MILF: BIAF-MILF Joint Peace and Security Teams ready to embark on advance training

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 8): BIAF-MILF Joint Peace and Security Teams ready to embark on advance training



COTABATO CITY - Hundreds of selected members of Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) representing different units of BIAF undergo a 5-day orientation training on GPH-MILF Joint Normalization Committee Program at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao from November 5-9, 2018.

The training is in preparation for a more advance training at the PNP Camp Salipada K. Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao that will last for 35 days.

BIAF-MILF Commander Sema Bayao in his welcome remarks recalled the bloodiest struggle of the Moro people during the time of late President Ferdinand Marcos that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives specially during the Martial Law period.

“In 1973, 1974, and 1975 heavy fighting erupted in the Bangsamoro homeland. In 1976 there was a ceasefire but the truce broke down, and in 1978 there was no more ceasefire,” Bayao lamented.

Bayao said, 13 of his men were martyred during the war. However, Bayao said that despite of these catastrophes, the Moro people are now gradually attaining the price of their struggle through the implementation of agreements between the government and the MILF.

Among these agreements was the signing of Term of Reference on Annex on Normalization in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on January 25, 20014 which stipulated that during the normalization process “communities can achieve their desired quality of life which includes sustainable livelihood and political participation within a peaceful deliberative society.”

Part of the signed agreement are the establishment of Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC), as well as the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST).

JPST is composed of MILF-BIAF, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police that will jointly maintain, protect and secure peace and order and stability of the areas mutually identified by the government and MILF.

Because of these agreements, Bayao asked his fellow Mujahideen to become righteous at all times. “Magpakabuti kayo sa ating kaaway lalo na ngayon dahil partners na natin sila sa kapayapaan,” he said.

A member of Joint Peace and Security Committee Isah Bato delivered an Islamic Wisdom before the trainees.

“We have to show that we are good people because we are Mujahideen, with discipline and always fearful of Allah in whatever we do,” Bato stressed.

He reminded the BIAF-MILF JPST members not to skip the 5times daily prayers.

The BIAF-MILF Internal Training Director Kashmeer Mohammad presented the Internal Training Team in Camp Darapanan who handled the trainees namely: Said Saidali, the Assistant Director, Tunggal Benito, Hadji Rasul Akmad, Daud Tuansi, Hasan Abdulrakman, Abdulrahman Kareem, and Teng Alba.

Mohammad said that the JNC and JPST were activated in August in Pasig City.

“We have our operational manual for JPST approved by JPSC of the government and MILF, also by the JNC.” Mohammad said.

The GPH and MILF identified station sites, 11 sites identified and verified by JPSC and approved by the joint JNC. A JPST barracks established in 11 sites. He said that they have done with training curriculum and ready to use at the PNP Camp General Salipada K. Pendatun at Parang, Maguindanao.

Mohammad said that the composition of JPST are 15 BIAF, 8 PNP and 7 AFP. In every station, 30 of them are assigned.

He said that the11 sites are located in Rajamuda, Pikit in North Coatabato; Ganasi, North Upi; Gadungan, Talitay; Kitango, Datu Salibo; Libutan, Mamasapano; Bato-Bato, Kolumbio; Sasa, Camp Abubakar; and the tree teams for the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) Operation Center which serves as the JPSC; other areas are Munai, Lanao del Norte, Balindong in Lanao del Sur; Datu Tumanggong, Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay; and Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.

The first batch of JPST training in Parang, Maguindanao will start in November 11 and the actual exercises is November 12 with the duration of 35 days training.

“There are 200 JPST sites and 3000 forces from AFP and PNP and another 3000 from BIAF-MILF members,” Mohammad added.

Von Alhaq, JPSC MILF Co-Chairman reminded the trainees of ‘discipline’. Alhaq said no matter how intelligent an individual is, and how educated he is, but if he has no discipline he will fail.

“Kahit gaano ka kagaling, kahit gaano kataas na pinag aralan…in all aspect kung wala kang disiplina failure ka pa rin,” he said.

Alhaq admitted that the BIAF-MILF composition comes from different units which he believes, maybe a challenge for the team because of diverse experience and background.

“Discipline starts at home, family, in school, in an organization which is the MILF, meaning you are now carrying the heavy burden,” he stressed.

Alhag said the secret of success for this training is willingness, interest and above all, discipline.

“We must observe individual and organizational discipline,” Alhaq emphasized.

“Our objectives are for everybody, you are the enforcer to implement the policy; the moment na walang disiplina ang enforcers ay babalik sa amin yun. The moment na very successful ang programa and you have the good performance it will return back to our organization, MILF”, he said.

Alhaq said that their team should forget first the unit where they belong, they must always think that they are in one banner of MILF during the training.

“Our aim here is to serve the full interest of the public and the Bangsamoro people, and the Filipino people,” he underscored.

The JNC MILF Co-Chairman Eduard U. Guerra congratulated the JPST trainees because they are first batch, he believes that they are the best, with all the discipline.

“Malaki ang tiwala sa inyo ng BIAF-MILF kasi nakasalalay sa inyo ang 2nd Batch, we have no doubt you can do that,” he said.

Front Commander of Central Mindanao Front Gordon Sayfulah said he will extend his congratulatory message if this JPST first batch will passed in the training.

“I will congratulate you if you passed,” he said.

Sayfulah said the activity is very unique because it has never been done by any revolutionary organization around the world to have the joint peace and security activity for the stability of Moro communities wherein the enemy before will become partners for peace.

Jun Mantawil, secretariat member of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel in his message clarified to the trainees that the MILF is on the right track because of the guidelines implanted by the late Ameerul Mujahideen Sheik Salamat Hashim in the hearst and minds of Mujahideen the clear vision and mission of Bangsamoro struggle.

“We are happy because we are rightly guided by the MILF leaderships’ vision and mission of the late Chairman woo implanted in our hearts and minds the Islam in our culture that have precisely push us in the peace negotiation,” Mantawil said.

Mantawil shared on the importance of this aspirations that will be carried out by the members of BIAF-MILF JPST to work as a team.

He differentiates the DDR or the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration that he said is unilateral in nature which is only favorable to the side of government; “this decommissioning is bilateral”, said Mantawil.

The only region who observe the decommissioning process is the Northern Ireland which is part of the model of BIAF decommissioning process.

“The purpose of decommissioning is to make the combatants and the community to return into normal life and develop the community,” he pointed out.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1589/biaf-milf-joint-peace-and-security-teams-ready-to-embark-on-advance-training

MILF: MILF Chair meets OIC Sec Gen

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 8): MILF Chair meets OIC Sec Gen



MILF Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim visited on Tuesday (Nov. 6) Dr. Yousef Al Othaimeen, the Secretary General of the influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in the latter’s headquarter in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The MILF Chairman updated the OIC Secretary General on the latest developments in the MILF-GPH peace process, most especially on the forthcoming plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) scheduled on January 21, 2019.

As posted on the OIC’s official website, the Secretary General “welcomed this development and urged all parties to remain fully committed to the process.”

It was also stated that the “talks also focused on the visit by the Secretary General to the region and the importance of the Bangsamoro people to unify, consolidate and converge together towards the advancement of the peace process and the final resolution of the situation in Mindanao.”

The MILF Chairman was accompanied by Dr. Salem Lingasa, Mohammad Safiq and Sheikh Abdul Rauf.

The Secretary General, on the other hand, was joined by Dr. Hasan Abedin and a personal assistant.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1586/milf_chair_meets_oic_sec_gen

NDF/NPA-FSMR: Lumads elated with the failure of AFP’s campaign in Daguma

NPA-Far South Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Nov 6): Lumads elated with the failure of AFP’s campaign in Daguma  

Valentin Palamine Regional Operations Command
New People’s Army
Far South Mindanao Region

Press statement
5 November 2018

The AFP-Task Force Central is intensifying its military campaign in the West Daguma area in Sultan Kudarat province. Massive military operations were conducted by Marine units in the remote villages of Kalamansig and Palimbang towns in the past couple of months.

The military campaign is meant to “clean up” the area for the resumption of the logging operation of the D.M. Consunji Incorporated (DMCI). Consunji is keen in recommencing the operations that has been shelved for more than two years because of the people’s intense opposition and the NPA’s armed campaign against the DMCI. A spontaneous armed resistance of the Lumad masses is also persistent in defying the tyrant company.

Three armed encounters have occurred since the fascist campaign started in September. Previously, the NPA engaged the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 (MBLT-2) in two successive armed clashes that took place in Sangay village, Kalamansig town on September 16 and 17. It was later confirmed that 21 Marine soldiers were killed as a result of the incident.

On October 14, at around 9:00 in the morning, another armed encounter took place in Batangbagras village, Palimbang town. A NPA unit operating in the area set up an ambush against the forces of the 63rd Marine Company Reconnaissance Group ― Marine Brigade Special Unit who were on combat operations.

The NPA prevailed against the Marine’s company force in a 15-minute firefight that ensued without the support of explosives. The Red fighters retreated safely and unscathed while seven Marine combatants were killed in the firefight.

The bombardment set off thirty minutes after the NPA forces had left the encounter site. The shelling consequently hit their troops who remain in the area.

The AFP failed to carry out an immediate and fast rescue and retrieval of the casualties. According to witnesses, a total of 35 bodies were collected until the rescue operation was completed two weeks after the incident happen. Some corpses were already in the process of decaying when recovered.

The actual number of enemy casualties could be higher than the reported figures as spontaneous armed resistance of the masses continue to confront the fascist troops in different areas of Daguma.

The Dulangan-Manobos elated with the failure of the military campaign intended to protect Consunji’s businesses. They have consistently supported and participated in punitive actions against the DMCI and its fascist protectors so as to frustrate Consunji’s greed. In advancing the revolution, their land struggle have become more resilient and unyielding, and gradually earning significant victories.

Ka Dencio Madrigal
Spokesperson, VPROC-NPA

https://www.ndfp.org/lumads-elated-with-the-failure-of-afps-campaign-in-daguma/

NDF./Agcaoilli: NDFP condemns arrests of Vicente Ladlad and other peace consultants

Fidel Agcaoilli propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Nov 8): NDFP condemns arrests of Vicente Ladlad and other peace consultants

Fidel Agcaoilli
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel
November 8, 2018



NDF Peace Consultant Vic Ladlad arrives at Camp Karingal in Quezon City. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/Phil. Daily Inquirer

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) condemns in the strongest possible terms the arrest of NDFP consultant Vicente Ladlad. According to initial reports, Ladlad was arrested with a couple, Alberto and Virginia Villamor, around midnight of November 8 at a house in Dona Tomasa, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Just two weeks ago, Ladlad’s wife Fides Lim reported being tailed by suspected state agents riding a silver Innova van with plate number TY 4585 as she left her house. A check with the Land Transportation Office revealed that the number is registered to a red Honda TMX motorcycle.

Ladlad is the third NDFP consultant actively participating in the peace talks to be arrested by the Duterte regime.

Less than a month ago, Adelberto Silva, a member of the NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms was arrested with five others in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on October 15 while conducting sectoral consultations.

A third consultant, Rafael Baylosis, was arrested along Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City on January 31.

Arresting officers planted explosives on all three consultants to justify their prolonged detention on non-bailable offenses.

Their arrests are flagrant violations of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). Under the JASIG, Ladlad, Silva and Baylosis as duly accredited NDFP consultants publicly known to be involved in the peace negotiations should have been free from surveillance, harassment, search, arrest, detention, prosecution and interrogation or any other similar punitive actions.

The NDFP demands their immediate release and the dropping of the trumped-up criminal charges against them to end their unjust detention.

The NDFP moreover demands the release of four other unjusty imprisoned NDFP consultants–Rommel Salinas and Ferdinand Castillo who are being held in BJMP facilities and Eduardo Sarmiento and Leopoldo Caloza who are incarcerated at the national penitentiary.

https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-condemns-arrests-of-vicente-ladlad-and-other-peace-consultants/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Madasig kag Maid-id nga Imbestigasyon Angot sa Pagkapatay ni PSupt. Santiago Rapiz, Ginahangkat sang LPC-NPA sa PNP

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 6): Madasig kag Maid-id nga Imbestigasyon Angot sa Pagkapatay ni PSupt. Santiago Rapiz, Ginahangkat sang LPC-NPA sa PNP

JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army

November 06, 2018

Sandig sa pagkahibalo sang NPA, wala sang criminal record si PSupt. Santiago Rapiz sa isla sang Negros. Labaw sa tanan, wala man sang involvement sa illegal nga druga kag wala man nagagamit sini. Kilala sang NPA si Rapiz nga isa ka maayo nga athleta, basketbolista, sports-minded kag soft-spoken nga police officer. Competent kag may maayo nga performance sa trabaho resulta sang madamo sang accomplishments labi na kon anti-illegal drugs and buybust operations ang pagahambalan sa diin man siya nga lugar italana. Wala gid nagapati ang NPA nga ang iya mga re-assigments bunga sang iya pagpabaya sa trabaho kundi maniobra sang matag-as nga opisyal sang PNP nga naka-angot sa mga sindikato, druglords kag mahigko nga pamulitika sa probinsya.

Madasig ang iya re-assignments indi pa sa reshaffling nga programa sang PNP kundi nga may malapakan ini nga mga pulitiko, druglords, sindikato kag mga ilegalista sa mga lugar diin man siya nahamtang. Lubos man nga wala nagapati ang NPA nga kabahin siya sang mga Ninja/Narco Cops sa isla suno sa PDEA kag ni President Rodrigo Duterte rason sang pag-assign sini sa Dipolog City, Zamboanga. Bangud “tunok sa alagyan” sang mga sindikato nga ilegalista kag durugista si Col. Santiago Rapiz, sistematiko nga gindaga sang matag-as nga opisyal sang PNP ang nasambit nga opisyal gamit ang Counter Intelligence Task Force (CITG) kag PDEA sa katumanan sang kontra-druga nga kampanya sang US-Duterte nga rehimen.

Si Rapiz dugang na sa sobra 13,000 nga biktima sang Oplan Tokhang sang sini nga rehimen. Sa pagkilala sang kadam-an nga “good soldier” si Col. Santiago Rapiz, indi mahimo ni Rapiz ang pagbato sa mga arresting officers labi na sa mga katapo sang CITF. Segurado nga indi man mahimo sini ang pagdala sang worth P50,000 nga illegal nga druga. Nagaduda ang kadam-an nga Negrosanon upod sa NPA nga planted kag justification na lang ang mga palayag sang PNP paagi kay PRO-9 spokesperson Helen Galvez nga nagbato si Rapiz kabangdanan sang pagtaliwan sini sadtong Nobyembre 5, 2018 sang gab-i sa compound sang San Andres College, Dipolog City.

Ginahangkat sang LPC-NPA ang PNP nga himuon ang madasig kag maid-id nga imbestigasyon sa kondukta sang buybust operation sang PDEA kag CITF nga ginkabangdan sang pagkapatay ni Col. Rapiz. Subong man ipaggwa ang kamatuoran kag ihatag ang hustisya sa biktima. Ginapanawagan man sa tanan nga enlightened rank and file and officers sang state security forces nga mag-isa kag sekreto nga tukuron ang malapad nga alyansa kontra-USDuterte sa hanay sang AFP kag PNP.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/madasig-kag-maid-id-nga-imbestigasyon-angot-sa-pagkapatay-ni-psupt-santiago-rapiz-ginahangkat-sang-lpc-npa-sa-pnp/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: Duterte is his own regime’s gravedigger

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 7): Duterte is his own regime’s gravedigger

Juanito Magbanua
NPA-Negros Island (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

November 07, 2018

In his latest attempts to impose his tyrannical rule, Rodrigo Duterte does nothing but dig a deeper grave for his regime.

Duterte with his henchmen in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) whitewashed the bloody massacre of nine farm workers in Sagay City by blaming the crime on the New People’s Army (NPA) consequently denying justice to the victims. The mass slaughter is heartlessly exploited as ground to further terrorize the legitimate cause of farmers, workers and urban poor threatening to shoot at any resistance, and launch an “all out war” against the NPA in Negros Island.

Ignoring the Filipinos’ uproar on skyrocketing prices of basic needs and many other clamors on poverty and hunger, Duterte instead pursues his aimless wars against the people. Recently, Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo announced the creation of an Anti-NPA Task Force and its continuing efforts on bogus localized peace talks.

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of the NPA in Negros Island is ever determined to face the US-designed Oplan Kapayapaan. AFP Chief Carlito Galvez’ announcement of an “all-out war” in Negros only raises the resoluteness of the NPA in the Island to strengthen itself through fighting and frustrating the enemy’s military campaign. It has also been consistent with all NPA Commands nationwide in rejecting this localized peace talks trickery.

Col. Benedict Arevalo, new 303rd Brigade commander, is the fool in believing that the AFP, specifically the 303rd Brigade, its battalions and paramilitary forces, enjoy the confidence of the Negrosanons. On the contrary, the people especially the poor peasants in the barrios despise them and are increasingly resolving to confront the fascists by joining the NPA.

The US-Duterte regime is precariously being isolated from the Filipino people each day. Its overthrow becomes more imminent the more it obsesses to impose a fascist dictatorship in the whole country and the more it heartlessly burdens the people.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/duterte-is-his-own-regimes-gravedigger/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Madasig kag Maid-id nga Imbestigasyon Angot sa Pagkapatay ni PSupt. Santiago Rapiz, Ginahangkat sang LPC-NPA sa PNP

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 7): Madasig kag Maid-id nga Imbestigasyon Angot sa Pagkapatay ni PSupt. Santiago Rapiz, Ginahangkat sang LPC-NPA sa PNP

JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army

November 06, 2018

Sandig sa pagkahibalo sang NPA, wala sang criminal record si PSupt. Santiago Rapiz sa isla sang Negros. Labaw sa tanan, wala man sang involvement sa illegal nga druga kag wala man nagagamit sini. Kilala sang NPA si Rapiz nga isa ka maayo nga athleta, basketbolista, sports-minded kag soft-spoken nga police officer. Competent kag may maayo nga performance sa trabaho resulta sang madamo sang accomplishments labi na kon anti-illegal drugs and buybust operations ang pagahambalan sa diin man siya nga lugar italana. Wala gid nagapati ang NPA nga ang iya mga re-assigments bunga sang iya pagpabaya sa trabaho kundi maniobra sang matag-as nga opisyal sang PNP nga naka-angot sa mga sindikato, druglords kag mahigko nga pamulitika sa probinsya.

Madasig ang iya re-assignments indi pa sa reshaffling nga programa sang PNP kundi nga may malapakan ini nga mga pulitiko, druglords, sindikato kag mga ilegalista sa mga lugar diin man siya nahamtang. Lubos man nga wala nagapati ang NPA nga kabahin siya sang mga Ninja/Narco Cops sa isla suno sa PDEA kag ni President Rodrigo Duterte rason sang pag-assign sini sa Dipolog City, Zamboanga. Bangud “tunok sa alagyan” sang mga sindikato nga ilegalista kag durugista si Col. Santiago Rapiz, sistematiko nga gindaga sang matag-as nga opisyal sang PNP ang nasambit nga opisyal gamit ang Counter Intelligence Task Force (CITG) kag PDEA sa katumanan sang kontra-druga nga kampanya sang US-Duterte nga rehimen.

Si Rapiz dugang na sa sobra 13,000 nga biktima sang Oplan Tokhang sang sini nga rehimen. Sa pagkilala sang kadam-an nga “good soldier” si Col. Santiago Rapiz, indi mahimo ni Rapiz ang pagbato sa mga arresting officers labi na sa mga katapo sang CITF. Segurado nga indi man mahimo sini ang pagdala sang worth P50,000 nga illegal nga druga. Nagaduda ang kadam-an nga Negrosanon upod sa NPA nga planted kag justification na lang ang mga palayag sang PNP paagi kay PRO-9 spokesperson Helen Galvez nga nagbato si Rapiz kabangdanan sang pagtaliwan sini sadtong Nobyembre 5, 2018 sang gab-i sa compound sang San Andres College, Dipolog City.

Ginahangkat sang LPC-NPA ang PNP nga himuon ang madasig kag maid-id nga imbestigasyon sa kondukta sang buybust operation sang PDEA kag CITF nga ginkabangdan sang pagkapatay ni Col. Rapiz. Subong man ipaggwa ang kamatuoran kag ihatag ang hustisya sa biktima. Ginapanawagan man sa tanan nga enlightened rank and file and officers sang state security forces nga mag-isa kag sekreto nga tukuron ang malapad nga alyansa kontra-USDuterte sa hanay sang AFP kag PNP.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/madasig-kag-maid-id-nga-imbestigasyon-angot-sa-pagkapatay-ni-psupt-santiago-rapiz-ginahangkat-sang-lpc-npa-sa-pnp/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: AFP kag PNP, “Nanghinaw sang ila Mahigko nga mga Kamot”

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 7): AFP kag PNP, “Nanghinaw sang ila Mahigko nga mga Kamot”

JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army

November 07, 2018

Daw mga “buka nga plaka” ang PNP kaangay ni Gen. John Bulalacao sang PRO-6 kag Col. Rodulfo Castil sang NOCPPO. Ang masami kag gilayon nga pagtukod sang Investigation Task Force sa tion nga may nagluntad nga pagpamatay, strafing, masaker kag iban pa nga porma sang kriminalidad sa isla sang Negros.

Ehemplo, ang hayagan nga pagpatay kay Atty. Rafael Atutubo sa Bacolod City, pagstrafing sa balay sang mediaman kag broadcaster nga si Rey Siason sa Talisay City, ang brutal kag makasiligni nga pagmasaker sa mga inosenteng mangunguma sa Sagay City kag ang pinakaulihi ang bag-o lang nga pagtiro-patay sa Secretary General sang National Union of People’s Lawyer, Human Rights Lawyer, advocate and defender nga si Atty. Ben Ramos sa Kabankalan City.

Sa aktwal wala gid sang nagakaigo nga resulta kag tubtob subong wala man bisan isa nga nadakpan sa mga perpetrators. Pabilin nga unsolved cases, daw bao, maidlas kag tuman ka danlog sang hustisya para sa mga biktima. Masubo pa kay may mga maniobra ang PNP, AFP kag iban pa nga state security forces and agencies nga ipahid sa NPA ukon sa mga biktima nga kuno amo ang taghimo sang krimen.

Pareho sang natabo nga Sagay 9 Massacre diin korus ang AFP, PNP upod kay Gov. Alfredo Maranon nga nagpagwa sang ila mga iresponsable kag conclusive nga mga palayag nga nagatumod sa NPA kag mismo sa mga biktima.

Bangud naandan na sang Investigation Task Force nga ginatukod sang PNP ang pinalagpat, tinamaran, baseless, conclusive and malicious investigations, madasig man nalatnan si Col. Benedict Arevalo ang newly installed 303rd BdePA Commanding Officer. Diin iresponsable kag malisyuso man nga nagpasibangod sa CPP-NPA nga amo ang nagpatay kay Atty. Ben Ramos sadtong Nobyembre 6, 2018 sang gab-i sa Kabankalan City

Ini nga lihok ni Col. Benedict Arevalo sang 303rd BdePA, Gen. John Bulalacao kag Col. Rodulfo Castil sang PNP naga-indikar sang liwat naman nga paglihis sang kamatuoran kag tanda sang “pagpanghinaw sang ila mahigko nga kamot.”

Ginahangkat sang NPA ang PNP,AFP kag iban pa nga ara sa authority nga untaton na ang pagpakuno-kuno. Mangin matured sa pagbaton sang realidad sa tunga sang kamatuoran. Muklat kag labaw pa nga indi na mapatalang ang kadam-an nga pumuluyo bangud sang tatak sang pasismo kag kapintas sang estado upod sa mersenaryong AFP kag PNP nga mga makinaryas sini.

Maghimakas indi mahadlok!… Martial Law kag Oplan Kapayapaan sang US-Duterte Paslawon!… Isulong ang armadong rebolusyon sa pag-angkon sang matuod nga hustisya sosyal tubtob sa tunay nga kadalag-an!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/afp-kag-pnp-nanghinaw-sang-ila-mahigko-nga-mga-kamot/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Hustisya Para kay Atty Ben Ramos kag iban pa nga Biktima sang Extra-judicial Killings!

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 7): Hustisya Para kay Atty Ben Ramos kag iban pa nga Biktima sang Extra-judicial Killings!

JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army

November 07, 2018

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA ang wala-kaluoy nga pagtiro-patay kay Atty. Benjamin Ramos pasado alas 10:00 sang gab-i, Nobyembre 6, 2018 sa Roxas Street, Brgy. 5, Kabankalan City.

Suno sa mga nakasaksi, 2 ka wala makilal-an nga mga armado kag riding in tandem ang mga suspetsado. Diin matapos ang paghimo sang krimen gilayon ang mga ini nga nagpalagyo sa wala mahibal-an nga direksyon.

Si Atty. Ben Ramos bantog nga human rights advocates, defenders kag maalam nga abogado. Mabuot kag wala sang kontra. Respetado kag palangga man sang mga mangunguma sa makatarunganon kag libre sini nga pagpanabang lamang legal nga maangkon sang nasambit nga sektor ang duta, palangabuhian kag hustisya sosyal.

Kilala man si Atty. Ramos sang kadam-an nga pumuluyo labi na sang sahing anakbalhas sa iya demokratiko, siyentipiko kag maki-imol nga prinsipyo kag panindugan.

Tungod sini, madamo sang mga pagpamahug kag pagpanghingabot sa iya kabuhi nga naagyan. Prior sang hitabo diin nag-utas sang iya kabuhi, biktima siya sang masunson nga surveilance sang indi makilal-an nga mga tawo sa iya puluy-an, opisina kag kon diin pa nga mga lugar nga iya ginakadtuan. Bangud sang kontra-terorismo kag “red tagging” nga padugi kag kampanya sang AFP, PNP kag sang US-Duterte nga rehimen, isa si Atty. Ben Ramos nga gina-akusar sang estado sa mga aktibista nga may angot sa CPP-NPA. Malisyuso nga ginhinambit ang iya pangalan kag ginpalapta ang kaugalingon nga dagway sini sa Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental upod sa mga dagway sang gina-alegar nga mga katapo sang “CNN” ukon CPP-NPA-NDF.

Pasistang AFP, PNP kag ang US-Duterte lamang ang may makinaryas kag ikasarang sa pagtiro-patay sa National Union of Peoples Lawyer (NUPL)- Secretary General Atty. Ben Ramos sandig sa sirkumstansya sang panghitabo antis nahimo ang krimen.

Nagasigahum ang NPA sang madasig nga imbestigasyon sa paghatag sang nagakaigo nga hustisya sa biktima dira sa Kabankalan PNP. Labaw sa tanan, ang pagpangibabaw sang kamatuoran sa mga kabutigan kag ang natabo nga pagpatay sa biktima indi na magdugang pa sa mga unsolved cases kaangay sa madamo na nga kaso sang extra-judicial killings sa pungsod.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/hustisya-para-kay-atty-ben-ramos-kag-iban-pa-nga-biktima-sang-extra-judicial-killings/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: Si Duterte mismo ang tagakutkot sa lulubngan sang iya rehimen

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 7): Si Duterte mismo ang tagakutkot sa lulubngan sang iya rehimen

Juanito Magbanua
NPA-Negros Island (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

November 07, 2018

Sa iya pinaka-ulihi nga pagtilaw sa pag imposar sang mapiguson nga paghari, si Rodrigo Duterte wala sang ginhimo kondi ang pagkutkot sang mas madalom pa nga lulubngan sa iya rehimen.

Si Duterte upod sa iya mga alipores sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) kag Philippine National Police (PNP) hungod nga nagtago sa ila salabton sa madugoon nga masaker sa 9 ka mamumugon sa kampo sa Sagay City paagi sa pagpasibangud sang nasambit nga krimen sa New People’s Army (NPA), nga nagbunga sa pagdingot sang hustisya para sa mga biktima. Wala sang tagipusoon nga ginpanginpuslan ang amo nga madamoan nga pagpamatay agud dugang nga i-terorisa ang lehitimo nga kawsa sang mga mangunguma, mamumugon kag imol nga taga-syudad nga ginapahug nga luthangon kon magbato ang mga ini, kag ilunsar ang “todo-larga nga gera” batok sa NPA sa Isla sang Negros.

Sa pagbalewala sa pag-ibwal sang mga Pilipino sa nagasarurot nga presyo sang sandigan nga mga kinahanglanon kag iban pa nga singgitan kaangot sa ka-imolon kag kagutom, sa baylo ginduso ni Duterte ang iya wala pulos nga gera batok sa pumuluyo. Sining ulihi, ang tagapamaba sang Palasyo nga si Salvador Panelo nag-anunsyo sa pagtukod sa isa ka Anti-NPA nga Task Force kag sa padayon nga paninguha sini sa pagduso sa isa ka paltik nga lokalisado nga Peace Talks.

Ang Apolinario Gatmaitan Command sang NPA sa isla sang Negros determinado sa pag-atubang sa gindesinyo sang US nga Oplan Kapayapaan. Ang deklarasyon sang “todo-larga nga gera” sa Negros sang hepe sang AFP nga si Carlito Galvez nagpabakud lamang sa NPA sa isla sa pagpabaskug sa kaugalingon paagi sa pagpakig-away kag pagpaslaw sa kampanya militar sang kaaway. Wala man nagabag-o ang panindugan sini upod sa tanan nga kumand sang NPA sa pungsodnon nga sakop sa pagpangindi sa ini nga matiplangon nga lokalisado nga peace talks.

Si Col. Benedict Arevalo, ang bag-o nga 303rd Brigade commander, amo ang mango sa pagpati nga ang AFP, ang 303rd Brigade sa partikular, ang iya mga batalyon kag paramilitary nga pwersa naga-angkon sa kumpyansa sang Negrosanon. Kabaliskaran sini, ang pumuluyo ilabina ang mga imol nga mangunguma sa mga baryo nagakaugot sa ila kag nagabakud ang kaugalingon sa pag-atubang sa mga pasista paagi sa pagsampa sa NPA.

Ang US-Duterte nga rehimen piho nga nahamulag sa pumuluyong Pilipino sa kada adlaw. Mas naga-athag ang indi mapunggan nga pagkabagsak sini samtang dugang ini nga nangin namuhaw-muhaw sa pag-imposar sa isa ka pasistang diktadurya sa bug-os nga pungsod kag dugang pa nga wala sang kalooy nga nagapabug-at sa pumuluyo.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/si-duterte-mismo-ang-tagakutkot-sa-lulubngan-sang-iya-rehimen/

CPP/NPA-Southern Negros: Paramilitary group slay two farmers

NPA-Southern Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 7): Paramilitary group slay two farmers

Estrella Banagbanag
NPA-Southern Negros
New People's Army

November 07, 2018

Members of a Local Paramilitary Group ” Dios Uno” brutally murdered two farmer’s in an ambush on yesterday morning in sitio Canggabok, BRGY. Nagbinlod, Sta.Catina, Negros Otietal.

The victim’s Apollonio Diosana Jr. 44 yrs/old and Temestokles Seit Jr. 28 yrs/old, was abourd in a motorcycle on the way to the town proper to attend a court hearing when at about 6:00 AM. Five member’s of “Dios Uno” blocked thier way and fired at them several times.

The crime scene yolded 13 empty Shell’s of 45 semi-automatic.Although, witnesses observed that the perpetrators were also armed with sub machine gun and shot gun.

Witnesses positively identified known “Dios Uno” members Toto,Bitoy,Julio,Randel and Tiloy as responsible for the killings.

“Dios Uno” is a group of armed civilians organized and supported by the Sta.Catalina Police as an anti–insurgency force multiplier it has been involve in so many cuses of killings harassment, threat, and coercian against the residence in the area they suspected as NPA supporters.

The Rachelle Mae Palang Command (RMPC) condemned the killings and called on Human Rights Organizations to conduct a thourough and impartial probe on the incident.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/paramilitary-group-slay-two-farmers/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Sabat sa Buko ni Duterte nga Lutuson Ang NPA, Opisyal sang AFP sa Negros Oriental Ginsilotan

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 8): Sabat sa Buko ni Duterte nga Lutuson Ang NPA, Opisyal sang AFP sa Negros Oriental Ginsilotan

JB Regalado
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
New People's Army
November 08, 2018

Lubos nga gindayaw sang LPC ang maisog kag madinalag-on nga partisan operation sang isa ka tim sang NPA. Patay si Corporal Rex Deramas, Commanding Officer sang 12th IBPA Candalanon CAFGU Detachment nga nahamtang sa Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Oriental Negros. Samtang gindakop kag gilayon naman nga ginhilway sang NPA ang body-body sini nga si CAFGU Jojo Sandot matapos ang pila lang ka minutos nga pag-istorya kag pag-edukar sa iya.

Ang aksyon pagsilot kay Corporal Deramas ginhimo matapos sang unanimous nga desisyon pagsilot-patay sa nasambit nga army official sadtong November 4, 2018 pasado alas 7:00 sang aga sa sityo Kasingan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan.

Si Deramas nagapangatubang sang kaso sa rebolusyonaryong hublag sa mga masunod:

1. Utok sa paghold-up sang mga collector sang Migthy Cigarette Company sa sityo Kalabaklabakan, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan sadtong Nobyembre 13, 2017. Kuha ang collection nga malapit P80,000 sang mga biktima. Siya ang nagmando sa 3 ka suspetsado nga sanday CAFGU Marlon Vilando, sa utod sini nga si Benjie Vilando kag isa pa ka CAFGU personel sang Candalanon CAFGU detachment. Natabo ang paghold-up adlaw kag panahon sang grabe nga operasyon militar sa nasambit nga lugar.

2. Utok man sa pagransak sang grocery store sang pamilya Sabijon sa Parkingan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan. Nakuha sang mga suspetsado ang kapin P75,000 nga kantidad sang kwarta kag madamo pa nga alahas sang biktima pareho sang de kantidad nga relo, aritos, kulintos, bracelet kag iban pa.

3. Nagapanguna man si Deramas sa pagpalapnag sang panahor palibot sang nasambit nga detachment sa pihak sang pagdumili sang Local Government Unit (LGU). Isa na diri ang bulang kabangdanan sang lapnagon nga kinawatay sang mga karabaw, baka kag iban pa nga mga kasapatan sang mga residente.

4. Kakunsabo man siya sa plano sang Peace Development Team (PDT) sang 94th IBPA nga ginhamtang sa Brgy. Trinidad nga nagresulta sang lapnagon nga bayolasyon sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung kag international humanitarian law. Pagpamahug sa mga sibilyan paagi sa pagpanaka-saka sa mga puluy-an kag pagpangayo-kayo sang pagkaon sa mga mangunguma sa lugar gamit ang ngalan sang NPA.

Ginapanawagan sa tanan nga paramilitar, katapo sang CAFGU kag manubo nga ranggo sang AFP kag PNP nga indi magsunod sa mga kontra-pumuluyo, kontra-sosyal kag kontra-hublag nga mga mando sang inyo mga superior. Indi tanan nga makinaryas kag armadong hubon sang US-Duterte nga rehimen kaaway sang NPA luwas lamang sang may mga utang nga dugo sa pumuluyo kag rebolusyonaryong hublag. Sekreto makig-angot sa NPA sa ululupod nga paghatag sang nagakaigo nga hustisya sa mga biktima sang kampanya kontra-druga, kontra-insurhensiya kag kontra-terorismo idalum sa Oplan Kapayapaan sang mapintas kag pasista nga rehimeng Rehimeng US-Duterte.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/sabat-sa-buko-ni-duterte-nga-lutuson-ang-npa-opisyal-sang-afp-sa-negros-oriental-ginsilotan/

EXCLUSIVE: Sultan of Sulu, North Borneo rejects BOL, asks Duterte to establish Federal government

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 8): EXCLUSIVE: Sultan of Sulu, North Borneo rejects BOL, asks Duterte to establish Federal government

AN INFLUENTIAL SULTAN in southern Philippines has asked President Rodrigo Duterte to establish a federal form of government in the country and rejected the propose establishment of an expanded Muslim or Bangsamoro autonomous region in Mindanao.



Sulu Governor Totoh Tan (extreme right) and respected political leader and philanthropist Dr. Sakur Tan (4th from right) pose with Sultans Ibrahim Bahjin, Muizuddin Jainal Bahjin, Muedzul-Lail Kiram (2nd from right), Mohammad Venizar Julkarnain Jainal Abirin and Phugdalun Kiram during the signing of the unity covenant among the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu; and Grand Mufti Abdulbaqi Abubakar. Dr. Tan is a key figure in the unification of the sultans which is unprecedented and historical and will further strengthen the unity of all heirs to the Sultante of Sulu and North Borneo. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
His Majesty, Sultan Muedzul-Lail Kiram, the 35th and legitimate Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, also threw his strong support to the petition filed by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II before the Supreme Court for certiorari and prohibition with request for temporary restraining order against Republic Act No. 11054, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo fully supports Governor Tan’s petition,” Sultan Kiram said.

He also bared that National Security Adviser, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, met with them and asked to support President Duterte’s plan for a Federal system of government.

“The meetings produced positive results. We declared our full commitment to support the President’s plan to shift to a Federal system of government with the two parties agreeing in principle that Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi shall be created one federal state and the rest of the core territories of the Sultanate within the provinces and cities of Palawan and Zamboanga Peninsula, shall be acknowledged in the Federal Constitution, in part or in whole thereof, part of our historical territories,” Sultan Kiram said, but until now, the talk initiated by Secretary Esperon – on President Duterte’s order – for reasons not known to them has been held in abeyance.

“We had signified our willingness to sit down with his Excellency through letters sent to the Office of the President. We had also written the two houses of Congress at the time when both houses’ committees were deliberating on the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In those letters, we declared our strong opposition to the BBL if it included Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi,” he added.

He said the Philippine government has always recognized the Sultanate of Sulu as the legitimate claimant to the historical territories of the Republic of the Philippines as contained in Memorandum Order No. 427 signed in 1974 during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos.

“It is sad to note that after the Marcos administration, the Philippine government’s recognition of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo had progressively waned. In the past, there used to be a Department of Mindanao and Sulu. From President Manuel L. Quezon way up to President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the Philippine government had always dealt with Mindanao and Sulu separately as a matter of policy based on historical antecedents,” Sultan Kiram said.

He explained that when President Marcos enacted Presidential Decree Number 1618, it created not one but two Autonomous Regions – Region IX comprised the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte including the Cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, and Zamboanga del Sur and the cities of Pagadian and Zamboanga. And Region XII comprised the provinces of Lanao del Norte including the City of Iligan, Lanao del Sur, including the City of Marawi, Maguindanao, including the City of Cotabato, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

He said the past administration of President Benigno Aquino also offered them – through back channel negotiation – the position of “Wali” in the Bangsamoro Basic Law, but they declined because it will overstep other sultanates in Mindanao.

“We declined this, as it is not our policy to expand our boundaries beyond our historical territories nor do we aspire to govern people other than our “ra’ayat”. The Sultanates of Sulu and North Borneo, Maguindanao and the Royal Houses of Ranao formed into the Confederation of Maranaos, were all independent and sovereign nations. Never at any point in our history were we united under one flag as one nation. We respect the authority and sovereignty of the Sultanate of Maguindanao and the Royal Houses of Ranao over their peoples and territories.”

“To insist on the policy of homogeneity over diverse groups of people will only lead to catastrophic failure. We strongly believe that the Bangsamoro Organic Law will not deliver on its promise of lasting peace and development. Instead we foresee another failed experiment like the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Sultan Kiram warned.

He said they value the government’s recognition of the Sultan’s legitimacy as claimant to historical territories within the Republic of the Philippines, but the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo will not recognize any agreement entered into by any person or group for or in behalf of the Bangsa Suluk nation and over the Sultanate’s core territories.

“Never did we surrender this right and never did we commission any person or group like the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front to represent us in any talk or negotiation,” Sultan Kiram said as he urged President Duterte to attenuate the enactment of Republic Act Number 11054 and instead judiciously focus on Federalism. This time, all stakeholders should be properly represented and be given the opportunity to participate in the process. We are ready to sit down with the government in forging ahead with this task.”

Republic Act Number 11054 provides for the organic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao signed by President Duterte in July this year.

Petition

Governor Tan, through his lawyer Sixto Brillantes, filed the petition with the Supreme Court to review the legality and constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The proposed law is the result of peace negotiations between the Filipino government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.

The respondents in the 48-page petition were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and the MILF.

In the petition, Governor Tan claimed that Congress committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction when it passed the Bangsamoro Organic Law. He said the Bangsamoro Organic Law violates Section 18 and 19 of Article X of the 1987 Constitution which authorized the enactment of only one Organic Act to establish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Since ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is created by Constitutional fiat, Congress, by itself, has absolutely no authority to abolish ARMM. Only through an amendment of the Constitution may ARMM be abolished. This is so, because only the Constitution may create or abolish an autonomous region,” he said.

“Accordingly, when Congress, by enacting RA 11054, effectively abolished ARMM, and established BAR (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region) in its stead, Congress committed an unconstitutional act, an unwarranted infringement of Article X of the Constitution,” he added.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014, said it recognizes Governor Tan’s rights to file the petition.

Many Muslims in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, including Lanao del Sur are opposed to future rule by the MILF to the proposed Bangsamoro autonomous region. A referendum has been set for next year for residents of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – which comprises Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao – to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law that will govern the new region.

Residents of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi who are from Tausug, Yakan and Sama tribes wanted to be part of Region 9 in Western Mindanao, and not be included in the Bangsamoro autonomous region. Even Cotabato City wanted out of the proposed Muslim homeland.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders -who are mostly from Maguindanao tribe – are mulling to govern the proposed region with rebel chieftain Murad Ebrahim as regional governor, and senior rebel leaders to hold key position in the Bangsamoro autonomous government. Even in Wao town in Lanao del Sur, residents had strongly opposed the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Governor Tan stressed that establishing a parliamentary form of government in the Bangsamoro autonomous region violates the doctrine of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.

“The same provision of Bangsamoro Organic Law, also violate Section 18, Article X of the Constitution requiring that the Organic Act of an Autonomous Region shall, among others, define the basic structure of government for the region consisting of the executive department and legislative assembly, both of which shall be elective and representative of the constituent political units,” he pointed out.

Governor Tan said the automatic inclusion of the ARMM in the newly created Bangsamoro Region “and the provision that the provinces and cities of the ARMM shall vote as one geographical area are likewise unconstitutional.”

“The provisions under Section 2(a) , Article III on Territorial Jurisdiction and Article XV of RA 11054 on the conduct of the plebiscite do not afford the constituents of the Province of Sulu, to the prejudice of their right to suffrage and their right to local autonomy, the option to vote to join or not to join the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” the governor added.

He also asked the High Court to stop the Executive Department from implementing the Bangsamoro law. He also urged the tribunal to issue a Writ of Prohibition to bar the Commission on Elections from proceeding with the scheduled plebiscite in January.

Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Bangsamoro region will be composed of the ARMM, six municipalities of Lanao del Norte and 39 villages of Cotabato, and the chartered cities of Isabela and Cotabato subject to the approval of voters.

The region will be headed by a chief minister and two deputy ministers. The parliament will be composed of political party representatives, parliamentary district representatives, sectoral representatives and indigenous tribes and settler communities.

All parliament members will have a term of three years and can enjoy a maximum of three consecutive terms. The parliament can enact its own laws. The Bangsamoro Organic Law also allows 75-25 wealth sharing between the Bangsamoro autonomous region and national government.

The Supreme Court has already directed the government to comment on the petition filed.

 https://mindanaoexaminer.com/exclusive-sultan-of-sulu-north-borneo-rejects-bol-asks-duterte-to-establish-federal-government/

Situation of Piracy and Sea Robbery in Asia for October 2018

From the American Journal of Transportation (Nov 8): Situation of Piracy and Sea Robbery in Asia for October 2018

Summary

• A total of six incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in October 2018
• No piracy incident was reported
• There was also no report of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and no hijacking of ships for theft of oil cargo
• However, the abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah remains a serious concern
• ReCAAP ISC has issued a Warning on 30 Oct 18 alerting the shipping industry about a group of about 10 ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members planning to conduct kidnapping activities at any opportune time in undisclosed areas in Sabah targeting businessmen or ship’s crew of foreign vessels passing through the area

Number of Incidents in October 2018

• In October 2018, a total of six incidents (all actual incidents) of armed robbery against ships were reported
• All incidents have been verified and reported to ReCAAP ISC by ReCAAP Focal Points, Contact Point and regional authorities
• No piracy incident was reported during October 2018
• Compared to the preceding month of September 2018, the number of incidents reported in October 2018 has increased slightly
• A total of five incidents were reported in September 2018 compared to six incidents in October 2018
• Of the six incidents reported in October 2018, five incidents occurred on board ships at anchor/berth and one incident on board ship while underway
• Of the six actual incidents reported in October 2018, one was a CAT 2 incident, two were CAT 3 incidents and three were CAT 4 incidents

January to October 2018

• A total of 70 incidents comprising of 56 actual incidents and 14 attempted incidents have been verified and reported to ReCAAP ISC during January-October 2018
• Of these, 67 were incidents of armed robbery against ships and three were piracy incidents
• Compared to January-October 2017, there was a 5% decrease in the total number of incidents reported during January-October 2018
• A total of 74 incidents comprising 64 actual and 10 attempted incidents were reported during January-October 2017

https://www.ajot.com/news/situation-of-piracy-and-sea-robbery-in-asia-for-october-2018

Fire hits Sangley Point naval base in Cavite

From ABS-CBN (Nov 9): Fire hits Sangley Point naval base in Cavite

A fire razed a naval ordnance depot of military base Sangley Point in Cavite early Friday.

Commander Jonathan Zata, spokesman of the Philippine Navy, said an "igloo" made of reinforced concrete was hit by fire past 5 a.m.

He said the igloo contained ammunition for small firearms as well as smoke grenades for M203 launchers.

"The igloos are designed in such a way that if there is an explosion or fire, the other igloos and structures will not be affected," the spokesman said.

The fire has been contained as of 7:45 a.m. There were no reported casualties, Zata said.

The Navy spokesman said the facility is being used as a weapons storage point for the military.

It has also been eyed by the government as an "alternate terminal" to decongest flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/09/18/fire-hits-sangley-point-naval-base-in-cavite

Duterte blasts communists: Why would I kill a lawyer?

From Rappler (Nov 8): Duterte blasts communists: Why would I kill a lawyer?

'Napaka-small time ko naman. Why would I assassinate him?' says President Rodrigo Duterte days after human rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos was killed

CHIEF EXECUTIVE. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech after leading the ceremonial distribution of the Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to the Region 10 beneficiaries held at the USTP Gymnasium, Claro M. Recto Avenue in Cagayan de Oro City on October 31, 2018. Malacañang photo

President Rodrigo Duterte denied he was behind the killing of a lawyer for communists, as critics blamed the Philippine National Police for the death of human rights lawyer and peasant advocate Benjamin Ramos in Negros Occidental.

"What the fucking shit? Why would I kill a lawyer? Napaka-small time ko naman. (I would be too small time to do that.) Why would I assassinate him? For what?" Duterte said on Thursday, November 8, without naming any particular lawyer.

"Whether you have a lawyer or not, you cannot occupy somebody else's land by force and intimidation. I will not allow it. That’s anarchy," Duterte said in a speech at the distribution of certificates of land ownership award in Boracay.

Duterte also blasted the Left in his speech on Thursday. "Of course, the communists will never conquer us. They can never overwhelm this government. But certainly it will not stop trouble."
Ramos, secretary general of the Negros Occidental arm of the National Union of People's Lawyers, was shot dead by riding-in-tandem killers on Tuesday evening, November 6, in Kabankalan City.

 

Ramos represented political prisoners, farmers, and other marginalized sectors during his career as pro-bono lawyer. According to ABS-CBN News, he also helped the National Federation of Sugar Workers after unidentified assailants killed 9 sugarcane farmers– called the "Sagay 9" – at Hacienda Nene in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Malacañang earlier slammed critics for blaming the government for Ramos' death. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said doing so "is reckless, irresponsible, and baseless."

Human Rights Watch (HRW) tagged the incident as "a blow to the human rights movement in the country" which has suffered from threats, including from Duterte himself.

"We demand an impartial investigation into Ramos' murder and the many other attacks against lawyers in the Philippines and that the authorities bring the perpetrators to justice," said Carlos Conde of HRW Asia Division.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/216267-duterte-asks-communists-why-would-he-kill-a-lawyer

Amid joint exploration talks, Sotto says China now 'recognizes West PH Sea is ours'

From Rappler (Nov 9): Amid joint exploration talks, Sotto says China now 'recognizes West PH Sea is ours'

'I am privy to dialogue and talks within the executive department and slowly, we are realizing the fact that they do agree that those areas are ours,' says Senate President Vicente Sotto III



 CHINA. Senate President Vicente Sotto III, citing high-level talks, says Beijing recognizes that the West Philippine Sea belongs to Manila. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Citing high-level inter-government talks, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said China has recognized that the West Philippine Sea belongs to Manila amid reports Beijing is operating 3 weather stations in the area.

While saying he has no authority to speak for President Rodrigo Duterte, Sotto said Beijing “agrees that those areas [in the WPS] are ours.”


Sotto said he was privy to the discussions held between Philippine and Chinese officials held on October 29. He did not say who were present, but at the time Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I am not too sure if I am at liberty to inform you pero siguro parang general statement muna (but maybe just a general statement). I am privy to dialogue and talks within the executive department and slowly, we are realizing the fact that they do agree that those areas are ours,” Sotto said in a weekly forum in Manila.

He said it was established in the meeting that any actions in the disputed islands must be made known to the Philippine government. And should there be explorations in the area, Sotto said the 60-40 scheme, in favor of the Philippines, must be followed.

Sotto said discussions on the matter are now at the two “presidents’ level.”

“Ayoko na mag-elaborate dahil I’m not authorized. I’m just saying na mayroong ganung mga pangyayari na maganda ang magiging outlook natin with China,” Sotto said.

(I don't want to elaborate because I'm not authorized. I'm just saying that there are positive events that will improve our outlook with China.)

PH knows about weather stations
As for the 3 Chinese weather stations reportedly built in Philippine-claimed reefs, Sotto said the Duterte government knows about them.

"Sigurado na may mga coordination na ‘yan (Certainly, there was coordination). I think so,” Sotto said.

Malacañang, however, sang a different tune when it said it is still verifying reports. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Philippines would file a diplomatic protest once confirmed.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang, in a press conference, had said China has been operating weather stations in 3 artificial islands built upon Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef), Subi Reef (Zamora Reef), and Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef), all of which are within the West Philippine Sea. The announcement came weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Manila.

A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Arbitration Court in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated China's claim to features in the West Philippine Sea and declared that Beijing violated the Philippines' sovereignty when it built artificial islands out of these features.

Duterte, however, has chosen a softer approach toward the Asian giant, saying he would use the Hague ruling in the future.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/216279-sotto-says-china-recognizes-west-philippines-sea-ours

Russian plane lands in Davao, delivers 3 US helicopters

From the MindaNews (Nov 8): Russian plane lands in Davao, delivers 3 US helicopters

A Russian cargo plane delivered three United States helicopters in Davao City on Wednesday.

Engr. Rex Obsena, airport manager, said in an interview that Antonov, a Russian transporter aircraft, landed at the F. Bangoy International Airport around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday from Sri Lanka and left for Nagoya, Japan at 5 a.m. Thursday.

The Russian aircraft was previously scheduled to land at the Zamboanga International Airport but had to change its entry/exit permits as the airport could not accommodate it due to its size, he said.

Obsena said he could not confirm if the three helicopters were procured by the Philippine government or donated by the US government.

The Volga-DNEPR Airlines, the company that owns the Russian transport plane, was consigned by the US Embassy in the Philippines to deliver the helicopters, he said.

“The 3 helis (helicopters) bear the markings of civilian registered aircrafts,” Obsena said, but added that delivery of three military aircrafts was part of the Philippines-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Major Ezra L. Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command public information officer, said the Army’s Tactical Operations Wing (TOW) has not yet released any information about it.

Obsena said the helicopters are currently being assembled and will be delivered to Zamboanga upon completion of the technical works and compliance of the necessary permits.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/11/russian-plane-lands-in-davao-delivers-3-us-helicopters/

US-commissioned Russian plane unload 3 choppers in Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): US-commissioned Russian plane unload 3 choppers in Davao

A United States-commissioned Russian cargo plane landed on Francisco Bangoy International Airport Wednesday night to unload three helicopters intended for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)-related activities.

Engr. Rex Obsena, Davao Airport manager, was unable to provide details on the delivery of the choppers as these were supposed to be unloaded at the Zamboanga airport.

Obsena said the Antonov cargo plane, which originated in Sri Lanka, landed here as Zamboanga's airport runway cannot accommodate the plane's enormous size.

Obsena said the plane left Davao at around 5:30 a.m on Thursday, adding the landing and exiting of the Russian plane went through Customs and Immigration protocols.

Early this year, the Philippines and the United States opened this year’s "Balikatan" exercises. Some 5,000 Filipino and 3,000 American soldiers already participated in “Balikatan” activities beginning mid-April.

The military exercises also included troops from the Australian Defence Force and Japan Self-Defense Force.

The Department of National Defense (DND) sees the annual "Balikatan" exercise as a manifestation that in the needs of involving security challenges, the United States and the Philippines continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder.

It is also regarded as an avenue to enhance cooperation between the Philippine military forces and an opportunity to test and validate the forces' interoperability.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053303

2 NPA leaders, 9 rebels yield in Comval

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): 2 NPA leaders, 9 rebels yield in Comval

Two ranking New People's Army (NPA) leaders and nine guerilla rebels surrendered to the military in the Compostela Valley town of Monkayo last week, an Army official said Thursday.

The highest ranking NPA surrenderer used to lead the NPA's Guerilla Front 33, as well its personnel and recruitment unit, said Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the Army's 10th Infantry Division based in Compostela Valley province.

Lamosao said the NPA leader, only identified as "Lodi" by the military for security reasons, also surrendered an M1 Caliber 30 Carbine, a defaced M16 and an improvised explosive device (IED).

The other NPA leader, whom the military identified only as Pedro, was the former vice commander of the Downgraded Guerilla Front, he said.

Pedro brought with him a KG9 9-mm. Logger.

Lamosao said the NPA continues to lose some of its leaders to government forces because of the latter’s "relentless civil-military and intelligence operations."

He also lauded the "untiring support and assistance of the local government units (LGUs) within the military’s area of operation."

The nine other rebels, meanwhile, were former team leaders of different guerilla units that the military had engaged in clashes in recent months.

Lamosao said they surrendered four caliber 45 pistols, one KG9 9-mm. Logger, one caliber M1 Garand, live ammunition, paraphernalia and documents that are of high intelligence value.

During a debriefing, he said the former rebels narrated that they joined the communist struggle mainly for economic reasons and perceived neglect by the government.

Lamosao said the rebel returnees were disappointed upon finding out that the NPA was no different from or was even crueler than the government that they used to despise.

He said the surrenderers complained of hunger, fear, and absence of financial support from the organization.

Lt. Col. Oscar Balignasay, commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion assigned to the province, acknowledged the effort of the local officials of four municipalities -- Nabunturan, Montevista, Monkayo in Compostela Valley, and Trento in Agusan del Sur -- in leading the anti-insurgency campaign in their respective areas.

"We encourage those who are still struggling under the CPP-NPA-NDF terror group to not waste time clinging to them and surrender now," Balignasay said, referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines – NPA – National Democratic Front.

Balignasay said the 25th Infantry Battalion and the LGUs will ensure the surrenderers benefit from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government so that they can start a new life outside of the NPA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053356

NDF consultant, 2 others nabbed in QC raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): NDF consultant, 2 others nabbed in QC raid

 

Police and military operatives arrested a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and two others in a raid in Quezon City before dawn Thursday.

In a press briefing at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Camp Bagong Diwa, PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde identified the suspects as Vicente Ladlad and his two companions, Alberto and Virginia Villamor.

Ladlad is also a member of the CPP-Central Committee and head of its National United Front Commission.

Albayalde also presented to the media high-powered firearms, ammunition and explosives confiscated from the possession of the three suspects.

Recovered from the raid were two assault rifles, two .45-caliber pistols, one .9mm-caliber pistol, hundreds of rounds of ammunition for said firearms, four hand grenades, electronic equipment, and subversive documents.

Albayalde said the raid was conducted by combined operatives from the NCRPO, QCPD, and CIDG, supported by elements of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the Philippine Army.

The raid is by virtue of a search warrant issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 89 Judge Cecilyn E. Burgos-Villavert against the three suspects for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

He said the confidential information from concerned citizens about the suspicious activities of the suspects prompted police operatives to initiate a thorough investigation, operational research and case build-up.

Due process observed

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head, Director Guillermo Eleazar said the suspects were properly informed of their rights.

They have undergone physical examination by the Quezon City Health District Service (QCHDS) before they were brought to Quezon City Police District (QCPD) for booking and other documentation procedures

“Mr. Ladlad is one of the NDF consultants who came out in the open during the peace talks but went underground after the collapse. He was also positively identified by the agents on the ground, a fact which was positively cross-referenced with some former rebels whom we had work with in the past who has already surrendered and working with the government,” Eleazar told reporters during the press briefing.

He said the suspects are now in the custody of NCRPO and will undergo the mandatory booking process as requirement for the procedural return of warrant to the court.

Eleazar said the three suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Meanwhile, Ladlad's wife, Fides, denied that his husband has firearms in his possession.

Fides, who was in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, where his husband is expected to be presented by the PNP chief went hysterical as she seeks to see his husband.

"Definitely but after the documentation. After the processing. It's a search warrant. We have arrested him for the violation of the crime then we have to process," Eleazar said when asked on whether Fides can see her husband.

Eleazar also shrugged off Fides' claim denying that her husband has firearms in his possession.

“That is a common defense argument. But before the search was conducted, we called the barangay watchmen and the president of the homeowners' association because that is a requirement before the search, and they certified that the search was conducted in an orderly manner so that’s why today, we presented the evidence," the NCRPO chief said.

Reports showed that a concerned citizen informed authorities of suspicious persons in the area, particularly at Lot 16-A Block 3 Saint Mark St. corner Saint Joseph St., Doña Tomasa, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Eleazar also explained that the information on the matter was verified with other intelligence units for them to be able to secure a search warrant from a court.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053314

AFP played role in choosing 3rd telco: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): AFP played role in choosing 3rd telco: Esperon



National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon on Thursday assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) played a role in the selection of the third telecommunications player in the country, allaying fears that it would compromise internal security.

The third telco that won the selection process, Mislatel, is a consortium between Davao City-based holding company Udenna Corp. and Chinese state-owned firm China Telecommunications Corp.

Esperon was reacting to Senator Grace Poe's statement that the AFP and other intelligence agencies should be involved in choosing the country’s third telco player.

Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, earlier raised concerns over the participation of a foreign firm in the bidding process.

“Just to let you know, the Armed Forces was considered there,” Esperson said in a press briefing at the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse.

“I agree lagi natin titingnan ang security ng ating (we always have to check the security of our) Communications and that’s really the reason we are there. We have inputted provisions for national security in the entry of the third main player,” he added.

Esperon pointed out that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is currently led by a former military general, Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr., who has the expertise in both technology and military.

Rio has also served as commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and DICT undersecretary.

“Gusto ko lang sabihin na ang Secretary ng Department of Information and Communications (Technology) ay isang retired military officer (I just want to say that the Secretary of the DICT is a retired military officer),” Esperon said.

“Si Sec. Rio ay isang brigadier general na propesor namin yan sa Philippine Military Academy (PMA) nung kami ay kadete at ‘yan ay sanay sa technologies (Sec. Rio is a brigadier general who was also our professor at the PMA when we were cadets and he’s adept in technologies),” he added.

Esperon said he himself is member of the oversight committee on the selection of the third telco.

“We want our national broadband to be secure and, as much as possible, since it will be a personal network for the whole of government. Kaya secured po ’yan, secured. 'Wag kayo mag-alala (That’s secured. Don’t worry),” Esperon said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053333

Arrest of NDF consultant in Quezon City lawful

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): Arrest of NDF consultant in Quezon City lawful



The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday clarified that the arrest of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Vicente Ladlad and two others in a raid in Quezon City is lawful.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the act did not violate the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) noting that there is already a suspension of peace talks and the suspects committed a crime.

“This is the violation of the law. Illegal possession of firearms. Let us be clear on that. We cannot use JASIG or any similar agreement to cover up for that. It is prohibited. This is a simple or blatant violation of law on possession of loose firearms,” the PNP chief stressed.

In 1995, the Philippine government and the NDFP signed the JASIG which provides immunity and guarantees the safety of persons involved in the peace talks.

Albayalde said the raid was conducted by combined operatives from the National Capital Region Police Office, Quezon City Police District and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, supported by elements of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the Philippine Army (PA).

The raid is by virtue of a search warrant issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 89 Judge Cecilyn E. Burgos-Villavert against the three suspects for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Albayalde also dismissed insinuations that Ladlad's arrest was a "birthday gift" to him.

"This is basically coincidence. I would like to commend the efforts of the NCRPO and the Joint Task Force-NCR and of course, the PA. We want to commend their efforts,” said the PNP chief, who turned 55 on Thursday.

Albayalde said subversive documents from the raid will be subjected to document exploitation.

“Basically, the document exploitation is being done jointly by the intelligence group of PNP and AFP so most probably, the documents will be brought to the AFP together with the others previously recovered so it will all be examined to together,” the PNP chief explained.

Meanwhile, the seized loose firearms, ammunitions, and explosives will be subjected to ballistic test to determine whether these were used in illegal activities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053345

Warrant not necessary for Ladlad’s arrest: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): Warrant not necessary for Ladlad’s arrest: Palace



Malacañang on Thursday said an arrest warrant is not needed for National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) consultant Vic Ladlad since crime of rebellion is a “continuing crime”.

“The crime of rebellion is a continuing crime and therefore no warrant of arrest is needed for that,” Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in a Palace media briefing.

Ladlad and two others were arrested early Thursday in Quezon City for alleged possession of illegal firearms.

Aside from firearms, including an AK47 and M16A1 assault rifles, police recovered from the suspects were subversive documents.

Panelo said Ladlad is no longer covered by Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

“The JASIG is operative only if there are peace talks ongoing; but that has been terminated by the proclamation of the President on Nov. 23, 2017,” Panelo said.

JASIG was an agreement signed between the Philippine government and NDF in 1995 to essentially guarantee the immunity and safety of individuals involved in the peace talks.

Panelo said other consultants covered by the terminated JASIG could also be arrested by the government since peace talks were terminated in November last year.

“I think there has been an announcement by the President even last year about the arrest of these people given the proclamation that the peace talks had ended,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053343

Martial law extension, 'last resort’: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): Martial law extension, 'last resort’: Esperon

The extension of martial law in Mindanao should be “a last resort”, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said on Thursday, stressing that there should be extensive study on the proposal.

“We have had discussion with that in the national security cluster but we still would like to think that the extension of martial law should be on a last resort basis,” Esperon said in a press briefing at the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse.

Esperon said the primary concern should be what the people of Mindanao need at the moment.

“Kailangan hindi ‘yun ang uunahin nating iniisip kung di isipin natin kung ano ‘yung kailangan doon sa (It shouldn’t be what we think about first, what we should think about first is what the people need in) Mindanao and we are getting all the feedback from the people,” Esperon said.

He, however, pointed out that majority of Mindanaons were in favor of extending martial law but stressed the need for its further review.

“It may interest you to know that majority of the people of Mindanao want it. Nonetheless, we want the study to be extensive,” Esperon said.

Esperon acknowledged the statement of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), expressing support for a martial law extension but considered these as recommendations.

Earlier, the PNP said crime rate in Mindanao significantly declined since martial law was implemented last year from the 8.79 percent crime rate in Mindanao in 2017, it went down to 5.92 percent from January to September this year.

“We are aware that the PNP has come out with a statement of support for the extension as well as the secretary of the Interior and Local Government (Eduardo Año). Let that be part of the recommendations that will go up to the President when it is time to decide and ask Congress for an extension for another period how long it will be,” Esperon said.

“It is an instrument for us that will be considered as a last resort but if it is needed as dictated by the situation and the desire of the people, then so be it. Susundin atin ‘yan (We will follow it),” he added.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared martial law on May 23, 2017 in Mindanao, following attacks launched by the Islamic state-inspired Maute Group in Marawi City.

In a special joint session in July last year, the Congress granted the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017 upon the President's request.

In another joint session in December last year, Congress granted the Chief Executive's request for the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2018.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053362

IPs seek legal aid from PRRD; to file raps vs. CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): IPs seek legal aid from PRRD; to file raps vs. CPP-NPA

A group of indigenous peoples (IPs) on Thursday met with President Rodrigo Duterte and presented four resolutions, including one seeking legal assistance for the filing of appropriate charges against the communists and their founding leader Jose Maria Sison.

The meeting between the 31 IPs representing at least eight tribes from Mindanao and Duterte took place at the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse where the Lumad representatives attended "The Presser" program initiated by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

Datu Joel Unad, a representative of the IP’s council of elders, said their resolution contains 17 violations and atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) against the Lumad.

According to the resolution, almost 1,000 IP leaders from 1980 up to present have been murdered “because they do not follow what the NPA wanted”.

The IPs also accused the CPP-NPA of "supplanting" their traditional leaders and replacing them with the revolutionary ones, and of occupying their ancestral domains and converting these to guerrilla bases.

They also complained of the NPA rebels’ collection of revolutionary taxes from their farm produce and livestock as well as from logging and mining companies.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Duterte has approved the Lumad’s request for legal assistance during the roundtable discussion.

The IPs have also submitted three other resolutions --requesting Duterte, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Carlito Galvez, to grant a special quota in the Philippine Army for IPs in Mindanao; expressing conformity to Proclamation No. 216, declaration of martial law in Mindanao; and expressing appreciation to the President “for his consistent support to IPs’ welfare and development”.

In his testimonial message, Unad asked the President to extend implementation of martial law and include their ancestral domains granted to them by Duterte.

He said the NPA rebels are preventing them from occupying the ancestral domains which remain under control of the communists.

“Ang request lang namin lagyan ng Army yun mga ancestral domain para maibalik ang control at management sa mga tribu. Sayang ang certificate na hindi namin ma-control ang ancestral domain (Our request is to deploy Army so that the control and management of our ancestral domain will be returned to us. The certificate will be nothing if we cannot control the ancestral domain),” Unad said.

Esperon promised to grant the IPs’ request to strengthen the military presence in their areas.

“Palalakasin natin ang presence sa lugar ng mga IPs or Lumad upang magawa natin ang (We will strengthen our presence in the IPs places so that we can implement) programs of government like in health, education, livelihood and basic services,” Esperon said.

On martial law extension, Esperon said it will still have to be studied by the national security officials before making a recommendation to the President.

However, he clarified that martial law extension in Mindanao "should be on the last resort basis".

The four resolutions were signed by representatives of the Lumad tribes of Subanen, Obu-Manuvu, Bagobo Clata, Mandaya, Higaonon, Manobo Talandig, Blaan and T’boli.

The turnover of resolutions to Duterte was also witnessed by Galvez, Philippine National Police chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, Presidential Adviser for Indigenous People’s Concern Allen Capuyan and officials of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and PCOO officials, headed by Secretary Martin Andanar.

Andanar said the Duterte administration will continue to give necessary support to the Lumad people particularly in education, livelihood, health and infrastructures.

“Nagiging target ang ating mga kapatid na Lumad ng mga armadong grupo na kalaban ng ating pamahalaan. At dahil ang pinakamabisang recruitment tool ng mga rebelde ay ang kahirapan. Ito ang tunay na kaaway na patuloy na sinusolusyunan ng administrasyong Duterte sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga programa (Our Lumad brothers became the target of our government’s armed group enemies and the best recruitment tool of the rebels is poverty. It is the real enemy of the Duterte administration that we continue to solve through his programs),” Andanar said in his opening remarks.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1053374

DWDD: Soldiers, NPA clash twice in Quezon

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Facebook Page (Nov 5): Soldiers, NPA clash twice in Quezon

CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Troops of the 92nd Infantry (TANGLAW- DIWA) Battalion (92IB) clashed twice against the New People’s Army (NPA) Communist terrorists group in Sitio Dadyangao and Sitio Madaraki both of Brgy Umiray, General Nakar Quezon yesterday, November 4, 2018.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher M. Diaz, Commanding Officer of the 92IB said that the soldiers were conducting Focus Military Operation (FMO) in the area after an ...intelligence report and tips from civilians that a group of armed NPAs were extorting rice and money from the Dumagat Indigeneous People (IP).

 The first encounter transpired around 1040 a.m. when the troops chance upon undetermined number of NPA belonging to Platoon 4A2, Guerilla Front Cesar of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC).

 The firefight lasted for 20 minutes. One (1) soldier was killed while it is believed there were undetermined numbers of casualties on the NPA due to the heavy blood stain in their position. The enemies brought along their wounded comrades when they scampered away according to the troops. The fallen soldier was identified as Private James Lanes, 24, from Sultan Kudarat.

Meanwhile, the second clash occurred at around 1145 in the morning at Sitio Madaraki when the encountered troops conducted pursuit operations following the traces of blood of the retreating enemies. No reported casualty from both sides on the 15 minutes firefight.

Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr. AFP, Commander of the 202nd Brigade who has operational jurisdiction over CALABARZON said that troops were on tracked against the NPA in the area. “They are now running out of ammunitions with the recent two encounters; they are now tired and they have wounded comrades. We will pursue these NPA remnants until they are destroyed”, he added.

Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno AFP, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) extended his condolences to the family of the slain soldier.

“Rest assured that his bravery and heroism will be treasured and will never be forgotten. His example of sacrifice will continue to inspire us to strive more on our mission of protecting the people against all NPA threats and coercion especially of the Dumagat IP in Quezon”.

At present, troops are conducting hot pursuit operations and checkpoints with the local police against the NPA terrorists.

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2310442742533542/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/

DWDD: EMC Statement on the Alleged Abduction of Hayahay

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Facebook Page (Nov 6): EMC Statement on the Alleged Abduction of Hayahay

The claim of Meggie Nolasco of Salugpungan Community Learning Center that soldiers of 71st Infantry Battalion abducted a certain Imelda Hayahay in exchange of P 5,000.00 or the surrender of her daughter Jeany Rose Hayahay is a malicious, illogical and cheap gimmick to malign the efforts of the military in peace and development.

Abduction is a criminal offense more so that the abductors are asking for a ransom for the release o...f the abducted person. Such a practice is not being tolerated in the military service. Any military person who is into the said practice is subjected not only in the military justice system but also to the criminal justice system. In an initial investigation’ the Purok Chairman where Imelda reside and some members of the community rebut the claim that there were soldiers and military vehicle in the area when she was abducted. Hence, we challenge Ms. Nolasco to file the necessary complaint in the proper forum. We also would like to inform Ms. Nolasco that our doors are open to any third-party/interagency investigation to ferret out the truth about her disappearance. At the moment, our unit will be in coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Local Government Unit of Mabini, Compostela Valley to locate Imelda Hayahay.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces will continue with its effort to assist those who wanted to go back to the folds of the law and wanted to avail of the programs of the government in their path to transformation. It can be remembered that the snowball of surrenders since January 1, 2018, to November 5, 2018, has already surged to 743 NPA Regulars, 1,019 Members of Militiang Bayan and withdrawal of support of 7,595 members of the underground mass organizations which were not made through force and coercion but were brought about by the peace efforts and initiatives of the different local government units in the different communities in Eastern Mindanao. These were also backed up by convergence programs of different National Government Agencies addressing socio-economic issues in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas.

On the claim that the soldiers served a notice of closure of schools in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte, the Department of Education has the regulatory function to close schools and not within the military purview. Eastern Mindanao Command believes in the importance of education as part of building blocks of peace particularly IP Education.

In fact, some of its subordinate units partner with philanthropic organizations and other government agencies in building schools in different communities, latest of which is the inter-agency "Build Lumad Schools" programs in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, LGU of Talaingod, BLGU of Sto Niño, Talaingod, 56th Infantry Battalion, and 52nd Engineering Brigade, Philippine Army.

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/