Monday, February 26, 2018

Egyptian, 4 Filipinos held for questioning in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 25): Egyptian, 4 Filipinos held for questioning in Zamboanga City

An Egyptian national working for a nongovernment group based in Iligan City was taken into custody by authorities on Sunday, along with his four Filipino companions.

Lt. Noriel Ramos, the acting station commander of Philippine Coast Guard here, said Mohamed Shaabab Abdelaziz was on a fastcraft awaiting for it to sail to Isabela City in Basilan when authorities decided to invite him for questioning.

Abdelazis, a native of Giza in Egypt, had presented himself as a volunteer for Uthman Bin Affan Foundation for Development, Relief, Da’wah and Education (UBAF), which is based in Iligan City, according to Ramos.

On its website, www.uthmanbinaffan.org, the group described itself as a nonprofit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 28, 2013.

The NGO said it aimed to “unlock human potential through the power of creative collaboration (and) ….build partnerships between NGOs, governments, and individuals everywhere to work faster, leaner, and better; to find solutions that last; and to transform lives and communities from what they are today to what they can be, tomorrow.”

It listed some projects it helped build such as water systems, mosques and madaris (Arabic schools).

The group was also active in the distribution of relief goods to families displaced by the siege of Marawi City.

According to Ramos, Abdelaziz and his companions said they were heading for Maluso to buy a fishing boat.

The Egyptian, he said, told authorities he was planning to engage in a fishing business.

“Interpol and other intel counterparts are currently conducting tactical interrogation,” Ramos said.

On Jan. 22, authorities arrested 20-year old Spanish national Abdelhakim Labidi Adib, 20, at an Army checkpoint in Basilan.
Soldiers manning the checkpoint allegedly seized from Adib grenades and bomb-making equipment.

Adib’s companion, a Basilan local who was allegedly an Abu Sayyaf member, eluded arrest.

Adib had denied the charges and told government prosecutors in Manila he was in Basilan on vacation.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/971249/egyptian-4-filipinos-held-for-questioning-in-zamboanga-city

Egyptian bound for Basilan detained

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 25): Egyptian bound for Basilan detained

An overstaying Egyptian national suspected of having links with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Islamic State (IS) was held for questioning here yesterday by elements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at the Zamboanga City port before he could depart for Isabela, Basilan.

PCG Southwestern District Commander Capt. Ronie Gil Gavan said yesterday personnel of the PCG, Zamboanga City Station were conducting a Mandatory Pre Departure Inspection (MPDI) onboard WEESAM Express, a fast craft bound for Isabela City at about 6:30 a.m. Sunday when they noticed the presence of the Egyptian national.

Gavan identified the Egyptian national as Mohamed Shabaan Abdelaziz Negm, 37.

Gavan said Negm’s showed that he entered the country via Ninoy Aquino International Airport on February 12, 2017 and was allowed to stay in the country only until April 12, 2017.

The Egyptian was also taken into custody for having an expired visa.

Gavan said PCG-Zamboanga will take temporary custody of Negm for interview while verification of his personal background and status continues.

According to Gavan, all PCG stations under PCG District Southwestern Mindanao have been on high alert level status as contained in the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Orders issued by Secretary Arthur Tugade, which aimed to prevent the movement of lawless personalities in the areas, weapons and illegal drugs across the Sulu and Celebes Seas.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/25/egyptian-bound-for-basilan-detained/

Manhunt staged for ASG terrorists

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 25): Manhunt staged for ASG terrorists

Police are now conducting a manhunt operation against a suspected terrorist of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who allegedly shot dead a village officer and wounded four others in Basilan on Saturday the Police Regional Office in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM) disclosed today.




Sr Supt Graciano Mijares (Mark Balmores / MANILA BULLETIN)

Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, regional director of the Police Regional Office-ARMM, identified the suspect as Abu Alam Abbas (male), 30, an alleged member of the ASG.

Killed in the incident was Ammohong Munjalil (male), 46, an officer of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) while the wounded were identified as Nasser Musa, 34; Halid Majid (both males), 21; Hatif Itih Adjatu, 50, housekeeper; and Misty Rasida Sali (both females), legal age.

Initial investigation revealed that Musa and Majid were traversing Sitio Fuente, Barangay Tuburan in Hji. Mohammad Ajul, Basilan on board a motorcycle (XRM-125) when Abbas attacked them around 8 a.m.

Concerned citizens managed to call for help from the nearby barangay office but responding BPAT officer Munjalil was shot in the head by Abbas.

Mijares said Munjalil was killed immediately while Abbas, seeing his targets Musa and Majid down, immediately fled to an unknown location.

Adjatu and Sali, who were just doing laundry at the area, were both hit by stray bullets, Mijares added.

The four wounded victims were rushed to Lamitan District Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds in the body, he added.

Mijares immediately ordered manhunt against the suspect as a follow-up probe was already conducted to determine the motive behind the killing.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/25/manhunt-staged-for-asg-terrorists1/

3 ASG surrender to marines in Sulu, turn over 3 high-powered firearms

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 26): 3 ASG surrender to marines in Sulu, turn over 3 high-powered firearms

Three more Abu Sayyaf members on Monday surrendered to the marines of the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF Sulu) in Jolo, Sulu.


Sulu Map (Credits: Google Map | Manila Bulletin)

Hajar Abbang, 38, a resident of Barangay Kan Bulak, Luuk, Sulu; Kirah Ainazri Jawad, 20 ; and Sani S Jawad, 18, both residents of Buanza, Indanan voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Marine Ready Force 2 of the Joint Task Force Sulu at 9:45 a.m.

According to Abang, he was formerly a follower of the late Abu Sayyaf Group Subleader (ASGSL) Alhabsy Misaya while the other two are followers of the late ASG subleader Abraham Hamid.


“The trio also voluntarily turned over their firearms, an M16 rifle; an M79 rifle; and an M1 Garand rifle to our soldiers,” said Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

The three were brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu for medical checkup and for custodial debriefing.

Sobejana lauded the accomplishment of the marines and said, ‘with the right combination of focused military operations that pressures the ASG and the nonviolent approach that we are introducing, it is expected that more ASG members will be neutralized which may lead to their eventual downfall.

“It is notable that since our proposal for the ASG surrenderer Comprehensive Reintegration Program, more ASG members now returns to the folds of the law with firearms. This is a welcome development for us since we want to end our campaign against the ASG peacefully. After all, they are just misguided individuals and also Filipinos whom we are bound to serve,” he added.

For this year, a total of 23 ASG personalities have already surrendered to the units of Western Mindanao Command. There were 10 in Basilan; 11 in Sulu and two in Tawi-Tawi.

“The command continues to process surrenderers and will not stop exerting effort in reaching out to those who are having second thoughts to surrender,” said Lt. Gen. Carlito G Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“As of this development, we have already reached a tally of 181 ASG surrenderers since 2017 and it continues to snowball as we sustain our campaign against the ASG in BaSulTa island provinces,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/26/3-asg-surrender-to-marines-in-sulu-turn-over-3-high-powered-firearms/

Abu Sayyaf killed in clash in Basilan

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 25): Abu Sayyaf killed in clash in Basilan

An Abu Sayyaf terrorist was killed while a firearm was seized after a fierce firefight between soldiers of the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion and the bandit group at Sitio Pali, Brgy. Abong-Abong, Maluso, Basilan over the weekend.





Basilan (Credits: Google Maps / MANILA BULLETIN file photo)
Air assets were deployed to the area to provide air support to the engaged troops during an hour of firefight which began at about 8:45 a.m. while Joint Task Force Basilan provided fire support.

“We also directed other maneuver forces including the special forces battalion, 64IB and 18IB to block the avenues of enemy withdrawal,” said Brigadier General Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

“After scouring the area, one enemy body count was recovered and one M14 rifle was seized by troops,” he added.

Sporadic firefight continued till noontime Saturday while troops are conducting operations after the fleeing bandits.

“There will be a no-let up in the operation against the Abu Sayyaf as our Commander-in-Chief himself has declared such since last year,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“The different Joint Task Forces are in full-throttle to get the remaining Abu Sayyaf members and to rescue their kidnap victims.”

“My congratulations to JTF Basilan headed by their commander Brigadier General Juvymax Uy for this accomplishment,” he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/25/abu-sayyaf-killed-in-clash-in-basilan/

Tension eases between 2 warring clans

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 25): Tension eases between 2 warring clans

Tension has eased in Datu Saudi town here as armed clashes between two warring Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)-allied families have been abated with the intervention of top MILF commanders.

This was disclosed by MILF First Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar, who told The Manila Bulletin, that there was “no more fighting between the two families since yesterday (Saturday) after the intervention of a higher commander in the ground.”


Jaafar did not name the leaders of the warring families and the ground commander tasked by the MILF leadership, even as he acknowledged the contributions of emissaries from the police, military and the provincial government.

Members of two MILF-allied families renewed armed skirmishes in Barangay Madia in Datu Saudi town last Thursday just a day after two gunmen shot dead Sahabudin Namli, a 42-year old elected councilor in the municipality.

Police reports said one of the feuding families was related by blood to the slain elected official, and could be pinning the blame on the other family for Namli’s death.


His death could also be an offshoot of the assassination of Datu Saudi senior councilor Anwar Sindatok few months after his election in the Sanggunang Bayan in 2016, initial investigations hinted.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/25/tension-eases-between-2-warring-clans/

NPA leader arrested in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 25): NPA leader arrested in Agusan del Sur

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – A ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Caraga region was arrested by joint Army and police operatives in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, the Army said Sunday.

Capt. Rodulfo Cordero, the Civil Military Officer of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade, said Pablito Campos, 43, alias “Batik” or “Ponsoy,” the political officer of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 21A and spokesperson of the West and Northeastern Mindanao command, was collared inside his hide out in Barangay El Rio on Friday.


Cordero said Campos was with eight other rebels but he was the only one captured during the surprise raid conducted by joint operatives of the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) and the Sibagat police office. The other rebels managed to escape, he added.

He said Campos was responsible for the killing of Police Officer 1 Sharmaine CaƱete, who was shot dead while manning a checkpoint of Agusan del Sur Provincial Public Safety Company along the national highway in Sibagat on May 16 last year.

Cordero said the rebel leader had eight pending warrants of arrest for crimes of rebellion, frustrated murder, murder, multiple attempted murder, kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by various Regional Trial Court branches in Lianga, Surigao del Sur; and Bayugan City.

Recovered from his possession, Cordero said, were an M4 rifle, a fully loaded long magazine, three cellular phones, a backpack containing a hand grenade, and personal belongings.

He said charges were being prepared against Campos.

Cordero said Campos was the fourth NPA rebel arrested in Agusan del Sur since January.

“We are looking forward to more apprehensions in the coming days and weeks because the Armed Forces and the police have already eyes on the leadership of NPA terrorists,” said Col. Andres Centino, commander of 401st Infantry Brigade.

“We will continue security operations in our area of responsibility in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the people. I also urged the families, relatives and neighbors of remaining NPA terrorists to encourage them to lay down their arms and live peacefully,” Lt. Col. Rhoderick Parallag, the 3rd SFB commander, said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/971230/npa-new-peoples-army-leader-pablito-campos-army-arrest-rebels

Another NPA rebel surrenders in Cagayan

From the Manila Times (Feb 25): Another NPA rebel surrenders in Cagayan

ANOTHER alleged communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebel surrendered to province military and police units in Rizal, Cagayan.

The 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB), under the Joint Task Force “Tala” of the 5th Infantry (Star) Division (5ID) said Joel Asucena Ballinan, alias Joren/Javier voluntarily surrendered without firearm to their unit.

Ballinan, 19, resident of Sitio Turitukan, Barangay San Juan in Rizal town claimed that he was a member of the NPA’s Squad 3, Platoon Bravo of the Danilo Ben Command, Northern Front, Regional Committee, North Central Luzon.

He claimed he was designated as Logistics Officer (S4) and Team Leader (TL) of his unit led by Reymund Guzman, alias Bladd/Rey as their platoon leader.

Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, Nolcom public information officer, said though his true name and alias were not found and listed in the latest Periodic Status Report (PSR), Ballinan was identified by his former comrade, alias “Zoren” who surrendered to 17IB on December 11, 2017 and listed Number 34 in the PSR.

Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, Nolcom commander, said they are expecting more to surrender in the coming days and will keep its doors open to welcome those who intend to return to the folds of the law and live a normal life.

 http://www.manilatimes.net/another-npa-rebel-surrenders-cagayan/382668/

PNP bares Maute Group, ISIS’s shift to ‘lone wolf’ attacks in Mindanao

From the Business Mirror (Feb 26): PNP bares Maute Group, ISIS’s shift to ‘lone wolf’ attacks in Mindanao

It will take years before any terrorist group can carry out another attack similar to the scale and magnitude of the Marawi siege, but the government is not letting its guard down by acting against the recruitment of the Islamic State and its affiliated groups of new members, National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa said on Monday.

The PNP chief was reacting to the arrest of Juromee Dongon, widow of the late Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan, who was apprehended last Sunday in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, on charges that she had been recruiting members for the terrorist group.

“It will take some time. Large- scale attacks like Marawi will take months or years in the making before it can be carried out,” dela Rosa said, but added the PNP is taking measures so that it could be prevented.

“What we are only guarding now is the threat coming from the remaining members of the Maute-ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria], those pocket attacks, lone-wolf attacks, because they can be easily carried out,” he said.

Reports said earlier that another attack, possibly in the likes of Marawi, may happen again in Mindanao, but dela Rosa doused off such reports, saying the PNP is doing everything it can in order so that the rebellion that flattened Marawi City in Lanao del Norte will not be repeated anywhere else in the region.

“Our intelligence is validating that… well, all the major key cities in Mindanao are candidates to become Marawi Part 2, that is why our director for operations is in Davao doing the signing for the security and defense of the city,” the PNP chief said.

“It [intelligence validation] will be replicated in other key cities in Mindanao in order to ensure that there will be no repeat of the Marawi siege in Mindanao,” he added.

Dela Rosa confirmed reports about the recruitment of terrorist members in Lanao provinces, and this is what the government is already addressing.

“They were recruiting for them to have forces and, when they already have enough forces for them to mount another siege, then they could possibly do a Marawi Part 2,” he said.

“So we should address that; that they could not recruit forces,” he added.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/pnp-bares-maute-group-isiss-shift-to-lone-wolf-attacks-in-mindanao/

WATCH | Chief of Naval Staff: ‘We don’t have enough floating assets to patrol PH Rise’

From InterAksyon (Feb 26): WATCH | Chief of Naval Staff: ‘We don’t have enough floating assets to patrol PH Rise’



Philippine Navy Chief of Naval Staff, Commodore Erick Kagaoan is promoted to the next higher rank of Rear Admiral in November 2017. A donning ceremony is administered by then Flag Officer In Command, Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado (rightmost). Photo from the Facebook page of the Philippine Navy.


 
We don’t have that many floating assets to patrol that area [Benham, or Philippine Rise].” This is the admission of Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan during the Senate Committee on Science and Technology’s hearing on the incursions of foreign ships there, east of Luzon Island.

The Philippine Navy has limited resources and is in need of more and newer ships to patrol the eastern part of Philippine Rise, particularly “weather high endurance cutters” or frigates, Kagaoan added.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., confirmed this, saying, “May kulang pa rin (There is an insufficiency) because it’s really a vast area.”
 
He proposed that Congress allocate a budget for more naval ships, airplanes, and unmanned aerial vehicles, which enables the Philippine Navy to do a better job of keeping surveillance of the area.

Esperon added that even the academe suffers from a shortage of resources. For example, he said, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) has only seven marine biologists. Incentives, scholarships, as well as research ships with adequate “instrumentation” should be provided by the government.
 
UP-MSI director Dr. Fernando Siringan was more detailed in his proposal, saying 10 additional “faculty items”, 10 full-time researchers, and six equipment researchers are needed to boost the capability of UP-MSI.

He asked how, with the limited number of faculty members, they could join or mount expeditions while teaching at the same time.

Currently, they take turns doing research projects for two weeks, or divide their trips into legs.

He also sought a platform for deep water work and smaller support platforms, explaining that research on shallow parts of the sea is different from that of the deep sea.

For UP-MSI to be able to conduct full-fledged marine science work in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, it needs no less than P20 million a year, Siringan continued. It will also need to partner with other higher education institutions, which will require around P200 million per year.

Siringan also suggested granting scholarships for 20 students taking their master’s degrees, and five students doing their PhDs each year, which will cost around P222 million for seven years.

Apart from this, he recommended that 30 PhD students specializing in open ocean or deep sea work be sent abroad at a cost of P300 million.

“We have to send the people out. Ako ay produkto ng isang scholarship (I myself am a product of a scholarship)… [I] studied abroad,” Siringan said, adding that he got his education in laboratories that were among the best in the world. The scholars will then return home with their expertise.

Finally, Siringan pitched for a new ship, saying researchers can probably “extract a few more years” from the “old ship” they are using now. A research vessel which can enable scientists to take samples from the sea floor will cost around P2.5 billion, at an annual operating or maintenance cost of about P250 million.

In terms of Philippine Rise, UP-MSI has already embarked on at least four expeditions: two in 2010 and 2012 with a team from the United States, and another two in 2014 and 2016 made up of an all-Filipino group. The Filipinos have already been able to study Benham Bank, or the shallowest part of Philippine Rise to a depth of 100 meters, by themselves.
 
Filipino scientists are already doing work that other nationalities are capable of doing; at the same time, they are also doing some of the work with more proficiency than other nationalities in the face of resource handicaps, Siringan stressed.

More can be done, he said, if only they have the proper equipment and platforms.

http://www.interaksyon.com/chief-of-naval-staff-we-dont-have-enough-floating-assets-to-patrol-ph-rise/

Maritime expert warns: China used naming as basis of claim for sovereignty of South China Sea – including West PH Sea

From InterAksyon (Feb 26): Maritime expert warns: China used naming as basis of claim for sovereignty of South China Sea – including West PH Sea

Benham Rise map

Map shows location of Benham Rise east of Luzon Island.
 
Is China’s naming at least five seamounts in the Benham or Philippine Rise that big a deal, and should we be worried?

Yes, says a maritime expert at the University of the Philippines.

This is because, according to Dr. Jay Batongbacal, the director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the UP College of Law, China made their naming of features in the South China Sea as the basis of their claim for sovereignty over disputed territories in the vital sea lanes, including those within what Manila calls the West Philippine Sea.


The public then is justifiably worried that discovery and naming may be used by China as the basis for future claims, because it used them as reason to justify its claims in the South China Sea, particularly Scarborough Shoal. He clarified, however, that legally, the discovery and naming of marine features cannot be the basis of a claim to sovereignty.
 
Addressing the Senate committee on science and technology hearing on Benham Rise Monday, Batongbacal noted that China has almost completed developing military bases on three artificial islands it built on three features that roughly encircle the Kalayaan Island Group.
Once the bases are fully armed, they will be able to exert control over the area.

And, Batongbacal warned, once China bases combat aircraft to these bases, such as the one on Fiery Cross Reef, the whole country will be within their range.

Already, he said, scientists cannot explore the West Philippine Sea because of China’s assets.
 
Research and exploration for petroleum resources has ceased, while the Philippines can do nothing to stop Chinese fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea.

Batongbacal said Chinese media and scientific journals report that from 2016 to 2017, China embarked on a number of research projects in the West Philippine Sea, even deploying a submarine to research the seabed, and releasing a dozen gliders, underwater autonomous vehicles with artificial intelligence, for data collection.

Again and again, Batongbacal said, China has explored the Philippines’ territory before Filipinos have as he urged government to allocate resources to allow scientists to correct the situation.

In the Philippine Rise, he noted it was the Chinese Navy and the China Seabed Minerals Research and Development Association that proposed names for the five seamounts in Philippine Rise that indicated their long-term interest and agenda in the area: mining.
 
These seamounts include the summit of the Philippine Rise, which he called the most important part of the “undersea mountain.”

Batongbacal said the Chinese had already been doing research in the area as early as 2004 and repeated visits since have enabled them to do a detailed and accurate survey that they included in their application for the Chinese names.
 
This is what happens when Philippine waters are not secured, Batongbacal said.

He explained that while the discovery and naming of marine features cannot be the basis of a claim to sovereignty based on the law, doing so has a benefit: the honor of being known as the one who discovered the area, which ha gone to China instead of the Philippines, even if these features of the Philippine Rise were discovered by Filipinos from 2004 to 2008, as proven by the detailed maps which the Philippines used to support its claim over the extended continental shelf.

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority had planned to name these after indigenous Philippine trees and birds.

Batongbacal believes the government’s failure to pursue this might have to do with lack of funding.

But, he pointed out, as China continues to do scientific research in Philippine waters, it reaps the benefits that the Philippines should be enjoying in the first place.

Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, chairman of the science and technology committee, vowed to provide support to Filipino scientists by giving them a decent budget.

“I’ve said this in the past, our Filipino scientists and researchers are sadly underappreciated in the country,” he said in his opening statement. “There is certainly more we can do to, first, to strengthen the voice of the scientific community; and second, to provide our researchers, innovators, scientists and experts with substantial support in terms of budget and resources.”
 

WATCH | Law catches up with suspected widow of terrorist Marwan, ASG’s Janjalani

From InterAksyon (Feb 27): WATCH | Law catches up with suspected widow of terrorist Marwan, ASG’s Janjalani         
Juromee_Dongon_Marwan_wife_inquest_mugshot_News5grab
 


A combined team of policemen and elements of the Philippine Army’s 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion arrested five persons at the weekend in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, including the alleged widow of Malaysia terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir (nom de guerre Marwan) and Abu Sayyaf Group senior leader Khadaffy Janjalani, Juromee Pindoy Dongon.

Marwan had been killed on January 25, 2015 at the Battle of Mamasapano, where a law enforcement mission in Maguindanao Province went awry and 44 officers and men of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force met untimely deaths pinned down by hostile fire from combined elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and private armed groups in Barangay Tukanalipao.

Janjalani died in a firefight at Patikul, Sulu on December 27, 2006.

Along with Juromee, arrested after the service of a search warrant at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, were Lorilie Atta and Senior Police Officer4 Andy Atta.

In a separate search operation, in Baroi, government forces arrested Romeo Dongon, the father of Juromee, and her sister Nur-ain Dongon Santos.

The operations were carried out by Joint Task Force Zampelan and the Lanao del Norte PNP.

Seized from Juromee were a fragmentation hand grenade, six blasting caps and detonating cord, a caliber 9mm Glock 17 hand gun with three magazines and 37 pieces of live ammunition.

Confiscated from Romeo were a cal .45 Colt Pistol MK1 with three cartridges and a magazine, an M61 fragmentation hand grenade, and several explosive components, including an empty blasting cup, detonating cord, and two electrical wires.

 http://www.interaksyon.com/watch-law-catches-up-with-suspected-widow-of-terrorist-marwan-asgs-janjalani/

MILF: Basilan Municipal Mayors League supports Passage of BBL

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 24): Basilan Municipal Mayors League supports Passage of BBL



ISABELA CITY, BASILAN-During the conduct of public consultation on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Isabela City, Basilan yesterday, February 23, the Municipal Mayors League of Basilan declared their unconditional support, and complete cooperation for the passage of BBL by congress.
Mayor Hanie A. Bud of Maluso, the League's president said, " The BBL implements the signed peace agreements to establish a ministerial form Bangsamoro Government to replace the ARMM based on the concept that a self-governing Bangsamoro will be given more powers that can positively uplift the region being one of the country's poorest regions".

Mayor Bud also said, " The BBL is not simply a piece of legislation but an appropriate embodiment of Bangsamoro's historical struggle for self-rule, and a free exercise of the peoples' right to self- determination.”

“So far it is the best alternative for self-governance that we, the people of Bangsamoro in particular, and the Mindanao region in general will have. It is a product of collective, and participatory work, a product of decades of conflicts, and negotiations, and lessons learned with a heavy price to many of us Bangsamoro,” he added.

All the11 mayors of the province were unanimous in their support to the BBL as manifested in their Resolution No. 02, Series of 2018 but they cautioned that its failure, they simply cannot afford to have another armed conflict that will eventually displaced thousands of their constituents, and would ruin development efforts they have painstakingly achieved simply once government fails to recognize Moro sufferings, and ordeal, and implement the only feasible solution to end the decades-old problem of the Bangsamoro people.”

However, Mayor Bud in his concluding statement said, " We are optimistic that the BBL may be the instrument that will pave the way for a united, and more peaceful Mindanao. The only feasible mechanism that can help jump start the genuine peace that we all want. It is the best means we have in achieving our elusive dream for peace in our collective determination to finally put an end to the decades or even centuries Moro Problem in Mindanao.”

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1220/basilan-municipal-mayors-league-supports-passage-of-bbl

MILF: " Islam is association, not isolation-" Grand mufti Abuhuraira.

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 24): " Islam is association, not isolation-" Grand mufti Abuhuraira.



The Joint Working Group of Religious Leaders for Peace (TWGRLP) conducted its " 3rd Dialogue of Religious Leaders in Pursuit of Peace in a Pluralistic Society " held at Hotel Rembrandt, Quezon City on February 13 - 14, 2018 with financial assistance from Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD).
The dialogue was participated by Committee on Da'wah for Non - Muslim Affairs of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Archdiocese of Cotabato, National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), Uniharmony Partners of Manila, Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Protestant Church, and the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The forum was graced by his Excellency Ambassador Franz Jessen of European Union, and the Grand Mufti of Bangsamoro Sheik Abuhuraira Udasan.

Mufti Abuhuraira in his message emphasized the importance of Unity and Tolerance regardless of ethnicity and faith.

He also stated, " Islam is association, and not isolation. Islam is accommodation, and not discrimination nor marginalization ".

Ambassador Jessen for his part reiterated his unwavering support to the group of religious leaders especially to the peace initiative of Joint Working Group of Religious Leaders for Peace (JWGRLP).

Uz. Abdulhadie Gumander of the MILF Da'wah Committee on Non - Muslim Affairs reminded that their creation is anchored on the following objectives, vis a vis: Co – existence, and restoration of harmonious relationship between Muslims and Non - Muslims; bridging societal divides on religion; knowing and defending the rights of Christians, and Non - Muslims alike; and develop humanitarian dialogue skills.

In his closing statement, he called for the support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) considering that there are no provisions that violate the rights of any religion whatsoever, and its passage is an antidote to violent religious extremism.

The group affirmed their unconditional support to the GPH - MILF peace process, and committed to work together to address the centuries - old biases, and prejudices from both parties, as well as the challenges on countering violent extremism.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1221/--islam-is-association--not-isolation---grand-mufti-abuhuraira--

MILF: Moro women urge Congress to pass BBL

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 25): Moro women urge Congress to pass BBL



Moro Women in Southern Mindanao are urging Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that would establish a Moro homeland on the war-torn but resource-rich island, said a report by PDI on February 19.
During a public hearing on the proposed law in Davao City on Saturday, the Bangsamoro Women Organization said that while the Davao provinces were not included in the core area of the proposed Moro homeland, its passage would still benefit the region, PDI also said in its report.

“We believe that the BBL is the antidote to prevent violent extremism in the Bangsamoro community. As Bangsamoro women, we believe that our children are always and at all times prone to the effects of terrorism,” said Jobayra Tandong, spokesperson for the Bangsamoro Women Organization in the region.

The BBL is a legal instrument that will implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014.

The proposed law also contains some provisions of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement signed between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

Once enacted by congress, and ratified in a plebiscite, a new political entity called Bangsamoro will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The hearing in Davao City was conducted by the House committees on local government, Muslim affairs and peace and reconciliation.

South Cotabato Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. said the hearing was held in Davao even if the city or any area of the Davao provinces would not be part of the new Bangsamoro territory to get the general pulse of the Moro population, the PDI article also said.

Agakhan Sharief, chair of the Bangsamoro National Movement for Peace and Development, earlier said the Moro people wanted no other law passed but the one proposed by the BTC.

Tandong agreed, saying the one written by the BTC was the most acceptable version to the Moro people.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1223/moro-women-urge-congress-to-pass-bbl

MILF: We reap the dividends of peace –KPI President Abdula

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 26): We reap the dividends of peace –KPI President Abdula



“We are reaping the dividends of peace in our peace process with the Philippine Government,” said guest speaker Professor Esmael Abdula, President of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute and BLMI Training Officer, in a Peace Forum organized by the MILF Provincial Political Committee of North Cotabato.
“We need to level off our understanding of the current Bangsamoro peace agenda with the government so that we can strengthen our efforts for the immediate passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by Philippine Congress”, Abdula emphasized.

Abdula added that: “The Bangsamoro legitimate struggle is inclusive towards establishing Bangsamoro political entity.”

Abdula also narrated that the MILF started its formal peace negotiation with the Philippine government in 1997 under the administration of former president Fidel V. Ramos, continued during the tenure of former presidents Joseph E. Estrada (1998-2000), Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, (Agreement for the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks in 2001, Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008), Benigno C. Aquino III (resumption of peace negotiations in 2011, Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2012, Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014, and at present under Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration.

Second guest speaker Mohammad Antao, Board member representing the 1st District of North Cotabato said, the peace process is the right solution to Bangsamoro problem in Mindanao. He stressed that “the term Bangsamoro is not invented, but it is traditional based on history.”

Historically, many books written by foreigners, Filipinos, and Moro writers, such as Alunan Glang, Former Congressman Michael Mastura, Salah Jubair, and many others described the term Bangsamoro originates from the Malay word bangsa meaning nation, and Spanish word Moro, who are at the time of conquest, when the people of Mindanao fought valiantly against the conquistadores their bravery resembles that of the Moors who fought against the Spaniards in Europe.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1224/we-reap-the-dividends-of-peace----kpi-president-abdula

MILF: Editorial - Return Marawi Evacuees

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 22): Editorial - Return Marawi Evacuees

When tragedy strikes, everybody suffers. The tragedy that struck Marawi City on May 23, 2017 is an example. But as in all tragedies, the civilians suffer most because they are the most vulnerable.
Right now, the evacuees who have fled the fighting between the government and ISIS-inspired Maute group have not yet returned to their homes. Most are still in evacuation centers and are only depending on dole-outs and supplies to survive.

There are several reasons for this delay for their return, first, they have no houses to return to, all were either burned or devastated, second, ground zero is still no-no for them, and third, rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction take some time to get full speed.

While we know the sincere efforts of the Duterte administration in addressing the effects of this tragedy, but we think there is still room for suggestions or improvements. One is the need to earnestly convey the message that there is nothing being cooked up in ground zero that disadvantaged the evacuees. Perhaps, there is wisdom in including the local government in Marawi City in the Task Force Bangon Marawi which is a government inter-agency task force group organized to facilitate the rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction efforts in the devastated city. Also, the role of an apolitical body like the ulama-professional group in the task force is perhaps worthy of consideration. They can help provide correct and concrete information that can be fed to the people at large. This is very important, because oftentimes people conclude, or act merely based on perception or speculation.

Honestly, we want to help preserve the credibility of the president among the Bangsamoro people especially among the Maranaos. There were many presidents before him, but he is the only one who has a Moro blood in his veins and whose policies clearly speak of the urgent need to correct the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people. Currently, while it is not yet in the basket, 8because both the old and new spoilers are on a warpath, signs for the eventual passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) are piling up.

This concern is the reason why we are speaking up through this very modest medium, so that people will know where the MILF is solidly standing on. It is no secret that many people lashed at the MILF for allegedly doing so little during the Marawi Siege. We responded by saying that the MILF had done the best it can under the given situation. If others offered combatants, the MILF humbly offered – and did – humanitarian intervention, which earned the appreciation of the people including the international community.

On top of these all, there is a need to return the evacuees to their places of origin as soon as possible and to fast track the legal process to effect the distribution of lands in Marawi City, which is a military reservation, to the original and legitimate occupants. This is one of the greatest fears of the Maranaos that the government is up to confiscate their lands because it is a military reservation.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1216/return-marawi-evacuees

CPP/NPA-Panay: Magbangon, Macho-Pasista nga Rehimeng US-Duterte Pukanon

NPA-Panay (Red Detachment of Women) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Feb 21): Magbangon, Macho-Pasista nga Rehimeng US-Duterte Pukanon

Ka Randa Femina, Spokesperson
NPA-Panay (Red Detachment of Women)

21 February 2018

Indi na kinahanglan suliton pa ang istorya ni Joanna Demafelis. Ang iya istorya nabrodkas na sa bug-os nga pungsod sang nagligad nga simana. Istroya ini sang walay kaluoy kag makakulugmat nga tortyur.

Nakibot ang bug-os nga pungsod sa istorya ni Demafelis, bangud pa kay nasapwan siya sa freezer kag indi pa bangud nasapwan siya nga bangkay. Kag diri nakita ang matuod nga kakugmat, ang madinuguon nga lansang nga walay katapusan nga ginapalpag sa lungon sining pungsod. Ang istorya ni Joanna indi bag-o, isa lang ini ka hilo sang hablon sang pang-abuso sa mga Pilipino nga nagaluntad sang pila na ka dekada. May pagbaton kita sing may kaluoy kag nagakabalaka nga pagdayaw sa indi malingkang nga determinasyon sang aton mga kasimanwa nga magsulay sang makamamatay nga brutalidad nga ginakomiter batuk sa ila. Tanan ini, para gid lang nga makapadala sang gamay nga sweldo sa ila mga pamilya.

Ang mga istorya sang pagpanglugos, pagpang-abuso kag pagpang-ulipon nangin kinaandan na nga halos ginabaton na kag ginalauman sang isa ka pungsod nga ginahalinan sang barato nga kusog-pangabudlay kag balagsakan sang imperyalista sang ila mga sobrang produkto, makamamatay nga bakuna kag kagamitan militar. Sa gubyerno nga nagayaob sa dumuluong nga mga interes kag bastos-baba kag bully nga presidente nga nagabaid sang iya bangkil agud magpangsakit, magpamatay kag magpamahug sa iya kaugalingon nga pumuluyo, tanan kita mga biktima sini.

Si Duterte kabug-usan sang macho-pasista nga ang pagtawag sa iya nga baboy, insulto sa tanan nga matuod nga baboy. Ano nga klase sang tawo, lider sang pungsod nga nagayuhom sa pagpanglugos sa mga journalist, nagagarantiya sang pagkawalay-salabton sang iya mga suldado nga manglugos sa kababainhan nga Moro, kag magmandu sa sining mga suldado mismo sa pagluthang sa kinatawo sang mga babaye nga rebelde? Ano nga klase sang tawo ang makahambal sang tuman nga kalakasan sa kababainhan nga babaye man gani ang iya anak, ang iya asawa, iloy, kag ang iya kauturan? Ang iya pagkaugot sa mga imol nga mga pumuluyo nga nagaantus na gani labi niya nga ginapalubha paagi sa tudo pa gid nga pagpangpuga. Ang rehimeng US-Duterte wala nagabalor sang kabuhi kag mga kinamatarung sang mga nagaantus kag ginahimuslan nga imol nga ginalantaw niya nga “problema” sang katilingban.

Apang ang mga kababainhan sini nga pungsod indi biktima ukon problema sang katilingban. May kasaysayan kita sang walay kalingkang kag wala nahadlok sa rebolusyon, sang pagpakig-away sa aton mga kinamatarung kag sang mga kabataan. Indi kita ang problema apang kita mangin solusyon. Ang mga kababainhan sa NPA indi magsugot nga mangin biktima kundi mangin manughilway sang ila kaugalingon kag sang pungsod.

Ang mga tinaga ni Duterte nagaserbi nga hangkat kag nagapabaskog sa aton. Ini nga mga tinaga indi bag-o sa aton palamatin-an, sa matuod ini ang mga rason ngaa nagapakig-away kita, kag kada adlaw ginahatagan kita sang rason sa pagpakig-away asta sa katapusan. Sa macho-pasista nga Duterte, ginademanda namon ang pagrespeto kag kasiguruhan sa amon kinamatarung, sa amon lawas kag sa aton palaabuton. Ipasiguro namon ini paagi sa rebolusyon.

Ini ang panawagan halin sa kababainhan sang rebolusyon para sa aton nga isigka-babae kag pumuluyo nga Pilipino. Dapat kita nga maghulag, kon sa intelektwal kag legal nga paghimakas man ukon sa pagkaput sang armas. Magkambit-braso kag kuom-kamot, aton pukanon kag dugmukon ang US-Duterte nga pasistang rehimen!

(Red Detachment of Women–Panay, is a women’s group participating in the armed struggle, they are the fulltime Red fighters of the NPA, members of local militia units and self-defense corps in the localities.)

CPP/NPA-Panay: Sa Liwat, si Duterte Bilang isa ka Psyho Killer

NPA-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Feb 23): Sa Liwat, si Duterte Bilang isa ka Psyho Killer

Ka Julio Montana, Spokesperson
NPA-Panay (Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command)

23 February 2018

Pakitang-tao lang ang pagkadto ni Duterte sa Sara, Iloilo sining Pebrero 22, sa kuno pag-unong sa haya ni Joanna Demafelis, ang OFW nga ginpatay sa Kuwait. Mas importante kay Duterte ang pagbuhos panahon sa iya mga tropa sa 301st Bde sa Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo.

Sa atubang sang iya mga mersenaryo nga tropa ginmandu niya ang labing makangilidlis nga pagpamatay — ang pagpugot sang ulo sang mga NPA, isulod sa balde nga may ice kag dalhon sa iya. Kabaylo sini, magahatag kuno siya sang padya nga P25,000 kon ordinaryo nga NPA ang mapatay kag P50,000 naman kon iskwad lider. Ginpanubo na ini sang nauna nga anunsyo ni Duterte kag sang AFP nga maghatag sang P100,000 sa makapatay sang suspetsado nga NPA. Antes sini, ginmandu man sang macho-pasistang Duterte nga pangluthangon sa ila kinatawo ang mga babae nga suspetsado nga NPA.

Mabaskog namon nga ginakondenar ining ginahimo sang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte.

Ano nga klase sang presidente ang nagagahum subong sa Pilipinas nga nagamandu sa iya AFP-PNP sa pagpamugot-ulo sa suspetsado nga NPA kag pagpangluthang sa ila kinatawo sa mga babae nga ginasuspetsuhan nga rebelde? Isa siya ka presidente nga psychopath killer.

Ginapakita ni Duterte sa publiko kag sa internasyunal nga komunidad nga ang gubyerno kag AFP-PNP amo ang tunay nga terorista kon sa diin, pinulo-pulo ka libo na ang ginbiktima sa ginlunsar nga gyera-kontra druga, gyera kontra-Moro, kag tudo-gyera kontra sa NPA kag pumuluyo.

Ining pinakaulihi nga mandu sang presidente sang republika sang Pilipinas kag commander in chief sang AFP sa may padya nga pagpamugot-ulo, nagahimo sa pwersa sang AFP kag PNP bilang mga kurap kag kriminal nga mga bounty hunters. Ginagarantiyahan pa gid ni Duterte ang AFP, PNP kag mga paramilitar nga wala sila sang salabton sa dugang nga mga krimen kag malaparan nga paglapas sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang pumuluyo kag sa internasyunal nga layi sa gyera.

Ang iya mga ginmandu nagalapas sa kasugtanan sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) ilabi na sa isyu sang pagrespeto sa mga bangkay/patay. Ginadumilian sa internasyunal nga layi ang terorista nga pagpamatay kag desecration sa mga bangkay. Pero ginatulod ni Duterte ang terorismong pagpamugot-ulo gamit ang linibo nga padya halin sa buwis sang mga pumuluyo kag hampangan kag makangilidlis nga abusuhan ang mga kababainhan paagi sa paglugos kag pagluthang sa ila kinatawo.

Ginsaad man sa Geneva Convention sadtong 1949 nga ano man nga porma sang kalakasan sekswal ukon ang mga kaangay sini ang isa ka krimen batuk sa katawhan kon sistematiko nga ginahimo kag pasulit-sulit. Ining mandu sang commander-in-chief sang AFP nga luthangon sa ila kinatawo ang mga babae nga NPA isa sa signal sang amo nga krimen kag maathag nga paglapas man sa internasyunal nga layi.

Tuman na gid ka desperado ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa padayon nga pagbaskog sang NPA kag rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa bug-os nga pungsod. Baliskad ini sa ginahandum sang rehimen nga pakupuson sang katunga ang NPA antes magtapos ang 2018. Gani ginahimo sini ang sistema sang bounty-hunting, ang paltik nga mga pasurender, dalagkuan nga pagpang-atake kag gyera sa kaumhan agud kugmaton ang pumuluyo.

Nagaduda kami nga si Duterte wala sa husto nga pamensaron sang ginhimo niya ang amo nga mga mandu nga maathag nagabayolar sang International Humanitarian Law, bangud iya ginapabugal nga isa siya ka maayo nga abugado nga nakaintindi sang layi. Ukon mas tulod pa ini sang iya indi mapunggan nga kauhaw sa dugo kag pagtampalas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung.

Ang indi matarung nga gyera ni Duterte nagapalubha lang sa pag-antus sang malapad nga pumuluyo. Akig ang mga imol sa una pa lang nga hugnat sa pagpuga sa pagpamuhis paagi sa Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) nga nagpalala sang gutom. Nagtaas ang presyo sang mga balaklon kag nagaiwat ang suplay sang bugas. Nagaupod kami sa handum sang pumuluyo sa tunay nga mga pagbag-o. Nagalapad ang suporta sang pumuluyo para sa armadong paghimakas nga amo ang banas sang tunay nga pagbag-o.

Bisan pa hatagan sang kahigayunan, ang NPA-Panay indi maghingabot sa ulo ni Duterte. Ang ginakalangkagan namon nga buligan nga mabagsak amo ang US-papet kag pasista nga rehimen paagi sa pagpasingki sang inaway sang pumuluyo sa bug-os nga pungsod agod mapatuman ang tunay nga reporma sa lupa kag pungsudnon nga industrialisasyon. Ang tunay nga pagbag-o sa katilingban ang nagakadapat para sa pumuluyo labi na sa nagahimud-os nga masa sangsa mahabok nga malaw-ay nga ulo sang teroristang psycho nga Duterte.

CPP/NPA-ST: People Power para pabagsakin ang rehimeng US-Duterte

NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Feb 23): People Power para pabagsakin ang rehimeng US-Duterte

Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla, Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Tagalog (Melito Glor Command)

23 February 2018

Nakikiisa ang Melito Glor Command – New People’s Army Southern Tagalog sa malawak na sambayanan sa paggunita ng ika-32 taong pagdiwang sa matagumpay na EDSA People Power noong Pebrero 23, 1986 na nagpabagsak sa pasistang diktadurang US-Marcos. Ito ang naging patunay na kayang pabagsakin ng pinagbuklod na lakas ng sambayanan ang isang sagadsaring reaksyunaryo at tutang rehimen.

Sa kabila ng tagumpay na ito, sinalaula ng mga reaksyunaryong anti-Marcos ang mga pagsusumikap ng masa at agad na nagmaniobra upang agawin ang kapangyarihan. Nilapastangan nila ang interes ng masa nang itatag nila ang isang huwad na demokrasyang nagsisilbi lamang sa interest ng mga naghaharing uring mga burgesya komprador, panginoong maylupa, at mga burukrata kapitalista.

Sa panahon ng lumalalang krisis sa bansa sa ilalim ng pasista at nagbabadyang diktadurang rehimeng US-Duterte, kailangan muling magbuklod ng malawak na sambayanan upang ilunsad ang isang kilusang masa na kasing lawak ng EDSA People Power upang pabagsakin ang berdugo at pahirap sa masang si Duterte. Ngunit, dapat maging mapagmatyag ang sambayanan sa tangka ng mga reaksyunaryong muling agawin ang kanilang tagumpay.

Tanging sa pamumuno ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan matitiyak ng mamamayan na matatamasa nila ang tagumpay sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng demokratikong gobyernong bayan.

CPP/NPA-ST: Mga atake in Duterte at pagturing na “terorista” ang CPP-NPA-NDFP, desperadong hakbang ng rehimeng US-Duterte

NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Feb 23): Mga atake in Duterte at pagturing na “terorista” ang CPP-NPA-NDFP, desperadong hakbang ng rehimeng US-Duterte

Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla, Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Tagalog (Melito Glor Command)

23 February 2018

Patuloy na inaatake ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa imbeng pakana nitong ihiwalay ang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) sa malawak na sambayanang Pilipino. Sa petisyon ng Department of Justice na desisyunang isang “teroristang organisasyon” ang CPP-NPA-NDFP, malinaw ang pagkontrol ni Duterte sa mga sangay ng estado bilang isang diktador.

Nais ng rehimeng US Duterte na ilagay sa watch list ang CPP-NPA-NDFP bilang isang teroristang organiasyon sang-ayon sa kanyang among Imperyalistang US. Ang Human Security Act ng reaksyunaryong gobyerno ay nakabalangkas ayon sa Homeland Security Act ng US sa layuning bigyang katwiran ang kanyang walang pakundangang pakikialam at panghihimasok sa mga panloob na usapin ng bansa.

Ngunit taliwas sa gustong mangyari ng rehimeng US-Duterte at mga alipures nito sa reaksyunaryong estado na ihiwalay ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa malawak na masa, ang CPP-NPA-NDFP ay patuloy na nagtatamasa ng papalawak at papalalim na suporta ng buong sambayanang Pilipino.

Patunay nito ang kabiguan ng mga nagdaang rehimen na durugin ang CPP-NPA-NDFP. Sa halip na humina ay lalo pang lumawak at lumakas any rebolusulnaryong kilusan sa Timog Katagalugan at sa buong bansa. Ang 5 dekadang armadong pakikibaka ng mamamayan sa pamumuno ng CPP-NPA-NDFP ay malinaw na ebidensya na hindi kailanman naging isang teroristang organisasyon ang CPP-NPA-NDFP sa mata ng malawak na masa. Lubusan nilang tinatangkilik ang rebolusyon bilang sarili nilang pakikibaka taliwas sa gustong palabasin ng rehimen. Patunay dito ang matatagumpay na operasyong militar ng NPA na sinuportahan at nilahukan ng masa. Pinakahuli ang makatarungang pamamarusa sa Philippine National Police-Special Action Force na nagsasawa ng mga operasyong kombat sa mga komunidad ng bayan ng Baras, Rodriguez, Tanay, Antipolo, Pillia at Jala-jala pawang sa probinsya ng Rizal. Gusto ng rehimeng US-duterte na palayasin ang mga Dumagat , Remontado at mga settler sa mga lugar na ito na saklaw ng mga proyektong Laiban Dam, ATN Solar Project, Energy Project at iba pang mapanirang proyekto sa ilalim ng Build, Build, Build ng rehimen.

Ang ginagawa ng rehimen ay pagpapakita ng kanyang tunay na kulay at anyo sa kabila ng kanyang mala-hunyangong pakitang taong makamahirap at para sa mamamayang pilipino. Isa siyang traydor sa bayan nang ibuyangyang niya sa mga dayuhan ang patrimonya at soberanya ng bansa sa kanyang mga among imperyalistang bansa tulad ng US at China. Kung kaya, Alan ng mamamayan kung sino ang totoong terorista sa bansa.

Hindi malinlang ni Duterte ang masa. Napakaraming krimen ni Duterte sa sambayanan para paniwalaan ang ipinapalaganap niyang kasinungalingan sa pamamagitan ng “fake news” at paratang sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan para pagtakpan ang kanyang mga kaso sa bayan. Hahatulan siya ng bayan at tulad ng kanyang iniidolong si Marcos, itatapon si Duterte sa basaruhan ng kasayasayan at muling mabubuhay ang nag-aalimpuyong kilusang bayan na magpapabagsak sa kanyang reaksyunaryo, tiraniko at pasistang rehimen.

CPP/NDF-Mindanao: On the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the Edsa Uprising: The Filipino People Must Harness Genuine People Power Against the Fascist Dictatorial Rule of the US-Duterte Regime

NDF-Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Feb 25): On the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the Edsa Uprising: The Filipino People Must Harness Genuine People Power Against the Fascist Dictatorial Rule of the US-Duterte Regime

Ka Joaquin Jacinto, Spokesperson
NDFP Mindanao

25 February 2018

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Mindanao (NDFP-Mindanao) joins the nation in remembering the heroism of the Filipino people in the EDSA uprising, which, 32 years ago, was one of the great results of a two-decade struggle, both non-armed and armed, that fought against and strove to topple the US-Marcos regime. People from various classes and sectors, particularly workers, professionals, the religious and the youth and students, massed up along the main thoroughfare of the nation’s capital to express their denunciation and disgust against years of the US-Marcos regime’s fascist dictatorial rule.

Although clearly the transition from Marcos to Cory was merely a change in leadership and did not altogether eradicated the semifeudal, semicolonial social system of the country, it is, on one hand, important to acknowledge the sheer collective capacity of a people, united under the aim of restoring real democracy, to be able to kick-out a fascist dictator of twenty years from power. It was, on the other, a dress rehearsal for future people’s protests that will surge alongside the people’s armed revolution in order to once and for all liberate the nation from the dictatorship of the ruling classes of landlords, big comprador bourgeoisie and US imperialism, and end the oppression and exploitation of semicolonialism and semifeudalism.

Only into its second year in power, the US-Duterte regime has already displayed a degree of fascism comparable if not worse than that of Marcos. Duterte, in the past couple of years, imposed policies of death and destruction by way of his major three wars: Oplan Tokhang, Oplan Kapayapaan, and the war against the Moro people by imposing martial law in Mindanao.

With Oplan Tokhang now fully operational and restored in the hands of the PNP, the country can only expect no less than the further escalation of extrajudicial killings perpetrated by both police operatives and state-sponsored death squads. Tokhang has already taken the lives of more than 13,000, and at this point, the level of brazenness and impunity will even go much higher and more widespread.

Duterte’s case before the International Criminal Court, should it seriously push through and become a full blown trial, will be an opportunity for the relatives of the hundreds of victims of Tokhang and extrajudicial killings to seek for justice. It can also serve as one of the platforms for the Filipino people to encourage the international community to help by means of amplifying their condemnation as well against the fascism of the US-Duterte regime.

While the impact of the ICC is yet to unfold, it is imperative for the local people’s movement led by the church people, professionals, progressive groups, students, the middle sector, workers and peasants against extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations to strengthen and broaden itself. This is to lay the foundation in the country for any international support to pour in.

In the Mindanao countryside, Duterte’s Oplan Kapayapaan (OPK) is the brutal encirclement and suppression campaign of the regime aimed at suppressing the masses and defeating the revolutionary movement. It has launched series of focus and sustained combat operations in the island’s hinterlands. These brutal military operations have ensnared thousands of masses in situations replete with harassment, bombings, shelling and other vile manifestations of state terrorism. As a result, hundreds of thousands have fled their villages, farms and other sources of livelihood, and suffer dire conditions in evacuation areas.

OPK’s terror also extends to towns and cities where leaders and members of legitimate mass organizations fall prey to the Duterte regime’s crackdown, which employ surveillance, illegal arrests, political killings, filing of trumped up charges, psychological warfare and other forms of Marconian tactics.

The AFP has also unleashed psywar operations and schemes and employed manufactured scenarios designed to be able to circulate propaganda — ‘fake news’ — aimed at vilifying and slandering the revolutionary movement and its leaders. In a desperate effort to justify Duterte’s “terrorist” tag, the AFP has gone berserk, directing their local thugs to commit the most grisly of murders and falsely pin the act on the NPA. This perfidious scheme was employed in the Southern, NorthEastern and Far Southern regions in Mindanao, in the AFP’s desperate attempt to use and deceive the masses into going against the revolutionary movement. While it may have affected a few people, it will never be able to destroy the credibility of the CPP-NPA-NDFP that has been buttressed by its own rectification movement.

In the meantime, Duterte’s war against the Bangsamoro continues to escalate in Mindanao as the extended martial law goes halfway into the first quarter of the year. Outside of a still devastated Marawi City, the AFP, on one hand, continues to run after Bangsamoro groups, both legitimate and armed, that continue to assert the Moro people’ genuine right to self-determination. On the other, Duterte keeps the Moro at bay with promises of more political and economic power once his own version of the BBL is approved and “federalism” – which is nothing but his dictatorship — is enshrined.

The NDFP – Mindanao calls upon the Filipino people to renew their commitment to a genuine form of people power that serves the interest of the masses, not of any faction or US imperialism, that will thwart anew the looming fascist-dictatorship of the US-Duterte regime. As this regime imposes more and more taxes on the people and drowns the country in billions of dollars in debt for its ambitious ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure frenzy, the people must launch bigger and more militant protests against the US-Duterte clique, protests that are far wider and more frequent compared to that of the EDSA uprising.

CPP/NDF-ST: Itaguyod ang mga aral ng EDSA I at ibagsak ang pasistang diktadurang US-Duterte!

NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Feb 25): Itaguyod ang mga aral ng EDSA I at ibagsak ang pasistang diktadurang US-Duterte!

Patnubay de Guia, Spokesperson
NDFP Southern Tagalog

25 February 2018

Nakikiisa ang rebolusyonaryong mamamayan ng Timog Katagalugan sa paggunita sa ika-32 anibersaryo ng EDSA I na nagpabasak sa pasistang diktadurang US-Marcos. Kaalinsabay nito ang panawagan ng sambayanang kagyat na patalsikin ang pasistang diktadurang rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa okasyong ito, nananawagan ang National Democratic Front- Southern Tagalog sa mamamayang Pilipino na magkaisa at kumilos para tuluyang ibagsak ang pasista, anti-mamamayan at diktador na si Duterte. Kailangang muling ipakita ng mamamayan ang kanilang nagkakaisang lakas sa pamamagitan ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang masa upang biguin, labanan at tuluyang ibagsak ang paghahari ni Duterte tulad ng kanilang nakamit sa panahon ng diktadurang US-Marcos.

Walang pagkakaiba ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa pasistang diktadurang US-Marcos. Kung tutuusin, kayang higitan pa ni Duterte ang rekord at utang na dugo ni Marcos sa mamamayan. Sa saligan, lumala ang kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao dahil sa tumitinding militarisasyon sa kanayunan at kalunsuran habang nagpapatuloy ang kawalan ng hustisyang panlipunan. Si Duterte ang numero unong lumalabag sa karapatang pantao. Malinaw sa kanyang mga pahayag nitong nakaraan ang tahasan at lantarang pag-aatas sa AFP-PNP na labagin ang karapatang pantao at mga internasyunal na makataong batas.

Sa pamamagitan naman ng kanyang mga anti-mamamayang batas tulad ng TRAIN, lalo pang ibinaon ni Duterte ang mamamayan sa kahirapan at mas inilayo niya ang mamamayan sa mga batayang serbisyong panlipunan, reporma sa lupa at pambansang industriyalisasyon. Ang kanyang ipinataw at pinalawig na Batas Militar sa Mindanao at de facto Martial Law sa buong bansa ang lalong nagpa-ulol sa kanyang tuta at mersenaryong sandatahang lakas upang maghasik ng lagim at ligalig sa mamamayan. Nagpapatuloy naman ang kanyang mga gera laban sa mamamayan na pumapaslang sa marami at nangwawasak sa kanilang kabuhayan.

Sa kasalukuyan aabot na sa 20,000 ang pinaslang ng kanyang gera kontra droga bukod pa sa krimen nito sa mamamayang Moro sa Mindanao at sa balangkas ng kontrainsurhensyang Oplan Kapayapaan. Sa Timog Katagalugan pa lang, aabot na sa 14 ang biktima ng pampulitikang pamamaslang, 5 kaso ng pagdukot, 12, 263 kaso ng pananakot, panghaharas at intimidasyon, 43 na biktima ng iligal na pang-aaresto at 29 na iligal na pagkukulong. Naitala din ang 3 kaso ng strafing, 3 insidente ng aerial bombing na puminsala sa kabuhayan at ari-arian ng komunidad ng sibiliyan. Ilan lamang ito sa mga krimen at atrosidad ni Duterte laban sa mamamayan na dulot ng mga masinsing operasyong militar na inilulunsad ng mersenaryong AFP sa rehiyon.

Nananawagan ang NDF-ST sa mamamayan na militanteng ipagdiwang ang tagumpay ng EDSA I. Gamitin ang mga aral ng EDSA I upang isulong ang pakikibaka ng mamamayan at ibagsak ang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte. Susi sa paglaban ng mamamayan sa rehimeng US-Duterte ang pagsusulong at pagpapalakas pa ng armadong pakikibaka.

Ang armadong pakikibaka ng mamamayan ang magbibigay ng mga mapagpasyang bigwas laban sa US-Duterte tulad noong panahon ng paglaban sa diktadurang Marcos. Ito ang lalong magpapanday sa rebolusyonaryong determinasyon ng mamamayan upang itaas ang antas ng digmang bayan. Sa paglaki ng kasapian ng New People’s Army na nasa absolutong pamumuno ng Communist Party of the Philippines, lalong magpupunyagi ang mamamayan sa pagsusulong demokratikong rebolusyong bayan. Bitbit ang mga aral ng EDSA I, lalong nabigyan ng gabay ang mamamayan upang ipagtagumpay ang digmang bayan at kamtin ang hustisyang panlipunan at tunay na pambansang kalayaan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180225-itaguyod-ang-mga-aral-ng-edsa-i-at-ibagsak-ang-pasistang-diktadurang-us-duterte

DWDD: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES | PAF Gender and Development Focal Point System

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 26): DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  |  PAF Gender and Development Focal Point System



COL JESUS VILLAMOR AIRBASE, Pasay City (DWDD) – The Vice Chairperson of the Philippine Air Force Gender and Development Focal Point System (PAF GAD FPS), Colonel Rommel P Roldan GSC (PAF) (fourth from the right), PAF GAD FPS members, and headquarters PAF Coordinating Staff pose together with the briefing resource person, Attorney Mylen Gonzales-Esquivel, after the recent executive briefing held at the Hall of Flags. The briefing is one of the prescribed GAD activities that intend to orient new members of the PAF GAD FPS of their duties and responsibilities. PAF PIO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/26/duties-and-responsibilities-paf-gender-and-development-focal-point-system/

DWDD: ROLE OF AIR POWER | TOW WESTMIN Air Power Forum (APF) 2018

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 26): ROLE OF AIR POWER  |  TOW WESTMIN Air Power Forum (APF) 2018

ZAMBOANGA CITY (DWDD) – The Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao (TOW WESTMIN) successfully conducted last February 2, 2018 the first ever Air Power Forum (APF) 2018 in Mindanao with no less than the Commanding General, Philippine Air Force, Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard R Kintanat Jr AFP as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker.

 

With the theme: “The Role of Air Power in the Attainment of Peace and Resilient Development in Mindanao,” APF2018 was held at the Convention Hall of the Marcian Garden Hotel, Zamboanga City.

Hosted by the Wing Commander, TOW WESTMIN, Brigadier General August D Dela PeƱa AFP, this major stakeholder engagement activity initiated by the TOW WESTMIN featured Distinguished Speakers on the subject matter of preventing the rise of violent extremism and the relevance of air power in securing peace in Mindanao.

These SMEs include: the Honorable Zia Alonto Adiong, Majority Floor Leader, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on the topic “Mindanao and the Rise of Violent Extremism” and Major General Domingo B Palisoc Jr AFP, Commander, Tactical Operations Command, on “Air Power in Securing the Peace” who shared their experience and insights on a very significant event that rocked our nation in 2017.

The maiden Air Power Forum in Mindanao was enthusiastically attended by 122 participants from the different sectors in Zamboanga City with the most senior AFP officer, Lt Gen Carlito G Galvez Jr AFP, Commander, Western Mindanao Command (COMWESTMINCOM) and the PNP, headed by Police Chief Superintendent Billy B Beltran PNP, Director PRO-9, Local Government Unit leaders and different stakeholders of Zamboanga City in attendance. TOW WESTMIN / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/26/role-of-air-ower-tow-westmin-air-power-forum-apf-2018/

DWDD: AWARDS AND PROMOTION | TOW WEST Recognizes PAF Personnel and PAF Reservist

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 26): AWARDS AND PROMOTION  |  TOW WEST Recognizes PAF Personnel and PAF Reservist

 

PUERTO PRINSESA, Palawan (DWDD) – Newly promoted personnel of TOW West composed of 4 Officers and 14 Enlisted Personnel were donned with ranks and pinned with chevrons respectively by the Wing Commander of TOW West, Col Nestor Florente DC Rayos PAF (GSC) during a flag raising ceremony held on February 19, 2018 at Antonio Bautista Air Base, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

On the other hand, MSg Maria Teresa M Maico, PAF Reservist was also recognized for her meritorious achievement in the field of civic action by rendering exemplary service in the conduct of Brigada Eskwela in schools of Puerto Princesa. TOW WEST / MCAG
 

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/26/awards-and-promotion-tow-west-recognizes-paf-personnel-and-paf-reservist/

DWDD: FUTURE LEADERS | PMA Entrance Exam Set on August 19,2018

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 26): FUTURE LEADERS  |  PMA Entrance Exam Set on August 19,2018

 


The PMA Requirements for admission in the PMA are the following:

– Natural-born Filipino citizen
– Minimum 5 feet for both male and female
– Physically fit and of good moral character
– Single and has never been married
– Grade 11 students and below are not yet qualified to take the exam.
– High school graduate with 85% GPA
– Grade 12 Senior High School may take the exam provided that they graduate before April 01, 2019 (K-12)
– 17 years old to 21 years old

REQUIREMENTS:

 1. Duly accomplished application form. Download it here >> http://www.pma.ph/PMAEE%20APPLICATION%20FORM%202017.pdf
2. NSO Birth Certificate (Photocopy)
3. Original and photocopy of ANY of the following:
– Copy of your High School form 137
– Latest grade in High School if currently in Grade 12
– Certificate of Grades from last semester attended (for college students)

PMA / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/26/future-leaders-pma-entrance-exam-set-on-august-192018-2/

DWDD: ANNUAL REGULAR AUDIT | Side Boys Honor for Col Edwin Joseph Olaer

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 26): ANNUAL REGULAR AUDIT  |  Side Boys Honor for Col Edwin Joseph Olaer

 

NAVAL STATION ERNESTO OGBINAR, San Fernando, La Union (DWDD) – A side boys honor was rendered to the Deputy Naval Internal Auditor, Colonel Edwin Joseph H. Olaer PN (M) (MNSA) during his arrival at the Headquarters Naval Forces Northern Luzon on February 19, 2018.

The Deputy Naval Internal Auditor with his Audit Team will conduct the annual regular audit to Naval Forces Northern Luzon and Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar from February 19-27, 2018. @ Naval Forces Northern Luzon. NFNL / MCAG







http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/26/annual-regular-audit-side-boys-honor-for-col-edwin-joseph-olaer/

DWDD: GRADUATION CEREMONY | Naval Officer Basic Course Class 29

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 26): GRADUATION CEREMONY  | Naval Officer Basic Course Class 29

 

NAVAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND, Subic, Zamblaes (DWDD) – Graduation Ceremony of Naval Officer Basic Course Class 29 with Rear Admiral Gaudencio C Collado Jr AFP, Commander, Philippine Fleet as the Guest of Honor and Speaker on February 20, 2018. NETC / MCAG





 












http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/26/graduation-ceremony-naval-officer-basic-course-class-29/