PADC moved to Defense dep’t

From Tempo (Mar 21, 2019): PADC moved to Defense dep’t

The Department of National Defense will now have supervision over the State-run Philippine Aerospace Development Corp. based on a new order by President Duterte.

In Executive Order No. 78, the President transferred PADC to the Defense department amid government efforts to further develop the country’s aviation industry.

“There is a need to address emerging internal and external threats, achieve self-reliance as regards defense equipment, and promote the transfer of technology from neighboring countries,” Duterte said in the order. “The PADC is hereby transferred to and placed under the administrative supervision of the DND.”

To ensure the attainment of the relevant objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and maximize the national utility of the aviation and aerospace industry, the EO stated that the policies, programs, and activities of the PADC shall be coordinated with the DND.

The order noted that the aerospace sector is considered one of the industry priorities under government’s development plan. It cited its emerging local industry and its capability to leverage on the competitive advantages of Philippine industries.

The order, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on behalf of the President last March 15, took effect immediately.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/03/21/padc-moved-to-defense-dept/

The Forgotten Key to Maritime Security in the Sulu-Celebes Seas

From The Diplomat (Mar 21, 2019): The Forgotten Key to Maritime Security in the Sulu-Celebes Seas (By Jay Benson)

Economic development in coastal communities will help stem the flow of illegal behavior.

From left to right, Indonesia's Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, Malaysia's then Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Philippines' Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana join their hand for a group photo after the launch of the countries' joint air patrols at Subang military airbase in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Oct. 12, 2017.  Image Credit: AP Photo/Vincent Thian

 

Maritime insecurity in the Sulu and Celebes Seas is a persistent challenge. These waterways have recently been used to conduct incursions into Lahad Datu, orchestrate kidnap for ransom activities by militant groups such as Abu Sayyaf, and facilitate illegal wildlife trafficking. Governments in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia have responded with increased maritime enforcement capacity and presence, as well as enhanced international coordination. Although these are important efforts that need to be maintained, an exclusive focus on enforcement capacity risks ignoring an equally important facet of maritime insecurity: economic exclusion and inequality in coastal communities.

Economic Exclusion Sustains Maritime Insecurity

Coastal communities around the Sulu and Celebes Seas generally have lower levels of economic development than national economic hubs. A recently-released report by Stable Seas, a global maritime security organization, indicates coastal poverty can cultivate feelings of economic exclusion, undermine the rule of law, and generate a fertile recruiting ground for illicit actors.Enjoying this article? Click here to subscribe for full access. Just $5 a month.

In the Malaysian state of Sabah, for example, hundreds of thousands of Filipino migrants and refugees are often restricted to informal or low-paying work and lack access to government services such as education, sanitation, and healthcare. This relative economic dislocation creates a community at severe risk of turning to illegal markets and illicit groups for survival.

On Borneo, Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province has witnessed significant economic development in sectors such as coal production. However, North Kalimantan has significantly lower levels of public service provision. This relative deprivation of social services is particularly stark in indigenous communities, whose way of life is also threatened by deforestation and shrinking access to land. Though this has historically been one of the wealthier areas in Indonesia, stagnant economies and declining oil production risk an increase in the same illicit economic activity that threatens less developed coastal regions.

Along the southern rim of the Celebes Sea, in Sulawesi and North Maluku, poverty rates are in decline, but economic inequality is on the rise. Research demonstrates that relative deprivation is an important driver of conflict, as it can drive socioeconomic groups at the nexus of identity and economic exclusion toward illicit maritime activity and political violence. This risk is especially acute if the region’s new economic gains are not perceived to be shared equally among the area’s many ethnic, religious, and linguistic communities.

In the Philippines, residents of Mindanao generally suffer from relatively poor access to government services and public goods. Education services are limited in comparison to other parts of the country. This lack of access to social services has generated significant economic exclusion as, regional incomes remain below national averages and rates of poverty and unemployment are notably higher, with per capita GRDP in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao being roughly one-fifteenth of that in Manilla. When combined, these factors can undermine trust in national institutions. Public distrust can then contribute to militancy onshore, which often translates into maritime insecurity when coupled with the weak capacity to project law enforcement and governance at sea. This economic exclusion and unequal service provision enable illicit economies and armed groups.

A Comprehensive Approach to Maritime Security

To tackle insecurity in the region, the governments of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia have tried to bolster their ability to counter security threats at sea. One example is through mechanisms such as the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement, which provides a framework for coordinated patrols and expanded information sharing. Maritime enforcement is clearly important to mitigate security threats. However, even modest naval procurement efforts can be extremely expensive and these costs need to be balanced with other priorities to maintain a comprehensive maritime security strategy.

When enforcing maritime security in the Sulu and Celebes Seas, building the capacity of local maritime law enforcement agencies is extremely critical. Unlike navies, maritime law enforcement agencies have the mission and training to address specific nontraditional security threats that are prominent in the area. Additionally, their vessels tend to be considerably less costly than naval infrastructure. The further development of maritime domain awareness in the Sulu and Celebes region through increased community engagement efforts is also needed to establish normal patterns of maritime activity and detect emerging threats.

Beyond enforcement, more effort is needed to ensure that the economic interests of marginalized coastal communities are protected. Progress has been made in this area, but more needs to be done. Ensuring equitable provision of public goods and services to coastal communities that are isolated by geography would reduce sentiments of exclusion and reduce the risk of militancy. Additionally, more investment in the sustainable development of blue economy industries like fisheries and tourism will provide alternative livelihoods for those at risk of turning to illicit maritime activity.

[Jay Benson is a Senior Researcher with OEF Research, a nonprofit research organization focused on issues of international conflict and governance. His work concentrates on maritime security, peacekeeping operations, and civilian protection. This article is derived from his research with Stable Seas, a program of OEF that provides novel research on maritime security issues.]

https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/the-forgotten-key-to-maritime-security-in-the-sulu-celebes-seas/

Marines seize getaway speedboat of Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu

From GMA News Online (Mar 22): Marines seize getaway speedboat of Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu

A speedboat of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was seized by members of the Philippine Marines in Banguingui, Sulu on Wednesday.

Authorities on Thursday said the focused military operations led to the confiscation of the vessel in Simisa Island.

The bandits were believed to be trapped on the island after the soldiers got hold of their getaway vehicle.

There was an undetermined number of casualties among the ASG while a soldier died in the said operation, according to the military.

Aside from the speedboat, rifle magazines, ammunition, and subversive documents were recovered.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines vowed to continue neutralizing the terrorists in Sulu province.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/688801/marines-seize-getaway-speedboat-of-asg-in-sulu/story/

Photo: 561st Eng. Construction Co., 84th Eng. Bn. begins construction project at Pagasa Elementary, Balikatan

From the Hawai'i Army Weekly (Mar 21, 2019): Photo: 561st Eng. Construction Co., 84th Eng. Bn. begins construction project at Pagasa Elementary, Balikatan

Soldiers from the 561st Engineer Construction Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command and 405th Civil Affairs Battalion, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, 351st Civil Affairs Command, plus Airmen from the 355th Aviation Engineer Wing, Armed Forces of the Philippines take part in a catered lunch during the Engineering Civic Action Project 4 opening ceremony as part of Exercise Balikatan, March 12, 2019. The military relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines is strong and based on mutual respect and cooperation. Exercise Balikatan, in its 35th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, and other combined military operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Scott Vargas)

 

http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/2019/03/21/561st-eng-construction-co-84th-eng-bn-begins-construction-project-at-pagasa-elementary-balikatan/

Army uncovers NPA’s plan to plant landmines in Antique

From Politiko (Mar 21, 2019): Army uncovers NPA’s plan to plant landmines in Antique

The Philippine Army has foiled another attempt by the communist New People’s Army to plant land mines in Antique province, following a clash there last Tuesday.

According to the Army, its 61st Infantry Battalion encountered the NPAs at 6 a.m. of March 19 at Barangay Osorio 1 in San Remigio, Antique.

“We believe they have plans to set up landmines and ambush government troops,” said Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander (https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/army-says-it-foiled-rebels-landmine-planting-plot/).

Magbalot said they expect more attacks by the NPA, which will mark its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.

According to Magbalot, a five-minute firefight occurred between sldiers from the 61st IB and CAFGU Active Auxiliary.

No one was killed or wounded among the government troopers.

Recovered from the area were materials used for making improvised explosive device (IED) and empty shells of various firearms.

But Magbalot expressed alarm over the perceived “mass production” of IEDs by the NPA.

Government troops had seized nine IEDs, weighing around nine kilos each, after an encounter March 17 at Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo.

Also recovered were 40 cal-5.56 mm ammunition shells, nine cal-7.62 mm cartriges, an undetermined device made of sealed orange pipe, and a black pistol holster.

https://visayas.politics.com.ph/army-uncovers-npas-plan-to-plant-landmines-in-antique/

AFP coordinates with counterparts over ‘entry’ of foreign terrorists in PH

From UNTV News & Rescue (Mar 22, 2019): AFP coordinates with counterparts over ‘entry’ of foreign terrorists in PH

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed it is closely coordinating with its foreign counterparts over the possible entry of foreign terrorists in the country through its airports and backdoor channels.

AFP Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) Spokesperson Col. Gerry Besana said this is following reports that some foreign terrorists are attempting to enter the country amid the strict security measures being implemented in the tri-boundary of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“We do not discount the possibility that they might use our airport here. How will you know that people sitting or standing beside you is a terrorist?Not unless he is holding a gun, carrying explosives or anything that will also indicate that he is a terrorist,” Besana said.

The AFP official also revealed that eight out of ten foreign terrorists who were monitored to have entered the Philippines have been tracked in Central Mindanao.

Five of these persons have been identified, including Iraqi Abdul Rahman who allegedly brought an Islamic State flag in the country, two Indonesian nationals, and a Singaporean named Mauwiya.

Mauwiya is believed to be a remnant of Zulkilfli Binhir alias Marwan, the Indonesian terrorist killed by the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) during a controversial operation, dubbed as the “Mamasapano Encounter” in January 2015.

“We’ve been trying to account all of them, but, of course, [as I’ve] said it is so hard. Nobody can tell who the terrorist is if they simply pose as ordinary people, not unless those are high-value targets reported by our foreign counterparts,” Besana said.

The military assures to continue monitoring and patrolling the country’s borders with the help of other countries, which promised to assist the Philippines in its fight against terrorism.

https://www.untvweb.com/news/afp-coordinates-with-counterparts-over-entry-of-foreign-terrorists-in-ph/

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - Army overuns CPP-NPA terrorist hideout

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Photo/slide - Army overran CPP-NPA terrorist hideout



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide: AFP neutralizes lawless element in Zamboanga del Norte

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Photo/slide: AFP neutralizes lawless element in Zamboanga del Norte



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide: Philippine Navy, US 7th Fleet hold staff to staff talks

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Photo/slide: Philippine Navy, US 7th Fleet hold staff to staff talks



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - RP-US navies working together for generations

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Photo/slide - RP-US navies working together for generations



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - 12 Filipino terror suspects arrested in Malaysia

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Photo/slide - 12 Filipino terror suspects arrested in Malaysia



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - Japan donates aircraft spare parts to PAF

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Photo/slide - Japan donates aircraft spare parts to PAF



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - AFP renews call for peaceful, orderly polls in Samar

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Photo/slide - AFP renews call for peaceful, orderly polls in Samar

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AFP-CRS: Slide/photo - PAF gets P5B worth of parts and equipment from Japan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Slide/photo: PAF gets P5B worth of parts and equipment from Japan



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AFP-CRS: Slide/photo - Troops recover Sayyaf's remains, rifle after clash in Basilan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Slide/photo: Troops recover Sayyaf's remains, rifle after clash in Basilan



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AFP-CRS: Slide/photo - Focused military operation

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 21, 2019): Slide/photo: Focused military operation



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - 2 Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu clash

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 21, 2019): Photo/slide: 2 Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu clash



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AFP-CRS: PRRD graces 122nd Army Day Celebration

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 21, 2019): PRRD graces 122nd Army Day Celebration

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – President Rodrigo R. Duterte graced the celebration of the Philippine Army’s 122nd Foundin...g Anniversary here today, Mar. 21, 2019.

President Duterte was Guest of Honor and Speaker of the Anniversary Program at the Ricarte Hall, Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal accompanied the President during the program.

Duterte first had a tour of the Army’s Mobile Treatment Facilities (MTF) followed by the Capability Demonstration and Defense Exhibit which granted the Commander-in-Chief a look into the Army’s current capabilities and modernization plan.

The MTF includes the Multi-Purpose Mobile Treatment Facility (MPMTF) and the Forward Treatment Facility (FTF). The MPMTF provides a rapid deployable and operational military facility for the mobile battalions when conducting its military operations. It can be transformed into an office, supply room, barracks, and conference room if the need arises. The FTF is conceptualized in order to provide surgery for ground troops during military operations. It can also provide advance trauma care during disaster relief, and humanitarian missions. Just like the MPMTF, the FTF is also designed for rapid deployment to areas where there are minimal resources and time constraint.

Also, as part of the anniversary program, deserving personnel who displayed conspicuous courage and gallantry in battle were given due recognition as well the best performing civilian personnel, CAFGU Active Auxilliary, and Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets.

The Distinguished Conduct Star (DCS), the second highest military award in the Armed Forces, will be awarded to Sgt. Arnel S. Alberto, Cpl. Roel P. Delos Reyes, and Pvt. Jerry N. Wassig for their conspicuous acts of courage and gallantry in the face of armed and fierce enemies as they fought against Maute terrorists in separate encounters.

The Gold Cross Medal (GCM), the fourth highest military award, will be awarded to 1Lt. Francis Hernaez, 1Lt. William S. Hiponia, 1Lt. Antonio M. Cortes Jr., and SSg. Juljiri M. Abdurajik for their gallantry in action as they fought against Communist-NPA-Terrorists in Compostella Valley, Camarines Sur, Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, respectively.

Other awardees are SSg. Ramil G. Binoya (Enlisted Personnel of the Year 2018), CAA Andrito C. Libradilla (CAFGU Active Auxillary of the year 2018), Ms. Rosemarie O. Vilbar (Model Supervisor of the Year), Ms. Modest Joydalyn M. Reyes (Employee of the Year), Lt. Col. Suharto T. Mangudadatu (PA Reservist Officer of the Year), Pfc. Sherwin Cesar Adame PA (Res) (PA Reservist Enlisted Personnel of the Year), Cdt./Lt. Col. Lester Vic C. Delima 1CL (PA Male Advance ROTC Cadet of the year) and Cdt./1Lt. Col. Jovelyn B. Sambo 2CL (PA Female Advance ROTC Cadet of the year.)

In its 122 years, the Army has been instrumental in it’s fight for independence first through the Revolutionary Army in 1892 against Spanish colonizers and then as the Commonwealth Army in World War II from 1938 to 1945. The Army also offered military aid in South Korea during the Korean War in the 1950s and helped in rebuilding war-torn Vietnam in 1966. In recent years, it successfully defended the state’s territorial integrity and sovereignty against terrorists during the Zamboanga Siege in 2013 and in Marawi in 2017.

Prior to the anniversary program, President Duterte also led the turn-over, unveiling, and blessing of the Marawi Heroes Memorial Monument (Pylon) at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The pylon honors the 160 soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 8 personnel from the Philippine National Police who were killed in action while liberating Marawi City from the hands of Daesh-inspired Maute terrorists.#

 

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https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2234295663485646/2234295506818995/?type=3&theater



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - NPAs on the run in Panay Island

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 21, 2019): Photo/slide: NPAs on the run in Panay Island

"We strongly believe that these communist terrorists are planning to attack not only our detachments and troops but also other vulnerable targets using anti-personnel landmines. We will not let these communist terrorists celebrate the anniversary of their outrages. Our troops will not stop going after them to an end to their decades of cruelty." -MGEN DINOH A DOLINA AFP, Commander, 3rd Infantty Division, PA



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AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - DND warns of Filipino Jihadists returning from Iraq and Syria

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Mar 21, 2019): Photo/slide: DND warns of Filipino Jihadists returning from Iraq and Syria



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CPP/CPDF-Mt. Province: The continuing relevance and the need for revolutionary struggle of the national minorities in the present times

Cordillera People's Democratic Front (CPDF) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2019): The continuing relevance and the need for revolutionary struggle of the national minorities in the present times

Simon 'Ka Filiw' Naogsan
Spokesperson
Cordillera People's Democratic Front - Mt. Province
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

March 21, 2019

The Cordillera People’s Democratic Front conveys its utmost solidarity to the New People’s Army in celebration of its golden anniversary on March 29 of this year. Despite all the muck hurled by the succeeding puppet regimes, the revolutionary armed struggle being waged by NPA under the guidance of the Communist Party of the Philippines has succeeded in being the beacon of hope for all the oppressed and exploited people in the entire country.

In the Cordillera, the role of the revolutionary struggle in advancing the struggle of the national minorities for self determination and democracy has been undeniable. Since the first NPA unit set foot in Ifugao in 1971, it rapidly expanded across the six provinces of the Cordillera. By the last part of the 1970s, it has taken root among the various indigenous tribes of the Cordillera. Undertaking painstaking mass work, social investigation and study of the particular situation of the national minorities in the region and correct mass line has been the key in waging the revolution in this mountainous land. Its correct grasp of the particularity of the national minority struggle for self-determination and democracy has been sharpened through relentless practice. The revolutionary movement was also the first to study the history and the circumstances that brought national oppression as the particular problem burdening the people of the Cordillera. This particular and continuing study gave fruition to documents such as the Special Mass Course on the national minorities of the Cordillera, the Constitution and By-Laws and the 10 Points Program of the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front.

The Chico Dam and Cellophil struggles were among the first breakthroughs on the tyrannical martial rule of the Marcos dictatorship. These struggles, together with the various mass campaigns carried on in the different Cordillera provinces including the border areas of Ilocos Sur, such as the anti-mining struggles, the reclaiming of the so-called Marcos Park at Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet; the anti-tribal campaigns; the Regionalization and Beyond among others, strengthened the people’s resolve to steadfastly defend their land and resources against landgrabbers and aggressors who wants to plunder ancestral lands in the name of so-called ‘development.’ They warmly embraced the NPA as their true army against the reactionary mercenaries of the state. If not for the hard and spirited struggles waged by the national minorities with the help of the people’s army to protect the ancestral land, the Cordillera would have long been gone.

The Cordillera youth, professionals, religious sector and the like also played a role in propagating the national-democratic revolution and in exposing the injustices against the national minorities, among them the anti-Grand Canao protests and open protest against discrimination on Igorots. A significant number of Cordillera youth from the cities and the countryside joined the NPA as they realized that the place of the youth is in the struggle to defend the land and secure a better future. The advance of the armed struggle in the Cordillera has been one of the most resonant in the whole Northern Luzon during the second half of the 1980s. The breakaway of the traitor faction of Conrado Balweg’s Cordillera People’s Liberation Army has not hampered the expansion of the NPA’s ranks.

The revolutionary armed struggle of the national minorities in Cordillera has taken its peak with the founding of the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front in 1981 onwards. Since then, it has forged the bond among the various tribes and sectors to unite in the fight for their welfare and ultimately, for the freedom of the whole country. The CPDF has also been instrumental in building the first organs of political power in far-flung parts of the Cordillera, places that have long been forsaken and neglected by the reactionary government. Through the formations of the Village and Municipal Council of Leaders in the different municipalities, the people for the first time experienced true democratic political power. The positive experiences derived from this have shown the Manila-based puppet government that the people can govern themselves. It is this power that shook their core and pushed them to use all their imperialist-given resources to use excessive force against the people.

At present, many challenges have to be faced. The continuing destruction and plunder of Cordillera’s ancestral lands has also brought the increasing erosion of our traditional socio-political systems and culture. In order to have unbridled control over the land and resources of the Cordillera, an all-sided offensive against the people of the Cordillera have been unleashed. Cordillera politicians have renewed efforts to push for the bogus Cordillera autonomy, buoyed up by the recent build-up of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Agricultural backwardness still prevails, made even worse by government neglect. Indigenous culture have also been commodified, as evidenced by the growing number of tourism-driven and profit-motivated festivals sprouting in every province down to the barangay levels. The rotten imperialist culture is propagated, especially among Cordillera youth for the purpose of obliterating the militant tradition of the Cordillera people and make them docile purveyors of bourgeois-decadent culture. To silence the people’s opposition to projects such as large-scale mining, dams and energy projects, increasing militarization and psywar efforts have targeted communities and progressive organizations of farmers, women and youth. To veer them away from the path of struggle and break the unity of the tribes, Cordillera youth and farmers are being led to being paid mercenaries of the state through conscripting them to the military and paramilitary service. Indigenous socio-political systems such as the dap-ay and bodong are also being debased to serve in the government’s counter-insurgency programs, which has brought disunity among the communities.

Despite the vilifications and demonization attacks of the Duterte regime, the NPA is deeply respected and cherished by the national minorities of the Cordillera due to the fact that it has shown its principled consciousness and utmost commitment in fighting for the people’s interest and welfare. The people still cannot forget up to present how the NPA waged its campaign against anti-social activities such as gambling, robberies and cattle-rustling in the communities. The NPA has also facilitated the peaceful resolution of many inter-tribal conflicts, in contrast to the AFP’s incitement of many tribal disputes resulting to tribal wars. The NPA also waged agrarian campaigns among the communities. And most of all, only the NPA has steadfastly been with the Cordillera people through the years in its struggle to defend the land and its resources against plunderous and destructive projects of big compradors and imperialists. Punitive actions such as the one launched against the mining giant Philex Mining Company last February 2017 and against the Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company are expressions of this continuing commitment.

The CPDF is one with the CPP and NPA in carrying on the fight for freedom and national democracy. The CPDF firmly believes that only through the total victory of the national-democratic revolution and the subsequent socialist revolution can the right to self-determination and democracy of the national minorities be fully achieved. While the armed revolution is still being waged at present, the CPDF shall continue to be at the forefront of the national minorities fight against national oppression and the three basic problems of imperialism, bureaucrat capitalism and feudalism. The CPDF shall continue its tasks that are integrated with the three main tasks of the NPA in the vast countryside, which are education, base building and agrarian revolution. In addition, the CPDF commits itself in enlightening more people, especially the Cordillera youth on the pressing issues of the country and encouraging them to take part in the people’s struggles. For the people’s army is the true bastion of strength and the true soldiers of the people.

Long live the New People’s Army!

Love and cherish the people’s army!

Carry on the revolution forward until victory!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/the-continuing-relevance-and-the-need-for-revolutionary-struggle-of-the-national-minorities-in-the-present-times/

NDF/Sison: Duterte Is Like an Old Broken Record Endlessly Terminating the Peace Negotiations

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 21, 2019: Duterte Is Like an Old Broken Record Endlessly Terminating the Peace Negotiations

Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

March 21, 2019



Duterte is like an old broken record repeating ad nauseam his termination of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. As far as the NDFP is concerned, Duterte formally killed the peace negotiations on November 23, 2017 with his Proclamation 360 terminating them.

Since then, what Duterte has been doing is merely driving more nails into the coffin of the peace negotiations under his regime. He needs the continuance of the armed conflict as the excuse to impose on the people a de facto martial law nationwide and eventually a full-blown fascist dictatorship through charter change to a bogus kind of federalism.

Instead of peace negotiations at the national level by the duly-authorized panels of the GRP and the NDFP, what Duterte wants is fake localized peace negotiations staged and controlled by the military and military-occupied Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Negotiations (OPAPP).

In these fake negotiations, people are gathered by local officials and misrepresented as surrenderers and the military officers collect the reward money for the fake surrenderers. This racket is the essence of the so-called whole-nation approach whereby the civilians are subjugated and humiliated by the military for purposes of psywar, mass intimidation and listing of prospective targets of the Duterte death squads.

As far as the NDFP is concerned, the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations can be resurrected in the future by a new GRP administration. The Duterte regime is not eternal. It can be finished with the success of the oust movement, with the end of his term in 2022 or with his certain overthrow as he forces his way to a fascist dictatorship.

In the meantime, the revolutionary forces and the people need to defend themselves actively and advance their revolutionary cause by all possible forms of resistance. By terminating the peace negotiations and brutally carrying out an all-out war against the people, Duterte gives the revolutionary forces and the people no other choice but to wage and intensify the people’s war.

The conditions for waging the armed revolution are favorable because the broad masses of the people detest and want to get rid of a regime of greed and terror that is generating an unprecedented economic and financial crisis. The tyrannical, treasonous, murdering and corrupt rule of Duterte and the rapidly worsening economic crisis combine to constitute a perfect storm conducive to waging the people’s war.

https://www.ndfp.org/duterte-is-like-an-old-broken-record-endlessly-terminating-the-peace-negotiations/

MILF: Galvez to Bangsamoro communities in the Metro: “BARMM is for everyone”

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Galvez to Bangsamoro communities in the Metro: “BARMM is for everyone”



In photo- OPAPP Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. speaks during the 4th National Peace Forum held at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The beauty of the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) lies in its principle of inclusiveness and goal of serving the best interests of the Moro people regardless of where they are residing in the country.

This was emphasized by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Carlito Galvez Jr. during the 4th National Peace Forum held here at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Napakaganda po ng provisions ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It is not only for those residing in the five core territories, but for all Moros residing anywhere in the country,” Galvez said in his keynote address.

“BARMM is a concrete indication that we can work together, regardless of tribe or religion, and achieve results. This is the power of convergence. Despite our differences, we are bound by our common vision for our people and peoples’ welfare.” he added.

According to the peace adviser, one of the most effective ways of addressing the rise of radical extremism and the prevailing culture of violence in the country is to educate the people, particularly the youth, women, orphans and the vulnerable sectors on these issues.

He also underscored the need for all stakeholders to come together and work hand in hand to ensure the success of the new political entity which replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“While opportunities abound in the Bangsamoro, these will not materialize without the contribution of everyone. There is a lot we can do from our end regardless of our stature in life. All of us can make a difference,” he said.

Galvez called on everyone to “contribute their time, knowledge and skills in this concerted undertaking.”

“We must seize this opportunity to help our Moro brothers and sisters achieve their longtime dream and aspirations,” he said.

Around 300 participants composed of ulamas, interfaith representatives, women, youth, and representatives of Rotary Club Districts attended the event.

They were led by Rotary Club officials which included Liza Elorde, Yussuf Candidato Macalangcom, and PSUPT Ibra Moxir.

The forum aims to, among others, promote sustainable peace initiatives not only in the country but throughout the world by creating local and international partnerships among peace stakeholders.

The event was organized by the Rotary Club of Manila, in partnership with the Imam Council of the Philippines and Salam Advocates of the Philippines Foundation.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1764/galvez-to-bangsamoro-communities-in-the-metro-----barmm-is-for-everyone---

4ID joins Army’s 122nd anniversary

Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Mar 21, 2019): 4ID joins Army’s 122nd anniversary

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Military officers of the 4th Infantry Division show how their K-9 bomb-sniffing dog unit perform under their command, inside a mall in Cagayan de Oro as part of the 122nd founding anniversary of the Philippine Army. These dogs are also trained to detect illegal drugs and other harmful substances. (4ID photo)

    

THE 4th Infantry Division (4ID) celebrated Philippine Army’s 122nd Anniversary with a static capability display in Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.

The two-day activity featured recruitment booth, rappelling, modified obstacle course, weapons and ammunition display, and a peace concert. With the theme “122 Years of Heroism: Serving the People, Securing the Land”, elite units of 4ID such as the Scout Rangers and Special Forces, and the Mechanized and Artillery Battalions, put their capabilities on display.

Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander, said the gains of the Philippine Army as a whole, and the 4ID soldiers’ contributions to it.

“It is a fitting reminder to everyone that freedom does not always come free - it was paid by the blood, sweat, and tears of our brave heroes. We do not only look back at what we have achieved but also look forward to building sustainable partnerships for peace and development,” Gacal said.

The 4ID commander urged the public to continue to support the army, and work towards a lasting peace and sustainable development, by creating empowered and conflict-resilient communities.

“I can assure you that your soldiers from the 4ID will continue to faithfully pursue its mandate in serving the people, securing the land in Caraga and Northern Mindanao,” he said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1798030/Cagayan-De-Oro/Local-News/4ID-joins-Armys-122nd-anniversary

NPA rebels harass Cafgu detachment

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 21, 2019): NPA rebels harass Cafgu detachment

Suspected New People’s Army rebels harassed a CAFGU detachment Tuesday night in Sitio Polopangyan, Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental.

However, nobody was hit or injured among the personnel of the 12IB CAFGU detachment, Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

Toboso police investigation showed that about nine NPA rebels, positioned themselves about 500 meters from detachment, and indiscriminately fired their guns, that included an M-203 grenade launcher, for about two minutes.

Arevalo said his troops have always remained vigilant to counter any violent activities of the NPA.

Recovered from the area vacated by the fleeing rebels were 71 empty shells of M-16 and AK 47 assault rifles, and a spent cartridge of an M-203 grenade launcher.

The New People’s Army is marking its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/March/21/topstory12.htm

SOS Network claim of murder by Cafgu member false: Army

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 21, 2019): SOS Network claim of murder by Cafgu member false: Army

The military belied the claim of the Save Our School (SOS) network that a 15-year-old Lumad student in Talaingod was shot by a member of a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Sitio Milyong, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Col. Ezra Balagtey, the spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command, said a member of the government militia did not shoot the Lumad student.

Instead, it was Jimbo Valintin, who accidentally hit the victim when he fired his shotgun at Andomy Umasay, who was with the CAA Eroy Valintin at that time.
He said the incident happened on Jan. 7, 2019, contrary to the claim of Save Our Schools Network (SOS) that the incident happened on Mar. 15, 2019.

“The case was settled through the tribal justice system which is allowed by IPRA,” he said.

In their Facebook page, the SOS Network said the victim, Jerome Pangadas, was a grade six student of Salugpongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center and a resident of Sitio Kamingawan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod.

 The group claimed that at around 6 p.m. of March 15, a Cafgu member opened fire at a certain ‘Andomeng’ and ‘Umow’, residents of Sitio Milyon. One of them only sustained wounds while Jerome was hit on the head killing him on the spot. He was then watching TV at Andomeng’s house when the incident happened.

 Balagtey said the offending party offered a horse and was accepted by the offended party – a tribal gesture of amicably settling a dispute.

In fact, he said the troops mediated and helped out in caring for those who were harmed and killed during the unfortunate incident.

“The situation in the community has been normal and peaceful since the settlement was reached,” he added.

In his statement, Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., the EastMinCom chief, advised netizens to “beware of fake news or propaganda being sent to you or posted in social media.”

“Any concern or issue regarding our unit or subordinate units can be raised or clarified with our Public Information Office,” Santos said.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/03/21/sos-network-claim-of-murder-by-cafgu-member-false-army/

Soldiers rescue wounded NPA rebel after clash in ComVal

From MindaNews (Mar 21, 2019): Soldiers rescue wounded NPA rebel after clash in ComVal

Soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion (28IB) rescued on Monday a wounded communist rebel, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) reported on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) spokesperson, identified the member of the New People’s Army as “Randy” (real name withheld), who was rescued last March 18 somewhere in the boundary of Lupon and Brgy. Las Arenas in Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

The 28-year-old rebel was wounded when government troops engaged in brief firefight with NPA rebels last March 17. Randy was rescued by soldiers when his companion left him behind after they were subdued by government troops.

Balagtey also cautioned the public of what he described as a “propaganda” peddled by Save Our Schools Network (SOS) who reported earlier this week that a militiaman had slain a Lumad teen in the hinterlands of Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

On Tuesday, SOS spokesperson Rius Valles said that Jerome Pangadas, a resident of Sitio Kamingawan, Brgy. Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte and a Grade 6 pupil of Salugpongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, was killed by a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) last March 15.

Pangadas was killed after a bullet hit his head.

But Balagtey belied Valles’s claim and tagged the SOS report as “distorted.”

“The CAA [Civilian Active Auxiliary, the CAFGU member] did not shoot the Lumad student. It was his brother Jimbo Valintin who accidentally did it when he fired his improvised shotgun targeting a certain Andomy Umasay who was with the CAA at that time,” Balagtey said in a statement sent to reporters Tuesday.

The military official said that the incident transpired last January 7, contrary to SOS’s claim that the incident happened on March 15, noting the case was settled through the tribal justice system which is allowed in the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA).

“In fact, the troops mediated and helped out in caring for those who were harmed and killed during the unfortunate incident. The situation in the community has been normal and peaceful since the settlement was reached,” he said.

Balagtey warned the media and netizens “to beware of fake news or propaganda being sent to you or posted in social media.”

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/03/soldiers-rescue-wounded-npa-rebel-after-brief-clash-in-comval/

9th ID salutes brave soldiers – fallen but not defeated

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 21, 2019): 9th ID salutes brave soldiers – fallen but not defeated



PILI, Camarines Sur – It was in 2016 when Cpl Jojo V. Lim, Cpl Mark Joy C. Belano, Cpl Rocky C. Sasutona and Pvt. Christopher Baylon momentarily left their families to serve and help Marawi City redeem its lost peace and end the 5-month long crisis caused by ISIL fighters.

The province lost Belano, who is from Pili, Lim from Balatan and Sasutona from Ocampo. Baylon is a native of Labo, Camarines Norte. All four are from Bicol and were former members of the 49th Infantry Battalion before they were sent off in a mission to help fight terrorism in Mindanao.

After three years, they returned at the same airport, aboard the Philippine Air Force’s C291 plane, cold and lifeless.

Fallen, yes -- but not defeated.

Maj. Gen. Fernando T Trinidad, Commander of 9th Infantry (Spear) Division and JTF Bicolandia who extended his utmost respect and condolences to the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers, said that their sacrifices bespeak of the “soldier’s commitment to country and the people.”

“As we gaze at the national flag that flies at half-mast anew, rest assured that the heroism and sacrifices of our soldiers will not be in vain. We will continue to pursue peace in our country" he added.

Trinidad vowed that the fallen soldiers will be given an appropriate burial honors befitting for heroes.

The four soldiers died during a clash with the Daesh-inspired terrorist group led by Owayda Benito Marohombsar alyas “Abu Dar” in Sitio Tagum, Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran, Lanao del Sur on March 15.

After receiving the soldiers at the Pili Airport, their remains were brought at the St. Martin of Tours Chapel at Camp Elias Angeles for a necrological service. Tears and silent weeping filled the room but the sense of pride and respect for their heroism were also felt flooding the area.

After the necro rites, the soldiers’ coffins were sent back to their respective families for some privacy.

Col. Ferozaldo Paul T. Regencia, Assistant Division Commander for Reserve Force Development was also present during the ceremony.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020055

Tagalog News: Mga sundalong nasawi sa Mindanao, naiuwi na sa Camarines Sur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Tagalog News: Mga sundalong nasawi sa Mindanao, naiuwi na sa Camarines Sur

 

LUNGSOD NG NAGA – Sakay ng C291 na eroplano ng Philippine Air Force ang mga labi nina Corporal Jojo V. Lim, Corporal Mark Joy C. Belano, Corporal Rocky C. Sasutona at Private Christopher Baylon noong Marso 20 ng umaga sa Pili Aiport dito sa lalawigan ng Camarines Sur.

Ang 4 na Bicolanong sundalo ay nasawi dahil sa pakikipaglaban sa bahagi ng Mindanao noong nakaraang Byernes, Marso 15 sa mga teroristang grupo mula sa Tubaran, Lanao Del Sur.

Sinalubong ang mga labi ng magigiting na sundalo ng mga opisyal at enlisted personnel ng 9th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army sa Bicol pati na rin ng mga pamilya ng mga nasawi. Binigyan ng full military honors ang mga namatay na sundalo sa naturang paliparan.

Ayon kay 9th ID, Division of Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief Capt. Joash Pramis, s mga miyembro ng 49th infantry Battalion ng 9th ID ang mga nasawing sundalo. Si Cpl. Lim ay mula sa bayan ng Balatan, Camarines Sur; Cpl. Belano ay mula sa bayan ng Pili; Cpl. Sasatuna ng bayan ng Ocampo at si Pvt. Baylon naman ay mula sa Labo, Camarines Norte.

Batay sa pamunuan ng 9th ID, sa kasalukuyan ay hindi pa malinaw ang detalye ng pagkamatay ng nasabing mga kawal ng gobyerno, maituturing itong bayani dahil sa pagbubuwis ng kanilang buhay upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao.

Tiniyak din ng 9ID ang tulong ng gobyerno para sa mga naulilang pamilya ng mga nasawing sundalo.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020069

Army seizes BIFF lair in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Army seizes BIFF lair in Maguindanao



FOXHOLE. The abandoned underground lair of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters found by government troopers in Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Tuesday (March 19). The terror group's hiding place also contained war materials (inset), including components for anti-personnel mines. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao -- Government forces pursuing Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao have seized an abandoned lair of the terror group in Barangay Magaslong here.

In a statement released Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the hideout was discovered on Tuesday by elements of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion.

“The abandoned lair has running trenches, foxholes and sniper bunkers that can accommodate about 20 persons,” Sobejana said.

Government troopers also recovered one rifle telescope, one antenna, assorted empty shells, wires and nails, one solar panel with battery, one passport, medical supplies, anti-personnel mines components, cellphone, identification cards and assorted documents at the BIFF hideout.

“This is not a victory announcement, but a significant progress in the fight against the BIFF and the Daesh-inspired group,” Sobejana said.

“We do not want to give them the opportunity to gather and create fear in the community, but instead we will sustain our focused military operation to end this amok in the society,” he added.

Since March 11, more than 20 BIFF members had been reported killed during the focused military operations that involved the military’s air and ground assets in Maguindanao’s second district.

The operation also forced some 30,000 individuals from seven affected towns in Maguindanao to seek refuge in nearby safer grounds. The affected towns include Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Piang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, and Shariff Aguak.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065178

BARMM inauguration reset to March 29

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): BARMM inauguration reset to March 29

The inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with President Rodrigo Duterte as the special guest of honor has been reset anew to March 29.

“That is the latest advisory we received from Malacañang,” Abdullah Cusain, BARMM deputy executive secretary, said over a local radio station here Thursday.

Cusain said the event’s schedule has so far been moved four times to accommodate the President who has expressed his desire to attend the occasion personally.

Only recently, the BARMM leadership has announced that the event would take place on March 25 from the tentative schedules of March 11 and March 21.

However, Cusain noted that the latest information they have received is that the schedule has been changed to March 29.

“We will just follow what has been given us,” he said.

The forthcoming BARMM inauguration will also mark the inaugural session of the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) for the newly-established region.

The BTA, comprising 41 Moro Islamic Liberation Front nominees and 39 government representatives, is tasked with governing the BARMM from 2019 up to the assumption of new regional officials elected during the 2022 polls.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065247

Military not engaged in partisan political activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Military not engaged in partisan political activities



Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office chief Col. Noel Detoyato (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

The Makabayan bloc’s allegations that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with other government agencies, is engaged in partisan political activities are "meant to tarnish the image" of the military, an official said Thursday.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, denied the allegations of the left-leaning group that the AFP, the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government are into partisan political activities, system vilification, and red-tagging of organizations.

"The AFP will never engage in partisan politics. The sweeping statement of this group is meant to tarnish the image of the AFP, which is at the forefront of ensuring the security and safeguarding the rights of the voters so that they can freely go out and vote this coming mid-term elections," Detoyato said.

Detoyato said the Makabayan bloc should instead convince voters and the public that their group is not part of any violent efforts to topple the government.

"Why don't they just concentrate on convincing the voters that they are not part of the group that wants to bring down the government through violent means instead of concentrating on destroying the image of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Detoyato said.

"The only time the voters will believe them that they are not part of the group that is conspiring to violently bring down the government and change our way of life is when they publicly denounce the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) and its fronts," he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065183

Duterte asks Misuari to form negotiating panel

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Duterte asks Misuari to form negotiating panel

 

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has asked Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to form a negotiating panel to address his group's concerns.

Duterte made this response to Misuari when they met in Malacañang on Tuesday and the MNLF leader told the President that he will go to war if the proposed shift to a federal system will not materialize.

“Sabi ni Misuari kagabi (Misuari said last night), ‘If you do not give it to me, let me be very honest: I will go to war.’ Sabi ko (I replied), I understand that Nur. So ganito na lang gawin natin (So here's what we will do). Let’s form a panel because we have to inform the people. We cannot negotiate secretly here," Duterte said in his speech during the campaign rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in Marikina City on Wednesday night.

“Sabi ko para (I said, so that) day to day they will be briefed kung ano outcome, how gusto mo ma-apply yung federal system sa gusto mo, gaya ba ng BOL o different type. (What the outcome, how you want to apply the federal system the way you want. Would it be like the Bangsamoro Organic Law or a different type),” he added.

The President said Misuari expressed his desire for federalism which was promised to his group since the administration of former President Corazon Aquino.

"Iyan ang inaasahan ng mga Moro para magkaroon naman sila, magkaroon, mabawi nila ‘yung mga lupa na inagaw ng mga pari, mga Español pati Amerikano (That is what Moros expect for them to regain the lands grabbed by the priests, Spaniards, Americans)," he said.

Duterte met with Misuari after the MILF leader returned from an overseas trip.

“Misuari kagabi galing siya abroad, (Misuari returned from abroad last night) I allowed him to go out kasi may kaso siya. Sabi ko (because he is facing charges. I told him) when you come back come here, we’ll talk,” Duterte said.

The President said National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo were present when he met with Misuari.

Duterte earlier said he “admired” Misuari's patience in peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, Panelo said Misuari "was very happy" with the President's response to form a negotiating panel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065207

Anti-communist group calls on voters to reject Makabayan bloc

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Anti-communist group calls on voters to reject Makabayan bloc



Members of an anti-communist group on Thursday staged a rally at the House of Representatives in Quezon City to denounce members of the Makabayan bloc in Congress for allegedly being a legal front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

The Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIP) members also called on the electorate not to vote for their reelection during the May 13 mid-term polls.
In an interview, Ka Dario Bolivar, LIP's spokesperson, claimed that party-list groups Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Act Teachers and Kabataan are also legal fronts of the CPP-NPA.

The LIP's aim is to expose and prevent them from returning to Congress in the next elections, Bolivar said.

“We are campaigning against terrorist groups in the hope that in this coming election, their legal fronts would not be returned in Congress, these partylist groups that they are using to promote the interest of leftist or communist groups in the country,” Bolivar told the Philippine News Agency in Filipino.

The Cordillera native pointed out that the Makabayan bloc seems only bent in opposing the government, no matter who is in the Palace.



“If we look at it, no matter who is sitting in Malacañang, they have no programs supporting the incumbent. They oppose whatever administration is in power,” Bolivar said.

He said that these organizations even opposed foreign powers coming in aid of the Philippines, including the United States and even China.

“Where do they really stand? That’s why they really look like terrorist groups,” he said.

Bolivar said during the time of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the release of the groups' respective priority development assistance funds (PDAF) were suspended over claims that the funds were being funneled to the NPA.

“Their PDAF were removed because they are channeling it to the mountains in the guise of livelihood programs. They are giving it to their NPA allies in the countryside,” he said.

He said it was a good thing that President Rodrigo Duterte declared the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group.

The President proclaimed the CPP-NPA as a terror group in Dec. 5, 2017 following continued attacks against state forces, despite the government’s efforts to reach out to communist rebels for peace talks.

The US and EU have also tagged the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

Bolivar, a former member of the communist movement, said in the 50 years of CPP-NPA’s existence, the rebel movement had only brought misery in their sphere of influence.

He said their revolutionary tactics have been scaring investors and businessmen in the countryside, leading to an exodus of Filipinos to work abroad.

“As Filipinos, we should be working together to advance the development of our country, so that our economy will grow and there will be jobs and livelihood,” he said.

“So now, before the elections on May 13, every Filipino should bear in mind not to return the representatives of their party-list groups like Gabriela, Act Teachers, Anakpawis, Kabataan and Bayan Muna, or the Makabayan bloc, that is their legal front in the House and the Senate,” Bolivar added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065223

AFP supports localized peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): AFP supports localized peace talks

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is always supportive of localized peace talks in addressing local root causes of insurgency, an official said on Thursday.

"The AFP fully supports the efforts of localized peace talks. It is ongoing and it was never suspended and it is gaining headway. Local peace initiatives address the local (security) problems and local root cause of insurgency," public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato Detoyato said in text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Earlier, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the termination of appointments of members of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) negotiating panel will pave the way for the creation of an inclusive group that will supervise localized peace engagements.

He said the composition of the new panel will be based on the Colombian model which includes representatives from different sectoral groups, local government units, and the military whose presence is essential to the peace negotiations.

Detoyato earlier said the government is now ensuring the successful integration of surrendered New People's Army (NPA) communist rebels into mainstream society.

"They are given trainings at TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), psycho-social debriefing, housing where appropriate and needed, renumeration of surrendered firearms," he added.

Aside from this, these surrendered NPAs also have the option to join militia and regular military units aside from availing of scholarships to further educate themselves, Detoyato added.

"And they have the option to join the CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit), or the regular army force. In some instances, they apply for scholarships to continue their formal education. Others requests for relocation or return to their places of origin," the AFP official added.

In the first two months of 2019, a total of 608 NPA members and supporters surrendered to government troops. This can be broken down into 107 regular armed rebels, with 137 as "Milisya ng Bayan" and 364 mass supporters.

“We hope to receive more rebels who want to return to the folds of the law rather than the casualties we record daily in the bloody battlefield,” Detoyato said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065203

PH, Russian navies to sign cooperation deal in July

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): PH, Russian navies to sign cooperation deal in July



Russian and Filipino naval cooperation is expected to get a much-needed boost as both nations are set to sign a naval cooperation agreement in July.

This was bared by Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-commander Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad in an interview with reporters Thursday.

He said the initial agreement is already finalized and that they will forward it to the Department of National Defense (DND) for approval.

Once the DND gives its approval, Empedrad said they will go to Russia to sign the agreement, which is expected to strengthen the relationship of the two countries.

Last Wednesday, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Vladimir I. Korolyov, was accorded arrival honors during his visit to the PN headquarters at the Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

He was then conferred the Honorary Flag Rank Command Badge and Plaque at the Hall of Flags followed by the PN organizational briefing.

Korolyov and members of his staff arrived in the country last March 18 as official guests of the PN.

His visit officially started with a wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument in Luneta, cultural tour in Intramuros, Manila and a visit to the PN vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601).

Korolyov is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and tour Corregidor Island during his four-day visit.

Empedrad said Korolyov's visit is the reciprocation of his visit to Russia last year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065240

Sayyaf in Sulu standoff undergoes inquest

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Sayyaf in Sulu standoff undergoes inquest

A self-confessed member of the renegade Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who was among those who fought off the military during government operations to rescue Malaysian hostages last March 15 underwent inquest proceedings Thursday at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Karah Musa Salapuddin a.k.a. Cesar, 49, of Tungkil, Jolo, Sulu, was presented by law enforcement officials led by Sgt. Roliver Pascua of Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) before Assistant State Prosecutor Ethel Rea G. Suril at the DOJ.

Charges of frustrated multiple murder and illegal possession were filed against Salapuddin for his alleged involvement in the incident in Banguingui, Sulu.

A preliminary investigation was ordered on the case by the prosecutor on March 28.

Two members of the Philippine Marines were wounded and about 500 residents were forced to flee during operations on the island in Banguingui, Sulu where the ASG, led by sub leader Salip Mura, reportedly held two Malaysian nationals in captivity.

The encounter resulted in the wounding of Marine soldiers Corporal Syruss Valenzuela and Private Jude Louiss B Nabalan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065280

Local peace engagements more productive: Galvez

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Local peace engagements more productive: Galvez

Local peace engagements are more productive mechanisms to attain peace and address communist insurgency in the country, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Thursday.

"Mas magiging creative and more productive yung localized peace engagements kasi yung mismong NPA at saka yung mismong mga members ng mga party makakausap natin (Localized peace engagements are more creative and more productive because we can talk directly with New People’s Army (NPA) and members of the party,” Galvez said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

Galvez said the government seems having a hard time to deal with the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) at the national level due to many demands the communists have been asking from government.

"For almost 32 years that we are doing this (national peace talks), parang ‘di tayo nagsisimula eh (it seems so hard to get started)," Galvez said.

He believed that socio-economic packages and transitional justice will serve as confidence-building measures to address the root causes of the insurgency and will convince NPA rebels to return to the fold of government.

"We will change their mindset from being a revolutionary to become normal people who want justice and peace also to become productive. We will transform their collective desire to have a very productive life in the future," he said.

Galvez said the local government units and stakeholders involved in the handling of problems at the ground level will be consulted and included in the negotiations.

He said the Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018 to institutionalize a whole-of-nation approach in attaining peace, will be beneficial in local peace engagements.

"Ang kagandahan nito (The good thing about this) is during the negotiation kasama lahat yung (all) Cabinet members (are part of it)," he said.

Galvez, meanwhile, clarified that the peace talks are not terminated, saying members of the government negotiating panel will be reconstituted after the Joint National Peace and Order Council agreed to pursue localized peace engagements instead.

On Wednesday, Malacañang confirmed the termination of the appointments of government peace negotiators with communist rebels "in view of the termination of the peace negotiations" with the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Galvez said Duterte intends to honor previous agreements entered int by the government.

"The President really wanted to honor yung (the) previous commitments natin sa kanila (of the government with rebels). Lagi niyang sinasabi sa amin sa (He always tells us in the) Cabinet meeting that he is honor-bound to uphold what are the agreements that have been settled and signed by the government," he said.

He mentioned the rejectionist faction of the CPP-NPA in the early 2000s as one of the early examples of local peace engagements.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier said they are always supportive of localized peace talks in addressing the local root causes of insurgency.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065269

Another NDF consultant, companion nabbed in Cavite raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Another NDF consultant, companion nabbed in Cavite raid

Police and military operatives on Wednesday night arrested another National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant and his companion during a raid in Imus, Cavite.

In a press briefing on Thursday at the Southern Police District in Taguig City, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Renante Gamara, NDFP peace consultant for the National Capital Region and retired priest Arturo Joseph Balagat were arrested in Gen. Bautista St., Poblacion II-A in Imus, Cavite.

Armed with a search warrant, the Regional Special Operations Unit of the NCRPO, Philippine Army and intelligence agents nabbed and brought the two men to Camp General Pantaleon Garcia in Imus, Cavite.

Gamara is a member of the central committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA), authorities said.

Recovered during the raid were a cal. 9mm pistol with magazine, two hand grenades, several electronic devices and gadgets containing subversive information, several subversive documents and cash amounting to PHP90,000.

In 2012, Gamara was apprehended in Las Piñas City by virtue of two warrants of arrest -- one for kidnapping with murder of a soldier in Quezon and the other for frustrated murder.

He was among the 21 NDF consultants who were temporarily released to take part in the peace talks between the government and communist leaders in Oslo, Norway in 2016.

Eleazar said Gamara went into hiding after President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the peace talks on Nov. 23, 2017 and subsequently ordered that they be rearrested.

Gamara will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10915 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and RA 9516 or illegal possession of explosives and violation of the Omnibus Election Code which will be filed before the Department of Justice.

Balagat, on the other hand, will remain under custody of NCRPO for further investigation.

Gamara’s arrest brings to four the number of NDFP peace consultants behind bars.

Adelberto Silva, Vicente Ladlad, and Rey Claro Casambre were arrested in succession late last year after repeated attempts to revive the stalled peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP failed.

Rafael Baylosis was first arrested in January 2019 but was eventually released last January 18 after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court threw out the charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives earlier filed against him.

Twelve days later, NDFP peace consultant Randy Felix Malayao was killed inside a bus in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya last January 30.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065258

Duterte permanently ends peace talks with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Duterte permanently ends peace talks with Reds

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday officially announced the permanent termination of the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).



Duterte made the announcement that drew applause while delivering his speech during the 122nd Philippine Army (PA) founding anniversary in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“I am officially announcing the permanent termination of our talks between the Government Panel and the Communist Party of the Philippines,” he said.

Duterte said he will no longer entertain “any interventions or maybe persuasions in this democratic state of the Republic of the Philippines”.

“My sense is that you can maybe talk to the next president of this Republic one day,” said Duterte, whose term will end in 2022.

The President mentioned the government's preference for localized peace engagements.

"It is, indeed, very important to engage stakeholders and communities in combatting insurgency and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies, and I believe that empowering Indigenous Peoples and others in this regard is the key to this fight," he said.

Duterte said the communist rebels' call for land reform is already being done under his administration.

Land reform

“You know I have, to date, distributed something like --- 60,000 hectares to land beneficiaries. I mean the only way to make the issue of communism and you know of commonality of things is that you make them irrelevant,” Duterte said.

“And sinasabi ko naman sa komunista hindi naman kayo ang marunong mag-distribute ng lupa (I tell communists that they do not know how to distribute land). I have been at it actually ever since I became President," he added.

The President said the CPP-NPA, which was declared by the US and European Union as terrorist organization, are also land grabbers.

"It’s not only other people are land grabbers. Communists are. So ‘yung mga asosasyon nila (their associations) amongst the inner group, iyong mga manggagawa na walang ginagawa (those workers doing nothing). Then they try to fish out the lands that they would give to the people. Iyong nangyari doon (What happened there) was they were depriving the original tenants there because they wanted the association to control the distribution," he said.

Army’s gains

Meanwhile, Duterte congratulated the “brave men and women in uniform” for their significant accomplishments in both internal and civil-military operations in many parts of the country.

He described the Army’s accomplishments for the last 122 years as testament of their “unwavering commitment to defend our institutions and our democratic way of life”.

Duterte said through unrelenting efforts of the Filipino soldiers, they have successfully conducted over 550,000 operations resulting in the recovery of almost 6,000 firearms, neutralization of more than 600 families of the enemies, the surrender, and capture and apprehension of over 1,700 lawless elements.

“May these gains inspire you, our valiant soldiers, to never waver in your commitment to perform your duties. Intensify our focused military operations against communist terrorist groups so that, alongside our [civil-military] operations, we may persuade more of their members to surrender and return to the folds of the law,” Duterte said.

His administration, he said, will continue to promote the welfare of the soldiers and their families through decent housing programs.

“We target to complete by June another five condominium buildings for the senior army officers and their families,” Duterte said.

“I assure you that we will continue to pursue these programs as an expression of the Filipino people’s appreciation for all that you have done for our country. Indeed, we are all truly indebted to you for risking life and limb for love of country,” he added.

On Wednesday, Malacañang announced the termination of the appointments of government peace negotiators with communist rebels.

Among those whose appointment papers were terminated include that of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III as chief government negotiator, and government peace panel members Antonio Arellano, Hernani Braganza, Angela Librado-Trinidad and Rene Sarmiento.

On November 23, 2017, Duterte signed Proclamation 360 declaring the termination of peace negotiations with the communists, citing the CPP-NPA-NDF’s supposed failure to show sincerity to the peace process.

In December 2018, Duterte issued EO 70 which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in attaining peace and created a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065301