds a moral obligation contained in agreement that it entered into with, including those with MILF and MNLF.
But if we recall the ghost of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in 2008, then we can understand who is this Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It was during her presidency that the MOA-AD was initialled on July 27, 2008 but when it came to its formal signing, she backtracked and reneged on her obligation. This led to bloody fighting in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, and many other areas in Mindanao.
Be this as it may, we still want to assure Congresswoman GMA that we still have the highest respect for her as former president and as daughter of one of the most beloved presidents of this country, the late Diosdado Macapagal, especially among Moros. He was the first president to have appointed a Moro, the late Datu Duma Sinsuat, to his cabinet in the sixties.
By the way, the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not only an exercise of RSD by the Bangsamoro people, but it is also based on the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). By signing these agreements, it is an obligation of government to enact the BBL as a way to comply with its obligation contained in these agreements.
The problem is that the BBL is not yet submitted to Congress, as of this writing. We do not know why GMA is faster than the administration. We sought explanation from the government but we got an unclear answer. Frankly, we do not know what is happening.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/964/the-same-old-view
During colonial times, colonizers arrogated to themselves the alleged bounden duty to care for non-white colonized peoples, who were treated as inferior race. This was the so-called white man’s burden, which originated and made popular after a poem of the same title by Rudyard Kipling in 1899. In this poem, he urged the U.S. to take up the “burden” of empire, as had Britain and other European nations.
Until today, there are lot of so-called leaders in “Imperial Manila” who would like to predetermine what is good for the Moros and the indigenous peoples in Mindanao. Such is not only reminiscent of this old colonial policy but it is still very much a part of policies of changing administrations in this country.
This view is not only a violation of the right of self-determination (RSD) of people but more seriously, any policy of such nature is sure to fail. Like an illness, the doctor prescribes the wrong medicine. This is the primordial reason why the so-called Moro Question of Problem remains unsolved to this day, which contributed in no small way to the radicalization of youths in Mindanao.
The current example of this old colonial policy is the bill authored by former President and now Congresswoman of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called Basic Act for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BABAR). The acronym itself already means “foolish” or “crazy” in Maguindanao language, which is spoken by over a million people. The last letter “r” is sometimes changed to “l” if it is uttered by people farther from the Iranon areas between Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.
The filing of this kind of law is disgusting in all aspects. It clearly runs counter to the letter and spirit of the FAB and CAB. As former president, who was supposed to be the “mother” of all peoples, she should not have filed such a bill that clearly favours special groups of people, and more seriously, rescinds a moral obligation contained in agreement that it entered into with, including those with MILF and MNLF.
But if we recall the ghost of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in 2008, then we can understand who is this Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It was during her presidency that the MOA-AD was initialled on July 27, 2008 but when it came to its formal signing, she backtracked and reneged on her obligation. This led to bloody fighting in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, and many other areas in Mindanao.
Be this as it may, we still want to assure Congresswoman GMA that we still have the highest respect for her as former president and as daughter of one of the most beloved presidents of this country, the late Diosdado Macapagal, especially among Moros. He was the first president to have appointed a Moro, the late Datu Duma Sinsuat, to his cabinet in the sixties.
By the way, the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not only an exercise of RSD by the Bangsamoro people, but it is also based on the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). By signing these agreements, it is an obligation of government to enact the BBL as a way to comply with its obligation contained in these agreements.
The problem is that the BBL is not yet submitted to Congress, as of this writing. We do not know why GMA is faster than the administration. We sought explanation from the government but we got an unclear answer. Frankly, we do not know what is happening.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/964/the-same-old-view
NDF/NPA-ST: Sa kainutilang sugpuin ang droga sa bansa, MGC NPA-ST, nanawagang magresign si Duterte
NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Aug 14): Sa kainutilang sugpuin ang droga sa bansa, MGC NPA-ST, nanawagang magresign si Duterte
Melito Glor Command, New People’s Army
Southern Tagalog
Tahasan nang inamin ni Duterte ang kawalang kakayahan ng kanyang rehimen na iwaksi ang malaganap na iligal na droga sa buong bansa. Walang kahihiyang inako niya ang kainutilan ng kanyang rehimen na sugpuin ang droga matapos ang mala-trapong pulitikong pag-aastang lilipulin ang problema sa droga sa unang tatlong buwan niya, sa anim na buwan at hanggang ngayon. Dahil dito, marapat lamang na magresign na siya sa pagkapangulo ayon sa kanyang paulit-ulit na sinasabi sa bayan.
Sadyang hindi malilipol ang salot na droga sa bansa dahil walang bayag si Duterte na kalabanin ang mga narko-pulitiko na paulit-ulit niyang pinapangalandakan sa publiko na tukoy na niya at ipahuhuli ang mga ito. Patunay rito ang kawalan ng naaarestong malalaking drug lord na nasa mahabang listahang ipinagmamalaki niya. Maging ang kanyang anak na si Paolo Duterte na sangkot rito, ganun din ang mga paborito niyang opisyal militar sa Bureau of Customs na may malakas na dudang sangkot sa pagkakapuslit ng bilyon-bilyong pisong halaga ng shabu sa bansa ay hindi niya kayang papanagutin. Pawang mga target niya rito yaong mga drug lords o pulitiko na hindi malapit sa kanya. Walang tinutugis ang kanyang rehimen kundi ang mga walang kalaban-labang mga mahihirap na mamamayang biktima ng iligal na droga.
Patuloy ang walang patumanggang pagpatay sa mga kawawang biktima ng droga sa nakakasawang kwentong lumaban kaya napatay habang wala ni isa mang pulis ang napapatay sa maraming Operasyon Tokhang at Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Umaabot na sa kulang sampung libo ang napapatay ng mga pulis sa naturang gera kontra droga at malaganap na extra-judicial killings.
Ginawa niya pang halimbawa ang numero unong tapagpalaganap ng droga sa buong daigdig – ang US – na hindi nagawang pigilan ang paglaganap ng droga sa bansa nito. Subalit kahungkagang lulutasin ito ng US dahil ang negosyo sa droga ay pinagmumulan nito ng pondo sa pagpapalaganap ng “gera kontra-terorismo” at agresyon sa buong daigdig. Ito rin ang naglilikha, nagrerekrut, nagpopondo at nagsasanay ng mga terorista mula sa iligal na drug money. Halimbawa nito ang malaganap na drug cartel sa Colombia sa pasimuno ng Central Intelligence Agency na siya ring pinalalaganap sa Africa, Latin America, South East Asia, Middle East at sa buong mundo. Pinoprotektahan rin nito ang mga sindikato sa droga sa buong mundo bilang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng pondo ng kanyang maruming gera laban sa sangkatauhan.
Sadyang walang patutunguhan ang panabing na gera kontra droga sa problema ng droga sa bansa. Lalo lamang itong magdudulot ng samu’t saring kaso ng pagpatay sa mamamayan habang pinagkakitaan ng limpak-limpak na salapi ng mga pulitiko at dayuhang sindikato sa droga.
Tulad ng pagkabigo nito sa kanyang gera laban sa iligal na droga, ang kahambugan at kayabangan nitong tatapusin at lilipulin ang buong rebolusyunaryong mamamayan matapos ang gera nito sa grupong Maute na tuluy-tuloy pa rin sa kabila ng paulit-ulit na mga nagsasalungatang pahayag ng mga tagapagsalita ng AFP-PNP. Tiyak na mabibigo itong gapiin ang makatarungang digmang bayang inilulunsad ng CPP-NPA-NDF dahil sa malalim na sinusuportahan ng lahat ng inaaping uri at sektor sa lipunang Pilipino.
Nanawagan ang Melito Glor Command sa buong sambayanang Pilipino na magkaisa at itakwil ang pasistang si Duterte sa kanyang mga anti-mamamayang gera at patakarang neoliberal sa ekonomiya, mga di pantay na kasunduang militar at makaisang panig na patakarang panlabas. Paghandaan ang todo-todong gerang ihahasik ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte sa ilalim ng martial law sa buong bansa. Salubungin nang nag-aalimpuyong digmang bayan sa kanayunan at ng malawakang kilos protesta sa mga kalunsuran at kabayananan ang paghaharing pasista ng rehimeng US-Duterte buong bansa.###
Rehimeng US-Duterte, inutil sa problema sa droga!
Anti-mamamayang gera-kontra-droga, labanan ng mamamayan!
Reference:
Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla
Tagapagsalita, Melito Glor Command
New People’s Army Southern Tagalog
https://www.ndfp.org/sa-kainutilang-sugpuin-ang-droga-sa-bansa-mgc-npa-st-nanawagang-magresign-si-duterte/
Melito Glor Command, New People’s Army
Southern Tagalog
Tahasan nang inamin ni Duterte ang kawalang kakayahan ng kanyang rehimen na iwaksi ang malaganap na iligal na droga sa buong bansa. Walang kahihiyang inako niya ang kainutilan ng kanyang rehimen na sugpuin ang droga matapos ang mala-trapong pulitikong pag-aastang lilipulin ang problema sa droga sa unang tatlong buwan niya, sa anim na buwan at hanggang ngayon. Dahil dito, marapat lamang na magresign na siya sa pagkapangulo ayon sa kanyang paulit-ulit na sinasabi sa bayan.
Sadyang hindi malilipol ang salot na droga sa bansa dahil walang bayag si Duterte na kalabanin ang mga narko-pulitiko na paulit-ulit niyang pinapangalandakan sa publiko na tukoy na niya at ipahuhuli ang mga ito. Patunay rito ang kawalan ng naaarestong malalaking drug lord na nasa mahabang listahang ipinagmamalaki niya. Maging ang kanyang anak na si Paolo Duterte na sangkot rito, ganun din ang mga paborito niyang opisyal militar sa Bureau of Customs na may malakas na dudang sangkot sa pagkakapuslit ng bilyon-bilyong pisong halaga ng shabu sa bansa ay hindi niya kayang papanagutin. Pawang mga target niya rito yaong mga drug lords o pulitiko na hindi malapit sa kanya. Walang tinutugis ang kanyang rehimen kundi ang mga walang kalaban-labang mga mahihirap na mamamayang biktima ng iligal na droga.
Patuloy ang walang patumanggang pagpatay sa mga kawawang biktima ng droga sa nakakasawang kwentong lumaban kaya napatay habang wala ni isa mang pulis ang napapatay sa maraming Operasyon Tokhang at Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Umaabot na sa kulang sampung libo ang napapatay ng mga pulis sa naturang gera kontra droga at malaganap na extra-judicial killings.
Ginawa niya pang halimbawa ang numero unong tapagpalaganap ng droga sa buong daigdig – ang US – na hindi nagawang pigilan ang paglaganap ng droga sa bansa nito. Subalit kahungkagang lulutasin ito ng US dahil ang negosyo sa droga ay pinagmumulan nito ng pondo sa pagpapalaganap ng “gera kontra-terorismo” at agresyon sa buong daigdig. Ito rin ang naglilikha, nagrerekrut, nagpopondo at nagsasanay ng mga terorista mula sa iligal na drug money. Halimbawa nito ang malaganap na drug cartel sa Colombia sa pasimuno ng Central Intelligence Agency na siya ring pinalalaganap sa Africa, Latin America, South East Asia, Middle East at sa buong mundo. Pinoprotektahan rin nito ang mga sindikato sa droga sa buong mundo bilang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng pondo ng kanyang maruming gera laban sa sangkatauhan.
Sadyang walang patutunguhan ang panabing na gera kontra droga sa problema ng droga sa bansa. Lalo lamang itong magdudulot ng samu’t saring kaso ng pagpatay sa mamamayan habang pinagkakitaan ng limpak-limpak na salapi ng mga pulitiko at dayuhang sindikato sa droga.
Tulad ng pagkabigo nito sa kanyang gera laban sa iligal na droga, ang kahambugan at kayabangan nitong tatapusin at lilipulin ang buong rebolusyunaryong mamamayan matapos ang gera nito sa grupong Maute na tuluy-tuloy pa rin sa kabila ng paulit-ulit na mga nagsasalungatang pahayag ng mga tagapagsalita ng AFP-PNP. Tiyak na mabibigo itong gapiin ang makatarungang digmang bayang inilulunsad ng CPP-NPA-NDF dahil sa malalim na sinusuportahan ng lahat ng inaaping uri at sektor sa lipunang Pilipino.
Nanawagan ang Melito Glor Command sa buong sambayanang Pilipino na magkaisa at itakwil ang pasistang si Duterte sa kanyang mga anti-mamamayang gera at patakarang neoliberal sa ekonomiya, mga di pantay na kasunduang militar at makaisang panig na patakarang panlabas. Paghandaan ang todo-todong gerang ihahasik ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte sa ilalim ng martial law sa buong bansa. Salubungin nang nag-aalimpuyong digmang bayan sa kanayunan at ng malawakang kilos protesta sa mga kalunsuran at kabayananan ang paghaharing pasista ng rehimeng US-Duterte buong bansa.###
Rehimeng US-Duterte, inutil sa problema sa droga!
Anti-mamamayang gera-kontra-droga, labanan ng mamamayan!
Reference:
Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla
Tagapagsalita, Melito Glor Command
New People’s Army Southern Tagalog
https://www.ndfp.org/sa-kainutilang-sugpuin-ang-droga-sa-bansa-mgc-npa-st-nanawagang-magresign-si-duterte/
LOOK: Duterte witnesses turnover of brand new binoculars to military
From Update Philippines (Aug 15): LOOK: Duterte witnesses turnover of brand new binoculars to military
President Rodrigo Duterte today witnessed the turnover of the deed of donation for brand new binoculars from Monica Louise Prieto-Teodoro for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Prieto-Teodoro turned over the deed of donation to AFP Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Año. Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III and National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana were also present at the turnover event.
Presidential photo
Prieto-Teodoro is the Representative of the First District of Tarlac and the spouse of Gilbert Teodoro, a former Secretary of National Defense.
Presidential photo
Presidential photo
https://www.update.ph/2017/08/look-duterte-witnesses-turnover-of-brand-new-binoculars-to-military/20169
President Rodrigo Duterte today witnessed the turnover of the deed of donation for brand new binoculars from Monica Louise Prieto-Teodoro for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Prieto-Teodoro turned over the deed of donation to AFP Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Año. Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III and National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana were also present at the turnover event.
Presidential photo
Prieto-Teodoro is the Representative of the First District of Tarlac and the spouse of Gilbert Teodoro, a former Secretary of National Defense.
Presidential photo
Presidential photo
https://www.update.ph/2017/08/look-duterte-witnesses-turnover-of-brand-new-binoculars-to-military/20169
Visayas terrorists-free: AFP
From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 15): Visayas terrorists-free: AFP
The whole Visayas remains peaceful with no imminent threat from the violent extremist groups from Mindanao, Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao, commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command, said yesterday.
But the AFP Central Command continues to exert more efforts in implementing target hardening measures, toprevent the possible spread of terrorism in the Visayas, considering its proximity to the Mindanao conflict zone.
It was a mission accomplished for the AFP Central Command when they were able to neutralize the attempt of Abu Sayyaf bandits to expand their operations to Bohol two months ago.
But Lactao said “It would have been better if we had prevented them from securing a foothold in our peaceful communities”.
Peace advocate groups in Negros Occidental, in tandem with other peace stakeholders, joined the efforts of the security sector in educating Negrenses on violent extremism, by holding a forum on “ Religious Extremism in Contemporary Philippines” yesterday in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
Lactao said the forum was aimed at understanding violent extremism, and why it exists.
“If you understand it, you will be able to prevent it, especially in vulnerable communities. At the same time, prepare, and if will happen to us, respond to it appropriately”. he added.
The Visayan Sea Safety and Security Inter-Agency Task force headed by Lactao was recently organized to prevent the spread of terrorism and related activities in Central Philippines, on top of related security task groups created in the Visayas provinces.
Lactao, who previously served as commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros, prepared a whole-nation approach in addressing security threats in Visayas, stressing that “Everybody has a shared responsibility” in preventing the spread of terrorism.
During the forum, Prof. AlihAiyub, regional secretary general of the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines discussed “Violent Extremism and Terrorism: Preventing and Confronting it from the Ulama Perspective”, while Humanitarian Practitioner and Peace Worker Milet Mendoza spoke on “Understanding the Islamist Extremist's Psyche”. They were joined by Ustadz Najeeb Razul, a Muslim elder in Cebu.
Visayas remains at level 2 in terrorist threat, and is a probable target area, due to its proximity to Mindanao, but this is not likely, as of now, AFP Central Command said.
But still the Central Command in encouraging the public to be vigilant in detecting, deterring and defusing any terror plan inthe Visayas.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/August/15/topstory5.htm
The whole Visayas remains peaceful with no imminent threat from the violent extremist groups from Mindanao, Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao, commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command, said yesterday.
But the AFP Central Command continues to exert more efforts in implementing target hardening measures, toprevent the possible spread of terrorism in the Visayas, considering its proximity to the Mindanao conflict zone.
It was a mission accomplished for the AFP Central Command when they were able to neutralize the attempt of Abu Sayyaf bandits to expand their operations to Bohol two months ago.
But Lactao said “It would have been better if we had prevented them from securing a foothold in our peaceful communities”.
Peace advocate groups in Negros Occidental, in tandem with other peace stakeholders, joined the efforts of the security sector in educating Negrenses on violent extremism, by holding a forum on “ Religious Extremism in Contemporary Philippines” yesterday in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
Lactao said the forum was aimed at understanding violent extremism, and why it exists.
“If you understand it, you will be able to prevent it, especially in vulnerable communities. At the same time, prepare, and if will happen to us, respond to it appropriately”. he added.
The Visayan Sea Safety and Security Inter-Agency Task force headed by Lactao was recently organized to prevent the spread of terrorism and related activities in Central Philippines, on top of related security task groups created in the Visayas provinces.
Lactao, who previously served as commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros, prepared a whole-nation approach in addressing security threats in Visayas, stressing that “Everybody has a shared responsibility” in preventing the spread of terrorism.
During the forum, Prof. AlihAiyub, regional secretary general of the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines discussed “Violent Extremism and Terrorism: Preventing and Confronting it from the Ulama Perspective”, while Humanitarian Practitioner and Peace Worker Milet Mendoza spoke on “Understanding the Islamist Extremist's Psyche”. They were joined by Ustadz Najeeb Razul, a Muslim elder in Cebu.
Visayas remains at level 2 in terrorist threat, and is a probable target area, due to its proximity to Mindanao, but this is not likely, as of now, AFP Central Command said.
But still the Central Command in encouraging the public to be vigilant in detecting, deterring and defusing any terror plan inthe Visayas.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/August/15/topstory5.htm
NPA’s Melito Glor Command-Southern Tagalog says it’s time for Duterte to step down
From News 5/InterAksyon (Aug 16): NPA’s Melito Glor Command-Southern Tagalog says it’s time for Duterte to step down
Ka Diego of the NPA Melito Glor Command. Photographed by Bernard Testa
“Sa kainutilang sugpuin ang droga sa bansa, marapat lamang na magresign na si Rodrigo Duterte sa pagkapangulo ayon sa kanyang paulit-ulit na sinasabi sa bayan.” (Owing to his ineffectual campaign to suppress illegal drugs, President Duterte should resign in keeping with his oft-repeated promise to the people.)
This, in essence, was the message of a statement issued by the New People’s Army Melito Glor Command’s Southern Tagalog wing.
The statement was attributed to Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla, Spokesman of the Melito Glor Command–New People’s Army Southern Tagalog on Tuesday.
Part of the statement reads:
“Tahasan nang inamin ni Duterte ang kawalang kakayahan ng kanyang rehimen na iwaksi ang malaganap na iligal na droga sa buong bansa. Walang kahihiyang inako niya ang kainutilan ng kanyang rehimen na sugpuin ang droga matapos ang mala-trapong pulitikong pag-aastang lilipulin ang problema sa droga sa unang tatlong buwan niya, sa anim na buwan at hanggang ngayon. Dahil dito, marapat lamang na magresign na siya sa pagkapangulo ayon sa kanyang paulit-ulit na sinasabi sa bayan. (Duterte has utterly acknowledged the inability of his regime to eliminate the widespread scourge of drugs in three months as he initially bellowed like a traditional politician, then six months, then until now after 12 months. Because of this, he should resign.)
The statement went on to say that President Duterte lacked the pluck and grit to face up to the narco-politicians that he frequently bashed in public. “Patunay rito ang kawalan ng naaarestong malalaking drug lord na nasa mahabang listahang ipinagmamalaki niya (Proof of this is that hardly has there been a big drug lord arrested out of the long narco list that he has flaunted about).”
Even his own son, Paolo Duterte, has been implicated, as was his favorite ex-military officer running the Bureau of Customs where billions of pesos worth of shabu (crystal meth) had slipped by, whom he could not seem to hold accountable, Ka Diego said.
Only suspects who are not close to him are getting the heat, the statement noted.
The statement also remarked that it’s mostly the small citizens who are unable to face up to him that become victims of the campaign. (Walang tinutugis ang kanyang rehimen kundi ang mga walang kalaban-labang mga mahihirap na mamamayang biktima ng iligal na droga.)
Ka Diego of the NPA Melito Glor Command. Photographed by Bernard Testa
“Sa kainutilang sugpuin ang droga sa bansa, marapat lamang na magresign na si Rodrigo Duterte sa pagkapangulo ayon sa kanyang paulit-ulit na sinasabi sa bayan.” (Owing to his ineffectual campaign to suppress illegal drugs, President Duterte should resign in keeping with his oft-repeated promise to the people.)
This, in essence, was the message of a statement issued by the New People’s Army Melito Glor Command’s Southern Tagalog wing.
The statement was attributed to Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla, Spokesman of the Melito Glor Command–New People’s Army Southern Tagalog on Tuesday.
Part of the statement reads:
“Tahasan nang inamin ni Duterte ang kawalang kakayahan ng kanyang rehimen na iwaksi ang malaganap na iligal na droga sa buong bansa. Walang kahihiyang inako niya ang kainutilan ng kanyang rehimen na sugpuin ang droga matapos ang mala-trapong pulitikong pag-aastang lilipulin ang problema sa droga sa unang tatlong buwan niya, sa anim na buwan at hanggang ngayon. Dahil dito, marapat lamang na magresign na siya sa pagkapangulo ayon sa kanyang paulit-ulit na sinasabi sa bayan. (Duterte has utterly acknowledged the inability of his regime to eliminate the widespread scourge of drugs in three months as he initially bellowed like a traditional politician, then six months, then until now after 12 months. Because of this, he should resign.)
The statement went on to say that President Duterte lacked the pluck and grit to face up to the narco-politicians that he frequently bashed in public. “Patunay rito ang kawalan ng naaarestong malalaking drug lord na nasa mahabang listahang ipinagmamalaki niya (Proof of this is that hardly has there been a big drug lord arrested out of the long narco list that he has flaunted about).”
Even his own son, Paolo Duterte, has been implicated, as was his favorite ex-military officer running the Bureau of Customs where billions of pesos worth of shabu (crystal meth) had slipped by, whom he could not seem to hold accountable, Ka Diego said.
Only suspects who are not close to him are getting the heat, the statement noted.
The statement also remarked that it’s mostly the small citizens who are unable to face up to him that become victims of the campaign. (Walang tinutugis ang kanyang rehimen kundi ang mga walang kalaban-labang mga mahihirap na mamamayang biktima ng iligal na droga.)
DOJ opens hearings on Maute case for abduction, slay of sawmill workers
From News 5/InterAksyon (Aug 14): DOJ opens hearings on Maute case for abduction, slay of sawmill workers
Members of the Maute Group attend the preliminary investigation at DOJ on the April 4 abduction of six sawmill workers in Butig, and the beheading of two. IMAGE FROM PTV4
The Department of Justice began Monday the preliminary investigation of the cases of murder and kidnapping lodged against the Maute brothers and other members of the Maute Group, whose May 23 siege of Marawi City continues to render much of the once-progressive Islamic city uninhabitable.
The first batch of charges being heard by DOJ involves the kidnapping of six sawmill workers in Butig, Lanao del Sur in April, and the beheading of two of the six captives.
The abduction took place April 4 and the beheadings, on April 10.
Present at the hearing at the DOJ in Manila were the victims who had escaped captivity and the relatives of those who were beheaded – identified as Jaymark Kapampangan and Salvador Hanubos.
The only respondent who appeared at the hearing was Dr. Russel Salic.
The complainants pointed to Salic as a cohort of the Mautes. He is described as a physician tending to the Maute Group.
Some of the enraged victim-complainants wanted to strike out at Salic, but were restrained by DOJ security.
Dr. Salic failed to submit his counter-affidavit, and asked the DOJ to extend the deadline to August 23 – a request that was granted.
According to Salic, he could not craft an affidavit because some key documents he needs are in Cagayan de Oro.
He denied the accusations. “It is a big lie. Fabricated!” he blurted out.
Senior assistant state prosecutor Peter Ong said investigation showed the Maute Group had suspected the sawmill workers of being government spies.
Their abduction was part of the second wave of attacks by the group, after their rampage in Butig town. As the government forces poured into Butig and nearby areas to try and neutralize them there, the brothers and their followers staged the Marawi siege instead, sparking a deadly urban warfare that forced government to mount air strikes that have destroyed a huge part of the city.
Prosecutor Ong said the owner of the sawmill is being treated as a cohort of the Mautes, too, and has also been charged.
Former Marawi Mayor Pre Salic is also listed among the respondents.
The pick-up truck where the abducted sawmill workers were transported had the marking of “Pre”.
Ong narrated the grim details of the workers’ fate: “Dinukot po sila noong April 4, then pinalakad from Sandab. Sinakay sila sa pickup. May tatak na Pre. Kay Mayor Salic. Dinala sila sa Barangay Puktan. On the sixth day, ang dalawa pinugutan na [They were taken on April 4 and made to walk from Barangay Sandab. Then they were loaded on a pickup with the marking ‘Pre’. That’s Mayor Salic. They were brought to Barangay Puktan. On the sixth day, the two were beheaded].”
Meanwhile, the victims insisted that Dr. Salic is also in cahoots with the Mautes, based on testimony of the captives who escaped that they saw the physician inside the Maute camp in Barangay Puktan, Butig town.
“When they were abducted, theyir hands were bound. They saw Dr. Salic there, cleaning his gun and guarding them. He was with Maute members,” Ong said
The DOJ set the next hearing on Aug. 23.
Members of the Maute Group attend the preliminary investigation at DOJ on the April 4 abduction of six sawmill workers in Butig, and the beheading of two. IMAGE FROM PTV4
The Department of Justice began Monday the preliminary investigation of the cases of murder and kidnapping lodged against the Maute brothers and other members of the Maute Group, whose May 23 siege of Marawi City continues to render much of the once-progressive Islamic city uninhabitable.
The first batch of charges being heard by DOJ involves the kidnapping of six sawmill workers in Butig, Lanao del Sur in April, and the beheading of two of the six captives.
The abduction took place April 4 and the beheadings, on April 10.
Present at the hearing at the DOJ in Manila were the victims who had escaped captivity and the relatives of those who were beheaded – identified as Jaymark Kapampangan and Salvador Hanubos.
The only respondent who appeared at the hearing was Dr. Russel Salic.
The complainants pointed to Salic as a cohort of the Mautes. He is described as a physician tending to the Maute Group.
Some of the enraged victim-complainants wanted to strike out at Salic, but were restrained by DOJ security.
Dr. Salic failed to submit his counter-affidavit, and asked the DOJ to extend the deadline to August 23 – a request that was granted.
According to Salic, he could not craft an affidavit because some key documents he needs are in Cagayan de Oro.
He denied the accusations. “It is a big lie. Fabricated!” he blurted out.
Senior assistant state prosecutor Peter Ong said investigation showed the Maute Group had suspected the sawmill workers of being government spies.
Their abduction was part of the second wave of attacks by the group, after their rampage in Butig town. As the government forces poured into Butig and nearby areas to try and neutralize them there, the brothers and their followers staged the Marawi siege instead, sparking a deadly urban warfare that forced government to mount air strikes that have destroyed a huge part of the city.
Prosecutor Ong said the owner of the sawmill is being treated as a cohort of the Mautes, too, and has also been charged.
Former Marawi Mayor Pre Salic is also listed among the respondents.
The pick-up truck where the abducted sawmill workers were transported had the marking of “Pre”.
Ong narrated the grim details of the workers’ fate: “Dinukot po sila noong April 4, then pinalakad from Sandab. Sinakay sila sa pickup. May tatak na Pre. Kay Mayor Salic. Dinala sila sa Barangay Puktan. On the sixth day, ang dalawa pinugutan na [They were taken on April 4 and made to walk from Barangay Sandab. Then they were loaded on a pickup with the marking ‘Pre’. That’s Mayor Salic. They were brought to Barangay Puktan. On the sixth day, the two were beheaded].”
Meanwhile, the victims insisted that Dr. Salic is also in cahoots with the Mautes, based on testimony of the captives who escaped that they saw the physician inside the Maute camp in Barangay Puktan, Butig town.
“When they were abducted, theyir hands were bound. They saw Dr. Salic there, cleaning his gun and guarding them. He was with Maute members,” Ong said
The DOJ set the next hearing on Aug. 23.
1,000 workers to lose jobs if banana firm closes shop
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 15): 1,000 workers to lose jobs if banana firm closes shop
About 1,000 workers of Dole Philippines-Stanfilco stand to lose their jobs if management pushes through with plans to shut down due to the series of attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) on its banana plantations in Tago, Tagbina and Barobo towns in Surigao del Sur.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel expressed concern about the fate of the workers and thousands more of their dependents in a press forum held here recently.
“We are very much concerned of this plan by the company to shut down because many workers will be displaced and thousands of their dependents might also be affected,” said Pimentel.
While Pimentel could not disclose the exact date when the company will close down, he nevertheless revealed that it was going to be “anytime.”
He said top officials of the provincial government is set to have a meeting with Dole Philippines-Stanfilco, military and police officials, and some line agencies of the government to be able to come up with a solution for the massive labor problem.
Pimentel said the company had actually mulled closing shop in 2016 but was only prevailed upon the provincial government to reconsider its decision because of the number of workers that will be affected.
“The company considered our request last year, with some security measures extended to them by the government force,” he said.
“However, this time, we hope that they will reconsider again our request (for them) not to stop their operation,” Pimentel said.
But even Pimentel noted it will be hard to convince Dole management to reconsider after a July 18 attack by the NPA where several hectares of fully grown banana trees were chopped down and six trucks were set on fire.
Sources from the company claimed that from 2010, the rebels have already burned a total of 19 trucks. This year alone, Dole has reportedly lost seven trucks to such burnings.
The management can no longer afford to incur heavy losses because of these attacks, the source said.
Military and police intelligence sources said the sustained NPA attacks were due to the refusal of the banana company to pay the Communists revolutionary tax.
About 1,000 workers of Dole Philippines-Stanfilco stand to lose their jobs if management pushes through with plans to shut down due to the series of attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) on its banana plantations in Tago, Tagbina and Barobo towns in Surigao del Sur.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel expressed concern about the fate of the workers and thousands more of their dependents in a press forum held here recently.
“We are very much concerned of this plan by the company to shut down because many workers will be displaced and thousands of their dependents might also be affected,” said Pimentel.
While Pimentel could not disclose the exact date when the company will close down, he nevertheless revealed that it was going to be “anytime.”
He said top officials of the provincial government is set to have a meeting with Dole Philippines-Stanfilco, military and police officials, and some line agencies of the government to be able to come up with a solution for the massive labor problem.
Pimentel said the company had actually mulled closing shop in 2016 but was only prevailed upon the provincial government to reconsider its decision because of the number of workers that will be affected.
“The company considered our request last year, with some security measures extended to them by the government force,” he said.
“However, this time, we hope that they will reconsider again our request (for them) not to stop their operation,” Pimentel said.
But even Pimentel noted it will be hard to convince Dole management to reconsider after a July 18 attack by the NPA where several hectares of fully grown banana trees were chopped down and six trucks were set on fire.
Sources from the company claimed that from 2010, the rebels have already burned a total of 19 trucks. This year alone, Dole has reportedly lost seven trucks to such burnings.
The management can no longer afford to incur heavy losses because of these attacks, the source said.
Military and police intelligence sources said the sustained NPA attacks were due to the refusal of the banana company to pay the Communists revolutionary tax.
Ex-soldier ng Samar itinumba
From Abante Tonight (Aug 14): Ex-soldier ng Samar itinumba
Pinagbabaril hanggang sa mapatay ng mga hinihinalang miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) ang isang dating sundalo sa Eastern Samar kamakalawa.
Minamaneho ni retired Staff Sergeant Alberto Asis, 48-anyos, ang kanyang traysikel dakong alas-11:45 ng umaga noong Sabado nang pagbabarilin siya ng kanyang tatlong pasahero sa bahagi ng Barangay Calutan sa bayan ng General McArthur.
Ayon kay Chief Insp. Bella Rentuaya, tagapagsalita ng Eastern Visayas Police Regional Office, isinigaw umano ng mga suspek na sila ay miyembro ng NPA bago pinagbabaril ang biktima.
Patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng pulisya ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga suspek at kung totoong mga NPA ang mga ito.
Ayon kay Chief Insp. Bella Rentuaya, tagapagsalita ng Eastern Visayas Police Regional Office, isinigaw umano ng mga suspek na sila ay miyembro ng NPA bago pinagbabaril ang biktima.
Patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng pulisya ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga suspek at kung totoong mga NPA ang mga ito.
5 Chinese ships spotted near Pag-asa sandbars
From Rappler (Aug 16): 5 Chinese ships spotted near Pag-asa sandbars
'The Chinese may have a sinister plan to occupy sandbars just west of Pag-asa that belong to us,' says Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano
A Philippine lawmaker raised alarm over "extraordinary activities" of Chinese ships near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), concerned that they are eyeing to occupy sandbars where Filipinos living there would go to fish and picnic.
Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano said the swarm is composed of two frigates, a coastguard vessel, two large fishing vessels, and numerous maritime militias.
"The Chinese may have a sinister plan to occupy sandbars just west of Pag-asa that belong to us. There is also information that it prevented or blocked our BFAR [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources] ship in the area," he told Rappler on Tuesday, August 15.
Alejano raised this to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Monday night, August 14, in the House of Representatives during deliberations on the defense department's budget before the committee on appropriations.
In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said their agency is verifying this report with authorities on the ground, such as the country's defense officials and members of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Alejano, a former marine officer, said he received the information from his contacts in the military. The ships have been there since Saturday, August 12, he said.
Pag-asa, one of the biggest islands in the Spratlys, is occupied by about a hundred Filipinos. Chinese ships are always spotted near the island because of its proximity to one of 7 reefs China reclaimed – Subi Reef – located 20 nautical miles southwest.
But the Chinese ships have not been spotted too close to the sandbars located less than 3 nautical miles north of Pag-asa.
Cayetano's modus vivendi with China
Lorenzana told the committee that troops are ready to defend the country's territory in any event of attack.
"It would be a very serious thing if the Chinese will occupy any of the islands, kahit 'yung mga islands na malalayo (even the islands that are far away)... That would be a very serious issue," Lorenzana said.
Alejano said he is worried that China will use "maritime militias" – civilian fishermen – to attack Pag-asa Island.
"They are civilian fishermen using smaller boats but were enlisted by Chinese military to achieve their objectives like blocking, ramming, and harassing our fishermen and government vessels," said Alejano.
Lorenzana said he is counting on China not to occupy more territories in the West Philippine Sea, based on a "modus vivendi" that he said was brokered by Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
"There is status quo now that is happening in the South China Sea brokered by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. According to him, the Chinese will [neither] occupy new features in the South China Sea nor are they going to build structures in Scarborough Shoal," Lorenzana told the committee.
Lorenzana visited Pag-asa in April after President Rodrigo Duterte canceled plans to plant the Philippine flag there.
The government allocated P1.6 billion ($32 million) to repair facilities there including the dilapidated runway.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/178745-chinese-ships-pagasa-sandbars
'The Chinese may have a sinister plan to occupy sandbars just west of Pag-asa that belong to us,' says Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano
A Philippine lawmaker raised alarm over "extraordinary activities" of Chinese ships near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), concerned that they are eyeing to occupy sandbars where Filipinos living there would go to fish and picnic.
Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano said the swarm is composed of two frigates, a coastguard vessel, two large fishing vessels, and numerous maritime militias.
"The Chinese may have a sinister plan to occupy sandbars just west of Pag-asa that belong to us. There is also information that it prevented or blocked our BFAR [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources] ship in the area," he told Rappler on Tuesday, August 15.
Alejano raised this to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Monday night, August 14, in the House of Representatives during deliberations on the defense department's budget before the committee on appropriations.
In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said their agency is verifying this report with authorities on the ground, such as the country's defense officials and members of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Alejano, a former marine officer, said he received the information from his contacts in the military. The ships have been there since Saturday, August 12, he said.
Pag-asa, one of the biggest islands in the Spratlys, is occupied by about a hundred Filipinos. Chinese ships are always spotted near the island because of its proximity to one of 7 reefs China reclaimed – Subi Reef – located 20 nautical miles southwest.
But the Chinese ships have not been spotted too close to the sandbars located less than 3 nautical miles north of Pag-asa.
Cayetano's modus vivendi with China
Lorenzana told the committee that troops are ready to defend the country's territory in any event of attack.
"It would be a very serious thing if the Chinese will occupy any of the islands, kahit 'yung mga islands na malalayo (even the islands that are far away)... That would be a very serious issue," Lorenzana said.
Alejano said he is worried that China will use "maritime militias" – civilian fishermen – to attack Pag-asa Island.
"They are civilian fishermen using smaller boats but were enlisted by Chinese military to achieve their objectives like blocking, ramming, and harassing our fishermen and government vessels," said Alejano.
Lorenzana said he is counting on China not to occupy more territories in the West Philippine Sea, based on a "modus vivendi" that he said was brokered by Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
"There is status quo now that is happening in the South China Sea brokered by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. According to him, the Chinese will [neither] occupy new features in the South China Sea nor are they going to build structures in Scarborough Shoal," Lorenzana told the committee.
Lorenzana visited Pag-asa in April after President Rodrigo Duterte canceled plans to plant the Philippine flag there.
The government allocated P1.6 billion ($32 million) to repair facilities there including the dilapidated runway.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/178745-chinese-ships-pagasa-sandbars
PH military asks Congress for P124M EDCA 'counterpart fund'
From Rappler (Aug 14): PH military asks Congress for P124M EDCA 'counterpart fund'
Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año asks Congress for P124 million the Philippines has to cough up for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
The Philippine military is asking Congress for money to fund initial ground work to implement a 2014 military-to-military agreement with the US.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año asked the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations to provide the P124 million ($2.5 million*) as the country's "counterpart fund" in its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States.
The AFP request is a "capital outlay fund" listed as "Construction and Enhancement of Base and Base Support Facilities."
Año appeared before the committee on Monday, August 14, to defend the budget of the AFP.
EDCA is an agreement which allows the US military to construct facilities and preposition defense assets inside Philippine military bases. (READ: What is EDCA? Look at Zambo's PH-US joint operations)
"We need to prepare these sites accordingly before the actual construction of these facilites may happen. It is beneficial for our armed forces," Año told the committee.
The improvements the US military plan to construct in the sites will eventually become properties of the Philippine military, said Año.
Año said 5 Philippine military bases have been identified for the implementation of EDCA. These are:
Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City
Camp Bautista in Palawan
Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija
Basa Air Base in Pampanga
Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro
The Philippines negotiated EDCA during the previous administration to seek US assistance in addressing China's aggressiveness in the South China Sea.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of EDCA amid protests that it was a de-facto basing agreement.
President Rodrigo Duterte has since adopted a foreign policy which is friendlier to China.
The Department of National Defense, which overseas the military, proposed a total budget of P195 billion for 2018, including P50 billion for the pension of retired enlisted personnel.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/178713-philippine-military-edca-funding
Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año asks Congress for P124 million the Philippines has to cough up for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
BUDGET HEARING. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año defend their budgets before the House of Representatives on August 14, 2017
The Philippine military is asking Congress for money to fund initial ground work to implement a 2014 military-to-military agreement with the US.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año asked the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations to provide the P124 million ($2.5 million*) as the country's "counterpart fund" in its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States.
The AFP request is a "capital outlay fund" listed as "Construction and Enhancement of Base and Base Support Facilities."
Año appeared before the committee on Monday, August 14, to defend the budget of the AFP.
EDCA is an agreement which allows the US military to construct facilities and preposition defense assets inside Philippine military bases. (READ: What is EDCA? Look at Zambo's PH-US joint operations)
"We need to prepare these sites accordingly before the actual construction of these facilites may happen. It is beneficial for our armed forces," Año told the committee.
The improvements the US military plan to construct in the sites will eventually become properties of the Philippine military, said Año.
Año said 5 Philippine military bases have been identified for the implementation of EDCA. These are:
Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City
Camp Bautista in Palawan
Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija
Basa Air Base in Pampanga
Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro
The Philippines negotiated EDCA during the previous administration to seek US assistance in addressing China's aggressiveness in the South China Sea.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of EDCA amid protests that it was a de-facto basing agreement.
President Rodrigo Duterte has since adopted a foreign policy which is friendlier to China.
The Department of National Defense, which overseas the military, proposed a total budget of P195 billion for 2018, including P50 billion for the pension of retired enlisted personnel.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/178713-philippine-military-edca-funding
AFP pleads for patience in resolving Marawi standoff
From News 5/InterAksyon (Aug 15): AFP pleads for patience in resolving Marawi standoff
Soldiers stand guard along the main street of Mapandi in Marawi City. (photo by Romeo Ranoco, Reuters)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) begged for patience from the people in finishing off the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City, reiterating that the military was not facing an ordinary enemy.
“How long? We can’t say. Konting patience lang po (Some patience please). It would be over,” AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año said at the briefing for the proposed 2018 budget of the Department of National Defense at the House of Representatives.
Asked by ACT Teachers partylist Rep. France Castro on the whereabouts of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, Año said, “Based on our monitoring, he’s still in Marawi City. Based on our information, he’s still alive.”
The fighting in Marawi City still rages, close to three months since the Maute group, which is seeking affiliation with the international Islamic State terrorist organization, violently repulsed a law enforcement mission to arrest Hapilon, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in the entire Mindanao on May 23.
From the initial prescribed 60-day cap, Congress extended martial law until December 31, 2017.
Of the estimated 600 Maute members that infiltrated Marawi, Año said over 500 have been killed, but he pointed out that the battle was not easy.
“Madaling magsabi na madali (Easy to say it’s like a walk in the park), but the enemy does not play by the rules, they used humans as shields,” he said.
“If there are no hostages … it’s very easy to finish this fight,” he added.
Año said government troops are being “careful and deliberate” in its movement “to prevent loss of innocent lives.”
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reported that the battle has cost the government between P2.5 billion and P3 billion.
On questioning by Castro, Año said every bomb dropped on enemy positions costs P323,000. However, he did not respond when asked about the number of bombs the military has used, so far, in its air strikes, saying divulging the information has security implications.
For 2018, the DND has proposed P144.67 billion in new appropriations.
http://www.interaksyon.com/afp-pleads-for-patience-in-resolving-marawi-standoff/
Soldiers stand guard along the main street of Mapandi in Marawi City. (photo by Romeo Ranoco, Reuters)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) begged for patience from the people in finishing off the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City, reiterating that the military was not facing an ordinary enemy.
“How long? We can’t say. Konting patience lang po (Some patience please). It would be over,” AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año said at the briefing for the proposed 2018 budget of the Department of National Defense at the House of Representatives.
Asked by ACT Teachers partylist Rep. France Castro on the whereabouts of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, Año said, “Based on our monitoring, he’s still in Marawi City. Based on our information, he’s still alive.”
The fighting in Marawi City still rages, close to three months since the Maute group, which is seeking affiliation with the international Islamic State terrorist organization, violently repulsed a law enforcement mission to arrest Hapilon, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in the entire Mindanao on May 23.
From the initial prescribed 60-day cap, Congress extended martial law until December 31, 2017.
Of the estimated 600 Maute members that infiltrated Marawi, Año said over 500 have been killed, but he pointed out that the battle was not easy.
“Madaling magsabi na madali (Easy to say it’s like a walk in the park), but the enemy does not play by the rules, they used humans as shields,” he said.
“If there are no hostages … it’s very easy to finish this fight,” he added.
Año said government troops are being “careful and deliberate” in its movement “to prevent loss of innocent lives.”
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reported that the battle has cost the government between P2.5 billion and P3 billion.
On questioning by Castro, Año said every bomb dropped on enemy positions costs P323,000. However, he did not respond when asked about the number of bombs the military has used, so far, in its air strikes, saying divulging the information has security implications.
For 2018, the DND has proposed P144.67 billion in new appropriations.
http://www.interaksyon.com/afp-pleads-for-patience-in-resolving-marawi-standoff/
Marawi terrorists number getting smaller but threat remains: Philippines armed forces
From the Straits Times (Aug 15): Marawi terrorists number getting smaller but threat remains: Philippines armed forces
Philippine Marines patrolling a deserted street at the frontline in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao, as fighting between government troops and Islamist militants enters its second month, on July 22, 2017. PHOTO: AFP
Around 20 to 40 terrorists remained holed up in the besieged Marawi City, where the crisis has been ongoing for almost three months now, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla said on Monday (Aug 14).
But despite their number getting smaller, BG Padilla said the Maute terrorists could still inflict harm with their stock of adequate ammunition.
"So, the force is getting smaller and their capacity to inflict harm, by the way, is still there because they still have arms, they still have adequate ammunition and they still continue to hold hostages. So that's the compounding factor," he said during a Palace briefing.
The official said military operations are now concentrated in two barangays, which the terrorists continue to hold.
"Those two barangays remain to be in the area that we have been mentioning all along. Name of those barangays, I cannot disclose," he said.
As of 7pm on Sunday, around 562 enemies have been killed, 128 government troops died in action and 45 civilians have been killed by the terrorists.
The hostages, who were able to escape from the custody of the Maute terrorists, said the remaining captives, including Catholic priest Teresito Suganob, had been forced to gather gunpowder from firecrackers, which the terrorists would later use to make bombs.
"The only thing that we're really seeking to do is to be able to rescue them safe and sound, alive, at the conclusion of this fighting and we're doing that," said BG Padilla.
But he added that even if the military would be able to clear and secure Marawi, martial law would not be lifted.
"Actually, don't look at Marawi per se as the reason for keeping martial law. You know, this rebel group has a structure that is beyond Marawi," he said.
The homegrown terrorists, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, have groups in other portions of Lanao, in Maguindanao, in Sulu archipelago.
"So it does not mean that just because we have been able to address the security issue in Marawi, there is going to be a pre-emptive lifting of martial law," said BG Padilla.
He said the military still has a lot of security concerns to do in Mindanao.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/marawi-terrorists-number-getting-smaller-but-threat-remains-philippines-armed-forces
Philippine Marines patrolling a deserted street at the frontline in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao, as fighting between government troops and Islamist militants enters its second month, on July 22, 2017. PHOTO: AFP
Around 20 to 40 terrorists remained holed up in the besieged Marawi City, where the crisis has been ongoing for almost three months now, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla said on Monday (Aug 14).
But despite their number getting smaller, BG Padilla said the Maute terrorists could still inflict harm with their stock of adequate ammunition.
"So, the force is getting smaller and their capacity to inflict harm, by the way, is still there because they still have arms, they still have adequate ammunition and they still continue to hold hostages. So that's the compounding factor," he said during a Palace briefing.
The official said military operations are now concentrated in two barangays, which the terrorists continue to hold.
"Those two barangays remain to be in the area that we have been mentioning all along. Name of those barangays, I cannot disclose," he said.
As of 7pm on Sunday, around 562 enemies have been killed, 128 government troops died in action and 45 civilians have been killed by the terrorists.
The hostages, who were able to escape from the custody of the Maute terrorists, said the remaining captives, including Catholic priest Teresito Suganob, had been forced to gather gunpowder from firecrackers, which the terrorists would later use to make bombs.
"The only thing that we're really seeking to do is to be able to rescue them safe and sound, alive, at the conclusion of this fighting and we're doing that," said BG Padilla.
But he added that even if the military would be able to clear and secure Marawi, martial law would not be lifted.
"Actually, don't look at Marawi per se as the reason for keeping martial law. You know, this rebel group has a structure that is beyond Marawi," he said.
The homegrown terrorists, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, have groups in other portions of Lanao, in Maguindanao, in Sulu archipelago.
"So it does not mean that just because we have been able to address the security issue in Marawi, there is going to be a pre-emptive lifting of martial law," said BG Padilla.
He said the military still has a lot of security concerns to do in Mindanao.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/marawi-terrorists-number-getting-smaller-but-threat-remains-philippines-armed-forces
Philippine, US military hold joint exercise in Japan
From the International Business Times (Aug 15): Philippine, US military hold joint exercise in Japan
A U.S. Marines' member takes part in parachute drops during joint exercise. Reuters
The Philippines and US marine soldiers held a joint military exercise in Okinawa, Japan to intensify security partnership between the two allied countries.
The training, dubbed as kamandag (poison in English) will focus on amphibious capability, security and rescue operations.
Early last month the marine soldiers from the Philippine Assault Armor Battalion also held joint military exercise with their US counterparts from the 3rd Marine Division. The training exercise were trained on how to utilize amphibious assault equipment.
In a press statement released by the embassy, the Philippine soldiers acquired new amphibious skills t on include signalling , egress and water survival training.
The training course also includes equipment maintenance, logistical planning and equipment capabilities.
The Philippine and US military joint exercises continue despite the earlier statement of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that the military exercise during the first quarter of the year will be the last.
Duterte also is considering of holding joint military exercises with China who just recently provided 3,000 assault rifles to Philippine soldiers to battle ISIS inspired militants in Marawi City.
Moreover, the Philippines and the US have been military allies as a result of the agreement both countries entered into in 1951 which both countries called the Mutual Defense Treaty.
In April 2014, the Philippines and the US continue their joint military exercise and they dubbed it as EDCA or the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The EDCA will allow the rotation of US military troops to be deployed in the Philippines.
http://www.ibtimes.sg/philippine-us-military-hold-joint-exercise-japan-14024
A U.S. Marines' member takes part in parachute drops during joint exercise. Reuters
The Philippines and US marine soldiers held a joint military exercise in Okinawa, Japan to intensify security partnership between the two allied countries.
The training, dubbed as kamandag (poison in English) will focus on amphibious capability, security and rescue operations.
Early last month the marine soldiers from the Philippine Assault Armor Battalion also held joint military exercise with their US counterparts from the 3rd Marine Division. The training exercise were trained on how to utilize amphibious assault equipment.
In a press statement released by the embassy, the Philippine soldiers acquired new amphibious skills t on include signalling , egress and water survival training.
The training course also includes equipment maintenance, logistical planning and equipment capabilities.
The Philippine and US military joint exercises continue despite the earlier statement of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that the military exercise during the first quarter of the year will be the last.
Duterte also is considering of holding joint military exercises with China who just recently provided 3,000 assault rifles to Philippine soldiers to battle ISIS inspired militants in Marawi City.
Moreover, the Philippines and the US have been military allies as a result of the agreement both countries entered into in 1951 which both countries called the Mutual Defense Treaty.
In April 2014, the Philippines and the US continue their joint military exercise and they dubbed it as EDCA or the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The EDCA will allow the rotation of US military troops to be deployed in the Philippines.
http://www.ibtimes.sg/philippine-us-military-hold-joint-exercise-japan-14024
Delay in passage of BBL expected as draft Bangsamoro law has yet to reach Congress
From MindaNews (Aug 15): Delay in passage of BBL expected as draft Bangsamoro law has yet to reach Congress
Delay in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is to be expected as the draft law, as of August 14, has yet to reach Congress exactly four Mondays after its submission to President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr. last month announced he was optimistic that they would be able to pass the BBL and the 2018 budget before yearend. In March, he told MindaNews that if the bill is certified as urgent by the President, “conservatively, sa House, give me a month or two” to pass the measure.
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel did not give a time frame but he cited the BBL as one of the priority measures the Senate should pass.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte receives a draft of the new proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in a turnover ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace on July 17, 2017. Joining the President are (from left) Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Implementing Peace Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Ghazali Jaafar and Government of the Philippines Implementing Peace Panel Chair Irene Santiago. King Rodriguez / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 27, 2014 provides for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the 27-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The purpose of the law, according to the draft BBL, is to “establish a political entity, provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and their aspiration to chart their political future through a democratic process that will secure their identity and posterity and allow for meaningful self-governance.”
The CAB also provides that the ARMM is deemed abolished upon ratification of the BBL and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) appointed by the President will then take over. The BTA will govern the Bangsamoro through parliamentary means, until the first set of officials is elected.
Like the Aquino administration, it’s now a race against time again also for the Duterte administration because the ARMM’s next election is on May 13, 2019, synchronized with the national elections. If the BBL is not passed soon, the ARMM election in 2019 will proceed as scheduled.
The CAB provides for at least a year’s transition into the regular Bangsamoro government, which means the proposed 80-member BTA, whose members the President will appoint, should be in place by June 30, 2018. The Commission on Elections needs six months to prepare for the plebiscite that would ratify the BBL. This means the BBL has to be passed by December 2017 at the latest.
Delay in the passage of the BBL will not only delay the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous government but will also delay the decommissioning of the MILF’s weapons and combatants.
According to Congress’ calendar, both houses will have sessions until October 13, will take a break from October 14 to November 12, will resume sessions from November 13 to December 15, and will take a break again from December 16, 2017 to January 14, 2018.
Plenary sessions are held Mondays to Wednesdays while committee meetings can go beyond Wednesday. There are only 26 plenary session days in Congress and 42 days (inclusive of Thursdays and Fridays) between August 15 to October 13.
“Wala pa rin”
Maguindanao Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, Deputy Speaker for Mindanao told MindaNews Monday evening that the draft BBL had not been transmitted to the House. “Wala pa rin” (not yet here), she said.
In reply to MindaNews’ query on Saturday on where the draft law is, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said it was on its way to Congress. “The documents are already with the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) and may be submitted (to the two houses of Congress) by Monday.”
The draft BBL, however, has yet to reach the House of Representatives and the Senate as of August 14.
Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, told MindaNews on August 14 that there is “no new info” about the transmittal of the draft BBL to Congress.
On August 7, Dureza told MindaNews that “per PLLO (Adelino Sitoy), copy sent na to Congress but cannot be enrolled unless may author. So please ask Congress members why no one has authored it yet.”
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sits with (from left to right) Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Bai Sandra Sema, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Gadzali Jaafar during the launching of the expanded BTC at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on February 24, 2017. SIMEON CELI JR./Presidential Photo
Asked on August 14 if Senate President Pimentel and Speaker Alvarez will sponsor the Bangsamoro bill, Dureza replied, “sa tinuod lang, sila na sa Congress mag-decide” (the truth is it is Congress that will decide).
MindaNews checked with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr. on August 14 if they and their party would be the principal authors of the bill when it reaches Congress but both have yet to send their reply.
Second draft
The draft BBL is the second that will be submitted to Congress.
The first draft BBL was submitted by the then 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III in Malacanang in the presence of Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte on September 10, 2014.
Aquino urged Congress to examine the draft bill and asked that it be passed “sa lalong madaling panahon” (as soon as possible).
The next day, September 11, the draft BBL was stamped received at the House of Representatives as House Bill 4994, sponsored by Speaker Belmonte and 16 other representatives.
At the Senate, the draft BBL was stamped received as Senate Bill 2408 on September 15, sponsored by Senate President Drilon and 12 other senators.
The congressional committees that tackled HB 4994 and SB 2408 filed substitute bills after its committee hearings ended in mid-2015, both titled “Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region” (BLBAR) that the MILF and even the GPH panel criticized for rendering the future Bangsamoro less autonomous than the ARMM that it sought to replace.
The 16th Congress under the Aquino administration adjourned without passing the Bangsamoro law.
From Marcos’ BLBAR to Arroyo’s BABAR
Even as the entire Congress is aware that a draft BBL had been submitted to President Duterte and he is pushing for its passage, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (January 20, 2001 to June 30,2016) filed House Bill 6121 or the Basic Act for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BABAR) at 2:10 p.m. on August 3.
The BABAR appears to be a resurrection of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s proposed BLBAR. MindaNews noted that HB 6121 lifted provisions verbatim for the most part from the Marcos version, and in fact contains the same number of articles — 17 — same titles of articles and the same number of sections — 215.
Marcos chaired the Senate Committee on Local Governments which filed the BLBAR as substitute bill to the draft BBL filed by the then 15-member BTC.
It was under Arroyo’s administration when the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was initialed but its formal signing on August 5, 2008 was aborted due to a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court a day earlier.
Arroyo, elected Vice President in 1998, assumed the post of President on January 20, 2001 after the ouster of then President Joseph Estrada who declared an “all out war” against the MILF in 2000 that led to the MILF’s disbandment of its peace panel on August 21, 2000.
Arroyo began her Presidency in January 2001 by declaring an “all-out peace” but waged war against the MILF in February 2003, in the midst of peace talks.
Four weeks in transit
The draft BBL was submitted by the BTC, the 21-member body composed of 11 representatives from the MILF and 10 from the government, on July 17 in rites held in Malacanang and witnessed by Senate President Pimentel and Speaker Alvarez.
Duterte, the first Mindanawon President and the first with Moro blood (his grandmother was a Maranao), had repeatedly vowed as a Presidential candidate and later as the President, to address the historical injustices against the Bangsamoro.
Pimentel and Alvarez are also Mindanawons. It is the first time in history that the chief executive and the heads of the two legislative bodies are all Mindanawons.
After receiving a copy of the draft BBL from BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar, Duterte declared that “within the context of the Republic of the Philippines, there shall be a Bangsamoro country.”
He vowed to “support and husband” the proposed BBL in Congress to ensure the passage of the law that would create the Bangsamoro.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does the peace sign as he poses for a photo with members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted the Bangsamoro Basic Law and submitted it to him on July 17, 2017 at the Rizal Hall in in Malacañan Palace. The BTC is composed of 11 representatives from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and 10 from the government. Rolando Mailo / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Duterte reiterated “there will be no objections (to) the provisions of all that is consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people.”
He said the draft BBL, jointly written by Muslims, Christians, and Lumads “shall give rise to a genuine autonomous region as well as bring forth healing and reconciliation to the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people.”
In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, a full week after the submission of the draft BBL, Duterte, who was expected to call on Congress to immediately pass the BBL, made no such call.
The President, however, is expected to certify the Bangsamoro bill as urgent, in accordance with the peace agreement.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/08/delay-in-passage-of-bbl-expected-as-draft-bangsamoro-law-has-yet-to-reach-congress/
Delay in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is to be expected as the draft law, as of August 14, has yet to reach Congress exactly four Mondays after its submission to President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr. last month announced he was optimistic that they would be able to pass the BBL and the 2018 budget before yearend. In March, he told MindaNews that if the bill is certified as urgent by the President, “conservatively, sa House, give me a month or two” to pass the measure.
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel did not give a time frame but he cited the BBL as one of the priority measures the Senate should pass.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte receives a draft of the new proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in a turnover ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace on July 17, 2017. Joining the President are (from left) Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Implementing Peace Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Ghazali Jaafar and Government of the Philippines Implementing Peace Panel Chair Irene Santiago. King Rodriguez / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 27, 2014 provides for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the 27-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The purpose of the law, according to the draft BBL, is to “establish a political entity, provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and their aspiration to chart their political future through a democratic process that will secure their identity and posterity and allow for meaningful self-governance.”
The CAB also provides that the ARMM is deemed abolished upon ratification of the BBL and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) appointed by the President will then take over. The BTA will govern the Bangsamoro through parliamentary means, until the first set of officials is elected.
Like the Aquino administration, it’s now a race against time again also for the Duterte administration because the ARMM’s next election is on May 13, 2019, synchronized with the national elections. If the BBL is not passed soon, the ARMM election in 2019 will proceed as scheduled.
The CAB provides for at least a year’s transition into the regular Bangsamoro government, which means the proposed 80-member BTA, whose members the President will appoint, should be in place by June 30, 2018. The Commission on Elections needs six months to prepare for the plebiscite that would ratify the BBL. This means the BBL has to be passed by December 2017 at the latest.
Delay in the passage of the BBL will not only delay the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous government but will also delay the decommissioning of the MILF’s weapons and combatants.
According to Congress’ calendar, both houses will have sessions until October 13, will take a break from October 14 to November 12, will resume sessions from November 13 to December 15, and will take a break again from December 16, 2017 to January 14, 2018.
Plenary sessions are held Mondays to Wednesdays while committee meetings can go beyond Wednesday. There are only 26 plenary session days in Congress and 42 days (inclusive of Thursdays and Fridays) between August 15 to October 13.
“Wala pa rin”
Maguindanao Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, Deputy Speaker for Mindanao told MindaNews Monday evening that the draft BBL had not been transmitted to the House. “Wala pa rin” (not yet here), she said.
In reply to MindaNews’ query on Saturday on where the draft law is, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said it was on its way to Congress. “The documents are already with the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) and may be submitted (to the two houses of Congress) by Monday.”
The draft BBL, however, has yet to reach the House of Representatives and the Senate as of August 14.
Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, told MindaNews on August 14 that there is “no new info” about the transmittal of the draft BBL to Congress.
On August 7, Dureza told MindaNews that “per PLLO (Adelino Sitoy), copy sent na to Congress but cannot be enrolled unless may author. So please ask Congress members why no one has authored it yet.”
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sits with (from left to right) Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Bai Sandra Sema, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Gadzali Jaafar during the launching of the expanded BTC at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on February 24, 2017. SIMEON CELI JR./Presidential Photo
Asked on August 14 if Senate President Pimentel and Speaker Alvarez will sponsor the Bangsamoro bill, Dureza replied, “sa tinuod lang, sila na sa Congress mag-decide” (the truth is it is Congress that will decide).
MindaNews checked with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr. on August 14 if they and their party would be the principal authors of the bill when it reaches Congress but both have yet to send their reply.
Second draft
The draft BBL is the second that will be submitted to Congress.
The first draft BBL was submitted by the then 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III in Malacanang in the presence of Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte on September 10, 2014.
Aquino urged Congress to examine the draft bill and asked that it be passed “sa lalong madaling panahon” (as soon as possible).
The next day, September 11, the draft BBL was stamped received at the House of Representatives as House Bill 4994, sponsored by Speaker Belmonte and 16 other representatives.
At the Senate, the draft BBL was stamped received as Senate Bill 2408 on September 15, sponsored by Senate President Drilon and 12 other senators.
The congressional committees that tackled HB 4994 and SB 2408 filed substitute bills after its committee hearings ended in mid-2015, both titled “Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region” (BLBAR) that the MILF and even the GPH panel criticized for rendering the future Bangsamoro less autonomous than the ARMM that it sought to replace.
The 16th Congress under the Aquino administration adjourned without passing the Bangsamoro law.
From Marcos’ BLBAR to Arroyo’s BABAR
Even as the entire Congress is aware that a draft BBL had been submitted to President Duterte and he is pushing for its passage, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (January 20, 2001 to June 30,2016) filed House Bill 6121 or the Basic Act for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BABAR) at 2:10 p.m. on August 3.
The BABAR appears to be a resurrection of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s proposed BLBAR. MindaNews noted that HB 6121 lifted provisions verbatim for the most part from the Marcos version, and in fact contains the same number of articles — 17 — same titles of articles and the same number of sections — 215.
Marcos chaired the Senate Committee on Local Governments which filed the BLBAR as substitute bill to the draft BBL filed by the then 15-member BTC.
It was under Arroyo’s administration when the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was initialed but its formal signing on August 5, 2008 was aborted due to a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court a day earlier.
Arroyo, elected Vice President in 1998, assumed the post of President on January 20, 2001 after the ouster of then President Joseph Estrada who declared an “all out war” against the MILF in 2000 that led to the MILF’s disbandment of its peace panel on August 21, 2000.
Arroyo began her Presidency in January 2001 by declaring an “all-out peace” but waged war against the MILF in February 2003, in the midst of peace talks.
Four weeks in transit
The draft BBL was submitted by the BTC, the 21-member body composed of 11 representatives from the MILF and 10 from the government, on July 17 in rites held in Malacanang and witnessed by Senate President Pimentel and Speaker Alvarez.
Duterte, the first Mindanawon President and the first with Moro blood (his grandmother was a Maranao), had repeatedly vowed as a Presidential candidate and later as the President, to address the historical injustices against the Bangsamoro.
Pimentel and Alvarez are also Mindanawons. It is the first time in history that the chief executive and the heads of the two legislative bodies are all Mindanawons.
After receiving a copy of the draft BBL from BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar, Duterte declared that “within the context of the Republic of the Philippines, there shall be a Bangsamoro country.”
He vowed to “support and husband” the proposed BBL in Congress to ensure the passage of the law that would create the Bangsamoro.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does the peace sign as he poses for a photo with members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted the Bangsamoro Basic Law and submitted it to him on July 17, 2017 at the Rizal Hall in in Malacañan Palace. The BTC is composed of 11 representatives from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and 10 from the government. Rolando Mailo / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Duterte reiterated “there will be no objections (to) the provisions of all that is consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people.”
He said the draft BBL, jointly written by Muslims, Christians, and Lumads “shall give rise to a genuine autonomous region as well as bring forth healing and reconciliation to the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people.”
In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, a full week after the submission of the draft BBL, Duterte, who was expected to call on Congress to immediately pass the BBL, made no such call.
The President, however, is expected to certify the Bangsamoro bill as urgent, in accordance with the peace agreement.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/08/delay-in-passage-of-bbl-expected-as-draft-bangsamoro-law-has-yet-to-reach-congress/
Army bares 33 rebel-infested areas in Eastern Visayas
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Army bares 33 rebel-infested areas in Eastern Visayas
The Philippine Army has tagged 32 towns and a city in Eastern Visayas as priority in their anti-insurgency drive, citing recent reports of attacks and fortification activities of armed rebels in these areas.
The areas identified as rebel-infested are San Isidro, Victoria, Bobon, Catarman, Lope de Vega, Las Navas, Silvino Lobos, Laoang, Palapag, and Lapinig in Northern Samar; Matuguinao, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Jiabong, Motiong, Hinabangan, Calbiga, Pinabacdao, Basey, and Marabut in Samar.
Also listed are Arteche, Oras, Dolores, Can-avid, Balangiga, and Giporlos in Eastern Samar; Carigara, Jaro, Albuera, Burauen, Mahaplag, Baybay City, and Hilongos in Leyte.
During the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting here on Wednesday, Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division Commander Major Gen. Raul Farnacio confirmed that members of the New People’s Army (NPA) had launched 34 violent attacks this year such as harassment, murder, detonation of landmines, raids, ambush, and attempted assassination.
From January to August 10 this year, rebels had 847 other activities, which include sightings, meetings, recruitment, and extortion.
“The NPA continues to recruit members by use of the communist theology, propaganda, lie, deceit and intimidation. They have been doing extortion as well to generate needed funds for procurement of firearms,” Farnacio said.
Of the 847 rebel activities, 332 were recorded in Northern Samar, 230 in Samar, 190 in Eastern Samar, and 95 Leyte province. No activity of armed rebels was reported in Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces.
“The reason why many Northern Samar villages is conflict-affected, because many areas are isolated. It has been said that insurgency begins where the road ends. The road network is the solution to poverty and insurgency. If people earn and go to schools, insurgency will become irrelevant,” said Northern Samar Vice Governor Garry Lavin.
Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, RPOC chairperson , said they had asked the Department of Budget and Management to allocate PHP12 billion for road opening and concreting in three Samar provinces.
“We will ask members of the House of Representatives to help us, that proposed funds will be included in budget hearings,” Tan told council members.
Farnacio reiterated his call for collaboration to curb insurgency in Eastern Visayas region since the problem can not be resolved without the participation of other agencies and stakeholders.
The military official also urged governors and mayors to issue Executive Orders directing the support of community support programs in conflict-affected areas.
The army has been pushing for development-governance-security approach through harmonization of military operation and development projects, engage all stakeholders, and sense of concern for the environment.
htp://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006287
The Philippine Army has tagged 32 towns and a city in Eastern Visayas as priority in their anti-insurgency drive, citing recent reports of attacks and fortification activities of armed rebels in these areas.
The areas identified as rebel-infested are San Isidro, Victoria, Bobon, Catarman, Lope de Vega, Las Navas, Silvino Lobos, Laoang, Palapag, and Lapinig in Northern Samar; Matuguinao, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Jiabong, Motiong, Hinabangan, Calbiga, Pinabacdao, Basey, and Marabut in Samar.
Also listed are Arteche, Oras, Dolores, Can-avid, Balangiga, and Giporlos in Eastern Samar; Carigara, Jaro, Albuera, Burauen, Mahaplag, Baybay City, and Hilongos in Leyte.
During the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting here on Wednesday, Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division Commander Major Gen. Raul Farnacio confirmed that members of the New People’s Army (NPA) had launched 34 violent attacks this year such as harassment, murder, detonation of landmines, raids, ambush, and attempted assassination.
From January to August 10 this year, rebels had 847 other activities, which include sightings, meetings, recruitment, and extortion.
“The NPA continues to recruit members by use of the communist theology, propaganda, lie, deceit and intimidation. They have been doing extortion as well to generate needed funds for procurement of firearms,” Farnacio said.
Of the 847 rebel activities, 332 were recorded in Northern Samar, 230 in Samar, 190 in Eastern Samar, and 95 Leyte province. No activity of armed rebels was reported in Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces.
“The reason why many Northern Samar villages is conflict-affected, because many areas are isolated. It has been said that insurgency begins where the road ends. The road network is the solution to poverty and insurgency. If people earn and go to schools, insurgency will become irrelevant,” said Northern Samar Vice Governor Garry Lavin.
Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, RPOC chairperson , said they had asked the Department of Budget and Management to allocate PHP12 billion for road opening and concreting in three Samar provinces.
“We will ask members of the House of Representatives to help us, that proposed funds will be included in budget hearings,” Tan told council members.
Farnacio reiterated his call for collaboration to curb insurgency in Eastern Visayas region since the problem can not be resolved without the participation of other agencies and stakeholders.
The military official also urged governors and mayors to issue Executive Orders directing the support of community support programs in conflict-affected areas.
The army has been pushing for development-governance-security approach through harmonization of military operation and development projects, engage all stakeholders, and sense of concern for the environment.
htp://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006287
Kidapawan activates Army-PNP task group
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Kidapawan activates Army-PNP task group
To strengthen its security component and deter any terroristic plot, the city government here on Monday officially activated “Task Group Kidapawan” in simple rites held at the city gymnasium.
Mayor Joseph Evangelista led the ceremony together with Col. Roberto Ancan, commander of the Army's 1002nd Brigade; Lt Col. Harold Argamosa, 39th Infantry Battalion commander; Senior Supt. Leonardo Suan, PRO-12 deputy director for operations; and Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police director.
According to Evangelista, the Task Group will augment the current security set-up and would beef up the PNP personnel who are securing the city’s 150,000 residents.
Task Group Kidapawan is comprised of personnel from the 39th IB and 72nd IB and would team up with the Local PNP, Traffic Management Unit (TMU), Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), and 911 Response Unit to address potential threats and swiftly attend to emergencies.
"We envision Kidapawan as a place to live, to invest, to study, and to retire. And to those who want to destroy and disturb us make sure you can sustain because I will give you one big shot," Evangelista said.
During the ceremony, the mayor turned over a mobile patrol car, and eight tri-cabs and communication equipment to equip the task group.
In his message, Ancan expressed gratitude to the LGU for the support in implementing security efforts.
He also emphasized few points for members of the new unit to always uphold human rights, secure the people, work as a team and always seek guidance from the Almighty.
After the ceremony, the team was immediately deployed to perform their duties, coinciding with the on-going celebration of "Kasadya sa Timpupo," a fruit festival celebrating the city’s foundation anniversary.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006360
To strengthen its security component and deter any terroristic plot, the city government here on Monday officially activated “Task Group Kidapawan” in simple rites held at the city gymnasium.
Mayor Joseph Evangelista led the ceremony together with Col. Roberto Ancan, commander of the Army's 1002nd Brigade; Lt Col. Harold Argamosa, 39th Infantry Battalion commander; Senior Supt. Leonardo Suan, PRO-12 deputy director for operations; and Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police director.
According to Evangelista, the Task Group will augment the current security set-up and would beef up the PNP personnel who are securing the city’s 150,000 residents.
Task Group Kidapawan is comprised of personnel from the 39th IB and 72nd IB and would team up with the Local PNP, Traffic Management Unit (TMU), Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), and 911 Response Unit to address potential threats and swiftly attend to emergencies.
"We envision Kidapawan as a place to live, to invest, to study, and to retire. And to those who want to destroy and disturb us make sure you can sustain because I will give you one big shot," Evangelista said.
During the ceremony, the mayor turned over a mobile patrol car, and eight tri-cabs and communication equipment to equip the task group.
In his message, Ancan expressed gratitude to the LGU for the support in implementing security efforts.
He also emphasized few points for members of the new unit to always uphold human rights, secure the people, work as a team and always seek guidance from the Almighty.
After the ceremony, the team was immediately deployed to perform their duties, coinciding with the on-going celebration of "Kasadya sa Timpupo," a fruit festival celebrating the city’s foundation anniversary.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006360
AFP to revamp urban warfare doctrine after Marawi crisis
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): AFP to revamp urban warfare doctrine after Marawi crisis
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will conduct a massive revamp on the way its units approach urban warfare once the Marawi crisis is successfully resolved.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo made the statement, stressing that proposed upgrades will focus on theories, doctrines, tactics, techniques and procedures on this form of fighting the Maute Group terrorists are using.
"Although the AFP has experience on urban warfare (e.g. close quarter battles), the fighting in Marawi City is a different level as (our troops have to fight in a locality) with very dense and reinforced structures (which the enemy is using a firing points and hiding places)," he added in Filipino Monday.
Aside from the well-built structures converted by lawless elements into fighting positions, troops engaged in clearing operations are constantly being threatened by improvised explosive devices and snipers.
Worsening the situation is the fact the Maute Group terrorists are willing to use civilian hostages as human shields, destroy private and public properties indiscriminately to meet their ends, and willingness to sacrifice themselves for their cause.
Arevalo said the AFP needs to evaluate how its troops and their tactics have fared vis-a-vis against the enemy.
This evaluation will determine the changes in the military's urban warfare theories, doctrines, tactics, techniques and procedures.
As of this posting, Maute Group elements killed are placed at 562 along with 128 troops and 45 civilians executed. Firearms recovered are placed at 619 along with 11 improvised explosive devices, while 1,728 civilians rescued from the hands of the enemy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006120
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will conduct a massive revamp on the way its units approach urban warfare once the Marawi crisis is successfully resolved.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo made the statement, stressing that proposed upgrades will focus on theories, doctrines, tactics, techniques and procedures on this form of fighting the Maute Group terrorists are using.
"Although the AFP has experience on urban warfare (e.g. close quarter battles), the fighting in Marawi City is a different level as (our troops have to fight in a locality) with very dense and reinforced structures (which the enemy is using a firing points and hiding places)," he added in Filipino Monday.
Aside from the well-built structures converted by lawless elements into fighting positions, troops engaged in clearing operations are constantly being threatened by improvised explosive devices and snipers.
Worsening the situation is the fact the Maute Group terrorists are willing to use civilian hostages as human shields, destroy private and public properties indiscriminately to meet their ends, and willingness to sacrifice themselves for their cause.
Arevalo said the AFP needs to evaluate how its troops and their tactics have fared vis-a-vis against the enemy.
This evaluation will determine the changes in the military's urban warfare theories, doctrines, tactics, techniques and procedures.
As of this posting, Maute Group elements killed are placed at 562 along with 128 troops and 45 civilians executed. Firearms recovered are placed at 619 along with 11 improvised explosive devices, while 1,728 civilians rescued from the hands of the enemy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006120
BI activates anti-terror units in major airports, seaports
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): BI activates anti-terror units in major airports, seaports
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has activated its anti-terrorist units in all major ports in the country to prevent possible entry of foreign terrorists.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente reported that since last month, anti-terrorist units composed of seasoned immigration intelligence agents have been assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other airports and seaports in the country.
Among the tasks of the agents include monitoring and assisting immigration officers in screening passengers.
Passengers "who behave suspiciously" would be subjected to "secondary inspection,” the BI chief said in a statement.
He noted that those who could not satisfactorily answer queries or has questionable purpose in coming to the country would be denied entry and booked on the first available flight to their port of origin.
Morente added that possession of an entry visa is not a guarantee to enter and stay in the country unless, "he was able to convincingly explain his purpose in coming here, his financial capacity, and the places where he intends to stay or visit.”
BI Port Operations Division Chief Marc Red Mariñas said the move comes after reports saying foreign jihadists from the Middle East and other Asian countries were spotted along with members of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups fighting government troops in Marawi City.
Likewise, he cited intelligence reports that some of them entered the country through the backdoor and even in the country’s premiere ports, in the guise of being tourists.
"As early as June this year we already issued strict orders to our intelligence officers to intensify the profiling and secondary inspection of incoming passengers,” the BI official added.
Mariñas revealed that they are continuously coordinating with the armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies here and abroad to facilitate exchange of intelligence information and the interception of persons with derogatory record who might attempt to enter the Philippines.
Earlier this year, 2,700 aliens were barred from entering the country as a result of the intensified campaign to strengthen the country's border security.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006088
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has activated its anti-terrorist units in all major ports in the country to prevent possible entry of foreign terrorists.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente reported that since last month, anti-terrorist units composed of seasoned immigration intelligence agents have been assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other airports and seaports in the country.
Among the tasks of the agents include monitoring and assisting immigration officers in screening passengers.
Passengers "who behave suspiciously" would be subjected to "secondary inspection,” the BI chief said in a statement.
He noted that those who could not satisfactorily answer queries or has questionable purpose in coming to the country would be denied entry and booked on the first available flight to their port of origin.
Morente added that possession of an entry visa is not a guarantee to enter and stay in the country unless, "he was able to convincingly explain his purpose in coming here, his financial capacity, and the places where he intends to stay or visit.”
BI Port Operations Division Chief Marc Red Mariñas said the move comes after reports saying foreign jihadists from the Middle East and other Asian countries were spotted along with members of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups fighting government troops in Marawi City.
Likewise, he cited intelligence reports that some of them entered the country through the backdoor and even in the country’s premiere ports, in the guise of being tourists.
"As early as June this year we already issued strict orders to our intelligence officers to intensify the profiling and secondary inspection of incoming passengers,” the BI official added.
Mariñas revealed that they are continuously coordinating with the armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies here and abroad to facilitate exchange of intelligence information and the interception of persons with derogatory record who might attempt to enter the Philippines.
Earlier this year, 2,700 aliens were barred from entering the country as a result of the intensified campaign to strengthen the country's border security.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006088
NPA to blame for suspension of peace talks - AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): NPA to blame for suspension of peace talks - AFP
The New People's Army (NPA) is the one to blame for the government's decision to cancel peace negotiations.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo made the statement when asked why the peace talks with the rebels died down.
"It is because of the atrocities committed by the NPA, and (as) far as the AFP is concerned, we have been always been supportive, we have always been been accommodating with regard to call and efforts (for peace)," he added in Filipino.
The Duterte administration has cancelled the ongoing peace negotiations with the rebel group following a series of unprovoked attacks against civilians and military personnel early this year.
This includes an attack against a Presidential Security Group convoy in Arakan, North Cotabato last July.
"The ball was in their court, (the government showed goodwill) in freeing political prisoners and there were even some members of the progressive groups who were appointed to top government posts but despite that, they did not comply with the Commander-in-Chief's request that they stop their extortion activities, killing of civilians, ambush of soldiers not engaged in combat operations against them," Arevalo stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006216
The New People's Army (NPA) is the one to blame for the government's decision to cancel peace negotiations.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo made the statement when asked why the peace talks with the rebels died down.
"It is because of the atrocities committed by the NPA, and (as) far as the AFP is concerned, we have been always been supportive, we have always been been accommodating with regard to call and efforts (for peace)," he added in Filipino.
The Duterte administration has cancelled the ongoing peace negotiations with the rebel group following a series of unprovoked attacks against civilians and military personnel early this year.
This includes an attack against a Presidential Security Group convoy in Arakan, North Cotabato last July.
"The ball was in their court, (the government showed goodwill) in freeing political prisoners and there were even some members of the progressive groups who were appointed to top government posts but despite that, they did not comply with the Commander-in-Chief's request that they stop their extortion activities, killing of civilians, ambush of soldiers not engaged in combat operations against them," Arevalo stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006216
Military verifying reports Chinese vessels spotted near Pag-asa Island
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Military verifying reports Chinese vessels spotted near Pag-asa Island
The military said it is verifying reports of alleged Chinese activities near Pagasa Island.
This was emphasized by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, following the revelation of Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano citing information from a military source that Chinese vessels were spotted north of Pag-asa island three days ago.
In a press conference Tuesday, Alejano said a Philippine government ship from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was allegedly prevented from going near the sandbars generally west of the disputed island.
Arevalo said the AFP will not issue any other comment until they have verified the said information.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006325
The military said it is verifying reports of alleged Chinese activities near Pagasa Island.
This was emphasized by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, following the revelation of Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano citing information from a military source that Chinese vessels were spotted north of Pag-asa island three days ago.
In a press conference Tuesday, Alejano said a Philippine government ship from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was allegedly prevented from going near the sandbars generally west of the disputed island.
Arevalo said the AFP will not issue any other comment until they have verified the said information.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006325
Marawi rehabilitation needs comprehensive plan, multilateral coordination
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 15): Marawi rehabilitation needs comprehensive plan, multilateral coordination
In a roundtable discussion on Friday, August 4, dubbed as “Rehabilitation and Recovery of Marawi City: Taking Steps Forward,” representatives from various sectors drew together to address the concerns brought about by the ongoing crisis in the capital of Lanao del Sur.
Former United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) senior technical advisor for Yolanda recovery, Adam Marlatt, in his presentation, drummed the urgency for the creation of a comprehensive, multi-agency rehabilitation plan.
“As the final movements are made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to secure [Marawi City], immediate measures must be taken ensuring good transition and rehabilitation phase,” he said.
Marlatt, an American Marine Reserve Infantry Sergeant and founder of Global Disaster Immediate Response Team (DIRT), said that the Marawi crisis needs “early recovery planning including the launch of a cluster system as well as implementing immediate projects to coordinate, de-conflict, and identify critical needs.”
This rehab engagement, Marlatt said, must involve an intensive coordination among all Philippine agencies, private sector actors, non-government organizations international NGOs, and international governments’ stakeholders.
Crises, such as this in Marawi, are not new to Marlatt. Using the skills he learned on the battlefield, on a District Stability Team with the US State Department, he has deployed his team in the immediate aftermath of disasters to provide technical solutions, medical assistance, and coordination support. Among his team’s interventions included Haiti, Pakistan, New Zealand, Japan, and the tri-state area after Hurricane Sandy.
In the recovery phase, Marlatt shared a few points on how to go forward:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611502776640/marawi-rehabilitation-needs-comprehensive-plan-multilateral-coordination
In a roundtable discussion on Friday, August 4, dubbed as “Rehabilitation and Recovery of Marawi City: Taking Steps Forward,” representatives from various sectors drew together to address the concerns brought about by the ongoing crisis in the capital of Lanao del Sur.
Former United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) senior technical advisor for Yolanda recovery, Adam Marlatt, in his presentation, drummed the urgency for the creation of a comprehensive, multi-agency rehabilitation plan.
“As the final movements are made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to secure [Marawi City], immediate measures must be taken ensuring good transition and rehabilitation phase,” he said.
Marlatt, an American Marine Reserve Infantry Sergeant and founder of Global Disaster Immediate Response Team (DIRT), said that the Marawi crisis needs “early recovery planning including the launch of a cluster system as well as implementing immediate projects to coordinate, de-conflict, and identify critical needs.”
This rehab engagement, Marlatt said, must involve an intensive coordination among all Philippine agencies, private sector actors, non-government organizations international NGOs, and international governments’ stakeholders.
Crises, such as this in Marawi, are not new to Marlatt. Using the skills he learned on the battlefield, on a District Stability Team with the US State Department, he has deployed his team in the immediate aftermath of disasters to provide technical solutions, medical assistance, and coordination support. Among his team’s interventions included Haiti, Pakistan, New Zealand, Japan, and the tri-state area after Hurricane Sandy.
In the recovery phase, Marlatt shared a few points on how to go forward:
- After immediate actions taken, [psychosocial] projects should be implemented to change the culture of Marawi City and its reintegrated residents.
- Expand the economic activities (including agricultural, industrial, and technical programming) to allow for the transition from illicit work opportunities to trade skills.
- Engage with the private sector on the facilitation of long-term activities to expand opportunities while reducing extremism and illegal activities in the area.
Humanitarian assistance
As the discussion was aimed at examining possible long-term interventions towards rebuilding Marawi from the rubble, Negosyo Para sa Kapayapaan sa Sulu consultant Gabriel Malvar’s talk centered on the complexity of the issue, including its socio-political, cultural, and economic aspects and consequences.
“We need to look at the issues in the Marawi crisis from various perspectives. … This is a combination of various factors in the past and present. The innocent civilians are the ones caught in the conflict,” he said.
Head of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) - Lanao del Sur Saripada Pacasum Jr presented updates on the developments of the relief operations of their counterpart in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Pacasum reported that as of August 3, around 1,758 civilians have been rescued by ARRM-PDDRMO.
LTC Rosendo Abad Jr (GSC PA) shared on the Marawi Command Center’s progress in handling the Marawi crisis, saying that various local and national government agencies have started collaborating with the Joint Task Group (JTG) on the rehabilitation.
Abad also assured that humanitarian assistance, relief, and rescue are in full swing under the direction of the Joint Task Force Marawi and the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), through JTG Ranao and JTG Tabang.
The children and their future
For his part, Xavier Ateneo president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ told the group that the university is willing to provide venues and technical assistance for the discourse on the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
XU has more than a hundred Muslim students and has recognized the interfaith efforts of the student group, Siraj Muslim Religious Organization.
Xavier Ateneo’s Social Development Office and XU Central Student Government are also manning the #TabangMarawi relief operation at the XU Peace Park. As of this report, Tabang Marawi has already received more than Php4M worth of cash and in-kind donations.
Besides emphasizing the importance of coordination from different public and private sectors to address the Marawi crisis, Yap re-echoed the words of Fr Bienvenido Nebres SJ (former president of Xavier University and Ateneo de Manila University).
“Whenever we coordinate, we should put in our minds and hearts the children of Marawi. If we fail the children, we fail the future,” Yap said, expressing the university’s commitment as a convergence point of ideas and discussions for the rehabilitation efforts.
XU’s vice-president for social development Roel Ravanera, in his closing remarks, also said that the university remains steadfast in providing context on the realities of Marawi crisis through social outreach, research, and inclusive engagements with different public and private organizations.
The Marawi conflict erupted on May 23, after a contingent of roughly 500 members of the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group attacked the city, resulting in over 500 deaths, displacement of more than 200,000 people, and billions worth of damage to property.
The national government targets to earmark at least Php10B initially for the Marawi rehabilitation and recovery.
This roundtable discussion was made possible through the collaboration of Xavier Ateneo, Upsilon Sigma Phi of the University of the Philippines, and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) through Undersecretary Noel Puyat.
Guests included representatives from the Philippine Army, Oro Chamber, Department of Agriculture - Region 10, Philippine National Police - Northern Mindanao, Muslim Youth Council, Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), National Economic and Development Authority - X, and civil society organizations.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611502776640/marawi-rehabilitation-needs-comprehensive-plan-multilateral-coordination
Clearing operations vs Maute to continue, says Task Force Marawi spox
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 15): Clearing operations vs Maute to continue, says Task Force Marawi spox
Fighting has remained intense here yesterday, Aug. 14, as the government troops are still clearing a remaining square-kilometer area in the main business district here according to Capt. Joan Petinglay, spokesperson of Task Force Marawi.
In a press briefing, Petinglay said, “our soldiers are doing their best to neutralize every member of the ISIS-inspired Maute terror group, and to rescue as many hostages as they can.”
Petinglay also reported that 562 terrorists were killed and 619 firearms were recovered since the clashes between the Maute group and the government soldiers erupted last May 23.
The terrorists have killed 45 civilians and 128 soldiers and policemen.
In the same press briefing, Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) also revealed that the local chief executives of Lanao del Sur had met in Iligan City to discuss and find ways to counter extremism in the area.
The local government officials and security officials have forged to work for long-term solutions to the security threats in Lanao del Sur.
Presently, a total of 104,832 families with 467, 377 individuals got displaced by the Marawi crisis.
Government agencies have continued to provide the affected families with relief goods while the Department of Health (DOH) continues to extend free health care services for the evacuees.
Transitional shelters will also be built to relocate the evacuees from cramped evacuation centers.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431502795334/clearing-operations-vs-maute-to-continue-says-task-force-marawi-spox
Fighting has remained intense here yesterday, Aug. 14, as the government troops are still clearing a remaining square-kilometer area in the main business district here according to Capt. Joan Petinglay, spokesperson of Task Force Marawi.
In a press briefing, Petinglay said, “our soldiers are doing their best to neutralize every member of the ISIS-inspired Maute terror group, and to rescue as many hostages as they can.”
Petinglay also reported that 562 terrorists were killed and 619 firearms were recovered since the clashes between the Maute group and the government soldiers erupted last May 23.
The terrorists have killed 45 civilians and 128 soldiers and policemen.
In the same press briefing, Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) also revealed that the local chief executives of Lanao del Sur had met in Iligan City to discuss and find ways to counter extremism in the area.
The local government officials and security officials have forged to work for long-term solutions to the security threats in Lanao del Sur.
Presently, a total of 104,832 families with 467, 377 individuals got displaced by the Marawi crisis.
Government agencies have continued to provide the affected families with relief goods while the Department of Health (DOH) continues to extend free health care services for the evacuees.
Transitional shelters will also be built to relocate the evacuees from cramped evacuation centers.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431502795334/clearing-operations-vs-maute-to-continue-says-task-force-marawi-spox