Palace insists on holding peace talks with NDFP in PH

From MindaNews (Jun 18): Palace insists on holding peace talks with NDFP in PH



The GPH-NDF peace panels on Day 2 of the talks in Oslo, Norway on August 23, 2016. The reciprocal working groups on socio-economic reforms, political-constitutional reforms, end of hostilities and disposition of forces, JASIG/releases and ceasefire are meeting simultaneously on Days 3 and 4. Closing rites of the first round of formal peace talks will be held on August 26. Photo by Edwin Espejo / OPAPP

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 June) – Malacanang said peace talks between government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) must be held in the country and that there may no longer be a need for a third-party facilitator once it resumes.

In a press briefing at the Palace on Monday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the President has maintained that since the concerns Filipinos it should be resolved in the country.

The Royal Norwegian Government has been mediating the peace negotiations since 2001.

Roque said the government panel can arrange the talks, claiming “they have the authority to fix the logistics” but added any party who has been involved in the peace process is welcome to help.

“He (Duterte) does not understand why we should continue talking in Norway. We are all Filipinos. We can talk it here in the Philippines. Why do we have to leave?” he said.

In a statement, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison said the President is willfully and maliciously killing the peace negotiations by breaking the standing GRP-NDFP agreement on a foreign neutral venue and dismissing the third-party facilitator.

“He is inflaming the civil war in the Philippines to justify his fascist dictatorship. He really does not want to have the peace negotiations,” Sison, also the NDFP’s chief political consultant, said.

Sison said Duterte knows very well that the NDFP will never submit itself to “surveillance, control and duress by his bloody regime and his military and police butchers and death squads.”

“He is hell-bent on scapegoating the CPP and NPA to justify his methods of fake surrenders and mass murders and enable him to impose on the people martial law nationwide and fascist dictatorship,” he added.

Roque said Duterte has guaranteed the safety of Sison, his professor in Political Thought, and even vowed to shoulder the self-exiled CPP leader’s expenses if he comes home to the Philippines to talk peace.

The President has also promised to personally take Sison to the airport if the negotiations would fail, he said.

The resumption of the 5thround of peace talks will no longer push through on June 28-30 as scheduled earlier, after Duterte instructed the GRP peace panel to engage the “bigger table” first before they would work out agreements with the communist leaders.

“It was the President alone who wanted to review certain matters in connection with the peace talks,” Roque said.

He said the President assured “the nation that he has always given top priority to peace talks with both the Muslim insurgents and the populists’ insurgents and he has not given up on the process at all.”

He said any peace agreement, especially with the CPP-NPA must be inclusive and must pass the test of both legal and political scrutiny.

“The delay thus in the talks with the CPP-NPA is indispensable if we have, if we are to have an agreement that will pass these tests. it would help if Mr Joma Sison would allow the government to be the one to brief the nation on any future developments,” he said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/06/palace-insists-on-holding-peace-talks-with-ndfp-in-ph/

Army enlists 241 new soldiers to fight rebels in Eastern Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): Army enlists 241 new soldiers to fight rebels in Eastern Visayas



The new recruits of the Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas during the enlistment ceremony on Sunday in Catbalogan City, Samar. (photo from FB page of Philippine Army 8ID)

TACLOBAN CITY -- Some 241 soldiers took their oath Sunday as new members of the Philippine Army to fight insurgency in Eastern Visayas region.

The Army’s 8th Infantry Division reported that majority of new soldiers came from Samar and Leyte provinces. The Army held the enlistment ceremony at the Camp Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City, Samar.

Of the 241 new fighters, 52 of them are college graduates; 121 are college level and 68 are high school graduates with skills training from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

“They will be honed for four months in basic military training and tactics and will serve as additional soldiers that will beef up the personnel strength of the infantry division,” said 8th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Raul Farnacio, in a statement issued Monday morning.

“No one signified to quit after the five stations in performing rigid exercises under the heat of the sun.”

Immediately after the enlistment program, the Army distributed clothing allowance to the new recruits and some needed equipment for their training.

From December 2017 to April 2018, the Philippine Army conducted examinations for Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test, Army Qualifying Examination/Special Written Examination for Officer Candidate Course, Officer Preparatory Course and Candidate Soldier Course to all aspiring qualified applicants from Eastern Visayas.

The newly-enlisted privates will boost the fight against Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) that has been affecting the development of the region.

Farnacio stressed the need to step up the training of soldiers and for government troops as they are at the forefront in fighting the NPA especially in remote communities in Samar Island.

On June 14, Private Jay Aranzado was killed in an encounter with a group of communist rebels in Senonogan De Tubang village, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Private Aranzado. He died protecting the people of Northern Samar in pursuit of peace and development,” Farnacio added.

Farnacio asked military units in Northern Samar to press on with the pursuit operations to put an end to the terroristic activities of communist rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038512

Abu Sayyaf man killed in fresh clash with troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): Abu Sayyaf man killed in fresh clash with troops

Government forces killed a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a fresh clash with the bandits in Sulu, military officials said on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the clash happened around 3:20 p.m. Saturday in Sitio Sailih, Barangay Panglayahan in Patikul, Sulu.

Pabayo said troops from the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Ronaldo Mateo, were checking the reported presence of the ASG when they clash with a group of 40 bandits led by sub-leader Hatib Hajaan Sawadjaan. The military has been pursuing the group in a bid to rescue several remaining hostages.

The Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding captive nine people consisting of five foreigners--three Indonesians, one Vietnamese and one Dutch--as well as three Filipinos.

Pabayo said the firefight lasted for about 35 minutes, after which,  the ASG bandits fled. No casualty was reported among the government troops.

He said the troops recovered improvised bombs and personal belongings abandoned by the bandits.

“We are thankful for the information given by the local populace every time the bandits come to the area. This only shows that the people is fed up of the menace brought by the ASG and because they want to move forward towards peace and development in their locality,” Pabayo said.

Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the offensive against the ASG will continue and is meant to finish off the bandits “so that people in the area can live in peace.”

Dela Vega said the continuing offensive also meant to secure on-going government projects that are aimed at delivering services to the communities.

“The ASG has brought so much destruction in Western Mindanao so we really have to join hands in defeating them. Of course, they can yield to the government and opt to live peacefully with their family,” Dela Vega said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038499

84 new CAA members hurdle military training

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): 84 new CAA members hurdle military training

Eighty-four newly-recruited members of the Cafgu Active Auxiliary II (CAA II) are ready for deployment to beef up the city’s security following their completion of the 45-day Basic Military Training on Monday.

In an interview with reporters on Monday, Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, the deputy commander of Task Force (TF) Davao, said the additional CAA members will be deployed to the three checkpoints in Barangays Sirawan, Lacson, and Lasang.

The three outposts will be expanded soon, Cabangbang, said, adding that the task force is currently doing innovations to ensure the security of the city following the recent apprehensions of persons trying to sneak in with improvised explosive devices.

Cabangbang said some people are finding ways to escape checkpoints and the task force must respond to such tactics and prevent their entry to foil any violence or illegal activities.

“As of now we have already bus boarding, wherein the troops will ride from the checkpoint to the terminals than from terminals to the checkpoints. It’s also one way na mabapabilis ang traffic,” he said, adding such measure will require additional personnel.

Cabangbang said the new CAA members will complement the manpower requirements of TF Davao when it comes to the agency's anti-terrorism mandate.

Meanwhile, Col. Nolasco Mempin, the commander of TF Davao, said that the newly recruited CAA were “mandated to undergo Basic Military Training to develop their skills and knowledge on Military Science and other security operations specifically on anti and counter-terrorism.”

He said the new CAAs were trained to adhere to and implement the law and ordinances of the city with high respect to Human Rights and to focus on the welfare of the people.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038583

Kalinga condemns recruitment by Cordillera People's Liberation Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Kalinga condemns recruitment by Cordillera People's Liberation Army

The provincial government condemns the recruitment activities of the Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CPLA) in the province, a local official said on Monday.

“There is a PPOC (Provincial Peace and Order Council) resolution condemning the recruitment activities of the CPLA (Molina faction) in the province and telling them to stop,” said Andy Ngao-I, co-chairman of the PPOC.

Ngao-I said the resolution was passed in March.

The CPLA is an armed militant group founded by the late rebel priest Conrado Balweg. Among the founders were former Bucloc, Abra Mayor Mailed Molina.

Ngao-I said the CPLA uses as a basis for recruitment the group's purported integration into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), claiming the CPLA would be the regional security force in Cordillera once Federalism takes effect.

“That is deception,” Ngao-I protested in the Ilocano dialect.

He said the regional autonomy being pushed is not a deviation from the Constitutional dictates that there will only be one AFP and one PNP, and no individual security force will be established for the Cordillera alone.

Ngao-I said the CPLA group of Molina actually requested the PPOC, through Governor Jocel Baac, to rescind the resolution, but he declined.

“Hindi naman madali na ganun (It's not that easy)," Ngao-I said.

Ngao-I is also the president of the unified Cordillera Bodong Administration-CPLA, which had renewed the peace agreement with the government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPPAP) Secretary Jesus Dureza.

"We had a meeting in Manila OPPAP two weeks ago regarding the support of the CBA-CPLA on autonomy towards federalism,” he said.

Ngao-I said the CPLA's Molina faction CPLA is not part of their group.

"They are not my group. Our group is the unified (one), which entered into a renewed Bodong with the government,” he said.

In a separate interview, Kalinga Provincial Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Alfredo Dangani said training that involves only marching and no use of firearms would pose no problem.

“It will be different if they will be using guns or firing them because that would mean verification of the licenses, as well as the authority to establish such an area for gun firing," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038548

Army chief vows to ensure security of GRP panel during consultations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Army chief vows to ensure security of GRP panel during consultations

The chief of the Philippine Army (PA) over the weekend vowed to ensure the security of members of the government peace panel negotiating with the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Lt. Gen. Rolando Bautista, Philippine Army commanding officer, said Saturday the Army will also ensure the safety of all stakeholders, such as civil society groups, non-government organizations, during community consultations "to pave the way for a successful public engagement."

“Ang Army will just provide security. Ngayon kung may civil society or NGOs na pupunta sa lugar, we will ensure security nila para yung pag-uusap ay walang hadlang kasi kung ang isang grupo may takot hindi maganda ang kalalabasan ng consultation (The Army will just provide security. If there are civil society groups or NGOs which will go to the areas, we will ensure their security to pave way for the talks because if a group fears for its security the outcome of the talks will not be good),” Bautista said in an interview after the Eid’l Fitr celebration on Saturday evening at the SMX Convention Center.

Sought for his view on the rescheduling of the peace negotiations resumption, Bautista said President Rodrigo Duterte needed to go over some documents presented to him from the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-NDF (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“Pag-aaralan ng Presidente ang mga documento na naglalaman ng recommendation ng CPP-NPA-NDF. Kung klaro na itutuloy naman ang peace talks (The President will study the documents containing the recommendations of the CPP-NPA-NDF. If everything is clear the peace talks will resume),” Bautista said. He, however, would not elaborate on the contents of the documents.

He said consultations are important for stakeholders to know all the issues surrounding the peace negotiations. He said the output from the public was important because they would ultimately be affected the outcomes of the peace agreement.

Last week, President Duterte asked the government peace panel to further engage the public to draw more support for the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF.

This prompted the government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to reset the June 28 resumption of peace talks in Norway.

Presidential Peace Adviser, Secretary Jesus Dureza, on Thursday said the decision of the President aims to achieve a conducive and enabling environment for peace.

Dureza explained that the success of the peace negotiations with the NDF will depend on whether it has broad support of the general public

Duterte suspended the talks with the NDF last year, seeing no clear indications of enabling environment to continue with the talks.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038509

Village execs urged to help stop illegal drugs, extremism

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Village execs urged to help stop illegal drugs, extremism



RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao – Military and local officials in Maguindanao on Monday called on newly-elected village leaders of this town to help the Duterte government stop illegal drugs and extremism in their communities.
The challenge was raised by Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan, Brigadier Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 601st Army Brigade commander and Lieutenant Col. Edgar Catu, chief of Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion during the oath-taking ceremonies of newly elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials at the town’s covered court here.

The newly-elected village officials took their oath before the mayor who challenged them to work with unity in order to reach one common goal that will result in better barangay governance.

“Stand as one to protect your communities,” Ampatuan said.

Carreon, for his part, urged the officials “to help the local government and the military get rid their communities of lawless elements, illegal drugs, and extremists.”

Catu, meanwhile, said the Army welcomes cooperation and coordinating from elected officials so lawless elements could not disrupt peace and tranquility in their barangays. He asked them to report suspicious individuals in their midst so any atrocities can be avoided.

Rajah Buayan borders the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo and Mamasapano, aptly labeled by the military as the “SPMS Box”, all conflict-affected towns in Maguindanao where the IS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operate.

After the oath-taking, Ampatuan, Carreon, and Catu led the distribution of schools supplies and sports facilities to officials of Rajah Buayan’s 11 barangays.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038544

Dureza to relay reset of GRP-CPP peace talks with Norway

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): Dureza to relay reset of GRP-CPP peace talks with Norway



Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza is scheduled to meet with Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide to personally explain the temporary cancellation of the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Dureza was officially invited to be a participant at the Oslo Forum, a global peace negotiators' conference in Norway, but he will be meeting separately with Søreide to discuss the status of peace works in the country.

"It will be an occasion for me to explain to them why we have cancelled for the moment the peace negotiation with the CPP-NDF (CPP-National Democratic Front), and also an occasion to officially thank Norway for the strong support that they are giving us," Dureza told reporters in a press briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday before he left for Norway.

Norway is the facilitator in the government's peace negotiations with the CPP.

On Thursday, Dureza revealed President Rodrigo R. Duterte's decision to postpone the resumption of peace talks with CPP to allow further public participation in the peace process.

The talks was supposed to be on June 28 to 30.

Meanwhile, Dureza said they have no scheduled audience with the CPP in his Oslo trip.

"I don't know, I have no idea, the plan is to be there in Norway pero kung mag-participate sila sa Oslo Forum, baka kumbidahin sila, of course magkikita kami roon (but if they will participate at the Oslo Forum, if they get invited, of course we will see each other there.)"

In case of a chance meeting, Dureza refused to give hypothetical answers, saying they would "cross the bridge when they get there".

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038491

OPAPP focused on consultation process amid peace talks standstill

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): OPAPP focused on consultation process amid peace talks standstill

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has decided to conduct a "consultation process" to promote public participation while the peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) are on hold.

This was revealed by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza on Sunday before he left for Europe for the Oslo Forum.

Dureza said President Rodrigo R. Duterte is currently studying the consensus points made with the communist rebels, and while the peace talks is on hold, the OPAPP will conduct a "consultation process."

"We would like to meet with the government sector first, the local government unit, church-based groups, the youth, the business sector and others," he said.

"We have to engage the bigger table and not only the small table. The intention of planned public consultation is to show them what had been tentatively agreed upon by our negotiators," he added.

The government peace panel wants a final peace agreement with the communist rebels "as soon as possible," Dureza said, but on one hand, it is cautious of jeopardizing the deal due to lack of public support.

"Kagaya ng Bangsamoro Basic Law, maraming challenges pa tayong haharapin even if a final peace agreement is signed. As we've seen in the BBL, 'yong una hindi ipinasa dahil parang hindi masyadong supportive ang publiko."

(Just like the Bangsamoro Basic Law, there are many challenges we're set to face even if a final peace agreement is signed. As we've seen in the BBL, the previous BBL was not able to make it through due to crumbling public support.)

"We've learned from those lessons, so kung puwede, in the case of the CPP, kung mayroon mang final peace agreement, later on, alam na ng tao, we will elicit strong support, kung ayaw nila, malalaman natin early on kung ayaw din nila," he said.

(We've learned from those lessons, so if possible, in the case of the CPP, if there would be a final peace agreement, later on, the people would have been informed, we will elicit strong support, if they reject, then it's good to know earlier.)

Following the Mamasapano incident in Maguindanao where 44 Special Action Force commandos were killed in 2015, the public's perception regarding the proposed BBL went downhill.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey back in 2015 revealed an increase on those against its passage from 27 percent prior to the incident to 48 percent after. The survey revealed that only four percent of the public has extensive knowledge about the BBL.

On the GRP-CPP talks, Dureza reiterated the need for continuous public engagement should the formal talks resume. "Feeling the public pulse must always be a continuing process."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038493

AFP now educating troops on financial management

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): AFP now educating troops on financial management

Efforts are now underway to ensure that all soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) know how to properly manage their finances.

This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in an interview Sunday.

This annoncement came in wake of reports that some soldiers are getting debt-ridden and are having difficulties in settling their financial obligations.

Also, Arevalo said that AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., has issued an official directive on the minimum monthly take home pay soldiers must have.

"Meron nang official (directive) si Chief-of-Staff advising our soldiers to have at PHP15,000 minimum na take home pay, kasi nakikita ni Chief-of-Staff na kailangan yun for them to be able to live decently as a soldier (The Chief-of-Staff has issued an official directive advising that our soldiers must have a minimum monthly take home pay of PHP15,000, because he saw that this is needed for them to be able to live decently as a soldier)," he added.

Aside from this, the AFP spokesperson said that the military is now instituting measures to ensure that troops are financially literate and able to manage their finances well.

"Ang approach ng ating (The approach of our) Chief-of-Staff is holistic, tinuturuan din natin yung mga sundalo (we teach the troops) about financial literacy, about financial management, may mga efforts na rin tayong ganyan para siguruhin natin na mas naiintindihan nila yung kanilang dapat gawin kung paano nila ima-manage nang mabuti yung kanilang (we have efforts to ensure that they fully understand what they should do and how should they manage their) finances," he added.

These measures are needed considering that all military personnel have gotten a significant pay increase early this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038507

DND: AFP has nothing to do with cancellation of peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): DND: AFP has nothing to do with cancellation of peace talks

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied claims made by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that alleged future military offensives against the rebels is the reason why the resumption of peace negotiations set on June 28 was cancelled.

"That is not true. The first briefing during that Command Conference was conducted by Secretary (Silvestre) Bello to update the President (Rodrigo Duterte) on the result of their back channeling with the NDF (National Democratic Front). It was in the course of this briefing and subsequent Q&A (Questions and Answers) that the President decided that he needs more time to review all past agreements between the NDF and GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) and the results of the recent back channeling," Lorenzana said in a message Monday.

The CPP claimed that cancellation of the talks has the goal of allowing the military to launch bigger offensives with hopes of crippling the New People's Army within the year.

Also, Lorenzana said the President has already decided to postpone the peace talks when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) gave its security briefing and recommendation to postpone the resumption of the talks for three months.

"Their reason was to be able to study the signed stand down agreement and how to implement it. In that briefing there was no talk of an all-out war but to continue what they have been doing in the past months, i.e., continue their normal security operations to maintain peace and order in the country. If we want an all-out war we would not only request for postponement but termination of the peace talks," he added.

Duterte earlier cancelled the resumption of the peace talks with the CPP to allow the public to engage more in the peace process.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038510

Martial law in Mindanao bars terrorists from making ‘tangible gains’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): Martial law in Mindanao bars terrorists from making ‘tangible gains’

With the implementation of martial law in Mindanao, the Maute Group and other terrorists will have a difficult time making “tangible gains”, Malacañang said on Monday.

“Dahil nga sa martial law na umiiral ‘no ay mahihirapan din talaga magkaroon ng tangible gains ang ating mga kalaban (Because of martial law, our enemies will have a hard time making tangible gains),” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.

Roque made this remark following reports of a military operation conducted over the weekend against suspected Maute gunmen in Tubaran town in Lanao del Sur.

“Ito po siguro nagpapatunay na talagang may kalaban pa tayo diyan sa Mindanao, kaya nga po dahilan na naririyan pa ang martial law (This proves that there are still enemies in Mindanao, which is why there is still a need for martial law in Mindanao),” Roque said.

He, however, allayed fears of another Marawi siege and assured civilians that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be ready to protect them.

“Hindi naman po dapat ikabahala ito, dahil ang puwersa nila ay kakaunti na lang (I don’t think this is a cause for concern because only a few of their forces are left),” Roque said.

“Handa naman po ang ating Hukbong Sandatahan para protektahan ang ating mga sibilyan diyan sa Lanao Del Sur (Our Armed Forces are ready to protect our civilians in Lanao Del Sur),” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038600

PRRD wants peace talks with Reds held in PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): PRRD wants peace talks with Reds held in PH

Instead of spending money to hold peace talks with communist rebels in Norway, the Philippine government can save by holding them inside the country, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said it was President Rodrigo R. Duterte himself who emphasized that peace talks should be done in the country since it is “a talk between Filipinos.”

“The President has emphasized that this is a talk between Filipinos, (so this) should be held in the Philippines. Hindi naman po kinakailangan pa na mangibang bayan para makipag-usap ng kapayapaan lamang (We don’t need to travel abroad to hold peace talks),” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

Roque said the funds for peace talks in Norway could be “better” spent in providing for the needs of members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“Gamitin na lang natin iyong perang iyon para sustentuhan iyong mga lumalabang NPA habang nagkakaroon tayo ng ongoing peace talks (Let’s use the money to sustain the NPA fighters while peace talks are ongoing),” he added.

No third-party facilitator

He added that there would no longer be a need for a third party facilitator but is willing to welcome parties who want to help.

“Wala na po siguro, nandito na naman tayo sa Pilipinas (Perhaps there won’t be a third-party facilitator anymore, we’re in the Philippines after all),” Roque said.

“Any party who wants to help and who’s been involved in the process can help,” he added.

Top priority

Roque, meanwhile, assured the public that Duterte has always given “top priority” to peace talks with both the Muslim insurgents and the populists’ insurgents and has not given up on the process despite its delay.

He stressed that any peace agreement must be inclusive and must pass the test of both legal and political scrutiny.

“The delay thus in the talks with the CPP-NPA is indispensable if we have -- if we are to have an agreement that will pass these tests -- it would help if Mr. Joma Sison would allow the government to be the one to brief the nation on any future developments,” Roque said.

Sought for a comment on the statement of CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison that Duterte insisting on the venue would mean “the end” of their negotiations, Roque said that he was “sad” to hear it.

“That would be sad but I’m sure that statement will not be conclusive kung ano man ang magiging outcome ng usapin (to whatever will be the outcome of these negotiations),” Roque said.

Roque also expressed hope that Sison would not worry about the venue since the government has shown sincerity in holding peace negotiations.

According to Roque, Duterte is “dead serious” about holding peace talks, noting that he has already asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file the necessary motions in Court to set free individuals who will be participating in the talks.

He said that this move is “the best evidence of good faith on the part of the government.”

Last week, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced the postponement of the resumption of peace talks between the government and the CPP to allow the public to engage more in the peace process.

Dureza said Duterte made the instruction to engage the general public, as well as other stakeholders, “in our common effort to make sure that we achieve a conducive and enabling environment for peace”.

Duterte earlier said talks with the Reds may resume in July while Sison said resumption might happen between June 28 and 30 in Oslo, Norway.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038582

NBI nabs 2 suspects in killing of US Marine

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): NBI nabs 2 suspects in killing of US Marine

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday presented two persons implicated in the 2012 killing of United States Marine George Anikow in Makati City.

Galicano Datu III, 28, and Cripin dela Paz Chong, 34, were apprehended in separate operations on June 12 and 14 in Mandaluyong City and Marikina City, the NBI said.

The two had earlier been convicted of homicide by Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 29 Judge Winlove Dumayas in 2014.

The Supreme Court (SC), in a decision last month, dismissed Dumayas from the service for unduly downgrading the charges from murder to homicide as well as the penalties handed down in the case.

Datu went into hiding at a Mandaluyong condominium with his live-in partner upon learning that an arrest warrant had been issued against him.

Chong, on the other hand, was arrested after a car chase from San Pedro, Laguna to Marikina City. Jimmy Boy David, Datu's uncle, was arrested for obstruction of justice, the NBI said.

The operations that led to their arrests was carried out with a joint effort by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Embassy in Manila, the NBI said.

The two suspects along with two others, Juan Alfonso Abastillas, then 24 and Osric Cabrera, 27, who were subsequently acquitted, figured in a brawl with Anikowin the early morning of Nov. 24,2012 near the gates of the posh Bel-Air Subdivision in Makati City. The serviceman was 41 at the time and a father of three,

Anikow confronted the four, who were on board a Volvo sedan, as they were speaking to a security guard manning the residential area checkpoint.

During the course of the brawl, the four ganged up on Anikow and stabbed the latter in the neck before fleeing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038598

Norway can continue as 3rd party facilitator: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Norway can continue as 3rd party facilitator: Palace



Malacañang clarified that Norway can continue as third party facilitator of the peace talks between the Philippine government and communist group.

"Norway can continue to the Philippines as a third party facilitator of the peace talks, as mentioned during this (Monday) morning's press briefing,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement Monday night.
During Monday’s press briefing, Roque was asked if a third party is still needed at the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“Wala na po siguro, nandito na naman tayo sa Pilipinas (Perhaps there is no need, anyway we are here in the Philippines),” Roque said.

He further quoted from the transcript of his media briefing: “Pero (but) you know, any party who wants to help any and who’s been involved in the process can help. Pero ang punto lang ni President eh hindi niya na maintindihan kung bakit kinakailangan pa sa ibang bansa ‘no ang pag-uusap (The point of the President was he cannot understand why there is a need to hold the talks in another country).”

“We hope this sets the record straight that what I said is any peace negotiation that would be entered into by the Philippine government and communist rebels should be held inside the country,” Roque said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte recently invited self-exiled CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison to return home for talks.

In a separate press statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza also clarified that Norway will remain as a facilitator of the peace talks.

“The media report saying Norway is being removed or is no longer a 'facilitator' in the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the communist rebels is a total fabrication. It is an example of irresponsible journalism," Dureza said.

Dureza is attending an International Forum on Conflict Mediation in Oslo, Norway.

He expressed the Philippines’s gratitude for Norway’s “significant and continuing support to the long-drawn peace negotiations with the left."

“I am also here to explain to them the reason why the planned resumption of the peace talks discussed during backchannel meetings, was reset,” Dureza said.

“Norway, in spite of the challenges we face in the long negotiations, has remained patient, resilient and steadfast in its help to the Filipino people,” he added.

Last week, Dureza announced the postponement of the resumption of peace talks with the communist rebels to engage the public more in the peace process.

Duterte added that he needs “a little more time” but promised to pursue his commitment to talk with the “enemies of the state.”

The resumption of peace talks with the Reds was supposed to be held later this month.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038636

AFP: No 'all-out war' plan vs. NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): AFP: No 'all-out war' plan vs. NPA


The government is not planning an all-out-war against the New People's Army (NPA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said Monday.

He made this pronouncement when sought for a comment on the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) claims that the planned June 28 resumption of peace negotiations was cancelled due to supposed AFP offensives against the NPA.

"Wala pong planong (There is no plans regarding an) all-out-war. What we want now is all-out peace sapagkat lahat po ng (because all) efforts ng ating pamahalaan ay sinusuportahan ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas upang ito ay matuloy (of our government are supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order for these to push through)," Arevalo stressed.

The CPP earlier claimed that the cancellation of the talks has the goal of allowing the military to launch bigger offensives with hopes of crippling the NPA within the year.

Also, Arevalo denied claims that they are out to spoil the peace talks and that President Rodrigo Duterte is just complying blindly with AFP recommendations on the proposed negotiations.

"Our President is a considerate Commander-in-Chief by consulting the Armed Forces. (This) does not (mean) that he is beholden to the Armed Forces. By consulting the Armed Forces over security matters kagaya ng (such as) peace talks is (nothing) but natural because besides, apart from saying that security is a public concern, well, security matters are matters within the ambit and knowledge of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. That is why we saw it and (understood) that this is just but necessary and natural for the Commander-in-Chief to do that," the AFP spokesperson stressed.

Duterte earlier cancelled the resumption of the peace talks with the CPP to allow the public to engage more in the peace process.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038651

DWDD: PREPARING YOUTH LEADERS | 11IB joins 4th Open House Solidarity Visit

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 18): PREPARING YOUTH LEADERS  |  11IB joins 4th Open House Solidarity Visit



LABUAN, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – LTC Rolando P Gomez, Commanding Officer, 1Lt Nilbert N Dagpin, Civil Military Operations Officer and 1Lt Jerome M Mandocdoc, Bravo Company Commander of 11th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army together the Philippine National Police headed by Police Superintendent Fictal J Majuddin, Deputy Regional Police Community Relation Division R5 and the Youth Leaders of Zamboanga and Peace Connect Youth Core Groups joined the 4th Open House Solidarity Visit in Markadz Salaf Assalam Al-Islamie Mosque and Madrasa on June 17, 2018 at Purok 2, Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City.

The objectives of the activity was to promote the spirit of camaraderie and trust among various faith communities and to help non-Muslims gain more knowledge about Islam by highlighting Islam as a religion of tolerance and moderation, to strengthen mutual harmonious and respectful relationship with other faith groups. Photo credit: Cpl Dionesio A Patricio (Inf) PA Civil Affairs NCO
 


http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/18/preparing-youth-leaders-11ib-joins-4th-open-house-solidarity-visit/

DWDD: NOT FAKE | NPA surrenderees real

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 18): NOT FAKE  |  NPA surrenderees real

CAMP MONTECLARO, Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo, (DWDD) – Philippine Army officials belied reports from Communist political fronts that recent surrenderees from the Communist-Terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Visayas are fake.



According to Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., commander, 61st Infantry “Hunter” Battalion (IB), he stressed that the individuals who surrendered to Army forces were real members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

LTC Magbalot’s statement is in response to claims being hurled by Karapatan secretary-general Reyland Vergara that the individuals who turned themselves in to the government in the previous months were fake NPA members.

Vergara even insinuated that government troops were benefitting from the livelihood assistance and other forms aid that the rebel surrenderees are getting under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

LTC Magbalot challenged Vergara to prove his claims.

The recent surrenderees are “real” adding that they event turned-over high-caliber firearms.

Magbalot added that the surrendees returned to the folds of the law in the hope of reuniting with their loved ones whom they were forced to abandon due to pressures from the Communist group. 61IB Hunter / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/18/not-fake-npa-surrenderees-real/

DWDD: ANTI-TERROR OPERATIONS | AFP Troops pound lair of IS-inspired Maute Group

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 18): ANTI-TERROR OPERATIONS  |  AFP Troops pound lair of IS-inspired Maute Group

TUBARAN, Lanao Del Sur (DWDD) – Ongoing firefight between troops of the 6^th Infantry “Kampilan” Division and remnants of the IS-inspired Maute Group that escalated last Sunday, 17 June 2018.



As part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) pursuit operation against local terrorists, they initiated airstrikes and artillery fires a few days ago before ground troops assaulted the IS-Maute position in the boundary of the municipalities of Tubaran and Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.
Based on initial reports:  

1. From Ms. Casamila Sedic, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office ( MSWDO) of the Municipality of Tubaran, Lanao Del Sur – Barangays affected are as follows: Wago, Guiarong Tubaran, Malaganding, Tubaran Proper, Madaya, Gaput, Dinaigan and Alog. An estimated 500 families have already evacuated. Currently, Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) are in evacuation centers in Tangkal Elementary School and National High School. The rest are in the in the Multi-purpose building of Malaganding.
2. From the MSWDO of the Municipality of Pagayawan, LDS: – Around 255 families were displaced, and out of these, 57 families are now in evacuation centers in the Toril and Tent Evacuation Center’s. According to the report, almost half of the population of the said barangays have evacuated. There are some who were trapped at Barangays Padas and Diampaca as they cannot leave just yet pending military clearance. Barangay Guiarong is where the firefight erupted and it is located at the boundary of the Municipality of Tubaran and Pagayawan. Among the barangays affected in Pagayawan are Padas, Guiarong Pagayawan, Linindingan, Diampaca, Bangon, and Madang.
3. From Mayor Abdullah Datumulok of the Municipality of Binidayan, LDS: – Initial report as of 8:00pm 17 June 2018 states that Binidayan has accommodated 723 families (3,571 individuals) from Tubaran and Pagayawan affected by the ongoing military pursuit operation of the AFP.
4. From Councilor Ryan Radia, Municipality of Binidayan: – As of 8pm 17 June 2018, Barangay Pagalamatan has 222 individuals and 49 families were listed as home-based IDPs. Barangay Poblacion has 311 individuals and 38 families as home-based IDPs.

Governor Bedjoria Soraya Alonto Adiong has immediately ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to closely coordinate with all MDRRMOs, and to provide all the necessary humanitarian response and assistance to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by this military operation.

She also ordered the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to continuously communicate with MSWDOs, and to prepare relief goods to be distributed to the IDPs once there is clearance from the AFP stating that it is safe to go to Tubaran, Pagayawan and other affected areas.
Governor Adiong is asking her constituents to remain calm and alert, and to pray for everyone’s safety. She has ordered the Provincial Information Office (PIO) to continuously coordinate with the AFP for updates on this situation. Lanao del Sur LGU / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/18/anti-terror-operations-afp-troops-pound-lair-of-is-inspired-maute-group/

DWDD: EVACUATION ON-GOING | AFP intensifies operations against IS-Maute remnants

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 18): EVACUATION ON-GOING  |  AFP intensifies operations against IS-Maute remnants

TUBARAN, Lanao Del Sur (DWDD) – A total of 723 families from the towns of Tubaran and Pagayawan from Lanao Del Sur were evacuated in the midst of an intensified pursuit operation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against remnants of the IS-inspired Maute Group.



According to Colonel Romeo Brawner Jr., Joint Task Force Ranao Deputy Commander, affected families were sent to evacuation centers to avoid being caught in crossfires as sporadic firefights are on-going.

Aside from ground operations, air strikes and artillery fire were also utilized against an estimated 40 IS-Maute members who are holed-up in their bomb-making facility.

There are reports of casualties on the side of the Maute-ISIS group but this will have to be confirmed yet. No casualty has been reported on the government side. AES / ALS / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/18/evacuation-on-going-afp-intensifies-operations-against-is-maute-remnants/

DWDD: INTENSIFIED OPERATIONS | AFP in pursuit of IS-Maute remnants in Lanao Del Sur

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 18): INTENSIFIED OPERATIONS  |  AFP in pursuit of IS-Maute remnants in Lanao Del Sur

LANAO DEL SUR (DWDD) – Government forces are in pursuit of remnants of the IS-inspired Maute group in the towns of Tubaran and Pagayawan in Lanao Del Sur.



According to Col Romeo Brawner, JTF Ranao deputy commander and spokesperson, the intensified operation that happened in Tubaran, Lanao Del Sur on June 17, 2018 is part of the fulfillment of the promise of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to go after the remnants of the Maute-ISIS group.

The operation was the result of months-long intelligence operations as well as the cooperation of the local government and the citizens who are fed-up with the terror group.

The AFP is now securing and assisting the Internally Displaced Persons at various evacuation centers

As of the latest reports, five (5) members of the Maute-ISIS group led by Owayda Benito Marohombsar alias Abu Dar, have been neutralized although this has yet to be verified.

In connection with this, the AFP has on the public to stay calm in the midst of recent events. The 103rd Infantry Brigade is making sure that the hostilities will not extend beyond the mountainous areas of Tubaran and Pagayawan of Lanao del Sur. AES / ALS / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/18/intensified-operations-afp-in-pursuit-of-is-maute-remnants-in-lanao-del-sur/

DWDD: MULTI PURPOSE FACILITY | Engineering Works for Fishermen’ Shelter in Mavulis Island continues

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 18): MULTI PURPOSE FACILITY  |  Engineering Works for Fishermen’ Shelter in Mavulis Island continues

CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – Construction of the fishermen’s shelter, a multi-purpose facility being jointly built by different stakeholders of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), continues in the most isolated and northernmost uninhabited island of the country despite all odds as of press time.

Building the facility for our fishermen in Mavulis Island of Itbayat in the Batanes Province was a big challenge for NOLCOM, spearheading the project, as it endures the natural obstacles and other hindrances they meet along the way.

The project, which started its consolidation and transporting of building materials on the first week of April, is expected to be completed by the end of August. A difficult task to meet as the groundworks and transportation are affected by the weather and proximity of the island to its adjacent inhabited island of Itbayat.

Moreover, the Mavulis Project has a unique set of works program being monitored on a weekly basis since it started. It allows flexibility of sequence as it engages stakeholders’ efforts in the share of construction materials. But due to inclement weather throughout the adventurous ship-to-shore unloading of materials, the project is currently 10% below critical path as scheduled. This means that difficulties in the loading and unloading of materials from its point of origin to the island were experienced by ever-hardworking NOLCOM personnel and civilian volunteers.

As a result, the earth works have started late (10% completion) while the timeline reaches week 9 (1^st week of June). However, as the weather permits, scope of works can be expedited given the available materials onsite and the number of personnel available for the construction (100% complete for both the troop hutment and hauling of construction materials).

The completion of the fishermen’s shelter will increase presence of local fishermen in the region contributing to the protection and management of our marine resources, as well as enhancing the information gathering around this northern maritime area.

The materialization of this endeavor is through the active participation and cooperation of the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Batanes and the community, with the AFP. Last March 23, 2018, a Presentation of Manifesto of Support by the Local Government Units (LGU) of Batanes and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the AFP and stakeholder sponsor was signed in Basco, Batanes. Signatories in the MOA were the Chief of Staff, AFP, the NOLCOM Commander, Governor of Batanes, and the President of Republic Cement and Builders Materials Incorporated as key sponsor.

NOLCOM will continue to support the National Government, Local Government Agencies (LGAs), and the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the pursuit of its peace and development goals, benefiting the Filipino people, by contributing to the overall efforts of all stakeholders in nation-building. NOLCOM / MCAG

ACTIVITIES LAST WEEK – UNLOADING OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS 100% COMPLETE

 

 ACTIVITIES LAST WEEK – TROOP HUTMENT 100% COMPLETE


 
ACTIVITIES LAST WEEK – EARTHWORKS 10% COMPLETE



http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/18/multi-purpose-facility-engineering-works-for-fishermen-shelter-in-mavulis-island-continues/

DWDD: OFFICIAL VISIT | C,PNP visits 5ID

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 19): OFFICIAL VISIT  |  C,PNP visits 5ID

Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Director General Oscar Albayalde visits the Headquarters, Philippine Army 5^th Infantry “Star” Division in Gamu, Isabela. AES / ALS / MCAG / Photos by OCPNP



[Videos]

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/19/official-visit-cpnp-visits-5id/

DWDD: SECURITY OPERATIONS | 32IB encounters ASG remnants in Patikul Sulu

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 19): SECURITY OPERATIONS  |  32IB encounters ASG remnants in Patikul Sulu

PATIKUL, Sulu (DWDD) – An encounter occurred between operating troops of the 32nd Infantry “Daredevil” Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Mateo, Battalion Commander and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) yesterday, June 18, 2018 at Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu

 

According to reports, troops of the 32IB encountered the group of ASG Sub-leader Hajan Sawadjaan, and while in pursuit of the enemy, they again were able to engage the same group at Sitio Sailih which resulted in a ten (10) minute firefight

During the clearing operations, soldiers discovered that Improvised Explosive Device (IED) were emplaced around the enemy position.

The encounter resulted in one (1) killed on the enemy side and the recovery of one (1) backpack and one (1) mobile phone.

Troops are continuously conducting security patrol operations to neutralize the remaining terrorist in the area. AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/19/security-operations-32ib-encounters-asg-remnants-in-patikul-sulu/