From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 7): SEND OFF CEREMONY | Philippine Army Contingent to AARM 2017
FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Philippine Army Shooting Contingent, composed of 45 strong and highly motivated members of the group, is now set to participate in the 27th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) 2017 from November 6 to 23 which will be held in Singapore.
The send-off was held at the Army Marksmanship Training Center.
Graced by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lt Gen Rolando Bautista, the contingent was given an inspiring send-off message by aspiring them to wave the national flag with pride and bring home the bacon.
The contingent is headed by LTC Isagani Criste with Maj Ace Ronald Ampong as the team manager.
The contingent will undergo series of shooting competition matches (rifle, carbine, machine gun, pistol men and pistol ladies categories) among the other nine armies of the ASEAN members such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. OACPA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/11/07/send-off-ceremony-philippine-army-contingent-to-aarm-2017/
Monday, November 6, 2017
DWDD: STATEMENT | AFP on alleged Daesh-Emir Amin Baco
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 7): STATEMENT | AFP on alleged Daesh-Emir Amin Baco
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), following its successful liberation of Marawi City from the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group, is aggressively pursuing its clearing operations.
The AFP’s clearing operations are focused on the remaining areas of Marawi City believed to hold terrorist stragglers and some family members fighting for survival and hiding it out in the hope of escaping the main battle area.
The AFP also denies that the remaining stragglers will be able to influence the overall security situation of the once besieged city.
Contrary to recent pronouncements by some officials that it is now headed by a certain Amin Baco, the AFP strongly believes that the group is now leaderless and without direction.
Amin Baco is believed to have been among the 9 killed in Marawi recently and his remains is now the subject of an ongoing aggressive search.
General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Chief of Staff, AFP assures the residents of Marawi that the AFP is doing its best to expedite the city’s return to normalcy. AES/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/11/07/statement-afp-on-alleged-daesh-emir-amin-baco/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), following its successful liberation of Marawi City from the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group, is aggressively pursuing its clearing operations.
The AFP’s clearing operations are focused on the remaining areas of Marawi City believed to hold terrorist stragglers and some family members fighting for survival and hiding it out in the hope of escaping the main battle area.
The AFP also denies that the remaining stragglers will be able to influence the overall security situation of the once besieged city.
Contrary to recent pronouncements by some officials that it is now headed by a certain Amin Baco, the AFP strongly believes that the group is now leaderless and without direction.
Amin Baco is believed to have been among the 9 killed in Marawi recently and his remains is now the subject of an ongoing aggressive search.
General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Chief of Staff, AFP assures the residents of Marawi that the AFP is doing its best to expedite the city’s return to normalcy. AES/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/11/07/statement-afp-on-alleged-daesh-emir-amin-baco/
MILF: BDA kicks-off planning workshops on community - based prevention of violent extremism in Bangsamoro
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 7): BDA kicks-off planning workshops on community - based prevention of violent extremism in Bangsamoro
A Planning Workshop on Community-Based Prevention of Violent Extremism in the Bangsamoro kicked off yesterday, November 6, 2017 in Davao City.
Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) headed by Executive Director Dr. Muhammad S. Ya’acob is spearheading the activity that will culminate on November 11 , 2017 at Microtel Inn and Suites this city.
The planning workshop is supported by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) and The Asia Foundation ( TAF ).
The Marawi siege is a clear indication that violent extremism (VE) is a reality in the Bangsamoro. Though, violent extremism (e.g. Abu Sayyaf Group) has been present in Mindanao for decades, the conflict in Marawi revealed that VE is difficult to contain and it can erupt anytime and anywhere in the Bangsamoro homeland.
The recruitment scheme " for the extremist group is a public knowledge and widespread in the Bangsamoro core area that necessitates an urgent actions to mobilize communities all over Bangsamoro homeland and counter violent extremism by controlling their recruitment scheme and make sure that all stakeholders (community leaders, the LGUs , religious leaders , parents , teachers ) are going to develop an antenna for signals of emerging violent extremism in their respective communities.
Violent extremism emerges in complex and confusing realities and effective programming should start from understanding of that reality. There is no such simple - cause - effect analysis to make regarding violent extremism.
A mixture of religious, social, political and economic factors are contributory to violent extremism but in no case that these mixtures can be the same. Given this scenario, the complexity requires constant and deep analysis without ever being able to come to a final conclusion. This complexity should not lead us into paralysis as we need to act now before it will be too late.
The BDA as a development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has more than 10 years of experience in community driven development programs tasked to develop a program on the prevention of violent extremism. This initiative will redound to peace and stability of the Bangsamoro communities.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1075/bda-kicks-off-planning-workshops-on-community---based-prevention-of-violent-extremism--in-bangsamoro
A Planning Workshop on Community-Based Prevention of Violent Extremism in the Bangsamoro kicked off yesterday, November 6, 2017 in Davao City.
Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) headed by Executive Director Dr. Muhammad S. Ya’acob is spearheading the activity that will culminate on November 11 , 2017 at Microtel Inn and Suites this city.
The planning workshop is supported by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) and The Asia Foundation ( TAF ).
The Marawi siege is a clear indication that violent extremism (VE) is a reality in the Bangsamoro. Though, violent extremism (e.g. Abu Sayyaf Group) has been present in Mindanao for decades, the conflict in Marawi revealed that VE is difficult to contain and it can erupt anytime and anywhere in the Bangsamoro homeland.
The recruitment scheme " for the extremist group is a public knowledge and widespread in the Bangsamoro core area that necessitates an urgent actions to mobilize communities all over Bangsamoro homeland and counter violent extremism by controlling their recruitment scheme and make sure that all stakeholders (community leaders, the LGUs , religious leaders , parents , teachers ) are going to develop an antenna for signals of emerging violent extremism in their respective communities.
Violent extremism emerges in complex and confusing realities and effective programming should start from understanding of that reality. There is no such simple - cause - effect analysis to make regarding violent extremism.
A mixture of religious, social, political and economic factors are contributory to violent extremism but in no case that these mixtures can be the same. Given this scenario, the complexity requires constant and deep analysis without ever being able to come to a final conclusion. This complexity should not lead us into paralysis as we need to act now before it will be too late.
The BDA as a development arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has more than 10 years of experience in community driven development programs tasked to develop a program on the prevention of violent extremism. This initiative will redound to peace and stability of the Bangsamoro communities.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1075/bda-kicks-off-planning-workshops-on-community---based-prevention-of-violent-extremism--in-bangsamoro
CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - 100 Taon Rebolusyong Oktubre 2017
Ang Bayan editorial posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov 7): 100 Taon Rebolusyong Oktubre 2017
Mensahe para sa mga Pilipinong Komunista kaugnay sa Rebolusyong Oktubre
Rebolusyong Oktubre: Ang tanglaw sa pagsusulong ng Rebolusyong Pilipino
Jose Maria Sison
Tagapangulong Tagapagtatag
Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas
Mahal na mga Kasama,
Nagagalak at nagpapasalamat ako sa paanyayang magpaabot ng mensahe sa lahat ng Pilipinong komunista sa pamamagitan ng Ang Bayan at lumahok sa selebrasyon ng ika-100 anibersaryo ng Dakilang Sosyalistang Rebolusyon ng Oktubre sa pamamagitan ng ispesyal na isyu nito.
Nais kong iugnay ang Rebolusyong Oktubre sa umiiral na rebolusyong Pilipino at ialok sa inyo at lahat ng mambabasa ng Ang Bayan ang isang tala ng mga akdang ginawa ko magmula pa noong Mayo 5 nang inilunsad sa Pilipinas ang pandaidigang selebrasyon ng Rebolusyong Oktubre na pinangunahan at inorganisa ng International League of Peoples´ Struggle at People´s Resource for International Solidarity and Mass Movement.
Bunga ng rebisyonistang pagtataksil sa sosyalismo, nasa panahon pa tayo ng makabagong imperyalismo at rebolusyong proletaryo. Matapos ang ganap na panunumbalik ng kapitalismo sa mga mayor na sosyallstang bansa at pagguho ng Unyong Sobyet sa mga taong 1989-1991, ang estratehikong pag-atras ng layuning sosyalista ay diniinan ng mga opensibang ideolohikal, pulitika, ekonomiko at militar ng imperyalismong US bilang nagsosolong superpoder.
Sa ganitong kalagayan, naging tampok ang demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan sa Pilipinas sa pananatiling matatag at sa pag-unlad nang umaasa sa sarili sa landas ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka para sa pambansa at panlipunang pagpapalaya. Ipinamalas nito sa proletaryado at mamamayan ng daiggdig na maaaring magsagawa ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka laban sa imperyalismong US at reaksyon, maging malakas at nakakabuhay sa layuning sosyalista kahit na sa isang bansang base ng imperyalismong US sa rehyong Asya-Pasipiko.
Ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na namumuno sa demokratikonng rebolusyon ng bayan ay sumusunod sa mga turo ni Lenin at sa halimbawa ng Rebolusyong Oktubre sa teoretikal na konteksto ng Marximo-Leninismo-Maoismo. Sa gayon nananatili at nakakapagpalakas ito. Kaalinsabay nito, nasasaksihan nito ang global na ispektakulo ng imperyalismong US na aroganteng nagbabanat at nagpapahina sa sarili at nagpapabilis sa estratehikong panghihina nito sa pagpapalubha at pagpapalalim ng krisis ng kapitalismo at pagwawaldas sa makaking rekursong pantao at at materyal sa pamamagitan ng neoliberal na ekonomikong opensiba at walang tigil na mga gera ng agresyon.
Sa panahong ito, nakikita na nating ang malakihang transisyon sa isang rebolusyonaryong agos sa global na saklaw. Lahat ng mayor na kontradiksyon ay tumitindi: sa pagitan ng kapital at paggawa sa mga bansang industriyal kapitalista; sa pagitan ng imperyalismo at mga mamamayang inaapi; sa pagitan ng imperyalismo at mga bansang nagggumiit sa kasarinlan; at sa hanay ng mga imperyalistang kapangyarihan. Sa pagiging mayor na kapitalistang kapangyarihan, ang Tsina at Rusya ay mapagpasya sa pagpapatindi sa mga kontradiksyon sa hanay ng mga imperyalista sa isang mulitpolar na daigdig.
Higit sa dati, ang Rebolusyong Oktubre ay tanglaw sa rebolusyong Pilipino. Ang pagpupursigi ng proletaryado at mamamyang Piilipino sa rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ay mayor na sangkap ng may kabuluhang global sa paghahanda ng muling pagsulong ng anti-imperyalistang pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya at sosyalismo. Gayundin nakikinabang sila sa ganitong pagsulong ng pandaigdigang rebolusyong proletaryo.
Napatunayan ang teorya ng Kasamang Mao hinggil sa pangangailangan ng patuloy na rebolusyon sa ilalim ng diktadurang proletaryo sa pagturol sa makabagong rebisyonismo bilang pangunahing makamatay na banta sa layuning sosyalista at sa internasyonal na kilusang komunista at sa paglalahad ng mga prinsipyo at pamamaraan ng rebolusyong kultura sa paglaban sa rebisyonismo, pagpigil sa panunumbalik ng kapitalismo at pagkonsolida ng sosyalismo sa lipunang sosyalista.
Tulad ng Komuna ng Paris ng 1871, tiinalo ng burges na kontrarebolusyon ang Dakilang Proletaryong Rebolusyong Kultural ng 1966-76. Subalit nagpamana ito sa atin ng mahahalagang aral sa paglaban at pagsusulong ng sosyalismo sa patuloy na epokal na tunggalian ng proletaryado at burgesya, sa pagitan ng sosyalismo at kapitalismo.
Umaasa ako na ibayong liliwanag sa inyo ang mga sinabi ko kung basahin at aralin ninyo ang inaalok kong tala ng mga sinulat ko kaugnay ng selebrasyon ng ika-100 anibersaryo ng Rebolusyong Oktubre.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. It can be downloaded from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.
Ang Bayan welcomes contributions in the form of articles and news items. Readers are encouraged to send feedback and recommendations for improving our newspaper. Send your messages to cppinformationbureau@gmail.com
Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/201711-100-taon-rebolusyong-oktubre-2017/
Mensahe para sa mga Pilipinong Komunista kaugnay sa Rebolusyong Oktubre
Rebolusyong Oktubre: Ang tanglaw sa pagsusulong ng Rebolusyong Pilipino
Jose Maria Sison
Tagapangulong Tagapagtatag
Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas
Mahal na mga Kasama,
Nagagalak at nagpapasalamat ako sa paanyayang magpaabot ng mensahe sa lahat ng Pilipinong komunista sa pamamagitan ng Ang Bayan at lumahok sa selebrasyon ng ika-100 anibersaryo ng Dakilang Sosyalistang Rebolusyon ng Oktubre sa pamamagitan ng ispesyal na isyu nito.
Nais kong iugnay ang Rebolusyong Oktubre sa umiiral na rebolusyong Pilipino at ialok sa inyo at lahat ng mambabasa ng Ang Bayan ang isang tala ng mga akdang ginawa ko magmula pa noong Mayo 5 nang inilunsad sa Pilipinas ang pandaidigang selebrasyon ng Rebolusyong Oktubre na pinangunahan at inorganisa ng International League of Peoples´ Struggle at People´s Resource for International Solidarity and Mass Movement.
Bunga ng rebisyonistang pagtataksil sa sosyalismo, nasa panahon pa tayo ng makabagong imperyalismo at rebolusyong proletaryo. Matapos ang ganap na panunumbalik ng kapitalismo sa mga mayor na sosyallstang bansa at pagguho ng Unyong Sobyet sa mga taong 1989-1991, ang estratehikong pag-atras ng layuning sosyalista ay diniinan ng mga opensibang ideolohikal, pulitika, ekonomiko at militar ng imperyalismong US bilang nagsosolong superpoder.
Sa ganitong kalagayan, naging tampok ang demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan sa Pilipinas sa pananatiling matatag at sa pag-unlad nang umaasa sa sarili sa landas ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka para sa pambansa at panlipunang pagpapalaya. Ipinamalas nito sa proletaryado at mamamayan ng daiggdig na maaaring magsagawa ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka laban sa imperyalismong US at reaksyon, maging malakas at nakakabuhay sa layuning sosyalista kahit na sa isang bansang base ng imperyalismong US sa rehyong Asya-Pasipiko.
Ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na namumuno sa demokratikonng rebolusyon ng bayan ay sumusunod sa mga turo ni Lenin at sa halimbawa ng Rebolusyong Oktubre sa teoretikal na konteksto ng Marximo-Leninismo-Maoismo. Sa gayon nananatili at nakakapagpalakas ito. Kaalinsabay nito, nasasaksihan nito ang global na ispektakulo ng imperyalismong US na aroganteng nagbabanat at nagpapahina sa sarili at nagpapabilis sa estratehikong panghihina nito sa pagpapalubha at pagpapalalim ng krisis ng kapitalismo at pagwawaldas sa makaking rekursong pantao at at materyal sa pamamagitan ng neoliberal na ekonomikong opensiba at walang tigil na mga gera ng agresyon.
Sa panahong ito, nakikita na nating ang malakihang transisyon sa isang rebolusyonaryong agos sa global na saklaw. Lahat ng mayor na kontradiksyon ay tumitindi: sa pagitan ng kapital at paggawa sa mga bansang industriyal kapitalista; sa pagitan ng imperyalismo at mga mamamayang inaapi; sa pagitan ng imperyalismo at mga bansang nagggumiit sa kasarinlan; at sa hanay ng mga imperyalistang kapangyarihan. Sa pagiging mayor na kapitalistang kapangyarihan, ang Tsina at Rusya ay mapagpasya sa pagpapatindi sa mga kontradiksyon sa hanay ng mga imperyalista sa isang mulitpolar na daigdig.
Higit sa dati, ang Rebolusyong Oktubre ay tanglaw sa rebolusyong Pilipino. Ang pagpupursigi ng proletaryado at mamamyang Piilipino sa rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ay mayor na sangkap ng may kabuluhang global sa paghahanda ng muling pagsulong ng anti-imperyalistang pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya at sosyalismo. Gayundin nakikinabang sila sa ganitong pagsulong ng pandaigdigang rebolusyong proletaryo.
Napatunayan ang teorya ng Kasamang Mao hinggil sa pangangailangan ng patuloy na rebolusyon sa ilalim ng diktadurang proletaryo sa pagturol sa makabagong rebisyonismo bilang pangunahing makamatay na banta sa layuning sosyalista at sa internasyonal na kilusang komunista at sa paglalahad ng mga prinsipyo at pamamaraan ng rebolusyong kultura sa paglaban sa rebisyonismo, pagpigil sa panunumbalik ng kapitalismo at pagkonsolida ng sosyalismo sa lipunang sosyalista.
Tulad ng Komuna ng Paris ng 1871, tiinalo ng burges na kontrarebolusyon ang Dakilang Proletaryong Rebolusyong Kultural ng 1966-76. Subalit nagpamana ito sa atin ng mahahalagang aral sa paglaban at pagsusulong ng sosyalismo sa patuloy na epokal na tunggalian ng proletaryado at burgesya, sa pagitan ng sosyalismo at kapitalismo.
Umaasa ako na ibayong liliwanag sa inyo ang mga sinabi ko kung basahin at aralin ninyo ang inaalok kong tala ng mga sinulat ko kaugnay ng selebrasyon ng ika-100 anibersaryo ng Rebolusyong Oktubre.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. It can be downloaded from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.
Ang Bayan welcomes contributions in the form of articles and news items. Readers are encouraged to send feedback and recommendations for improving our newspaper. Send your messages to cppinformationbureau@gmail.com
Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/201711-100-taon-rebolusyong-oktubre-2017/
CPP/NPA-NCM: Possibilities are High for Reviving the Soviet Spirit of Russia in the Philippines
NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov7): Possibilities are High for Reviving the Soviet Spirit of Russia in the Philippines
Ka Norcen Mangubat, Spokesperson
Regional Committee
CPP-North Central Mindanao
7 November 2017
Press Release
Having experience colonization and modern-day slavery in its fields and factories, the peoples of the Philippines are currently aspiring for national liberation and genuine democracy against their colonizers and exploiters. They are looking up and learning from the revolutions of several nations, including the North American revolutions, to enlighten them on how to struggle and to win.
It is an opportune time to celebrate the Great October Socialist Revolution because the Filipino people could take up a thing or two about the Soviet Russian experience during the era of Tsarism and the First World War.
Just like the Filipinos, the Russian peoples consisting of various nationalities have also aspired genuine liberation from the yoke of the so-called “militarist-feudal” imperialism in Russia during the time of their leader, Vladimir Ulyanov, also known as Lenin to his comrades-in-arms. Their country was plagued by imperialist oppression and plunder even after decades of the Stolypin reforms similar to the defunct land reform program of the Aquino regime in the Philippines in the 1980s.
The feudal-militarist ruler in Russia exploits their peasantry and proletariat while they collude with the British, French, Belgian and German financial aristocrats. The 1905 revolution and then the parliamentary struggles inside and outside the State Duma have harnessed the potential of millions of workers and peasants throughout the whole of Russia into building similar to that of the Philippine’s people power and they have called these as Soviet power.
Soviets are revolutionary organs of power consisting of peasants, workers and soldiers of the revolutionary army. They were organized by the Bolshevik Party of the Russian proletariat. The revolutionary army mainly came from the Tsarist army who turned away their rifles from the people and their foreign enemies and trained them instead to their aggressor, the Tsar himself.
Soviets gained ground in pressing their need for peace, land and liberty. Most of the small nationalities surrounding Russia heeded these slogans of Lenin’s Bolshevik Party and worked hard for these demands. With the Tsarist expensive wars of aggression against Japan and Germany in a tug-of-war for colonies, the people of Russia could not bear the brunt anymore. Exploitation increased on taxation, on industrial production for the war and on requisition of farm outputs.
The 1917 February and October revolution triumphantly broke the chain of Tsarism and imperialist aggression. Lenin led them all the way to the victory of the Soviets and to the solidarity of the Eastern European peoples in hailing the first socialist Soviet republic in the whole world. Since then, the socialist system has engendered the acceleration of the existence and downfall of the imperialist system.
The Philippines had their share of the Soviet spark that ignited the darkening of our colonial history. The first Filipino communists, led by the unionist Crisanto Evangelista, secretly entered Russia through China in 1928 in order to learn the Russian Soviet experience. They founded the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on November 7, 1930, concelebrating the 13th anniversary of the October Revolution in Russia. They founded the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (HUKBALAHAP) on March 29, 1942 and lead the guerilla warfare against Japan in an anti-fascist and pro-Allied united front during World War II. Throughout Luzon, these guerillas have implemented land confiscation from pro-Japanese landlords and traitors.
Enlightened by China-style guerilla warfare against the British and American imperialism and the local military-bureaucratic warlordism in China, the young Filipino communists led by Jose Maria Sison rebuilt on December 26, 1968 the PKP under the theoretical guide of Mao Tse-tung Thought.
Mao Tse-tung built their Soviet-style revolutionary government in Shanxi, a mountainous northern China loess plain, after their legendary Long March in anticipation for the intensified Japanese invasion in the whole of China in 1936. Enthusiastic support from their peasantry, the Chinese workers, middle class and city-dwellers came to these base areas, especially in Bao’an and Yenan, which culminated to an almost nationwide, self-reliant, anti-fascist counter-offensive against Japan in 1945. Yenan then became a catchword for revolutionaries in China.
The Philippines can and should aspire to put to action China or Russia’s soviet power experience in order to win in the Philippine revolution. The seeds have been sown since 1968 and the fruits have dispersed their seeds throughout the archipelago. Lenin’s notion of the transmission belts and Mao’s “three magic weapons” of the Party, the army and the mass base has been put to test for the past 48 years despite a temporary setback in the 1980s to the early 1990s.
The raw materials for building Filipino people’s revolutionary united front and Soviet power have been there from the start. With the impending intensification of the neoliberal policies of the Philippine state and the imposition of US dominance in Southeast Asia since its Asian-pivot policy since 2011, the Filipino people are again called to arms. The world has witnessed two world wars and are expecting a third that may spark in the Asia-Pacific region given that China has empowered itself militarily and economically as an imperialist power for the past four decades of policy regime changes after Mao Tse-tung’s time.
Having witnessed the bankrupt imperialist policies and reforms due to recurring convulsions of the world economic system, peoples and countries who had a taste of Soviet and democratic power in the past century preferred socialism as an economic system which needs to resurge. This new century is dawning wherein imperialism may encounter a crisis that is unprecedented. It may be terrible, but it’s fine.
The Filipino proletariat is in the right place today for launching anti-imperialist struggles. Together with the peasantry and the middle class, they can exploit the advantage of being able to break away from exploitation, national oppression and foreign domination in the economic, political, cultural and military fields should imperialist war break out once more. They have the CPP as the vanguard in liberating the nation first from US imperialism. They can foster solidarity outwardly with the peoples and democracies of the world against world war and against Asiatic and Pacific aggression of the imperialists. Their migrant workers also have a critical role in popularizing and gaining worldwide support for the Philippine revolution.
Internally, they can launch socio-economic development for workers and peasants, with local allies and international support, despite enforced evacuations due to disasters, militarism in Mindanao and national fascism. Areas discreetly claimed as revolutionary organs of power in the countryside are taking advantage of land reform and production campaigns, legal and extra-legal options, community initiatives for development and new methods of social networking combining internet technologies and word-of-mouth reportage.
Regarding their people’s army, the New People’s Army imbibes the spirit of whole-heartedly serving the people and the revolution. They utilize all available forms of propaganda to reach out to broad workers and peasant population. They are the most effective machinery of the Party in increasing and strengthening the mass base and in gaining both local and international support for the war. They educate the masses with the current trends in politics and various forms of open and underground organizations for them to perform heavier and heavier tasks. They can hit even the most fascist target wherever and whenever they can, with the people vigorously assisting them in launching tactical offensives.
These seeds, which may be termed Filipino Soviets, are still in their germination stage. But the aggravating crisis conditions could surely empower them for swift victory. All power shall soon be theirs.
Hail the Great October Socialist Revolution!
Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!
Death to imperialism!
Long live proletarian internationalism!
Ka Norcen Mangubat, Spokesperson
Regional Committee
CPP-North Central Mindanao
7 November 2017
Press Release
Having experience colonization and modern-day slavery in its fields and factories, the peoples of the Philippines are currently aspiring for national liberation and genuine democracy against their colonizers and exploiters. They are looking up and learning from the revolutions of several nations, including the North American revolutions, to enlighten them on how to struggle and to win.
It is an opportune time to celebrate the Great October Socialist Revolution because the Filipino people could take up a thing or two about the Soviet Russian experience during the era of Tsarism and the First World War.
Just like the Filipinos, the Russian peoples consisting of various nationalities have also aspired genuine liberation from the yoke of the so-called “militarist-feudal” imperialism in Russia during the time of their leader, Vladimir Ulyanov, also known as Lenin to his comrades-in-arms. Their country was plagued by imperialist oppression and plunder even after decades of the Stolypin reforms similar to the defunct land reform program of the Aquino regime in the Philippines in the 1980s.
The feudal-militarist ruler in Russia exploits their peasantry and proletariat while they collude with the British, French, Belgian and German financial aristocrats. The 1905 revolution and then the parliamentary struggles inside and outside the State Duma have harnessed the potential of millions of workers and peasants throughout the whole of Russia into building similar to that of the Philippine’s people power and they have called these as Soviet power.
Soviets are revolutionary organs of power consisting of peasants, workers and soldiers of the revolutionary army. They were organized by the Bolshevik Party of the Russian proletariat. The revolutionary army mainly came from the Tsarist army who turned away their rifles from the people and their foreign enemies and trained them instead to their aggressor, the Tsar himself.
Soviets gained ground in pressing their need for peace, land and liberty. Most of the small nationalities surrounding Russia heeded these slogans of Lenin’s Bolshevik Party and worked hard for these demands. With the Tsarist expensive wars of aggression against Japan and Germany in a tug-of-war for colonies, the people of Russia could not bear the brunt anymore. Exploitation increased on taxation, on industrial production for the war and on requisition of farm outputs.
The 1917 February and October revolution triumphantly broke the chain of Tsarism and imperialist aggression. Lenin led them all the way to the victory of the Soviets and to the solidarity of the Eastern European peoples in hailing the first socialist Soviet republic in the whole world. Since then, the socialist system has engendered the acceleration of the existence and downfall of the imperialist system.
The Philippines had their share of the Soviet spark that ignited the darkening of our colonial history. The first Filipino communists, led by the unionist Crisanto Evangelista, secretly entered Russia through China in 1928 in order to learn the Russian Soviet experience. They founded the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on November 7, 1930, concelebrating the 13th anniversary of the October Revolution in Russia. They founded the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (HUKBALAHAP) on March 29, 1942 and lead the guerilla warfare against Japan in an anti-fascist and pro-Allied united front during World War II. Throughout Luzon, these guerillas have implemented land confiscation from pro-Japanese landlords and traitors.
Enlightened by China-style guerilla warfare against the British and American imperialism and the local military-bureaucratic warlordism in China, the young Filipino communists led by Jose Maria Sison rebuilt on December 26, 1968 the PKP under the theoretical guide of Mao Tse-tung Thought.
Mao Tse-tung built their Soviet-style revolutionary government in Shanxi, a mountainous northern China loess plain, after their legendary Long March in anticipation for the intensified Japanese invasion in the whole of China in 1936. Enthusiastic support from their peasantry, the Chinese workers, middle class and city-dwellers came to these base areas, especially in Bao’an and Yenan, which culminated to an almost nationwide, self-reliant, anti-fascist counter-offensive against Japan in 1945. Yenan then became a catchword for revolutionaries in China.
The Philippines can and should aspire to put to action China or Russia’s soviet power experience in order to win in the Philippine revolution. The seeds have been sown since 1968 and the fruits have dispersed their seeds throughout the archipelago. Lenin’s notion of the transmission belts and Mao’s “three magic weapons” of the Party, the army and the mass base has been put to test for the past 48 years despite a temporary setback in the 1980s to the early 1990s.
The raw materials for building Filipino people’s revolutionary united front and Soviet power have been there from the start. With the impending intensification of the neoliberal policies of the Philippine state and the imposition of US dominance in Southeast Asia since its Asian-pivot policy since 2011, the Filipino people are again called to arms. The world has witnessed two world wars and are expecting a third that may spark in the Asia-Pacific region given that China has empowered itself militarily and economically as an imperialist power for the past four decades of policy regime changes after Mao Tse-tung’s time.
Having witnessed the bankrupt imperialist policies and reforms due to recurring convulsions of the world economic system, peoples and countries who had a taste of Soviet and democratic power in the past century preferred socialism as an economic system which needs to resurge. This new century is dawning wherein imperialism may encounter a crisis that is unprecedented. It may be terrible, but it’s fine.
The Filipino proletariat is in the right place today for launching anti-imperialist struggles. Together with the peasantry and the middle class, they can exploit the advantage of being able to break away from exploitation, national oppression and foreign domination in the economic, political, cultural and military fields should imperialist war break out once more. They have the CPP as the vanguard in liberating the nation first from US imperialism. They can foster solidarity outwardly with the peoples and democracies of the world against world war and against Asiatic and Pacific aggression of the imperialists. Their migrant workers also have a critical role in popularizing and gaining worldwide support for the Philippine revolution.
Internally, they can launch socio-economic development for workers and peasants, with local allies and international support, despite enforced evacuations due to disasters, militarism in Mindanao and national fascism. Areas discreetly claimed as revolutionary organs of power in the countryside are taking advantage of land reform and production campaigns, legal and extra-legal options, community initiatives for development and new methods of social networking combining internet technologies and word-of-mouth reportage.
Regarding their people’s army, the New People’s Army imbibes the spirit of whole-heartedly serving the people and the revolution. They utilize all available forms of propaganda to reach out to broad workers and peasant population. They are the most effective machinery of the Party in increasing and strengthening the mass base and in gaining both local and international support for the war. They educate the masses with the current trends in politics and various forms of open and underground organizations for them to perform heavier and heavier tasks. They can hit even the most fascist target wherever and whenever they can, with the people vigorously assisting them in launching tactical offensives.
These seeds, which may be termed Filipino Soviets, are still in their germination stage. But the aggravating crisis conditions could surely empower them for swift victory. All power shall soon be theirs.
Hail the Great October Socialist Revolution!
Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!
Death to imperialism!
Long live proletarian internationalism!
CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: 54 th IB Fails to Show-off
NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov7): 54 th IB Fails to Show-off
Ka Magno Udyaw, Spokesperson
NPA-Mountain Province (Leonardo Pacsi Command)
7 November 2017
Last October 29, 2017 an encounter between the 54th Infantry Battalion and a unit of the New People’s Army- Leonardo Pacsi Command (NPA-LPC) took place near Brgy. Dalican in Bontoc Mountain Province.
The initial press release of the 54 th IB was that they received intelligence that the NPA was out to sabotage an ongoing concert in Sagada so they needed to secure the area. This is but another deceit by the Philippine Army.
First and foremost, the said location of the encounter was too far from the venue of the concert to be considered a threat of sabotage. In truth, the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police took advantage of the concert to justify a military operation in the area.
It will be recalled that on the night of October 10 another unit of the LPC dismantled and burned the sub-station of Hedcor- Sabangan in Otucan Norte Bauko as punitive action against Hedcor Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation. The 54 th IB which serves as private security for Hedcor, has been inutile in preventing the said tactical offensive and has been proven futile once more in their attempt for a pursuit operation.
The claims of the 503 rd Infantry Brigade that the operating troops discovered an encampment and that the NPA sustained casualties is but a poor attempt to save what is left of the pride of their soldiers, and a failure to show-off to their capitalist master which is Hedcor. This is proof that the mercenary tradition of the Philippine Army will never upset the pro-poor and pro-people principle of the NPA.
All aggressions to take over indigenous people’s common resources, robbing the people of their land and water rights, manipulation and deception to push through with capitalist interests, militarization and all threats against peace will not be condoned by the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army and the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front.
Ka Magno Udyaw, Spokesperson
NPA-Mountain Province (Leonardo Pacsi Command)
7 November 2017
Last October 29, 2017 an encounter between the 54th Infantry Battalion and a unit of the New People’s Army- Leonardo Pacsi Command (NPA-LPC) took place near Brgy. Dalican in Bontoc Mountain Province.
The initial press release of the 54 th IB was that they received intelligence that the NPA was out to sabotage an ongoing concert in Sagada so they needed to secure the area. This is but another deceit by the Philippine Army.
First and foremost, the said location of the encounter was too far from the venue of the concert to be considered a threat of sabotage. In truth, the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police took advantage of the concert to justify a military operation in the area.
It will be recalled that on the night of October 10 another unit of the LPC dismantled and burned the sub-station of Hedcor- Sabangan in Otucan Norte Bauko as punitive action against Hedcor Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation. The 54 th IB which serves as private security for Hedcor, has been inutile in preventing the said tactical offensive and has been proven futile once more in their attempt for a pursuit operation.
The claims of the 503 rd Infantry Brigade that the operating troops discovered an encampment and that the NPA sustained casualties is but a poor attempt to save what is left of the pride of their soldiers, and a failure to show-off to their capitalist master which is Hedcor. This is proof that the mercenary tradition of the Philippine Army will never upset the pro-poor and pro-people principle of the NPA.
All aggressions to take over indigenous people’s common resources, robbing the people of their land and water rights, manipulation and deception to push through with capitalist interests, militarization and all threats against peace will not be condoned by the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army and the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front.
Lorenzana: AFP chief’s tour of duty should be extended
From Malaya Business Insight (Nov 7): Lorenzana: AFP chief’s tour of duty should be extended
DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday said he is going to recommend to President Duterte the extension of the tour of duty of AFP chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero who is due to retire next month.
Interviewed in Camp Aguinaldo after the celebration of the 78th foundation anniversary of the Department of National Defense, Lorenzana said it would be unfair to Guerrero to be given only about two months to serve as AFP chief.
Guerrero assumed the post on October 26, replacing Eduardo Año who reached the retirement age of 56. Guerrero, of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, is due to reach the mandatory retirement age on December 17.
“It’s unfair if you are going to give him only two months. Give him a longer time so that he can accomplish something,” said Lorenzana. “When he took over last October 26, I was asked if I will (recommend extension), I will,” Lorenzana said.
But President Duterte still has the final say, Lorenzana added.
Guerrero is said to be close to the Duterte family.
Lorenzana, in an October 26 interview, said the prevailing martial law in Mindanao could be enough justification to extend Guerrero’s term.
Martial law was declared shortly after the Maute Group attacked Marawi City on May 23.
Among possible contenders to the top AFP position are AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez and Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Bautista, both members of the PMA Class 1985.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/lorenzana-afp-chief%E2%80%99s-tour-duty-should-be-extended
DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday said he is going to recommend to President Duterte the extension of the tour of duty of AFP chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero who is due to retire next month.
Interviewed in Camp Aguinaldo after the celebration of the 78th foundation anniversary of the Department of National Defense, Lorenzana said it would be unfair to Guerrero to be given only about two months to serve as AFP chief.
Guerrero assumed the post on October 26, replacing Eduardo Año who reached the retirement age of 56. Guerrero, of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, is due to reach the mandatory retirement age on December 17.
“It’s unfair if you are going to give him only two months. Give him a longer time so that he can accomplish something,” said Lorenzana. “When he took over last October 26, I was asked if I will (recommend extension), I will,” Lorenzana said.
But President Duterte still has the final say, Lorenzana added.
Guerrero is said to be close to the Duterte family.
Lorenzana, in an October 26 interview, said the prevailing martial law in Mindanao could be enough justification to extend Guerrero’s term.
Martial law was declared shortly after the Maute Group attacked Marawi City on May 23.
Among possible contenders to the top AFP position are AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez and Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Bautista, both members of the PMA Class 1985.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/lorenzana-afp-chief%E2%80%99s-tour-duty-should-be-extended
12 Maute stragglers killed
From Malaya Business Insight (Nov 7): 12 Maute stragglers killed
TWELVE stragglers of the Maute Group were killed in skirmishes with government forces in Marawi City on Sunday, including a Malaysian terrorist touted as the possible successor of Filipino Isnilon Hapilon as leader of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia.
Citing reports from ground commanders, AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez said the 12 were slain during an assault on two structures in the main battle area.
“Yesterday (Sunday), the ground commanders reported to me that there are body counts there in the areas where they are hiding and we believe, hopefully, Amin Baco is one of them,” Galvez said in an ambush in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City yesterday morning.
Galvez joined the Philippine Air Force leadership in paying a “hero’s welcome” for Air Force personnel who took part in the operations against the Maute in Marawi City. He said the role of the Air Force was the “game-changer.”
Combat operations against the Maute were terminated on October 23, five months after the terrorists attacked Marawi. The fighting left at least 900 Maute members, 165 soldiers and policemen, and 47 civilians dead.
Galvez said troops believe the 12 fatalities in last Sunday’s fighting also included an Indonesian terrorist, one “Pahalam,” and Hapilon’s son, Abdullah Hapilon.
“We have some suspicion that they are already dead,” said Galvez. He said that if Baco is neutralized, “we already broke the chain of the Maute ISIS and the Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao.”
Galvez said troops have recovered eight bodies in the encounter site and soldiers are trying to recover four more. He said DNA testing is needed before they can confirm that Baco was indeed among the slain terrorists.
AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Baco’s body has not been recovered.
Hapilon, Maute leader Omar Maute, and 18 other terrorists were slain during fierce fighting on October 16. Another potential successor of Hapilon, Malaysian Mahmud Ahmad, alias Dr. Mahmud, was killed a few days later.
“Amin Baco is believed to have been among those killed in Marawi recently. Baco’s remains are now the subject of an ongoing aggressive search,” said Padilla yesterday afternoon.
Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of the military’s Joint Task Force Ranao, said Baco possibly died in last Sunday’s operation. He also said the military has recovered nine enemy bodies from the site as of yesterday afternoon.
Brawner said rescued hostages and Indonesian Mohamadin Ilham Syaputra, who was arrested Wednesday last week, informed the military of Baco’s whereabouts.
He confirmed the fatalities included Ibrahim Maute alias Abu Jamil, a cousin of Maute brothers Omar and Abdulah.
“Government troops are still on the lookout for more possible terrorists-stragglers in the main battle area. Thus, the military is warning the public that the main battle area is still off limits because of the danger posed by terrorist-stragglers,” said Brawner.
At around noontime, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said troops were still looking for Baco.
“Yes, we heard news that he could be the successor of Isnilon Hapilon as the emir of these terrorists,” he also said.
Earlier yesterday, PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa said Baco has taken over as IS leader in Southeast Asia.
Padilla, without naming names, said: “Contrary to recent pronouncements by some officials that it (Maute) is now headed by a certain Amin Baco, the AFP strongly believes that the group is now leaderless and without direction.”
Lorenzana said Baco’s name became prominent only recently. “He is not as high-profile as Isnilon, maybe in the middle level only. It seems there are no other leaders left higher than him, so he may be also taking over,” he said.
Baco has been in the military radar for several years. He is being blamed for a number of attacks against government forces in Basilan, where Hapilon was previously based.
“We are not belittling him but I think he (Baco) cannot mass that number of people that Isnilon brought to Marawi, close to a thousand fighters, fully equipped, fully-armed and fully-supplied with ammunition,” said Lorenzana.
Dela Rosa, in a press conference in Camp Crame, said Baco has replaced Hapilon as ISI “emir” in Southeast Asia and is now leading the stragglers.
He said the information came from Muhammad Ilham Syahputra, the Indonesian terrorist arrested in Marawi on November 1.
Dela Rosa presented Syahputra to members of the media in Camp Crame but did not allow the Indonesian to speak.
EXPERIENCED FIGHTER
Deputy director general Fernando Mendez, deputy PNP chief for operations, said Baco is the longest staying foreign trained fighter (FTF) in the country “who was with Marwan for a long time,” referring to Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir who was killed by government forces in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January 2015, in an operation that also left 44 Special Action Force commandos dead.
Mendez could not recall when Baco arrived in the country.
“He is one of the most experienced foreign trained fighters in the Philippines and that is probably the reason why, when Isnilon Hapilon was killed, he was elected or chosen as the replacement, as emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia as disclosed by Syahputra,” Mendez said.
He said Baco was also with Marwan in Lanao del Sur years back, and was staying in Maguindanao the time SAF commandos killed Marwan but was not involved in a shootout with the commandos because he was staying far from Marwan’s hut.
Based on Syahputra’s revelations, Dela Rosa said the remaining Maute terrorists have become miserable that they assigned a “buddy” or mate for each terrorist and those who wish to surrender or escape will be shot.
He said Syahputra’s “buddy” was identified only as a Tausug who came to Marawi City with Hapilon from Basilan .
He said Syahputra killed his buddy and escaped by swimming for about three hours in the Lanao Lake, before he was sighted by government forces.
MAUTE USED DRONES
Dela Rosa also said Syahputra was the drone operator of the Maute group which he said used five drones to monitor the deployment of government troops.
Dela Rosa said Syahputra, from Medan in Indonesia, first joined the ISIS while working as a CCTV technician after graduating from Prayatna Universitas Sumatara Utara, Medan, Indonesia with a degree in information technology.
In 2015, Syahputra worked as a cargo crewman in Kualanamu International Airport before he worked in Malaysia in the early 2016.
He entered the country via Singapore on board Jetstar Airlines sometime November 2016 to join the ISIS in Marawi City. From Manila, he took a domestic flight to Cagayan de Oro City where he got in touch with unidentified people to help him join the ISIS in Butig town Lanao del Sur but was declined membership in his first attempt.
An unidentified individual advised him to go to Lamitan, Basilan where he was picked up and brought directly to Hapilon’s lair. He also visited Facebook accounts linked to ISIS-inspired members in the country in which he came to know Mohammad Khayam Romato Maute aka Otto, one of the three Maute brothers who was also later killed by government forces.
It was in Basilan where Syahputra met Hapilon, Baco, and other terrorists.
Dela Rosa said Syahputra does not personally know Indonesian Manhati Madrais, widow of Omarkayam Maute. Madrais was arrested Sunday in her house in Iligan City, where security forces recovered blasting caps, detonating cords, and a time fuse.
He said Madrais served as the Maute group’s finance/logistics officer and spread the ISIS doctrines in the country. He said her arrest would mean the further weakening of the terrorist group in the country.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/12-maute-stragglers-killed
TWELVE stragglers of the Maute Group were killed in skirmishes with government forces in Marawi City on Sunday, including a Malaysian terrorist touted as the possible successor of Filipino Isnilon Hapilon as leader of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia.
Citing reports from ground commanders, AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez said the 12 were slain during an assault on two structures in the main battle area.
“Yesterday (Sunday), the ground commanders reported to me that there are body counts there in the areas where they are hiding and we believe, hopefully, Amin Baco is one of them,” Galvez said in an ambush in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City yesterday morning.
Galvez joined the Philippine Air Force leadership in paying a “hero’s welcome” for Air Force personnel who took part in the operations against the Maute in Marawi City. He said the role of the Air Force was the “game-changer.”
Combat operations against the Maute were terminated on October 23, five months after the terrorists attacked Marawi. The fighting left at least 900 Maute members, 165 soldiers and policemen, and 47 civilians dead.
Galvez said troops believe the 12 fatalities in last Sunday’s fighting also included an Indonesian terrorist, one “Pahalam,” and Hapilon’s son, Abdullah Hapilon.
“We have some suspicion that they are already dead,” said Galvez. He said that if Baco is neutralized, “we already broke the chain of the Maute ISIS and the Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao.”
Galvez said troops have recovered eight bodies in the encounter site and soldiers are trying to recover four more. He said DNA testing is needed before they can confirm that Baco was indeed among the slain terrorists.
AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Baco’s body has not been recovered.
Hapilon, Maute leader Omar Maute, and 18 other terrorists were slain during fierce fighting on October 16. Another potential successor of Hapilon, Malaysian Mahmud Ahmad, alias Dr. Mahmud, was killed a few days later.
“Amin Baco is believed to have been among those killed in Marawi recently. Baco’s remains are now the subject of an ongoing aggressive search,” said Padilla yesterday afternoon.
Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of the military’s Joint Task Force Ranao, said Baco possibly died in last Sunday’s operation. He also said the military has recovered nine enemy bodies from the site as of yesterday afternoon.
Brawner said rescued hostages and Indonesian Mohamadin Ilham Syaputra, who was arrested Wednesday last week, informed the military of Baco’s whereabouts.
He confirmed the fatalities included Ibrahim Maute alias Abu Jamil, a cousin of Maute brothers Omar and Abdulah.
“Government troops are still on the lookout for more possible terrorists-stragglers in the main battle area. Thus, the military is warning the public that the main battle area is still off limits because of the danger posed by terrorist-stragglers,” said Brawner.
At around noontime, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said troops were still looking for Baco.
“Yes, we heard news that he could be the successor of Isnilon Hapilon as the emir of these terrorists,” he also said.
Earlier yesterday, PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa said Baco has taken over as IS leader in Southeast Asia.
Padilla, without naming names, said: “Contrary to recent pronouncements by some officials that it (Maute) is now headed by a certain Amin Baco, the AFP strongly believes that the group is now leaderless and without direction.”
Lorenzana said Baco’s name became prominent only recently. “He is not as high-profile as Isnilon, maybe in the middle level only. It seems there are no other leaders left higher than him, so he may be also taking over,” he said.
Baco has been in the military radar for several years. He is being blamed for a number of attacks against government forces in Basilan, where Hapilon was previously based.
“We are not belittling him but I think he (Baco) cannot mass that number of people that Isnilon brought to Marawi, close to a thousand fighters, fully equipped, fully-armed and fully-supplied with ammunition,” said Lorenzana.
Dela Rosa, in a press conference in Camp Crame, said Baco has replaced Hapilon as ISI “emir” in Southeast Asia and is now leading the stragglers.
He said the information came from Muhammad Ilham Syahputra, the Indonesian terrorist arrested in Marawi on November 1.
Dela Rosa presented Syahputra to members of the media in Camp Crame but did not allow the Indonesian to speak.
EXPERIENCED FIGHTER
Deputy director general Fernando Mendez, deputy PNP chief for operations, said Baco is the longest staying foreign trained fighter (FTF) in the country “who was with Marwan for a long time,” referring to Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir who was killed by government forces in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January 2015, in an operation that also left 44 Special Action Force commandos dead.
Mendez could not recall when Baco arrived in the country.
“He is one of the most experienced foreign trained fighters in the Philippines and that is probably the reason why, when Isnilon Hapilon was killed, he was elected or chosen as the replacement, as emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia as disclosed by Syahputra,” Mendez said.
He said Baco was also with Marwan in Lanao del Sur years back, and was staying in Maguindanao the time SAF commandos killed Marwan but was not involved in a shootout with the commandos because he was staying far from Marwan’s hut.
Based on Syahputra’s revelations, Dela Rosa said the remaining Maute terrorists have become miserable that they assigned a “buddy” or mate for each terrorist and those who wish to surrender or escape will be shot.
He said Syahputra’s “buddy” was identified only as a Tausug who came to Marawi City with Hapilon from Basilan .
He said Syahputra killed his buddy and escaped by swimming for about three hours in the Lanao Lake, before he was sighted by government forces.
MAUTE USED DRONES
Dela Rosa also said Syahputra was the drone operator of the Maute group which he said used five drones to monitor the deployment of government troops.
Dela Rosa said Syahputra, from Medan in Indonesia, first joined the ISIS while working as a CCTV technician after graduating from Prayatna Universitas Sumatara Utara, Medan, Indonesia with a degree in information technology.
In 2015, Syahputra worked as a cargo crewman in Kualanamu International Airport before he worked in Malaysia in the early 2016.
He entered the country via Singapore on board Jetstar Airlines sometime November 2016 to join the ISIS in Marawi City. From Manila, he took a domestic flight to Cagayan de Oro City where he got in touch with unidentified people to help him join the ISIS in Butig town Lanao del Sur but was declined membership in his first attempt.
An unidentified individual advised him to go to Lamitan, Basilan where he was picked up and brought directly to Hapilon’s lair. He also visited Facebook accounts linked to ISIS-inspired members in the country in which he came to know Mohammad Khayam Romato Maute aka Otto, one of the three Maute brothers who was also later killed by government forces.
It was in Basilan where Syahputra met Hapilon, Baco, and other terrorists.
Dela Rosa said Syahputra does not personally know Indonesian Manhati Madrais, widow of Omarkayam Maute. Madrais was arrested Sunday in her house in Iligan City, where security forces recovered blasting caps, detonating cords, and a time fuse.
He said Madrais served as the Maute group’s finance/logistics officer and spread the ISIS doctrines in the country. He said her arrest would mean the further weakening of the terrorist group in the country.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/12-maute-stragglers-killed
Rights group raises alarm over military’s vilification, harassment of Abra NGO workers
From InterAksyon (Nov 7): Rights group raises alarm over military’s vilification, harassment of Abra NGO workers
Shirley Ann Angiwot (photo courtesy of Kabataan-Abra)
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A human rights organization has raised the alarm over the vilification of nongovernment organization workers in Abra, who the Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion has accused in public social media posts of being “terrorists” operating in the guise of outreach programs.
The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance said the Army unit has also accused Shirley Ann Angiwot, Theresa Forag and other members of the Kakailyan, Salakniban Ta’y Amin a Nagtaudan or Kastan, a member-organizion of the Cordillera People’s Alliance, “kidnapping” children.
The Facebook page of the battalion has posts with photos in which Forag, Angiwot and other persons are identified and labeled. The latest post, from October 31, has the head, “Teroristang Grupo, gumagamit ng ahensiya ng gobyerno upang makapag-recruit ng mga menor de edad (Terrorist group using government agencies to recruit minors),” and tags media organizations.
Apparently to prove this claim, the post includes an image of a Department of Labor and Employment document certifying the registration of the Malaylay Pottery Organization in Sitio Malaylay, Barangay Mudiit in Dolores as a “legitimate Rural Workers Assocation.”
Another post shows photos of a store in Bangued town where “terrorists” supposedly purchased their supplies.
The CHRA noted that leaders and members of the Madiit People’s Organization have been subjected to threats and intimdation and, recently, “illegal searches of their homes” during combat operations.
The Abra chapter of the Kabataan party-list said the battalion had also “slandered” Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg by claiming in a post in late August that a medical mission organized by the prelate in July would include “Juana,” a communist rebel supposedly tasked to recruit youth for a fighting unit. The post included photos of Angiwot, identifying her as “Juana.”
The military unit later apologized to Utleg and other personalities it mentioned in its earlier post even as it maintained that such projects were part of rebel recruitment tactics.
Shirley Ann Angiwot (photo courtesy of Kabataan-Abra)
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A human rights organization has raised the alarm over the vilification of nongovernment organization workers in Abra, who the Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion has accused in public social media posts of being “terrorists” operating in the guise of outreach programs.
The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance said the Army unit has also accused Shirley Ann Angiwot, Theresa Forag and other members of the Kakailyan, Salakniban Ta’y Amin a Nagtaudan or Kastan, a member-organizion of the Cordillera People’s Alliance, “kidnapping” children.
The Facebook page of the battalion has posts with photos in which Forag, Angiwot and other persons are identified and labeled. The latest post, from October 31, has the head, “Teroristang Grupo, gumagamit ng ahensiya ng gobyerno upang makapag-recruit ng mga menor de edad (Terrorist group using government agencies to recruit minors),” and tags media organizations.
Apparently to prove this claim, the post includes an image of a Department of Labor and Employment document certifying the registration of the Malaylay Pottery Organization in Sitio Malaylay, Barangay Mudiit in Dolores as a “legitimate Rural Workers Assocation.”
Another post shows photos of a store in Bangued town where “terrorists” supposedly purchased their supplies.
The CHRA noted that leaders and members of the Madiit People’s Organization have been subjected to threats and intimdation and, recently, “illegal searches of their homes” during combat operations.
The Abra chapter of the Kabataan party-list said the battalion had also “slandered” Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg by claiming in a post in late August that a medical mission organized by the prelate in July would include “Juana,” a communist rebel supposedly tasked to recruit youth for a fighting unit. The post included photos of Angiwot, identifying her as “Juana.”
The military unit later apologized to Utleg and other personalities it mentioned in its earlier post even as it maintained that such projects were part of rebel recruitment tactics.
8 PNP bomb experts get medals after Marawi tour
From the Mindanao Times (Nov 6): 8 PNP bomb experts get medals after Marawi tour
EIGHT members of the Police Regional Office (PRO) Explosive Ordnance Division in the region were awarded with Medalya ng Kagalingan during the flag-raising ceremony yesterday at Camp Quintin Merecido parade grounds.
Chief Insp. Andrea Dela Cerna, the spokesperson of PRO XI, identified them as SPO3 Yolindo Singson, SPO3 Joel Pardillo Mancia, SPO3 Delson Jun Carillo Pajota, SPO1 Kevin Indino King, and Walter Lee Dumayas Melodias, PO3 Jeffrey Olivar Magdirila, PO2 Jhonmer Saavedra Aclo, and PO2 Jose Asupra Raut.
Dela Cerna said they were deployed for one month and 22 days in the main battle area in Marawi City, and helped clear the ground of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Dela Cerna said they were deployed for one month and 22 days in the main battle area in Marawi City, and helped clear the ground of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“Their exceptional dedication to duty and self-sacrifice greatly contributed to the PNP organization,” she added.
Meanwhile, around 64 highly skilled police officers who completed the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) advance course had a simple graduation held at the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI parade grounds.
Dela Cerna said the SWAT officers will serve as tactical support component, and will be called upon to handle situations “that are beyond the capability of conventional police personnel.”
They showcased their skills in operational readiness to counter terrorism, criminality, and other security threats to public safety. The graduates had started their training last Aug. 10. They have undertaken training to further improve their skills and competence to address security challenges.
Meanwhile, around 64 highly skilled police officers who completed the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) advance course had a simple graduation held at the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI parade grounds.
Dela Cerna said the SWAT officers will serve as tactical support component, and will be called upon to handle situations “that are beyond the capability of conventional police personnel.”
They showcased their skills in operational readiness to counter terrorism, criminality, and other security threats to public safety. The graduates had started their training last Aug. 10. They have undertaken training to further improve their skills and competence to address security challenges.
1 NPA rebel falls; 4 surrender
From the Mindanao Times (Nov 6): 1 NPA rebel falls; 4 surrender
AN ALLEGED TEAM leader of New People’s Army (NPA) was captured by elements of 39th Infantry Battalion after clashes at the boundary of Sitio Mahayag, Old Bulatukan, Makilala and Sitio Mabanog, Darapuay, Bansalan Davao del Sur on Friday, Nov. 3 around 2:15 p.m.
Meanwhile, four rebels surrendered to the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the4th Infantry Division in Malaybalay City Bukidnon on Nov. 1 and 2, the military’s belated report said.
Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa, 39th Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday identified the captured rebel as Rosendo Anggit, team leader of Sentro De Grabidad, Guerilla Front 51, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRMC), resident of Zone 2, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
Argamosa said Anggit was part of the 20 NPAs who clashed with troops upon the conduct of combat operation in the said area. He was wounded in the encounter and brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Soldiers also recovered two high-powered firearms (M4 and M16), two improvised explosive devices, seven backpacks and documents.
The troops were able also to overrun the NPA camp that can accommodate more or less 70-80 fighters.
Argamosa said the encounter was precipitated by reports about extortion. He said residents were asked to pay P3 per rubber tree and rice allocation. ” They were also told to carry the provisions of the NPAs while moving from each encampment,” he added.
“We also received reports that the armed group is planning to conduct ambush to government troops and harassment of detachments,” he said.
Col. Roberto Ancan, the commander of 1002nd Infantry Brigade, further stressed, “the army will continue to maximized its military assets to preserve peace and protect the civilian from any harm which had been abused for so long by NPA in his area of responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, the 10th Infantry Division commander, expressed that they are grateful to the residents of Makilala who reported the presence of NPAs in their area.
“Sad to say, that some people joined the NPA and took arms against the government due to some promises of insurgent leaders,” Clement said.” For now, it is high time to convince our brothers- NPA to go back to the fold of the law and think of their families and the future of their children.”
4 surrender to army
Capt. Norman Tagros, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 403rd Infantry Brigade, told TIMES that one rebel who surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion brought along a Garand rifle with live bullets around 6 am on Nov. 1.
The other three surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion around 6 p.m the following day bringing along M16, Garand, and M1 Cal. 30 Carbine rifles with live ammunition.
Tagros said the returnees told them that living in the mountains had become almost impossible. They also claimed the NPA failed in its promise to support their families.
Brig. Gen. Eric C. Vinoya, the 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the battalions for facilitating the surrender of the four NPA members.
Vinoya also called upon the remaining NPAs to go down and surrender. “Once again, I call upon the other NPA members to go down now and surrender. I know that you are tired and that you miss your family and your loved ones,” he added.
The brigade commander also said those who will surrender will be enrolled in the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) where they will get the benefits of livelihood and cash assistance, housing, and employment.
AN ALLEGED TEAM leader of New People’s Army (NPA) was captured by elements of 39th Infantry Battalion after clashes at the boundary of Sitio Mahayag, Old Bulatukan, Makilala and Sitio Mabanog, Darapuay, Bansalan Davao del Sur on Friday, Nov. 3 around 2:15 p.m.
Meanwhile, four rebels surrendered to the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the4th Infantry Division in Malaybalay City Bukidnon on Nov. 1 and 2, the military’s belated report said.
Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa, 39th Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday identified the captured rebel as Rosendo Anggit, team leader of Sentro De Grabidad, Guerilla Front 51, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRMC), resident of Zone 2, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
Argamosa said Anggit was part of the 20 NPAs who clashed with troops upon the conduct of combat operation in the said area. He was wounded in the encounter and brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Soldiers also recovered two high-powered firearms (M4 and M16), two improvised explosive devices, seven backpacks and documents.
The troops were able also to overrun the NPA camp that can accommodate more or less 70-80 fighters.
Argamosa said the encounter was precipitated by reports about extortion. He said residents were asked to pay P3 per rubber tree and rice allocation. ” They were also told to carry the provisions of the NPAs while moving from each encampment,” he added.
“We also received reports that the armed group is planning to conduct ambush to government troops and harassment of detachments,” he said.
Col. Roberto Ancan, the commander of 1002nd Infantry Brigade, further stressed, “the army will continue to maximized its military assets to preserve peace and protect the civilian from any harm which had been abused for so long by NPA in his area of responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, the 10th Infantry Division commander, expressed that they are grateful to the residents of Makilala who reported the presence of NPAs in their area.
“Sad to say, that some people joined the NPA and took arms against the government due to some promises of insurgent leaders,” Clement said.” For now, it is high time to convince our brothers- NPA to go back to the fold of the law and think of their families and the future of their children.”
4 surrender to army
Capt. Norman Tagros, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 403rd Infantry Brigade, told TIMES that one rebel who surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion brought along a Garand rifle with live bullets around 6 am on Nov. 1.
The other three surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion around 6 p.m the following day bringing along M16, Garand, and M1 Cal. 30 Carbine rifles with live ammunition.
Tagros said the returnees told them that living in the mountains had become almost impossible. They also claimed the NPA failed in its promise to support their families.
Brig. Gen. Eric C. Vinoya, the 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the battalions for facilitating the surrender of the four NPA members.
Vinoya also called upon the remaining NPAs to go down and surrender. “Once again, I call upon the other NPA members to go down now and surrender. I know that you are tired and that you miss your family and your loved ones,” he added.
The brigade commander also said those who will surrender will be enrolled in the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) where they will get the benefits of livelihood and cash assistance, housing, and employment.
SK cops disband armed group, seize 25 arms, explosives
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): SK cops disband armed group, seize 25 arms, explosives
ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat -- The campaign against loose firearms and private armed groups has been intensified in Sultan Kudarat province, a ranking police official said Monday.
Sr. Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the latest successful operation led to the arrest of 10 men over the weekend and recovery of 25 assorted high-powered firearms, explosives and over 1,400 ammunition from an armed group led by the father of a town mayor in the province.
The group was led by retired Army MSgt. Rodolfo Ecija, father of Senator Ninoy Aquino town Mayor Randy Ecija, Supiter told PNA at the police provincial office here.
“They were private armed followers of retired M/Sgt. Ecija, seven of them were also retired soldiers,” Supiter said.
The 65-year-old Ecija and his men did not resist arrest when Supiter and other police officers presented the search warrant issued by Judge Alandrex M. Betoya of Regional Trial Court Branch 16, Kabacan, North Cotabato for violations of RA 10591 (Unlawful possession of light weapons).
Aside from Ecija, also arrested were ret. Sgt. Rufino Lama, 53; Augusto G. Terosa, 54; Calvin A. Lakandula Jr., Joel P. Gardose, Glenn Z. Brillantes and Richard P. Devaras; Joven Andrada, 49; Romeo Momo, 33 and Reynaldo Dalayon, 55 all residents of Purok Liwayway, Barangay Poblacion, Sen. Ninoy Aquino town.
Supiter said Mayor Ecija was not included in the search warrant although he was present during the raid.
The mayor refused to issue a statement to the media.
Supiter said the group members arrested in three houses, which served as outpost for armed men in Barangay Poblacion. Seized firearms included 10 M-16 assault rifles, one M-16 Baby Armalite with M-203, one M1 Garand rifle, one cal. 45 pistol, two 9mm pistol, two cal. 30 Carbine, one M-79 launcher, one 12 gauge shotgun, one homemade Engram rifle, one hand grenade, four rifle grenades, 40 pcs 40 mm rifle grenade, hand held radios, more than 1,400 ammunition for various calibers and magazines.
The suspects are now detained at Sultan Kudarat police provincial lock up cell in Barangay Kalawag, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
Accompanying Supiter in serving the warrants were Supt. Nestor Salcedo, chief of PRO-12 Regional Intelligence Division; Supt. Salman Sapal, chief of SK Provincial Public Safety Company; Senior Inspector Jayson Manuel, chief of 1st Maneuver Company of Regional Public Safety Battalion; and Senior Inspector Kristian Ace Sularte, Sen. Ninoy Aquino town police chief.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014900
ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat -- The campaign against loose firearms and private armed groups has been intensified in Sultan Kudarat province, a ranking police official said Monday.
Sr. Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the latest successful operation led to the arrest of 10 men over the weekend and recovery of 25 assorted high-powered firearms, explosives and over 1,400 ammunition from an armed group led by the father of a town mayor in the province.
The group was led by retired Army MSgt. Rodolfo Ecija, father of Senator Ninoy Aquino town Mayor Randy Ecija, Supiter told PNA at the police provincial office here.
“They were private armed followers of retired M/Sgt. Ecija, seven of them were also retired soldiers,” Supiter said.
The 65-year-old Ecija and his men did not resist arrest when Supiter and other police officers presented the search warrant issued by Judge Alandrex M. Betoya of Regional Trial Court Branch 16, Kabacan, North Cotabato for violations of RA 10591 (Unlawful possession of light weapons).
Aside from Ecija, also arrested were ret. Sgt. Rufino Lama, 53; Augusto G. Terosa, 54; Calvin A. Lakandula Jr., Joel P. Gardose, Glenn Z. Brillantes and Richard P. Devaras; Joven Andrada, 49; Romeo Momo, 33 and Reynaldo Dalayon, 55 all residents of Purok Liwayway, Barangay Poblacion, Sen. Ninoy Aquino town.
Supiter said Mayor Ecija was not included in the search warrant although he was present during the raid.
The mayor refused to issue a statement to the media.
Supiter said the group members arrested in three houses, which served as outpost for armed men in Barangay Poblacion. Seized firearms included 10 M-16 assault rifles, one M-16 Baby Armalite with M-203, one M1 Garand rifle, one cal. 45 pistol, two 9mm pistol, two cal. 30 Carbine, one M-79 launcher, one 12 gauge shotgun, one homemade Engram rifle, one hand grenade, four rifle grenades, 40 pcs 40 mm rifle grenade, hand held radios, more than 1,400 ammunition for various calibers and magazines.
The suspects are now detained at Sultan Kudarat police provincial lock up cell in Barangay Kalawag, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
Accompanying Supiter in serving the warrants were Supt. Nestor Salcedo, chief of PRO-12 Regional Intelligence Division; Supt. Salman Sapal, chief of SK Provincial Public Safety Company; Senior Inspector Jayson Manuel, chief of 1st Maneuver Company of Regional Public Safety Battalion; and Senior Inspector Kristian Ace Sularte, Sen. Ninoy Aquino town police chief.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014900
Almost P4-B spent in Marawi City battle: Lorenzana
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): Almost P4-B spent in Marawi City battle: Lorenzana
The government had spent an estimated PHP4 billion in the five-month battle to liberate Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists.
This was bared by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the sidelines of the DND's 78th founding anniversary Monday.
"Walang akong figures ngayon but last time (I don't have figures now but last time), I think (total expenses) is close to PHP4 billion," he added.
This sum includes expenditures in ammunition, fuel, food, medicines and other combat necessities of the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Fighting in Marawi City started when government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS Emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, last May 23.
It was declared over last October 23 following the death of Hapilon and Omar Maute, one of the founders of the terror group.
The fighting killed an estimated 923 Maute terorrists and their allies, including three stragglers last week, and 165 government troops aside from costing billions in infrastructure damage.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014924
The government had spent an estimated PHP4 billion in the five-month battle to liberate Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists.
This was bared by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the sidelines of the DND's 78th founding anniversary Monday.
"Walang akong figures ngayon but last time (I don't have figures now but last time), I think (total expenses) is close to PHP4 billion," he added.
This sum includes expenditures in ammunition, fuel, food, medicines and other combat necessities of the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Fighting in Marawi City started when government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS Emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, last May 23.
It was declared over last October 23 following the death of Hapilon and Omar Maute, one of the founders of the terror group.
The fighting killed an estimated 923 Maute terorrists and their allies, including three stragglers last week, and 165 government troops aside from costing billions in infrastructure damage.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014924
PAF gives heroes' welcome to 200 returning airmen
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): PAF gives heroes' welcome to 200 returning airmen
Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots and aircrews, who flew numerous ground support missions in the five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists, were given a heroes' welcome in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City Monday.
Welcoming ceremonies for the initial returning 200 pilots and aircrew were headed by PAF head Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar.
Around 1,007 PAF personnel were deployed in the conflict which started May 23 and lasted until October 23. Planes sent in to the fight include the brand-new FA-50 jet fighters, AW-109 attack helicopters, venerable OV-10 "Broncos", UH-IH "Huey" combat utility helicopters, Bell-412 helicopters, W-3A "Sokol" for rescue and medical evacuation, C-130 and C-295 cargo planes.
Kintanar said these exemplary PAF personnel demonstrated the essence of airpower as these men flew support missions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"They symbolize the Air Force at its finest hour and the airmen at their greatest defining moment in recent memory,” the PAF chief added.
Kintanar also stressed that the PAF has flown 1,350 sorties in around 4,900 hours aside from transporting 7,000 soldiers and police personnel aside from evacuating hundreds of wounded personnel during the five-month conflict.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014927
Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots and aircrews, who flew numerous ground support missions in the five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group terrorists, were given a heroes' welcome in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City Monday.
Welcoming ceremonies for the initial returning 200 pilots and aircrew were headed by PAF head Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar.
Around 1,007 PAF personnel were deployed in the conflict which started May 23 and lasted until October 23. Planes sent in to the fight include the brand-new FA-50 jet fighters, AW-109 attack helicopters, venerable OV-10 "Broncos", UH-IH "Huey" combat utility helicopters, Bell-412 helicopters, W-3A "Sokol" for rescue and medical evacuation, C-130 and C-295 cargo planes.
Kintanar said these exemplary PAF personnel demonstrated the essence of airpower as these men flew support missions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"They symbolize the Air Force at its finest hour and the airmen at their greatest defining moment in recent memory,” the PAF chief added.
Kintanar also stressed that the PAF has flown 1,350 sorties in around 4,900 hours aside from transporting 7,000 soldiers and police personnel aside from evacuating hundreds of wounded personnel during the five-month conflict.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014927
AFP believes Baco among slain terrorists in Marawi
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): AFP believes Baco among slain terrorists in Marawi
The military strongly believes that Malaysian bomber Amin Baco was among those killed in the heavy fighting during efforts to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major Gen. Restituto Padilla in a message Monday, contrary to claims made by Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa that Baco is now the new ISIS emir in Southeast Asia.
"Contrary to recent pronouncements by some officials that it is now headed by a certain Amin Baco, the AFP strongly believes that the group is now leaderless and without direction. Amin Baco is believed to have been among those killed in Marawi recently. Baco's remains is now the subject of an ongoing aggressive search," he added.
Padilla also denied that the remaining Maute Group stragglers will be able to influence the overall security situation of the conflict-hit city.
"The AFP following its successful combat operations in Marawi City is aggressively pursuing its clearing operations. Clearing operations are focused on the remaining areas of Marawi believed to hold terrorist stragglers fighting for survival and hiding it out in the hope of escaping the MBA (main battle area)," he added.
Also, Padilla said AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, assures the residents of Marawi that the military is doing its best to expedite the city's return to normalcy.
Around 923 Maute Group terrorists and their allies were killed in the five-month campaign against the terror group which started last May 23. One hundred sixty five soldiers and police officers were killed in the offensive which only ended on October 23.
On Monday, Dela Rosa claimed that Baco is now the new ISIS emir in Southeast Asia following the death of Hapilon in Marawi City last October 16.
He also claimed that around 39 Maute Group stragglers are still hiding in Marawi City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014939
The military strongly believes that Malaysian bomber Amin Baco was among those killed in the heavy fighting during efforts to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the Maute Group.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major Gen. Restituto Padilla in a message Monday, contrary to claims made by Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa that Baco is now the new ISIS emir in Southeast Asia.
"Contrary to recent pronouncements by some officials that it is now headed by a certain Amin Baco, the AFP strongly believes that the group is now leaderless and without direction. Amin Baco is believed to have been among those killed in Marawi recently. Baco's remains is now the subject of an ongoing aggressive search," he added.
Padilla also denied that the remaining Maute Group stragglers will be able to influence the overall security situation of the conflict-hit city.
"The AFP following its successful combat operations in Marawi City is aggressively pursuing its clearing operations. Clearing operations are focused on the remaining areas of Marawi believed to hold terrorist stragglers fighting for survival and hiding it out in the hope of escaping the MBA (main battle area)," he added.
Also, Padilla said AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, assures the residents of Marawi that the military is doing its best to expedite the city's return to normalcy.
Around 923 Maute Group terrorists and their allies were killed in the five-month campaign against the terror group which started last May 23. One hundred sixty five soldiers and police officers were killed in the offensive which only ended on October 23.
On Monday, Dela Rosa claimed that Baco is now the new ISIS emir in Southeast Asia following the death of Hapilon in Marawi City last October 16.
He also claimed that around 39 Maute Group stragglers are still hiding in Marawi City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014939
Philippines to Keep Wary Eye on New Chinese Dredger
From the US News & World Report (Nov 6): Philippines to Keep Wary Eye on New Chinese Dredger
Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gestures during a Reuters interview at the military headquarters of Camp Aquinaldo in Quezon city, metro Manila, Philippines February 9, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco Reuters
MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines expressed concern on Monday about China's testing of a massive dredging ship, saying it would track its activities closely, despite Beijing's assurances it would not develop areas where it has competing claims with Manila.
China, which has poured billions of dollars into building artificial islands to strengthen its sovereignty claims across most of the South China Sea, has started testing a new ship designed to boost its land reclamation capability.
"The mere presence is a little bit concerning," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters. "Where it is going, we do not know."
Military officials said the ship, Tian Kun, had a deck the size of nine basketball courts and would become Asia's largest dredging vessel.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which more than $3 trillion of seaborne trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have conflicting claims in the area.
Lorenzana said troops deployed on nine Philippine-claimed features in the South China Sea had been ordered to monitor the movements of Chinese navy, coastguard and fishing boats in the Spratly islands.
"The mere presence is a little bit concerning," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters. "Where it is going, we do not know."
Military officials said the ship, Tian Kun, had a deck the size of nine basketball courts and would become Asia's largest dredging vessel.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which more than $3 trillion of seaborne trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have conflicting claims in the area.
Lorenzana said troops deployed on nine Philippine-claimed features in the South China Sea had been ordered to monitor the movements of Chinese navy, coastguard and fishing boats in the Spratly islands.
"We are constantly monitoring the movement of the ship," he added. "We have also our air patrol going regularly, so we will be able to monitor movement of this so-called very big dredger ship."
The testing of the dredger comes ahead of two major international meetings in Vietnam and the Philippines this week and the next, set to be attended by China and the United States.
In August, the foreign ministers of Southeast Asia and China adopted a negotiating framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea, a move they hailed as progress but which critics saw as a tactic to buy China time to consolidate its maritime power.
All parties say the framework is only an outline for how the code will be established, but critics say the failure to outline as an initial objective the need to make the code legally binding and enforceable, or have a dispute resolution mechanism, raises doubts about how effective it will be.
In Beijing, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said talks on the framework had achieved important progress and there would be results at the Manila summit of Southeast Asian nations, attended by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
"Whether the code is binding, or how it would be binding, and what the code looks like in its final form, depends on the outcome of the talks between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," Chen told reporters.
"It can't be decided by a single party."
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the other meeting, of Asia-Pacific leaders in Vietnam.
The testing of the dredger comes ahead of two major international meetings in Vietnam and the Philippines this week and the next, set to be attended by China and the United States.
In August, the foreign ministers of Southeast Asia and China adopted a negotiating framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea, a move they hailed as progress but which critics saw as a tactic to buy China time to consolidate its maritime power.
All parties say the framework is only an outline for how the code will be established, but critics say the failure to outline as an initial objective the need to make the code legally binding and enforceable, or have a dispute resolution mechanism, raises doubts about how effective it will be.
In Beijing, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said talks on the framework had achieved important progress and there would be results at the Manila summit of Southeast Asian nations, attended by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
"Whether the code is binding, or how it would be binding, and what the code looks like in its final form, depends on the outcome of the talks between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," Chen told reporters.
"It can't be decided by a single party."
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the other meeting, of Asia-Pacific leaders in Vietnam.
Army pushes for closure of school for Lumad in Sarangani
From MindaNews (Nov 6): Army pushes for closure of school for Lumad in Sarangani
Government troops are pushing for the closure of another school for indigenous peoples or Lumad in an upland village in Malapatan town in Sarangani which they suspected of being run by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and sympathizers.
Capt. Rodini Bogador, spokesperson of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, said Monday they monitored the presence of the “NPA school” in Sitio Lamsalo, Barangay Upper Suyan in Malapatan.
LEARNING THE HARD WAY. Manobo children try to continue with their daily chores as students at the evacuation site in Tandag City on Thursday (1 October 2015). Some 3,000 mostly Manobo Lumads fled their homes in Lianga, Surigao del Sur and neighboring areas after the killing of three Lumad leaders in the area on Sept. 1, 2015 by alleged paramilitary men. MindaNews file photo by H. MARCOS C. Mordeno
He said the school is not recognized by the local government and the Department of Education and is being operated by several individuals who are either members or supporters of the NPA.
“This is not a regular school that has permanent buildings. This is highly mobile and moves to other areas from time to time,” he said in an interview over Brigada News TV.
Citing information relayed by concerned residents and former NPA rebels, he said the school’s teachers had been trained by the NPA to run the school for propaganda purposes.
Bogador said that like regular teachers in recognized schools, these teachers were also teaching basic academic subjects.
But he said they also teach students about taking up arms against the government and reportedly give lessons on the handling of firearms and related topics.
“They have many students, with some as young as nine-years old,” he said.
The Army official they are closely monitoring the school’s operations and have already identified the teachers and other persons involved.
He said they have coordinated with the local government and other concerned agencies for the closure of the school.
“We have ongoing operations in the area and this is part that. This school should not continue to operate,” he said.
The alleged NPA-run school in Malapatan is the first that they have monitored in Sarangani Province and the second within their area of responsibility.
Bogador they had also monitored a Lumad school run by the rebels at a village in Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur.
The Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion had called for closure of a Lumad school in a remote village in Banga, South Cotabato that is reportedly operated by NPA rebels and sympathizers.
Progressive groups have criticized moves by the military to close schools for Lumad around Mindanao as a form of harassment.
In 2015, a number of Lumad leaders in Mindanao were either killed or harassed allegedly by the military and paramilitary groups for operating schools accused of serving as communist fronts.
In an advisory Monday, the Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns said Lumad students and teachers together with member organizations of Save Our Schools Network will hold a picket Tuesday in front of the Department of Education “to denounce the inaction of Secretary Briones on the continuing military attacks on Lumad community schools in Mindanao.”
It said the group will give Education Secretary Leonor Briones “a 2-week ultimatum to make a favorable move on such cases by revoking DepEd Memo 221 which blatantly allows elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to use schools for military purposes.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/11/army-pushes-for-closure-of-school-for-lumad-in-sarangani/
Government troops are pushing for the closure of another school for indigenous peoples or Lumad in an upland village in Malapatan town in Sarangani which they suspected of being run by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and sympathizers.
Capt. Rodini Bogador, spokesperson of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, said Monday they monitored the presence of the “NPA school” in Sitio Lamsalo, Barangay Upper Suyan in Malapatan.
LEARNING THE HARD WAY. Manobo children try to continue with their daily chores as students at the evacuation site in Tandag City on Thursday (1 October 2015). Some 3,000 mostly Manobo Lumads fled their homes in Lianga, Surigao del Sur and neighboring areas after the killing of three Lumad leaders in the area on Sept. 1, 2015 by alleged paramilitary men. MindaNews file photo by H. MARCOS C. Mordeno
He said the school is not recognized by the local government and the Department of Education and is being operated by several individuals who are either members or supporters of the NPA.
“This is not a regular school that has permanent buildings. This is highly mobile and moves to other areas from time to time,” he said in an interview over Brigada News TV.
Citing information relayed by concerned residents and former NPA rebels, he said the school’s teachers had been trained by the NPA to run the school for propaganda purposes.
Bogador said that like regular teachers in recognized schools, these teachers were also teaching basic academic subjects.
But he said they also teach students about taking up arms against the government and reportedly give lessons on the handling of firearms and related topics.
“They have many students, with some as young as nine-years old,” he said.
The Army official they are closely monitoring the school’s operations and have already identified the teachers and other persons involved.
He said they have coordinated with the local government and other concerned agencies for the closure of the school.
“We have ongoing operations in the area and this is part that. This school should not continue to operate,” he said.
The alleged NPA-run school in Malapatan is the first that they have monitored in Sarangani Province and the second within their area of responsibility.
Bogador they had also monitored a Lumad school run by the rebels at a village in Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur.
The Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion had called for closure of a Lumad school in a remote village in Banga, South Cotabato that is reportedly operated by NPA rebels and sympathizers.
Progressive groups have criticized moves by the military to close schools for Lumad around Mindanao as a form of harassment.
In 2015, a number of Lumad leaders in Mindanao were either killed or harassed allegedly by the military and paramilitary groups for operating schools accused of serving as communist fronts.
In an advisory Monday, the Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns said Lumad students and teachers together with member organizations of Save Our Schools Network will hold a picket Tuesday in front of the Department of Education “to denounce the inaction of Secretary Briones on the continuing military attacks on Lumad community schools in Mindanao.”
It said the group will give Education Secretary Leonor Briones “a 2-week ultimatum to make a favorable move on such cases by revoking DepEd Memo 221 which blatantly allows elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to use schools for military purposes.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/11/army-pushes-for-closure-of-school-for-lumad-in-sarangani/
Correcting injustices in the benefits and pension system
From the Business Mirror (Nov 6): Correcting injustices in the benefits and pension system
IN reaction to my column, “Reforming seven uniformed services retirement benefits” on October 26, the Confederation of Uniformed Services Associations (Conusa) has strongly suggested to Congress to replace Executive Order (EO) 201 with a joint congressional measure to correct injustices in the allocation of benefits and pension system in the country’s uniformed services.
Speaking for Conusa, retired Vice Admiral Ariston V. de los Reyes explained that during the Arroyo administration, it was Congress’s Joint Resolution 4 S-2009 which, among other things, authorized President Duterte to implement salary adjustment in four equal yearly tranches, commencing on July 1, 2009.
“In order to execute the same annually, the President had to issue an executive order each year. Thus, for the third tranche, President Benigno Aquino III issued EO 40 S 2011,” de los Reyes said.
According to him, on the final semester of the Aquino administration in 2016, Congress failed to pass the bill for salary standardization in government due to disagreement on the indexing of pension of retired military and uniformed services personnel (MUP) to new rates.
“The Senate supported said indexing; the House of Representatives did not. Thus, President Aquino took it upon himself to usurp legislative power by issuing EO 201 in lieu of a bill or a joint resolution passed by Congress. Congress has yet to conduct an inquiry on the matter in aid of legislation,” de los Reyes explained.
To correct iniquities, the Conusa wrote Duterte three times since July 2016 recommending to amend EO 201 so as to provide for adjustment of base pay of MUP in the active service, and allow pension indexing of the retired, pending enactment of a salary standardization law in lieu of EO 201. However, the Conusa has yet to receive a reply from the Office of the President on the matter.
The federation found EO 201 unconstitutional, unlawful, unduly oppressive and discriminatory against the active and retired MUP, who have served faithfully and honorably, and oftentimes at the risk of their lives in order to secure our people and defend our land.
EO 201 merely grants provisional allowance and officer’s allowance in lieu of increase in base pay of MUP. Without a permanent law, MUP’s base pay, longevity pay, flying pay, sea duty pay, instructor duty pay and combat duty pay in the active service cannot be increased. Likewise, the pension of retired MUP cannot be adjusted in accordance with existing laws, which allow automatic indexing of their pension to current base pay.
“On the other hand,” the Conusa said, “indexing of pension of the retired justices and members of the constitutional commissions under EO 201 is allowed which is very discriminatory to the retired MUP. It will surely have continuing deleterious effect to their morale and welfare, now and in the future.”
“As an illustrative example, the pension of a retired chief of staff (CS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and that of a deputy ombudsman falls under the same salary grade (SG) 30. EO 201 increased the base pay of SG 30 by 122 percent from P78,946 to P178,043 (step 2). By 2019 when the fourth and final tranche of base pay adjustment shall have been completed, the monthly pension of a retired CS shall remain at P86,062.50, while that of a deputy ombudsman shall increase to more than P180,000 (allowances not yet factored in). Similarly, an undersecretary, also with SG 30 who will retire at age 65 in 2019 would be entitled to receive monthly pension of more than P160,000 by 2024,” the Conusa lamented.
The Conusa also said: “Such disparity is also apparent in varying degrees at the lower ranks in the MUP, which is tantamount to continuing relative diminution of their pension due to inflation, while the pension of their civilian counterparts continue to increase as years go by. Indeed, suspension of pension in the MUP by EO 201 is a grave oversight and is not in consonance with sound national policy formulation. It will likely cause low morale and dissension among the ranks of the MUP in the near future.”
Meanwhile, there is a pending proposed joint resolution from the Office of the President covering only adjustment for MUP (partly from the provisional allowance and officer’s allowance provided by EO 201, plus increases by rank in accordance with the President’s public pronouncements), and more significantly suspending pension indexing.
EO 201 will continue to be the basis of base pay and pension adjustment of civilian government officials and employees until 2019, which already allows the indexing of pension of the retired justices and members of the constitutional commissions. Thus, EO 201 will be institutionalized and become a precedent to similar issuance by a President.
To correct the injustices, the Conusa proposed a joint resolution that must embody the pertinent contents of EO 201, with allowances for MUP being replaced with base pay and without provision for suspension of indexing of pension as in the case of the retired justices and members of the constitutional commissions.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/correcting-injustices-in-the-benefits-and-pension-system/
IN reaction to my column, “Reforming seven uniformed services retirement benefits” on October 26, the Confederation of Uniformed Services Associations (Conusa) has strongly suggested to Congress to replace Executive Order (EO) 201 with a joint congressional measure to correct injustices in the allocation of benefits and pension system in the country’s uniformed services.
Speaking for Conusa, retired Vice Admiral Ariston V. de los Reyes explained that during the Arroyo administration, it was Congress’s Joint Resolution 4 S-2009 which, among other things, authorized President Duterte to implement salary adjustment in four equal yearly tranches, commencing on July 1, 2009.
“In order to execute the same annually, the President had to issue an executive order each year. Thus, for the third tranche, President Benigno Aquino III issued EO 40 S 2011,” de los Reyes said.
According to him, on the final semester of the Aquino administration in 2016, Congress failed to pass the bill for salary standardization in government due to disagreement on the indexing of pension of retired military and uniformed services personnel (MUP) to new rates.
“The Senate supported said indexing; the House of Representatives did not. Thus, President Aquino took it upon himself to usurp legislative power by issuing EO 201 in lieu of a bill or a joint resolution passed by Congress. Congress has yet to conduct an inquiry on the matter in aid of legislation,” de los Reyes explained.
To correct iniquities, the Conusa wrote Duterte three times since July 2016 recommending to amend EO 201 so as to provide for adjustment of base pay of MUP in the active service, and allow pension indexing of the retired, pending enactment of a salary standardization law in lieu of EO 201. However, the Conusa has yet to receive a reply from the Office of the President on the matter.
The federation found EO 201 unconstitutional, unlawful, unduly oppressive and discriminatory against the active and retired MUP, who have served faithfully and honorably, and oftentimes at the risk of their lives in order to secure our people and defend our land.
EO 201 merely grants provisional allowance and officer’s allowance in lieu of increase in base pay of MUP. Without a permanent law, MUP’s base pay, longevity pay, flying pay, sea duty pay, instructor duty pay and combat duty pay in the active service cannot be increased. Likewise, the pension of retired MUP cannot be adjusted in accordance with existing laws, which allow automatic indexing of their pension to current base pay.
“On the other hand,” the Conusa said, “indexing of pension of the retired justices and members of the constitutional commissions under EO 201 is allowed which is very discriminatory to the retired MUP. It will surely have continuing deleterious effect to their morale and welfare, now and in the future.”
“As an illustrative example, the pension of a retired chief of staff (CS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and that of a deputy ombudsman falls under the same salary grade (SG) 30. EO 201 increased the base pay of SG 30 by 122 percent from P78,946 to P178,043 (step 2). By 2019 when the fourth and final tranche of base pay adjustment shall have been completed, the monthly pension of a retired CS shall remain at P86,062.50, while that of a deputy ombudsman shall increase to more than P180,000 (allowances not yet factored in). Similarly, an undersecretary, also with SG 30 who will retire at age 65 in 2019 would be entitled to receive monthly pension of more than P160,000 by 2024,” the Conusa lamented.
The Conusa also said: “Such disparity is also apparent in varying degrees at the lower ranks in the MUP, which is tantamount to continuing relative diminution of their pension due to inflation, while the pension of their civilian counterparts continue to increase as years go by. Indeed, suspension of pension in the MUP by EO 201 is a grave oversight and is not in consonance with sound national policy formulation. It will likely cause low morale and dissension among the ranks of the MUP in the near future.”
Meanwhile, there is a pending proposed joint resolution from the Office of the President covering only adjustment for MUP (partly from the provisional allowance and officer’s allowance provided by EO 201, plus increases by rank in accordance with the President’s public pronouncements), and more significantly suspending pension indexing.
EO 201 will continue to be the basis of base pay and pension adjustment of civilian government officials and employees until 2019, which already allows the indexing of pension of the retired justices and members of the constitutional commissions. Thus, EO 201 will be institutionalized and become a precedent to similar issuance by a President.
To correct the injustices, the Conusa proposed a joint resolution that must embody the pertinent contents of EO 201, with allowances for MUP being replaced with base pay and without provision for suspension of indexing of pension as in the case of the retired justices and members of the constitutional commissions.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/correcting-injustices-in-the-benefits-and-pension-system/
ARMM to generate livelihood in extremism-prone villages
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 6): ARMM to generate livelihood in extremism-prone villages
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governance, through its Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE) program has assured economic aids to help generate livelihood in Maguindanao villages where poverty makes residents vulnerable to recruitment by violent religious radicals propagating hatred against the government.
Map of Maguindanao (Credits: Google Map | Manila Bulletin)
A report from the office of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the workers for the BRIDGE program are assessing business proposals from barangays in 17 Maguindanao towns on entrepreneurial ventures benefiting marginalized residents.
The BRIDGE program, which Hataman organized three years ago, is widening its focus on providing water, food, shelter and electricity in villages to include ARMM-funded entrepreneurial activities that would help the Duterte administration address threats of terror-bound extremism, the report said.
While the program was designed to cover all the five provinces and two cities in ARMM, its innovative component would prioritize Maguindanao, which the military hierarchy has scheduled for coverage by anti-terror campaign after the five-month offensives against militants in Marawi City.
In a statement over the weekend, BRIDGE officials said they started evaluating last month the business proposals from barangays in Datu Saudi, Talayan, Talitay, Datu Paglas, Montawal, Guindulungan, Ampatuan, General SK Pendatun, South Upi, Mamasapano, Sultan Sa Barongis, Pandag, Abdullah Sangki, Pagalungan and Kabuntalan towns in Maguindanao.
They said the program would source out funds for the seed money of approved business proposals “in keeping with the government campaign for empowerment in poor communities.”
Underdevelopment, illiteracy and poverty in far-flung areas are blamed for the proliferation of violent religious stride by radicals fanning hatred against government and non-Muslims, using social deficiencies as talking points.
Program workers said their assessment process includes a study of the viability of the proposed trades, availability of raw materials and investment returns based on business applicability.
They said most of the initial business proposals from villagers in 17 Maguindanao towns seek capitals for small-scale grocery stores, bakery, fishing, tailoring and product of fast foods and fruit juices.
Major General Arnel Del Vega, head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu welcomed the BRIDGE program intervention, noting that the 17 towns mulled for coverage are objects of a faction in the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) espousing the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) ideology.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/11/06/armm-to-generate-livelihood-in-extremism-prone-villages/
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governance, through its Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE) program has assured economic aids to help generate livelihood in Maguindanao villages where poverty makes residents vulnerable to recruitment by violent religious radicals propagating hatred against the government.
Map of Maguindanao (Credits: Google Map | Manila Bulletin)
A report from the office of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the workers for the BRIDGE program are assessing business proposals from barangays in 17 Maguindanao towns on entrepreneurial ventures benefiting marginalized residents.
The BRIDGE program, which Hataman organized three years ago, is widening its focus on providing water, food, shelter and electricity in villages to include ARMM-funded entrepreneurial activities that would help the Duterte administration address threats of terror-bound extremism, the report said.
While the program was designed to cover all the five provinces and two cities in ARMM, its innovative component would prioritize Maguindanao, which the military hierarchy has scheduled for coverage by anti-terror campaign after the five-month offensives against militants in Marawi City.
In a statement over the weekend, BRIDGE officials said they started evaluating last month the business proposals from barangays in Datu Saudi, Talayan, Talitay, Datu Paglas, Montawal, Guindulungan, Ampatuan, General SK Pendatun, South Upi, Mamasapano, Sultan Sa Barongis, Pandag, Abdullah Sangki, Pagalungan and Kabuntalan towns in Maguindanao.
They said the program would source out funds for the seed money of approved business proposals “in keeping with the government campaign for empowerment in poor communities.”
Underdevelopment, illiteracy and poverty in far-flung areas are blamed for the proliferation of violent religious stride by radicals fanning hatred against government and non-Muslims, using social deficiencies as talking points.
Program workers said their assessment process includes a study of the viability of the proposed trades, availability of raw materials and investment returns based on business applicability.
They said most of the initial business proposals from villagers in 17 Maguindanao towns seek capitals for small-scale grocery stores, bakery, fishing, tailoring and product of fast foods and fruit juices.
Major General Arnel Del Vega, head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu welcomed the BRIDGE program intervention, noting that the 17 towns mulled for coverage are objects of a faction in the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) espousing the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) ideology.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/11/06/armm-to-generate-livelihood-in-extremism-prone-villages/
A rocky road to peace in the southern Philippines: Pressures on the MILF leadership
From Channel News Asia (Nov 6): A rocky road to peace in the southern Philippines: Pressures on the MILF leadership
In the final part of a special series on the changing security situation in the southern Philippines, Channel NewsAsia's Amy Chew looks at the challenges facing the leadership of the MILF to unify the region.
In the final part of a special series on the changing security situation in the southern Philippines, Channel NewsAsia's Amy Chew looks at the challenges facing the leadership of the MILF to unify the region.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels gather inside their camp, as thousands of its members and residents arrive for a rally in support of the peace in 2014. (Photo: AFP/Ted Aljibe)
CAMP DARAPANAN, Philippines: For 20 years, peace talks have been taking place in the southern Philippines between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest armed group on Mindanao island with some 12,000 men in its fold.
Guided by its leader, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the MILF is seeking a degree of autonomy from Manila. If the peace talks come to a successful conclusion, the MILF will become a major leader in a new political entity that will be known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The ARMM comprises five predominantly Muslim provinces - Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi - on Mindanao.
“The MILF will be at the helm of the Bangsamoro (new political entity) that will replace the current ARMM once the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) is passed,” Professor Benedicto Bacani, executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), told Channel NewsAsia.
However, analysts say that even if the peace talks reach a successful conclusion, the MILF will have to work hard to unify a region where other groups also have a strong voice and where Murad’s conciliatory strategy has come in for criticism.
"He is a moderate leader committed to peace,” said Prof Bacani. “Murad has steered the MILF towards a pragmatic and political road. This has helped move the peace process.
“On the other hand, this strength is a weakness for some who consider Murad as having compromised with the government (too) much.”
Murad’s predecessor, Hashim Salamat, was known as a fierce ideologue who split away from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the mid-seventies, establishing the MILF in 1984.
Since then, the MILF has established itself as the dominant force in the region – but its influence does not spread everywhere.
“The general perception is that the MILF is strongly supported only in Maguindanao ... It needs to reach out now, more than ever, to the Maranaos who feel that the MILF has not done enough to prevent or help resolve the Marawi incident with less loss of lives and property,” said Prof Bacani.
Maranaos refer to the inhabitants of the city of Marawi. which was attacked by pro-Islamic State groups who laid siege to it for five months before the government took back control on Oct 17. The MILF publicly condemned the attack.
“The island provinces (Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi) are dominated by the MNLF (rather) than the MILF,” Prof Bacani added.
NEED FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
The MILF’s patchy influence in the southern Philippines could have implications for the group’s ability to lead the region should there be a successful outcome to the protracted peace talks.
“In order to boost its legitimacy as a representative of the majority of Muslims, the MILF has to demonstrate its leadership and capacity to build alliances with other groups. Such legitimacy cannot be imposed by the central government,” said Prof Bacani.
“The MILF has yet to unveil its concrete plan to raise confidence that its brand of governance is better than administrations that preceded the MILF.”
Inclusive leadership is seen as essential as Mindanao’s cultural and social make-up comprises many clans and traditional leaders, as well as the MNLF.
DIMINISHING INFLUENCE
While Murad faces the challenge of bringing together a group of disparate voices, he is also facing difficulties holding his own organisation together.
The failure of successive peace talks has seen MILF splintering into radical, new groups which have shunned peace and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) instead.
“Every day that the peace process is delayed, the MILF is weaker, has less popular legitimacy and is less able to implement the (peace) agreement,” said Prof Zachary Abuza of the US National War College in Washington DC.
“Murad has staked his entire career and reputation in the peace process. He is pragmatic and moderate. He has abandoned the group’s maximalist goals (of independence). In the mid-2000s, he tried to purge or isolate hardline opponents who were against the peace process,” said Prof Abuza, who specialises in Southeast Asia politics, insurgencies and terrorism.
“Most Moros believe the government is unable and unwilling to give them meaningful autonomy.”
DUTERTE BEST HOPE FOR SUCCESSFUL PEACE TALKS
Such dynamics are raising questions about whether there can ever be a successful outcome to the peace negotiations.
However, peace negotiators and the MILF remain optimistic – not least because the perception is that President Rodrigo Duterte, who is the first president to hail from Mindanao, is sincere in pushing for a successful conclusion to the talks.
“Duterte has a better sense of the Mindanao conflict and how best to resolve it. He is the first president to open the door for charter (constitutional) change or shifting the country's political system to federalism to accommodate the aspirations for self governance of the Moro people,” said Prof Bacani.
“But it is equally important that the Moro people themselves have a united and strong voice in the political processes that seek to implement the peace agreements.”
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/a-rocky-road-to-peace-in-the-southern-philippines-pressures-on-9343978
CAMP DARAPANAN, Philippines: For 20 years, peace talks have been taking place in the southern Philippines between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest armed group on Mindanao island with some 12,000 men in its fold.
Guided by its leader, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the MILF is seeking a degree of autonomy from Manila. If the peace talks come to a successful conclusion, the MILF will become a major leader in a new political entity that will be known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The ARMM comprises five predominantly Muslim provinces - Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi - on Mindanao.
“The MILF will be at the helm of the Bangsamoro (new political entity) that will replace the current ARMM once the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) is passed,” Professor Benedicto Bacani, executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), told Channel NewsAsia.
However, analysts say that even if the peace talks reach a successful conclusion, the MILF will have to work hard to unify a region where other groups also have a strong voice and where Murad’s conciliatory strategy has come in for criticism.
"He is a moderate leader committed to peace,” said Prof Bacani. “Murad has steered the MILF towards a pragmatic and political road. This has helped move the peace process.
“On the other hand, this strength is a weakness for some who consider Murad as having compromised with the government (too) much.”
Murad’s predecessor, Hashim Salamat, was known as a fierce ideologue who split away from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the mid-seventies, establishing the MILF in 1984.
Since then, the MILF has established itself as the dominant force in the region – but its influence does not spread everywhere.
“The general perception is that the MILF is strongly supported only in Maguindanao ... It needs to reach out now, more than ever, to the Maranaos who feel that the MILF has not done enough to prevent or help resolve the Marawi incident with less loss of lives and property,” said Prof Bacani.
Maranaos refer to the inhabitants of the city of Marawi. which was attacked by pro-Islamic State groups who laid siege to it for five months before the government took back control on Oct 17. The MILF publicly condemned the attack.
“The island provinces (Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi) are dominated by the MNLF (rather) than the MILF,” Prof Bacani added.
NEED FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
The MILF’s patchy influence in the southern Philippines could have implications for the group’s ability to lead the region should there be a successful outcome to the protracted peace talks.
“In order to boost its legitimacy as a representative of the majority of Muslims, the MILF has to demonstrate its leadership and capacity to build alliances with other groups. Such legitimacy cannot be imposed by the central government,” said Prof Bacani.
“The MILF has yet to unveil its concrete plan to raise confidence that its brand of governance is better than administrations that preceded the MILF.”
Inclusive leadership is seen as essential as Mindanao’s cultural and social make-up comprises many clans and traditional leaders, as well as the MNLF.
DIMINISHING INFLUENCE
While Murad faces the challenge of bringing together a group of disparate voices, he is also facing difficulties holding his own organisation together.
The failure of successive peace talks has seen MILF splintering into radical, new groups which have shunned peace and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) instead.
“Every day that the peace process is delayed, the MILF is weaker, has less popular legitimacy and is less able to implement the (peace) agreement,” said Prof Zachary Abuza of the US National War College in Washington DC.
“Murad has staked his entire career and reputation in the peace process. He is pragmatic and moderate. He has abandoned the group’s maximalist goals (of independence). In the mid-2000s, he tried to purge or isolate hardline opponents who were against the peace process,” said Prof Abuza, who specialises in Southeast Asia politics, insurgencies and terrorism.
“Most Moros believe the government is unable and unwilling to give them meaningful autonomy.”
DUTERTE BEST HOPE FOR SUCCESSFUL PEACE TALKS
Such dynamics are raising questions about whether there can ever be a successful outcome to the peace negotiations.
However, peace negotiators and the MILF remain optimistic – not least because the perception is that President Rodrigo Duterte, who is the first president to hail from Mindanao, is sincere in pushing for a successful conclusion to the talks.
“Duterte has a better sense of the Mindanao conflict and how best to resolve it. He is the first president to open the door for charter (constitutional) change or shifting the country's political system to federalism to accommodate the aspirations for self governance of the Moro people,” said Prof Bacani.
“But it is equally important that the Moro people themselves have a united and strong voice in the political processes that seek to implement the peace agreements.”
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/a-rocky-road-to-peace-in-the-southern-philippines-pressures-on-9343978
Military working to verify report of 39 Maute stragglers in Marawi
From GMA News Online (Nov 5): Military working to verify report of 39 Maute stragglers in Marawi
Government troops are working to verify a claim that at least 39 Maute stragglers remain in Marawi City.
"Wala kaming numbers pero, basta't hinahabol natin...So yung sinabi ni Indonesian, si Syahputra na 39 biniverify pa natin 'yun," Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner told reporters Sunday.
He said that troops are closely monitoring the main battle area, which has 24 barangays, and added that any remaining stragglers no longer pose a serious threat.
Brawner said that they also could not confirm the number of foreign terrorists remaining.
"Mixed 'yan, may mga bata, so hindi lahat fighters," he said.
An Indonesian identified as Muhammad Ilham Syahputra allegedly linked to the pro-ISIS Maute group was arrested on November by members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams of Barangay Loksadatu and turned over to the police and military. He told officials that at least 39 Maute stragglers, including foreigners, still roam the area.
Syahputra was charged with rebellion and violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulatory Act (Republic Act 10591), Law on Explosives (Republic Act 9516) and International Humanitarian Law (Republic Act 9581).
At least three Maute group members, including the alleged right-hand man of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon were killed last week as government troops continue to pursue the group's remnants in Marawi City.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/631987/military-working-to-verify-report-of-39-maute-stragglers-in-marawi/story/
Government troops are working to verify a claim that at least 39 Maute stragglers remain in Marawi City.
"Wala kaming numbers pero, basta't hinahabol natin...So yung sinabi ni Indonesian, si Syahputra na 39 biniverify pa natin 'yun," Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner told reporters Sunday.
He said that troops are closely monitoring the main battle area, which has 24 barangays, and added that any remaining stragglers no longer pose a serious threat.
Brawner said that they also could not confirm the number of foreign terrorists remaining.
"Mixed 'yan, may mga bata, so hindi lahat fighters," he said.
An Indonesian identified as Muhammad Ilham Syahputra allegedly linked to the pro-ISIS Maute group was arrested on November by members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams of Barangay Loksadatu and turned over to the police and military. He told officials that at least 39 Maute stragglers, including foreigners, still roam the area.
Syahputra was charged with rebellion and violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulatory Act (Republic Act 10591), Law on Explosives (Republic Act 9516) and International Humanitarian Law (Republic Act 9581).
At least three Maute group members, including the alleged right-hand man of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon were killed last week as government troops continue to pursue the group's remnants in Marawi City.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/631987/military-working-to-verify-report-of-39-maute-stragglers-in-marawi/story/
Work starts on Phase 2 of Basilan transcentral road
From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 5): Work starts on Phase 2 of Basilan transcentral road
ZAMBOANGA. Armm Governor Mujiv Hataman (3rd from left) takes a breather as he leads on Saturday the kick-off rites for the construction of the Phase 2 of the 55-kilometer transcentral road. On his left is DPWH-Armm Secretary Don Mustapha Loong. (Bong Garcia)
ZAMBOANGA. Armm Governor Mujiv Hataman (3rd from left) takes a breather as he leads on Saturday the kick-off rites for the construction of the Phase 2 of the 55-kilometer transcentral road. On his left is DPWH-Armm Secretary Don Mustapha Loong. (Bong Garcia)
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) has started the construction of the second phase of the 55-kilometer transcentral road in Basilan province.
The second phase, with a cost of P322 million, covers 14 kilometers.
Armm Governor Mujiv Hataman and Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman on Saturday, November 4, led the kick-off rites for the construction of the 14-kilometer segment.
The transcentral road, a flagship project of the Armm in the province of Basilan, will traverse the rugged hinterland terrains at the center of this province.
It is envisioned to spur economic development, facilitating transport of farm goods to the trading centers in Maluso, Lamitan City and Isabela City.
It is also seen to improve the peace and order condition in the province.
Hataman said the road will traverse the Punoh Mahajie-Sampinit area that serves as the remaining safe haven of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in this province.
Its completion will provide the security forces easy access to the area.
The transcentral road will link the town of Sumisip through the village of Tumahubong to the villages of Lower and Upper Mahayahay in municipality of Maluso and through village Sta. Clara in Lamitan City, where a new government center is under construction.
DPWH-Armm Secretary Don Mustapha Loong, who also attended the kick-off rites, said the entire 55-kilometer transcentral road project is estimated to cost P1.225 billion.
Basilan District Engineer Soler Undug and other officials including the military also attended the kick-off ceremony held in the village of Tumahubong, Sumisip town.
Construction of the road was supposed to have started two weeks ago, but it was postponed due to inclement weather.
Govt keen on Christmas truce with communists
From the Business Mirror (Nov 6): Govt keen on Christmas truce with communists
President Duterte’s peace adviser has bared the government is pursuing efforts to hammer out a temporary cease-fire with the communists in December in observance of Christmas season, in spite of suspended peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF).
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus G. Dureza said there are efforts to reach a short-time truce with the communists. However, he said he cannot yet divulge details so as to maintain the momentum of these efforts.
“[I cannot] disclose details prematurely,” Dureza told the BusinessMirror. “We are at a sensitive stage and any public disclosure at this time may jeopardize efforts.”
Nonetheless, Dureza said his office is working hard not only to draw up the temporary cease-fire, but also to resume negotiations with the communists.
Government Chief Negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III last Wednesday revealed the prospect for the resumption of the peace talks with the NDF is “very bright.”
This developed even as the President last Tuesday urged the communists to descend the mountains and lay down their arms in exchange of housing and jobs. “I’m just saying na kung mag-surrender kayo, ayaw na ninyo…ng patayan o pumatay ng kapwa mo Pilipino, mag-surrender ka na. Bigyan kita ng bahay…at bigyan kita ng trabaho [I’m just saying if you want to surrender, if you are tired of killing your fellow Filipino, then you surrender. I will give you a house and a job],” Duterte said.
Asked what the significant developments on the ground were, Dureza said: “My office’s mandate is to pursue peace efforts at all cost and in spite of obstacles and expected difficulties. We deal with all fronts, rebels or nonrebels, who pursue causes that need to be addressed.”
“We always look for the brighter prospects of our work, the [communists] included,” the peace process chief added.
The President in May instructed the government panel to withdraw from the peace talks with the NDF, after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) directed the New People’s Army (NPA) to heighten offensives in response to the martial-law declaration in Mindanao.
The CPP last Thursday rejected efforts by local government units to negotiate with local forces of the NPA. In a statement, the CPP said “Duterte’s local peace talks will surely fail in its aim of dividing the revolutionary forces waging a nationwide people’s war”.
“The Duterte regime is wasting time and the people’s money in setting up these useless local peace committees, which will go nowhere and achieve nothing. These are mere rehashes of worn-out psywar surrender programs, such as the ‘Balik-Baril Program’ and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program riding on the popular clamor for peace talks,” the CPP said.
The CPP told Duterte that it is better to resume the peace talks with the NDF so as to continue discussions on socioeconomic reforms and the release of political prisoners.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has created a peace committee tasked to hold localized peace talks with the NPA—an initiative that has earned the backing of the President.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/govt-keen-on-christmas-truce-with-communists/
President Duterte’s peace adviser has bared the government is pursuing efforts to hammer out a temporary cease-fire with the communists in December in observance of Christmas season, in spite of suspended peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF).
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus G. Dureza said there are efforts to reach a short-time truce with the communists. However, he said he cannot yet divulge details so as to maintain the momentum of these efforts.
“[I cannot] disclose details prematurely,” Dureza told the BusinessMirror. “We are at a sensitive stage and any public disclosure at this time may jeopardize efforts.”
Nonetheless, Dureza said his office is working hard not only to draw up the temporary cease-fire, but also to resume negotiations with the communists.
Government Chief Negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III last Wednesday revealed the prospect for the resumption of the peace talks with the NDF is “very bright.”
This developed even as the President last Tuesday urged the communists to descend the mountains and lay down their arms in exchange of housing and jobs. “I’m just saying na kung mag-surrender kayo, ayaw na ninyo…ng patayan o pumatay ng kapwa mo Pilipino, mag-surrender ka na. Bigyan kita ng bahay…at bigyan kita ng trabaho [I’m just saying if you want to surrender, if you are tired of killing your fellow Filipino, then you surrender. I will give you a house and a job],” Duterte said.
Asked what the significant developments on the ground were, Dureza said: “My office’s mandate is to pursue peace efforts at all cost and in spite of obstacles and expected difficulties. We deal with all fronts, rebels or nonrebels, who pursue causes that need to be addressed.”
“We always look for the brighter prospects of our work, the [communists] included,” the peace process chief added.
The President in May instructed the government panel to withdraw from the peace talks with the NDF, after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) directed the New People’s Army (NPA) to heighten offensives in response to the martial-law declaration in Mindanao.
The CPP last Thursday rejected efforts by local government units to negotiate with local forces of the NPA. In a statement, the CPP said “Duterte’s local peace talks will surely fail in its aim of dividing the revolutionary forces waging a nationwide people’s war”.
“The Duterte regime is wasting time and the people’s money in setting up these useless local peace committees, which will go nowhere and achieve nothing. These are mere rehashes of worn-out psywar surrender programs, such as the ‘Balik-Baril Program’ and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program riding on the popular clamor for peace talks,” the CPP said.
The CPP told Duterte that it is better to resume the peace talks with the NDF so as to continue discussions on socioeconomic reforms and the release of political prisoners.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has created a peace committee tasked to hold localized peace talks with the NPA—an initiative that has earned the backing of the President.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/govt-keen-on-christmas-truce-with-communists/
House raring to pass arms industry investments bill
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 6): House raring to pass arms industry investments bill
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill that could bolster the country’s bid to be globally competitive in the arms industry.
Congressmen are expected to pass the measure as soon as session resumes this month.
Approved on second reading was House Bill 6525 which provides for the establishment of Special Defense Economic Zone (SpeDEZ) inside the government arsenal industrial estate in Camp General Antonio Luna in Limay, Bataan.
Bataan Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia III, principal author of the bill, said the measure proposes to enhance investment opportunities inside the economic zone, while strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
Garcia said he envisions for the Philippines a globally competitive, centralized government-sanctioned arms industry.
The administration lawmaker said the local arms industry must be able to produce conventional weapons and equipment for domestic use, as well as for export, with emphasis on arms research and development.
“This will lay credence and support for Tiwala sa Gawang Pilipino,” said Garcia, adding he wants the country to become “a diverse and multi-investment hub.”
The SpeDEZ shall cover the 370 hectares of government arsenal industrial estate inside Camp General Antonio Luna in Limay, Bataan and all other areas which may be declared as part of SpeDEZ in compliance with the Act, including the Government Arsenal (GA) as created by Republic Act No. 1884.
The SpeDEZ shall be accessible for inclusive business prospects and progress in firearm module and technical competency of the government arsenal that are vital to support the objectives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law-enforcement agencies.
Approved on second reading was House Bill 6525 which provides for the establishment of Special Defense Economic Zone (SpeDEZ) inside the government arsenal industrial estate in Camp General Antonio Luna in Limay, Bataan.
Bataan Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia III, principal author of the bill, said the measure proposes to enhance investment opportunities inside the economic zone, while strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
Garcia said he envisions for the Philippines a globally competitive, centralized government-sanctioned arms industry.
The administration lawmaker said the local arms industry must be able to produce conventional weapons and equipment for domestic use, as well as for export, with emphasis on arms research and development.
“This will lay credence and support for Tiwala sa Gawang Pilipino,” said Garcia, adding he wants the country to become “a diverse and multi-investment hub.”
The SpeDEZ shall cover the 370 hectares of government arsenal industrial estate inside Camp General Antonio Luna in Limay, Bataan and all other areas which may be declared as part of SpeDEZ in compliance with the Act, including the Government Arsenal (GA) as created by Republic Act No. 1884.
The SpeDEZ shall be accessible for inclusive business prospects and progress in firearm module and technical competency of the government arsenal that are vital to support the objectives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law-enforcement agencies.
If passed into law, the measure would grant fiscal incentives, including the grant of an investor’s visa to any foreigner who invests US$200,000 either in cash and/or equipment in a registered enterprise.
Abu Sayyaf sub-leader's aide surrenders in Basilan
From GMA News Online (Nov 5): Abu Sayyaf sub-leader's aide surrenders in Basilan
An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf group on Saturday surrendered to the military.
The military identified the surrendered bandit as Shaif Omar alias Toll, a 24-year-old aide of Abu Sayyaf group sub-leader Furiji Indama.
Omar surrendered to the 4th Special Forces Battalion at around 7:30 a.m. in Barangay Lumbang, Isabela City, Basilan.
Omar also turned over to the military an M16 rifle.
The military said at least 125 members of the bandit group based in Basilan have surrendered to the government this year.
The surrender came after the deaths of several leaders of the bandit group, inclusing Isnilon Hapilon.
Hapilon was killed by troops in Marawi City, where he led the five-month siege carried out by hundreds of local and foreign jihadists.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/631952/abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-s-aide-surrenders-in-basilan/story/
An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf group on Saturday surrendered to the military.
The military identified the surrendered bandit as Shaif Omar alias Toll, a 24-year-old aide of Abu Sayyaf group sub-leader Furiji Indama.
Omar surrendered to the 4th Special Forces Battalion at around 7:30 a.m. in Barangay Lumbang, Isabela City, Basilan.
Omar also turned over to the military an M16 rifle.
The military said at least 125 members of the bandit group based in Basilan have surrendered to the government this year.
The surrender came after the deaths of several leaders of the bandit group, inclusing Isnilon Hapilon.
Hapilon was killed by troops in Marawi City, where he led the five-month siege carried out by hundreds of local and foreign jihadists.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/631952/abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-s-aide-surrenders-in-basilan/story/