From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 24, 2019): Mga dating regular na miyembro at milisyang bayang ng NPA nakatanggap ng 1.2M tulong pinansyal mula sa Gobyerno
Apatnaput isang (41) benepisyaryo ang nakatanggap ng higit 1.2M tulong pinansyal at firearms remuneration mula sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) noong ika 23 ng Marso 2109 sa Bgy Naibuan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro na dinaluhan ng local na pamahalaan sa pamumuno ni Hon Romulo Festin, Mayor San Jose kasama ang DILG, DSWD, NCIP, PNP kasama... ang 4IB sa pangunguna ni LTC Alexander Arbolado PA at 76IB sa pangunguna ni LTC Marilito Retirva.
Sa programang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) pormal naibigay sa dalawamput siyam (29) milisyang bayan at apat (4) regular na hukbo na nagbalik loob sa 4IB at walong (8) regular na hukbo sa 76IB ang kanilang panimulang livelihood assistance para sa kanilang pagbabalik loob sa pamahalaan. Isa itong programa ng ating pangulong Duterte na tulungan ang mga naging biktima, kinasangkapan at sapilitang napaniwala sa huwad na programa ng mga teroristang grupo sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Jose Maria Sison.
Pinapaabot ng ating 203rd Brigade Commander na si Col Marceliano Teofilo na tuldukan na ang ang pagsusuporta at pagsama sa mapaglinlang at mapanggamit na teroristang grupong NPA at magbalik loob na sa pamahalaan upang matulungan na magbagong buhay.
Pinapaabot din ni Governor Mario Gene Mendiola sa katauhan ni Mayor Romulo Festin na ang gobyerno ay laging bukas sa mga magbabalik loob at taos pusong tutulongan sa pamamagitan ng mga binipisyo sa ilalim ng programang E-CLIP. Ang lahat na ito ay sumasailam sa inisyatibong pangkapayapaan na isinusulong ni congresswoman Josephine "Nene" Sato.
Sa pagtutulungan ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, Philippine National Police at ng inyong Philippine Army pinatunayan nating lahat na totoo ang programa ng gobyernong ECLIP na pilit kinokondena at pinabulaan na hindi totoo ng teroristang grupong CPP/NPA/NDF. Ngayon masayang tinanggap ng mga taong naging biktima ng panlilinlang nang nasabing grupo ang kanilang suportang pangkabuhayan at sumumpa ng katapatan na hindi na magpalinlang at maniniwala sa huwad na programa at pinaglalaban ng terorsitang CPP/NPA/NDF.
Ang programang E-CLIP ay makakatulong na mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang mga bumalik-loob sa gobyerno na kapiling ang mga kani-kanilang mga pamilya.
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Sunday, March 24, 2019
An ISIS Couple’s Troubling Path to Terror Recruiting
From the New York Times (Mar 24, 2019): An ISIS Couple’s Troubling Path to Terror Recruiting (By Hannah Beech and Jason Gutierrez)
A soldier inspecting a vehicle last month in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga, where Mohammed Reza Kiram grew up. He and his wife, Ellen Barriga, recruited other Southeast Asians for the Islamic State, Philippine and American intelligence officials say.CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — She was a Catholic math whiz with an M.B.A. from one of the best universities in the Philippines. He was the Muslim descendant of a sultanate family, schooled in computer science.
The couple, Ellen Barriga and Mohammad Reza Kiram, could have served as the model of a modern interfaith marriage. Instead, they are poster children for how violent ideology transformed educated Filipinos into agents of death for the Islamic State.
In 2015, Ms. Barriga and Mr. Kiram traveled to Syria to join the terrorist group, becoming key recruiters of other Southeast Asians, according to Philippine and American intelligence officials.
In January, American-backed Syrian forces announced that the pair had surrendered, joining thousands of foreign militants caught between a crumbled caliphate, which lost its last territory in the region on Saturday, and home countries reluctant to take them back.
A year after arriving in Syria, Mr. Kiram, wavy-haired with jutting cheekbones, appeared in a video for the Islamic State. In it, he and a Malaysian and Indonesian urged foreigners to wage jihad in Muslim parts of the Philippines, where the Islamic State has been gaining strength.
“Worshipers of the cross,” he warned, “we will use the language of swords and language of bullets. Our brothers in the path of Allah will soon rise in your own land.”
Holding a dagger, Mr. Kiram then beheaded a hostage kneeling in front of him.
Last year, the United States Treasury Department placed sanctions on Mr. Kiram, 29, for “brutal acts as part of a propaganda campaign to attract radicals to join militant terrorist groups in Southeast Asia.”
Ms. Barriga, who converted to Islam after earning an accounting degree, has been accused by the Philippine authorities of channeling Islamic State funds to local militants and aiding in a failed bombing attempt in the southern Philippine city of Davao.
A mosque in Zamboanga. Mr. Kiram’s family worried that he was attending a hard-line mosque associated with Tablighi Jamaat, a missionary movement from South Asia that has been accused of nurturing militants.CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
Her Christian name helped Ms. Barriga, 38, set up bank accounts and avoid suspicion even as she was gravitating to the most radical fringes of Islam, the intelligence operatives said.
Sitting at home in Davao, Edgar Barriga, Ms. Barriga’s father, said he was relieved to hear news of his daughter, even though he was devastated by her chosen path.
“I am happy if she is with ISIS in Syria,” he said, “because at least that way I know my Ellen is alive.”
A movement like the Islamic State needs two types of people: rank-and-file recruits, often poor and uneducated fodder for battle, and ideologues who can entice the masses to their cause. Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga were in the latter camp: smart, charming, well connected.
“We need to figure out how people like Reza Kiram, with no prior indication, become violent extremists,” said Col. Leonel Nicolas, the commander of the joint task force in the southern city of Zamboanga, where Mr. Kiram grew up.
Even to their closest family and friends, the couple’s path to radicalization is indistinct. There were no defining traumas or fractures with society, only small signs that, in retrospect, hinted at trouble: too much time spent online, perhaps, or a fearlessness that could ripen into fanaticism.
“I feel regret whenever I think of him because he was such a good student,” said Sheikh Mahir Gustaham, who taught Mr. Kiram Islamic jurisprudence and considered him his favorite pupil. “For me it’s a lesson learned: to watch closely and intently the good and quiet students because they may change.”
Ms. Barriga grew up in a tidy neighborhood in Davao, attending the parish church of St. Michael, named after the archangel who defends the Christian faith against demonic forces. Her father worked for a cocoa company. Her mother volunteered at church.
Ayub Julpawai, left, the head imam at the mosque that Mr. Kiram attended.CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
At Francisco Bustamante National High School, Ms. Barriga excelled, leading student government and organizing dances. She won a scholarship to the prestigious Ateneo de Davao University and worked as an accounting manager after graduation.
She had a Muslim boyfriend and converted, wearing a head scarf in public. The Virgin Mary, Ms. Barriga explained to her parents, wore a veil, so why shouldn’t she?
Ms. Barriga’s mother, Fely Barriga, consulted with their parish priest. “He told me that I should let her go to Islam,” she recalled. “She would come back to the church when she was ready.”
After Ms. Barriga married Mr. Kiram, her parents saw their son-in-law only once, for 10 minutes in a hospital corridor after Ms. Barriga gave birth to a daughter.
Whenever her parents visited, there were excuses for his absence. Mr. Kiram was sourcing seafood, Ms. Barriga would explain.
“He was always busy with the dried fish and sea cucumbers,” Fely Barriga said. “I didn’t want to ask too many questions.”
In 2015, the couple said they were moving to Zamboanga, a city on a southern tendril of the island of Mindanao. It was the last time Ms. Barriga’s parents saw their daughter.
That same year, unknown to their families, Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga took a flight to Turkey, via Japan, and made their way overland to Syria with their daughter, according to the intelligence officials.
Edgar and Fely Barriga, the parents of Ellen Barriga, at home in the southern Philippine city of Davao. “I am happy if she is with ISIS in Syria,” Mr. Barriga said, “because at least that way I know my Ellen is alive.”CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
Ms. Barriga called home regularly, but she forbade her parents to call back. When they tried anyway, the number wouldn’t connect.
In 2017, Ms. Barriga asked for her father’s assistance with a bank account that had been flagged following what the bank called a suspicious large transaction. Mr. Barriga went to the bank to unfreeze the account, which he confirmed to the police.
“She is my daughter,” he said. “It’s natural to help your daughter.”
The Kiram family is royalty in Zamboanga, descendants of a Muslim sultanate that ruled a chain of islands stretching toward Malaysia. When Spanish colonialists arrived in the 16th century, most of the Philippines converted to Catholicism, but the southern part retained its Muslim roots.
Mr. Kiram’s father was a businessman. His mother, like so many educated women in the Philippines, worked overseas, as a nurse in Saudi Arabia. As a result of his mother’s foreign income, Mr. Kiram’s life was comfortable, but he lacked parental discipline, his family said.
Mr. Kiram attended the Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School, a private academy for Muslim and Christian students in Zamboanga, a frontier city with a long history of bombings and militant sieges.
For his younger cousins, Mr. Kiram, who went on to study computers at a technical institute, was a role model, always surrounded by a posse of friends. More than anything, Mr. Kiram distinguished himself through his staunch defense of his morals, said one cousin, who did not want to be named because he feared being stigmatized for his infamous relative.
The cousin found out about Mr. Kiram’s radicalization when he saw news about the Islamic State video on television. “It was the biggest shock of my life,” he said.
Sheikh Gustaham, Mr. Kiram’s former Islamic teacher, was impressed with his linguistic talent: Malay, Turkish, Arabic, English and a number of Filipino languages.
Ms. Barriga’s high school in Davao, where she led student government and organized dances.CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
“In my opinion, he was brilliant,” Sheikh Gustaham said.
After about a year of study, Mr. Kiram questioned his teacher about things he was reading online: the persecution of Palestinians, Syrians and Muslim Filipinos. His family worried that he was attending a hard-line mosque associated with Tablighi Jamaat, a missionary movement from South Asia that has been accused of nurturing militants.
At the hard-line mosque last month, Ayub Julpawai, the head imam, said he was unconcerned the Islamic State had bombed a church in the southern Philippines in January, killing 23 people. He also shrugged at the Philippine military’s bombardment of Muslim communities in an effort to catch the perpetrators.
“The military campaign is a punishment from Allah because some Muslims no longer follow the way of Islam,” he said.
The Philippine police now say that Mr. Kiram, known by the alias Abdul Rahman, was involved in the 2012 bombing of a bus terminal in Zamboanga.
That year, Mr. Kiram helped produce a militant video that was the first in the Philippines to use the black flag later associated with the Islamic State as a backdrop, according to Rommel Banlaoi, author of the upcoming book “Terrorism in the Philippines: From Al Qaeda to ISIS.”
The 2016 Islamic State video from Syria, with Mr. Kiram echoing the cadences of a preacher, was so slickly made that the Philippine military uses it in an internal course on effective propaganda.
Meanwhile, Ms. Barriga was making alliances with other Balik Islam, as people who convert from Christianity to Islam are known in the Philippines.
In 2012, Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga were arrested in connection with a foiled bombing plot in which an Indonesian man and his Balik Islam wife were accused of trying to target a night market in Davao. The Indonesian was shot and killed by the police. His wife, Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga were all released for lack of evidence.
It is not clear what will happen now to Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga, who are believed to be in a Syrian prison camp teeming with foreign militants. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on their case.
In Zamboanga, Sheikh Gustaham and other moderate Muslims who knew Mr. Kiram are nervous. Clerics promoting interfaith events have gotten death threats.
“He may call on all Islamic teachers and tell them I am not a real Muslim,” Sheikh Gustaham said of his once favorite student. “It’s frightening.”
A soldier inspecting a vehicle last month in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga, where Mohammed Reza Kiram grew up. He and his wife, Ellen Barriga, recruited other Southeast Asians for the Islamic State, Philippine and American intelligence officials say.CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — She was a Catholic math whiz with an M.B.A. from one of the best universities in the Philippines. He was the Muslim descendant of a sultanate family, schooled in computer science.
The couple, Ellen Barriga and Mohammad Reza Kiram, could have served as the model of a modern interfaith marriage. Instead, they are poster children for how violent ideology transformed educated Filipinos into agents of death for the Islamic State.
In 2015, Ms. Barriga and Mr. Kiram traveled to Syria to join the terrorist group, becoming key recruiters of other Southeast Asians, according to Philippine and American intelligence officials.
In January, American-backed Syrian forces announced that the pair had surrendered, joining thousands of foreign militants caught between a crumbled caliphate, which lost its last territory in the region on Saturday, and home countries reluctant to take them back.
A year after arriving in Syria, Mr. Kiram, wavy-haired with jutting cheekbones, appeared in a video for the Islamic State. In it, he and a Malaysian and Indonesian urged foreigners to wage jihad in Muslim parts of the Philippines, where the Islamic State has been gaining strength.
“Worshipers of the cross,” he warned, “we will use the language of swords and language of bullets. Our brothers in the path of Allah will soon rise in your own land.”
Holding a dagger, Mr. Kiram then beheaded a hostage kneeling in front of him.
Last year, the United States Treasury Department placed sanctions on Mr. Kiram, 29, for “brutal acts as part of a propaganda campaign to attract radicals to join militant terrorist groups in Southeast Asia.”
Ms. Barriga, who converted to Islam after earning an accounting degree, has been accused by the Philippine authorities of channeling Islamic State funds to local militants and aiding in a failed bombing attempt in the southern Philippine city of Davao.
A mosque in Zamboanga. Mr. Kiram’s family worried that he was attending a hard-line mosque associated with Tablighi Jamaat, a missionary movement from South Asia that has been accused of nurturing militants.CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
Her Christian name helped Ms. Barriga, 38, set up bank accounts and avoid suspicion even as she was gravitating to the most radical fringes of Islam, the intelligence operatives said.
Sitting at home in Davao, Edgar Barriga, Ms. Barriga’s father, said he was relieved to hear news of his daughter, even though he was devastated by her chosen path.
“I am happy if she is with ISIS in Syria,” he said, “because at least that way I know my Ellen is alive.”
A movement like the Islamic State needs two types of people: rank-and-file recruits, often poor and uneducated fodder for battle, and ideologues who can entice the masses to their cause. Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga were in the latter camp: smart, charming, well connected.
“We need to figure out how people like Reza Kiram, with no prior indication, become violent extremists,” said Col. Leonel Nicolas, the commander of the joint task force in the southern city of Zamboanga, where Mr. Kiram grew up.
Even to their closest family and friends, the couple’s path to radicalization is indistinct. There were no defining traumas or fractures with society, only small signs that, in retrospect, hinted at trouble: too much time spent online, perhaps, or a fearlessness that could ripen into fanaticism.
“I feel regret whenever I think of him because he was such a good student,” said Sheikh Mahir Gustaham, who taught Mr. Kiram Islamic jurisprudence and considered him his favorite pupil. “For me it’s a lesson learned: to watch closely and intently the good and quiet students because they may change.”
Ms. Barriga grew up in a tidy neighborhood in Davao, attending the parish church of St. Michael, named after the archangel who defends the Christian faith against demonic forces. Her father worked for a cocoa company. Her mother volunteered at church.
Ayub Julpawai, left, the head imam at the mosque that Mr. Kiram attended.CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
At Francisco Bustamante National High School, Ms. Barriga excelled, leading student government and organizing dances. She won a scholarship to the prestigious Ateneo de Davao University and worked as an accounting manager after graduation.
She had a Muslim boyfriend and converted, wearing a head scarf in public. The Virgin Mary, Ms. Barriga explained to her parents, wore a veil, so why shouldn’t she?
Ms. Barriga’s mother, Fely Barriga, consulted with their parish priest. “He told me that I should let her go to Islam,” she recalled. “She would come back to the church when she was ready.”
After Ms. Barriga married Mr. Kiram, her parents saw their son-in-law only once, for 10 minutes in a hospital corridor after Ms. Barriga gave birth to a daughter.
Whenever her parents visited, there were excuses for his absence. Mr. Kiram was sourcing seafood, Ms. Barriga would explain.
“He was always busy with the dried fish and sea cucumbers,” Fely Barriga said. “I didn’t want to ask too many questions.”
In 2015, the couple said they were moving to Zamboanga, a city on a southern tendril of the island of Mindanao. It was the last time Ms. Barriga’s parents saw their daughter.
That same year, unknown to their families, Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga took a flight to Turkey, via Japan, and made their way overland to Syria with their daughter, according to the intelligence officials.
Edgar and Fely Barriga, the parents of Ellen Barriga, at home in the southern Philippine city of Davao. “I am happy if she is with ISIS in Syria,” Mr. Barriga said, “because at least that way I know my Ellen is alive.”CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
Ms. Barriga called home regularly, but she forbade her parents to call back. When they tried anyway, the number wouldn’t connect.
In 2017, Ms. Barriga asked for her father’s assistance with a bank account that had been flagged following what the bank called a suspicious large transaction. Mr. Barriga went to the bank to unfreeze the account, which he confirmed to the police.
“She is my daughter,” he said. “It’s natural to help your daughter.”
The Kiram family is royalty in Zamboanga, descendants of a Muslim sultanate that ruled a chain of islands stretching toward Malaysia. When Spanish colonialists arrived in the 16th century, most of the Philippines converted to Catholicism, but the southern part retained its Muslim roots.
Mr. Kiram’s father was a businessman. His mother, like so many educated women in the Philippines, worked overseas, as a nurse in Saudi Arabia. As a result of his mother’s foreign income, Mr. Kiram’s life was comfortable, but he lacked parental discipline, his family said.
Mr. Kiram attended the Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School, a private academy for Muslim and Christian students in Zamboanga, a frontier city with a long history of bombings and militant sieges.
For his younger cousins, Mr. Kiram, who went on to study computers at a technical institute, was a role model, always surrounded by a posse of friends. More than anything, Mr. Kiram distinguished himself through his staunch defense of his morals, said one cousin, who did not want to be named because he feared being stigmatized for his infamous relative.
The cousin found out about Mr. Kiram’s radicalization when he saw news about the Islamic State video on television. “It was the biggest shock of my life,” he said.
Sheikh Gustaham, Mr. Kiram’s former Islamic teacher, was impressed with his linguistic talent: Malay, Turkish, Arabic, English and a number of Filipino languages.
Ms. Barriga’s high school in Davao, where she led student government and organized dances.CreditJes Aznar for The New York Times
“In my opinion, he was brilliant,” Sheikh Gustaham said.
After about a year of study, Mr. Kiram questioned his teacher about things he was reading online: the persecution of Palestinians, Syrians and Muslim Filipinos. His family worried that he was attending a hard-line mosque associated with Tablighi Jamaat, a missionary movement from South Asia that has been accused of nurturing militants.
At the hard-line mosque last month, Ayub Julpawai, the head imam, said he was unconcerned the Islamic State had bombed a church in the southern Philippines in January, killing 23 people. He also shrugged at the Philippine military’s bombardment of Muslim communities in an effort to catch the perpetrators.
“The military campaign is a punishment from Allah because some Muslims no longer follow the way of Islam,” he said.
The Philippine police now say that Mr. Kiram, known by the alias Abdul Rahman, was involved in the 2012 bombing of a bus terminal in Zamboanga.
That year, Mr. Kiram helped produce a militant video that was the first in the Philippines to use the black flag later associated with the Islamic State as a backdrop, according to Rommel Banlaoi, author of the upcoming book “Terrorism in the Philippines: From Al Qaeda to ISIS.”
The 2016 Islamic State video from Syria, with Mr. Kiram echoing the cadences of a preacher, was so slickly made that the Philippine military uses it in an internal course on effective propaganda.
Meanwhile, Ms. Barriga was making alliances with other Balik Islam, as people who convert from Christianity to Islam are known in the Philippines.
In 2012, Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga were arrested in connection with a foiled bombing plot in which an Indonesian man and his Balik Islam wife were accused of trying to target a night market in Davao. The Indonesian was shot and killed by the police. His wife, Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga were all released for lack of evidence.
It is not clear what will happen now to Mr. Kiram and Ms. Barriga, who are believed to be in a Syrian prison camp teeming with foreign militants. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on their case.
In Zamboanga, Sheikh Gustaham and other moderate Muslims who knew Mr. Kiram are nervous. Clerics promoting interfaith events have gotten death threats.
“He may call on all Islamic teachers and tell them I am not a real Muslim,” Sheikh Gustaham said of his once favorite student. “It’s frightening.”
‘Misuari incapable of waging war’
From the Manila Times (Mar 25, 2019): ‘Misuari incapable of waging war’
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari is no longer capable of waging war because he has lost most of his men to other groups, said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
“They (MNLF) are still capable of creating trouble like what they did in the Zamboanga City siege. But war? Not anymore,” Lorenzana told reporters in a text message over the weekend.
He was referring to the incident in Zamboanga in 2013 when the MNLF, under Misuari’s supervision, battled soldiers. The clashes left more than 200 people dead.
The Defense chief said Misuari no longer had manpower since most of his followers had “gravitated” to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
President Rodrigo Duterte last week said the MNLF leader threatened to wage war if the plan to shift to a federal system of government does not push through.
Lorenzana dismissed Misuari’s threat as mere “sound bites in an attempt to make himself be noticed.”
“But he is missing a great chance to be really relevant. He should accept the BARMM, work within it and lend his leadership, stature and expertise to make it succeed,” the Defense chief said.
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“My guess [on his threat]? He’s bluffing,” he added.
The military echoed the stand of Lorenzana.
Col. Noel Detoyato, military public affairs chief, pointed out that the BOL won in Mindanao overwhelmingly, citing that it should be prepared for by the military as well.
“He will go to war, with whom? Who is his enemy? He went to Zamboanga [in 2013] and burned things there, who was his enemy back then?” Detoyato said in a ardio interview on Sunday.
Still, Detoyato said the military was ready for war.
“The biggest challenge here is to change the direction of his thinking, if he does not get what he wants, he will go to war. It’s a childish thought that if you do not get what you want, you will throw tantrums,” he added.
“It will no longer work this time since most people now wants peace,” Detoyato said.
Former MNLF chairman Muslimin Sema said there was no reason to threaten war” as he cited the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) signed by the MNLF and the Philippine government.
“While federalism may be a solution to the Bangsamoro issue, the 1996 FPA does not provide for it but merely for meaningful autonomy and the integration of our fighters to the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” Sema said in a statement.
“There is no valid reason to make threats of war, veiled or otherwise. War is not a child’s play and already considered uncivilized,” Sema stressed.
“Our people has been through to so much violence and displacement. It is time we truly give them not only peace of mind but more importantly the chance to rebuild their lives and enjoy the dividends of peace,” he added.
https://www.manilatimes.net/misuari-incapable-of-waging-war/530496/
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari is no longer capable of waging war because he has lost most of his men to other groups, said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
“They (MNLF) are still capable of creating trouble like what they did in the Zamboanga City siege. But war? Not anymore,” Lorenzana told reporters in a text message over the weekend.
He was referring to the incident in Zamboanga in 2013 when the MNLF, under Misuari’s supervision, battled soldiers. The clashes left more than 200 people dead.
The Defense chief said Misuari no longer had manpower since most of his followers had “gravitated” to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
President Rodrigo Duterte last week said the MNLF leader threatened to wage war if the plan to shift to a federal system of government does not push through.
Lorenzana dismissed Misuari’s threat as mere “sound bites in an attempt to make himself be noticed.”
“But he is missing a great chance to be really relevant. He should accept the BARMM, work within it and lend his leadership, stature and expertise to make it succeed,” the Defense chief said.
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“My guess [on his threat]? He’s bluffing,” he added.
The military echoed the stand of Lorenzana.
Col. Noel Detoyato, military public affairs chief, pointed out that the BOL won in Mindanao overwhelmingly, citing that it should be prepared for by the military as well.
“He will go to war, with whom? Who is his enemy? He went to Zamboanga [in 2013] and burned things there, who was his enemy back then?” Detoyato said in a ardio interview on Sunday.
Still, Detoyato said the military was ready for war.
“The biggest challenge here is to change the direction of his thinking, if he does not get what he wants, he will go to war. It’s a childish thought that if you do not get what you want, you will throw tantrums,” he added.
“It will no longer work this time since most people now wants peace,” Detoyato said.
Former MNLF chairman Muslimin Sema said there was no reason to threaten war” as he cited the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) signed by the MNLF and the Philippine government.
“While federalism may be a solution to the Bangsamoro issue, the 1996 FPA does not provide for it but merely for meaningful autonomy and the integration of our fighters to the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” Sema said in a statement.
“There is no valid reason to make threats of war, veiled or otherwise. War is not a child’s play and already considered uncivilized,” Sema stressed.
“Our people has been through to so much violence and displacement. It is time we truly give them not only peace of mind but more importantly the chance to rebuild their lives and enjoy the dividends of peace,” he added.
https://www.manilatimes.net/misuari-incapable-of-waging-war/530496/
Analysts: Talks with Misuari may revive Sabah claim
From the Business World (Mar 24, 2019): Analysts: Talks with Misuari may revive Sabah claim
NEGOTIATIONS on federalism between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari may revive discussions on the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, analysts sought for comment said.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte last week said Mr. Misuari warned that he “will go to war” if the government fails to pursue federalism.
The President’s spokesman, Salvador S. Panelo, said the two leaders agreed to form a panel, which according to Mr. Duterte, would discuss how the MNLF leader wants the system to be applied, “whether it is similar to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) or a different type.”
Asked if Mr. Misuari talked about “owning territories,” the President told reporters: “We’ll just have to craft something there that would be allowed by the Constitution.”
In contrast to the MNLF’s breakaway group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Mr. Misuari has stuck to the Sabah claim as formerly pursued by the Philippine government.
The MILF now dominates the transition body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that was established following the ratification of the BOL last January.
Analysts were asked whether Mr. Misuari’s push for federalism will revive discussions on the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, or North Borneo.
Lawyer and Ateneo Policy Center senior research fellow Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco said via e-mail on Sunday: “I know for a fact that the Malaysian government takes note every time a politician openly declares that Sabah is part of the Philippines. But as to whether the Malaysians will go beyond just merely noting down, that depends on who the politician is making the declaration. Right now, I doubt if the Malaysian government will be overly concerned with Nur Misuari’s re-emergence in the federalism discourse, which may include claims over Sabah.” He also noted that Malaysia and “other nations in our region” are “fully” supportive of the BARMM.
“Their willingness to invest in the autonomous region means they see the success of the BARMM as the priority. Rumblings from [Mr.] Misuari and his group, while (these) should not be simply shrugged off, are not the main concern for the moment,” Mr. Yusingco said.
Also sought for comment, political history assistant professor Marlon B. Lopez of the Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography said via chat that possible negotiations between Mr. Duterte’s government and the MNLF on federalism “may revive the Sabah claim; however, it might be toned down due to our close cooperation with Malaysia as our foreign policy is being friendly to all nations, especially to our ASEAN neighbors. Claiming Sabah again is a blow to this policy.”
For his part, University of Santo Tomas (UST) political science professor Marlon M. Villarin said: “Yang (The) Sabah noise can be the last resort by Mr. Misuari but, for sure, the Malaysian government will not make the MNLF unhappy with their lack of support considering that Mr. Misuari is the only Muslim leader recognized by the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation). So, his personality is both politically and diplomatically important to our country, and that is why President Duterte is making him feel included within his administration.”
Mr. Lopez added that “this might be viewed as unfriendly to this historical claim but President Duterte is very charismatic and close to the traditional elites of the Bangsamoro that he might be able to do this very tricky political labyrinth.”
‘MORO SUB-STATE’
Mr. Yusingco said Mr. Misuari’s “vision of a federal Philippines is still unclear.”
“I think he is more concerned about what the Sulu sub-state should look like. This would be most likely be made up of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, at the very least. It may include the entire Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan, if his nostalgic imagination of the Sultanate of Sulu will prevail.”
But the reality, he also said, is that “what a Moro sub-state would look like in a federal Philippines is still unsettled.”
“It could be the current BARMM. Or it could also be divided between the mainland provinces (Maguindanao and Lanao) and the island provinces (BaSulTa). The configuration of a Moro sub-state is still to be subjected to a serious discussion because, right now, the administration is not facilitating any public discourse on the planned shift to a federal system. Currently, the discussion about this move is limited to local government officials and national agencies.”
When the Task Force on Federalism opens the discussion to the public, “then how the BARMM fits into a federal system will surely be a priority issue. But right now, there is still no clear and singular vision of a Moro sub-state, be it the MILF, MNLF or any group’s imagination of what it should be,” Mr. Yusingco explained.
‘SABAH’
Sabah, which is said to be part of the Sultanate of Sulu, was leased to the British North Borneo in the 18th century under the North Borneo Chartered Company.
In 2012, MILF chief Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim and the government under president Benigno S. C. Aquino III inked the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that would pave the way for the establishment of the new autonomous political entity, the Bangsamoro, to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Mr. Misuari criticized the said agreement. In his interview with the dzMM, as reported by the ABS-CBN News on Oct. 15, 2012, he said the framework agreement, which was silent on Sabah, was arranged by Kuala Lumpur with the Philippine government and the MILF to prevent the implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement that would supposedly cover Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysia.
“Alam ko iyan (I know that) because they are expecting their colonization of our homeland Sabah and Sarawak. Iyan ay lupain ng aking (those are owned by my) great, great grandfather. [They brokered the peace deal] para we cannot have the luxury of time to look into our problem in Sabah and Sarawak. Iyan ang (These are) tactics ng (of) Malaysia. They are very smart,” the MNLF chairman was quoted as saying.
In his interview with Aljazeera in 2013, Mr. Misuari accused the MILF of being an “instrument” of Malaysia’s “interference” in Mindanao.
In 1967, the government under president Ferdinand E. Marcos ordered a military training for Muslim army recruits called the “Jabidah” fighters whose mission was “to start trouble in Malaysia, in the guise of soldiers of the Sultan of Sulu,” according to a graphic “Timeline of the Jabidah Massacre” posted on the government’s Official Gazette.
The Timeline also said that the soldiers’ task was “to invade Sabah, which the Philippines claimed as part of its territory.”
March 18, 1968, in Corrigidor, as said in the Timeline, “The training officers of the Jabidah Unit opened fire at the remaining recruits before dawn in response to the unit’s previous attempt to air grievances. This is the date of what has come to be known as the Jabidah Massacre.”
In opposition to the Marcos government, the MNLF, which also called for an independent state, was established.
For his part, Mr. Misuari’s spokesperson, lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, played down the MNLF leader’s threat of war.
“Hindi yun pananakot (It was not a threat), it’s just a sign of frustration from the part of MNLF,” Mr. Fontanilla said in a phone interview.
“Pero in real politics, hindi naman basta basta mag-declare ng war kasi mayroon OIC, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (we cannot just simply declare war because of the OIC, and we have an agreement. In other words, ‘yung sinabi ni Chairman Misuari (what Chairman Misuari said) is simply making the situation serious.”
Mr. Fontanilla said the government should understand where Mr. Misuari is coming from.
“Let’s go to his historical perspective….MNLF fought for independence and later on there were promises, the autonomous government, we came up with the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. Tapos si Cory Aquino nag-promise din ng federal government. In other words, almost a span of 50 years, nag-antay ang MNLF (The MNLF waited for almost a span of 50 years),” he said.
Mr. Fontanilla said the MNLF is looking forward to a discussion with the government: “On the part of President Duterte, he already declared that he will convene negotiations with the new panels between the government and MNLF. Maganda po yan, kami po ay naniniwala, at sabi rin po ni Chairman Misuari (That’s good, we believe and Chairman Misuari said) that we have to really solve a problem through negotiation.”
Sought for comment, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said Mr. Misuari should adapt to the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: “If he wants to be relevant in this new setup he should work within the BARMM to make it successful. He has the stature and influence that could make a big difference to the BARMM.”
https://www.bworldonline.com/analysts-talks-with-misuari-may-revive-sabah-claim/
NEGOTIATIONS on federalism between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari may revive discussions on the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, analysts sought for comment said.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte last week said Mr. Misuari warned that he “will go to war” if the government fails to pursue federalism.
The President’s spokesman, Salvador S. Panelo, said the two leaders agreed to form a panel, which according to Mr. Duterte, would discuss how the MNLF leader wants the system to be applied, “whether it is similar to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) or a different type.”
Asked if Mr. Misuari talked about “owning territories,” the President told reporters: “We’ll just have to craft something there that would be allowed by the Constitution.”
In contrast to the MNLF’s breakaway group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Mr. Misuari has stuck to the Sabah claim as formerly pursued by the Philippine government.
The MILF now dominates the transition body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that was established following the ratification of the BOL last January.
Analysts were asked whether Mr. Misuari’s push for federalism will revive discussions on the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, or North Borneo.
Lawyer and Ateneo Policy Center senior research fellow Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco said via e-mail on Sunday: “I know for a fact that the Malaysian government takes note every time a politician openly declares that Sabah is part of the Philippines. But as to whether the Malaysians will go beyond just merely noting down, that depends on who the politician is making the declaration. Right now, I doubt if the Malaysian government will be overly concerned with Nur Misuari’s re-emergence in the federalism discourse, which may include claims over Sabah.” He also noted that Malaysia and “other nations in our region” are “fully” supportive of the BARMM.
“Their willingness to invest in the autonomous region means they see the success of the BARMM as the priority. Rumblings from [Mr.] Misuari and his group, while (these) should not be simply shrugged off, are not the main concern for the moment,” Mr. Yusingco said.
Also sought for comment, political history assistant professor Marlon B. Lopez of the Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography said via chat that possible negotiations between Mr. Duterte’s government and the MNLF on federalism “may revive the Sabah claim; however, it might be toned down due to our close cooperation with Malaysia as our foreign policy is being friendly to all nations, especially to our ASEAN neighbors. Claiming Sabah again is a blow to this policy.”
For his part, University of Santo Tomas (UST) political science professor Marlon M. Villarin said: “Yang (The) Sabah noise can be the last resort by Mr. Misuari but, for sure, the Malaysian government will not make the MNLF unhappy with their lack of support considering that Mr. Misuari is the only Muslim leader recognized by the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation). So, his personality is both politically and diplomatically important to our country, and that is why President Duterte is making him feel included within his administration.”
Mr. Lopez added that “this might be viewed as unfriendly to this historical claim but President Duterte is very charismatic and close to the traditional elites of the Bangsamoro that he might be able to do this very tricky political labyrinth.”
‘MORO SUB-STATE’
Mr. Yusingco said Mr. Misuari’s “vision of a federal Philippines is still unclear.”
“I think he is more concerned about what the Sulu sub-state should look like. This would be most likely be made up of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, at the very least. It may include the entire Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan, if his nostalgic imagination of the Sultanate of Sulu will prevail.”
But the reality, he also said, is that “what a Moro sub-state would look like in a federal Philippines is still unsettled.”
“It could be the current BARMM. Or it could also be divided between the mainland provinces (Maguindanao and Lanao) and the island provinces (BaSulTa). The configuration of a Moro sub-state is still to be subjected to a serious discussion because, right now, the administration is not facilitating any public discourse on the planned shift to a federal system. Currently, the discussion about this move is limited to local government officials and national agencies.”
When the Task Force on Federalism opens the discussion to the public, “then how the BARMM fits into a federal system will surely be a priority issue. But right now, there is still no clear and singular vision of a Moro sub-state, be it the MILF, MNLF or any group’s imagination of what it should be,” Mr. Yusingco explained.
‘SABAH’
Sabah, which is said to be part of the Sultanate of Sulu, was leased to the British North Borneo in the 18th century under the North Borneo Chartered Company.
In 2012, MILF chief Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim and the government under president Benigno S. C. Aquino III inked the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that would pave the way for the establishment of the new autonomous political entity, the Bangsamoro, to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Mr. Misuari criticized the said agreement. In his interview with the dzMM, as reported by the ABS-CBN News on Oct. 15, 2012, he said the framework agreement, which was silent on Sabah, was arranged by Kuala Lumpur with the Philippine government and the MILF to prevent the implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement that would supposedly cover Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysia.
“Alam ko iyan (I know that) because they are expecting their colonization of our homeland Sabah and Sarawak. Iyan ay lupain ng aking (those are owned by my) great, great grandfather. [They brokered the peace deal] para we cannot have the luxury of time to look into our problem in Sabah and Sarawak. Iyan ang (These are) tactics ng (of) Malaysia. They are very smart,” the MNLF chairman was quoted as saying.
In his interview with Aljazeera in 2013, Mr. Misuari accused the MILF of being an “instrument” of Malaysia’s “interference” in Mindanao.
In 1967, the government under president Ferdinand E. Marcos ordered a military training for Muslim army recruits called the “Jabidah” fighters whose mission was “to start trouble in Malaysia, in the guise of soldiers of the Sultan of Sulu,” according to a graphic “Timeline of the Jabidah Massacre” posted on the government’s Official Gazette.
The Timeline also said that the soldiers’ task was “to invade Sabah, which the Philippines claimed as part of its territory.”
March 18, 1968, in Corrigidor, as said in the Timeline, “The training officers of the Jabidah Unit opened fire at the remaining recruits before dawn in response to the unit’s previous attempt to air grievances. This is the date of what has come to be known as the Jabidah Massacre.”
In opposition to the Marcos government, the MNLF, which also called for an independent state, was established.
For his part, Mr. Misuari’s spokesperson, lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, played down the MNLF leader’s threat of war.
“Hindi yun pananakot (It was not a threat), it’s just a sign of frustration from the part of MNLF,” Mr. Fontanilla said in a phone interview.
“Pero in real politics, hindi naman basta basta mag-declare ng war kasi mayroon OIC, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (we cannot just simply declare war because of the OIC, and we have an agreement. In other words, ‘yung sinabi ni Chairman Misuari (what Chairman Misuari said) is simply making the situation serious.”
Mr. Fontanilla said the government should understand where Mr. Misuari is coming from.
“Let’s go to his historical perspective….MNLF fought for independence and later on there were promises, the autonomous government, we came up with the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. Tapos si Cory Aquino nag-promise din ng federal government. In other words, almost a span of 50 years, nag-antay ang MNLF (The MNLF waited for almost a span of 50 years),” he said.
Mr. Fontanilla said the MNLF is looking forward to a discussion with the government: “On the part of President Duterte, he already declared that he will convene negotiations with the new panels between the government and MNLF. Maganda po yan, kami po ay naniniwala, at sabi rin po ni Chairman Misuari (That’s good, we believe and Chairman Misuari said) that we have to really solve a problem through negotiation.”
Sought for comment, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said Mr. Misuari should adapt to the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: “If he wants to be relevant in this new setup he should work within the BARMM to make it successful. He has the stature and influence that could make a big difference to the BARMM.”
https://www.bworldonline.com/analysts-talks-with-misuari-may-revive-sabah-claim/
Misuari told: Rethink threat of war
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 24, 2019): Misuari told: Rethink threat of war
MANILA, Philippines — Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari should rethink his earlier threat of war or face those who voted for peace in the country.
This was what Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said of Misuari’s apparent declaration of war if the government fails to pursue federalism.
“He has to think twice because it’s not only the government that will be his enemy but also those who voted for peace,” Detoyato said in a mix of Filipino and English in an interview with radio dzBB on Sunday.
Detoyato’s statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte said that Misuari threatened “to go to war” if the government fails in its bid to push for federalism.
READ: Misuari to declare war if gov’t fails to push federalism – Duterte
READ: Duterte to Nur: We both die if federalism fails
“Who really is his enemy? The Armed Forces? Those from Basilan and Jolo? Those who voted in favor or the BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law)? He has to make it clear for him to be relevant, otherwise, maybe he is just making himself noticed,” Detoyato said.
“He might be missing a very big the chance to really work for peace with the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” he added. “He has to reconsider his pronouncements so that he will be relevant for peace and not relevant for war.”
Duterte and Misuari already met twice in less than a month since the ratification of the BOL.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1099226/misuari-told-rethink-threat-of-war
MANILA, Philippines — Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari should rethink his earlier threat of war or face those who voted for peace in the country.
This was what Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said of Misuari’s apparent declaration of war if the government fails to pursue federalism.
“He has to think twice because it’s not only the government that will be his enemy but also those who voted for peace,” Detoyato said in a mix of Filipino and English in an interview with radio dzBB on Sunday.
Detoyato’s statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte said that Misuari threatened “to go to war” if the government fails in its bid to push for federalism.
READ: Misuari to declare war if gov’t fails to push federalism – Duterte
READ: Duterte to Nur: We both die if federalism fails
“Who really is his enemy? The Armed Forces? Those from Basilan and Jolo? Those who voted in favor or the BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law)? He has to make it clear for him to be relevant, otherwise, maybe he is just making himself noticed,” Detoyato said.
“He might be missing a very big the chance to really work for peace with the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” he added. “He has to reconsider his pronouncements so that he will be relevant for peace and not relevant for war.”
Duterte and Misuari already met twice in less than a month since the ratification of the BOL.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1099226/misuari-told-rethink-threat-of-war
More communities in E. Mindanao declaring CPP-NPA ‘persona non grata’
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 24, 2019): More communities in E. Mindanao declaring CPP-NPA ‘persona non grata’
New People’s Army (NPA) members are on the run after more communities and local government units (LGUs) are now declaring them “persona non grata”, denying them of space to hide and maneuver from the long arm of the law and pursuing troops.
Thus, was declared by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) as it noted that, from January 1 to March 21, troops have already figured in a total of 59 armed encounters all-over Eastern Mindanao.
These resulted in the death of 16 NPA terrorists and led to the capture of 22 others.
This further resulted in the reduction of their armed capability with the capture and surrender of firearms totaling to 181 and 63 International Humanitarian Law-banned landmines.
Last March 21, troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion encountered insurgents in Upper Sangay, Barangay Anomar, Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte.
The incident resulted in the death of an NPA member, the capture of an M16 rifle, and recovery of a landmine.
On the same day, another encounter transpired in the outskirts of Sitio Bulak, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte between the troops under Lt. Col. Francisco Molina of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23rd IB) and an undetermined number of leftist terrorists.
No casualty was reported during the skirmish.
In Davao City, troops from Third Infantry Battalion (IB) encountered an undetermined number of NPAs along the periphery of Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District on March 22.
This came after the Ovu-Manuvu tribe in the said darangay declared the NPAs “persona non grata” in their ancestral domain on February 25,
For the first quarter of 2019, 12 resolutions from barangays, municipalities, provinces, and tribal councils have already been passed, declaring the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA “persona non grata” in their respective communities, while another three resolutions were passed late December 2018.
The Province of Davao Oriental also prohibited the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) and declared its officials and members undesirable in the whole province, after the Provincial Peace and Order Council passed a resolution on February 19.
On February 15, villages in Surigao del Norte, particularly Camam-onan and Gigaquit, both villages that are known to be NPA havens, banned the CPP-NPA-NDF when they declared them as “persona non grata” on February 15.
Compostela Valley Province made the same declaration last January 25.
So did the Ovu-Manuvo tribe in Kinarum, Magpet and Datu Ladayon, Arakan both of North Cotabato last December 19, 2018, while 21 barangays in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and the whole Municipality of Sibagat, Agusan Sur declared the insurgent group undersirable on October 23, 2018 and December 21, 2018, respectively.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/24/more-communities-in-e-mindanao-declaring-cpp-npa-persona-non-grata/
New People’s Army (NPA) members are on the run after more communities and local government units (LGUs) are now declaring them “persona non grata”, denying them of space to hide and maneuver from the long arm of the law and pursuing troops.
Thus, was declared by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) as it noted that, from January 1 to March 21, troops have already figured in a total of 59 armed encounters all-over Eastern Mindanao.
These resulted in the death of 16 NPA terrorists and led to the capture of 22 others.
This further resulted in the reduction of their armed capability with the capture and surrender of firearms totaling to 181 and 63 International Humanitarian Law-banned landmines.
Last March 21, troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion encountered insurgents in Upper Sangay, Barangay Anomar, Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte.
The incident resulted in the death of an NPA member, the capture of an M16 rifle, and recovery of a landmine.
On the same day, another encounter transpired in the outskirts of Sitio Bulak, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte between the troops under Lt. Col. Francisco Molina of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23rd IB) and an undetermined number of leftist terrorists.
No casualty was reported during the skirmish.
In Davao City, troops from Third Infantry Battalion (IB) encountered an undetermined number of NPAs along the periphery of Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District on March 22.
This came after the Ovu-Manuvu tribe in the said darangay declared the NPAs “persona non grata” in their ancestral domain on February 25,
For the first quarter of 2019, 12 resolutions from barangays, municipalities, provinces, and tribal councils have already been passed, declaring the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA “persona non grata” in their respective communities, while another three resolutions were passed late December 2018.
The Province of Davao Oriental also prohibited the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) and declared its officials and members undesirable in the whole province, after the Provincial Peace and Order Council passed a resolution on February 19.
On February 15, villages in Surigao del Norte, particularly Camam-onan and Gigaquit, both villages that are known to be NPA havens, banned the CPP-NPA-NDF when they declared them as “persona non grata” on February 15.
Compostela Valley Province made the same declaration last January 25.
So did the Ovu-Manuvo tribe in Kinarum, Magpet and Datu Ladayon, Arakan both of North Cotabato last December 19, 2018, while 21 barangays in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and the whole Municipality of Sibagat, Agusan Sur declared the insurgent group undersirable on October 23, 2018 and December 21, 2018, respectively.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/24/more-communities-in-e-mindanao-declaring-cpp-npa-persona-non-grata/
Joma pits NPA vs. Rody
From the Manila Standard (Mar 25, 2019): Joma pits NPA vs. Rody
Vows to deal ‘lethal blows’ to government
The New People’s Army will deliver more “lethal blows” to the Duterte administration’s weak points in the countryside, the founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Jose Ma. Sison, said Saturday night.
“I have learned… that the best way to frustrate Duterte’s scheme of fascist dictatorship, to puncture its arrogance and debunk the fake surrenders and fake encounters staged by the regime and its armed running dogs, is for the NPA to deliver more lethal blows on weak points of the enemy forces in the countryside,” Sison said.
He also promised “head blows” to the regime’s “most brutal, corrupt and drug-trading officials” in the cities.
Sison mocked President Rodrigo Duterte, saying he has unwittingly become “the best recruiter and the best transport and supply officer of the NPA.”
“As the best recruiter of the NPA, Duterte has driven so many people to join the NPA by running a tyrannical, treasonous, mass murdering, plundering, and inflation-generating regime. The people have no choice but to fight such an evil regime,” Sison said.
“By terminating the peace negotiations, he compels the armed revolutionary movement to concentrate on intensifying the people’s war and cast away any illusion that this regime of terror and greed can negotiate social, economic and political reforms to address the roots of the armed conflict in order to achieve a just and lasting peace,” he added.
He also dismissed the administration’s localized peace efforts as “make-believe peace and development activities” and said the armed forces were “rendered blind and deaf by the lack of popular support wherever they dare to move against the guerrilla fronts.”
“When they advance in superior force, the NPA retreats and gives the enemy an illusion of winning. But when they camp and take over rough terrain, their strength is thinned out and they leave gaps between units and make small detachments and patrol teams, which are easy targets for the counteroffensives of the NPA,” he said.
This, he said, was why the administration’s efforts to destroy the NPA have “utterly failed.”
Contrary to government claims, he said, the NPA has become stronger in Mindanao, while rebel activities intensified in Luzon and the Visayas.
“It is impossible for the reactionary military, police, and paramilitary forces to defeat the NPA through sheer military operations and puerile psywar,” he said.
“The NPA already has nationwide strength and is deeply rooted among the toiling masses. It occupies almost all the strategic areas favorable for guerrilla warfare in the stage of strategic defensive and for the prospective regular mobile warfare in the strategic stalemate,” the top communist leader said.
Sison said the CPP has “wisely changed the NPA force structure,” with 40 percent of its units concentrated for tactical offensives and 60 percent dispersed units for mass work in each of the 110 guerrilla fronts.
“By seizing more arms from the enemy forces, the NPA is increasing its ability to hit the weak points of the enemy at will all over the archipelago,” he said.
On Saturday afternoon, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo mocked Sison, who has been in self-exile in the Netherlands for three decades, as an armchair revolutionary.
“If as Mr. Sison says the President sounds like a broken record, the cantankerous steak chieftain of the National Democratic Front is like an echo with his repeated criticisms of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and this administration to stay politically relevant in the Philippines while maintaining and lapping up his lavish lifestyle in Europe,” he said.
“Unlike Mr. Sison who has prolonged the peace process, so he can milk the situation and continue freeloading in the Netherlands as well as enjoying the donations and grants by socialist organizations to his group, the President has tread the path that his predecessors did not dare take to achieve genuine peace,” he added.
Panelo, however, reminded the CPP that the Duterte administration still seeks peace.
“We are just trying a different tact by localizing the peace talks as the concerns of rebel groups vary from one locality to another especially so that Mr. Sison appears not to have control over the communist forces on the ground,” he said.
“It is thus vital to explain to the people where the President is coming from and why he officially announced the permanent termination of talks between the government and the CCP, notwithstanding the issuance of Proclamation No. 360,” he added.
In November 2017, peace talks between the government and communist rebels bogged down after Duterte walked away from the negotiating table, repeatedly blaming the rebels for violations of the unilateral ceasefire.
Duterte then had imposed a number of conditions for a revival of the talks, but Sison rejected them, labeling the government’s push for peace as a “cheap trick” which has failed many times.
http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/290902/joma-pits-npa-vs-rody.html
Vows to deal ‘lethal blows’ to government
The New People’s Army will deliver more “lethal blows” to the Duterte administration’s weak points in the countryside, the founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Jose Ma. Sison, said Saturday night.
“I have learned… that the best way to frustrate Duterte’s scheme of fascist dictatorship, to puncture its arrogance and debunk the fake surrenders and fake encounters staged by the regime and its armed running dogs, is for the NPA to deliver more lethal blows on weak points of the enemy forces in the countryside,” Sison said.
He also promised “head blows” to the regime’s “most brutal, corrupt and drug-trading officials” in the cities.
Sison mocked President Rodrigo Duterte, saying he has unwittingly become “the best recruiter and the best transport and supply officer of the NPA.”
“As the best recruiter of the NPA, Duterte has driven so many people to join the NPA by running a tyrannical, treasonous, mass murdering, plundering, and inflation-generating regime. The people have no choice but to fight such an evil regime,” Sison said.
“By terminating the peace negotiations, he compels the armed revolutionary movement to concentrate on intensifying the people’s war and cast away any illusion that this regime of terror and greed can negotiate social, economic and political reforms to address the roots of the armed conflict in order to achieve a just and lasting peace,” he added.
He also dismissed the administration’s localized peace efforts as “make-believe peace and development activities” and said the armed forces were “rendered blind and deaf by the lack of popular support wherever they dare to move against the guerrilla fronts.”
“When they advance in superior force, the NPA retreats and gives the enemy an illusion of winning. But when they camp and take over rough terrain, their strength is thinned out and they leave gaps between units and make small detachments and patrol teams, which are easy targets for the counteroffensives of the NPA,” he said.
This, he said, was why the administration’s efforts to destroy the NPA have “utterly failed.”
Contrary to government claims, he said, the NPA has become stronger in Mindanao, while rebel activities intensified in Luzon and the Visayas.
“It is impossible for the reactionary military, police, and paramilitary forces to defeat the NPA through sheer military operations and puerile psywar,” he said.
“The NPA already has nationwide strength and is deeply rooted among the toiling masses. It occupies almost all the strategic areas favorable for guerrilla warfare in the stage of strategic defensive and for the prospective regular mobile warfare in the strategic stalemate,” the top communist leader said.
Sison said the CPP has “wisely changed the NPA force structure,” with 40 percent of its units concentrated for tactical offensives and 60 percent dispersed units for mass work in each of the 110 guerrilla fronts.
“By seizing more arms from the enemy forces, the NPA is increasing its ability to hit the weak points of the enemy at will all over the archipelago,” he said.
On Saturday afternoon, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo mocked Sison, who has been in self-exile in the Netherlands for three decades, as an armchair revolutionary.
“If as Mr. Sison says the President sounds like a broken record, the cantankerous steak chieftain of the National Democratic Front is like an echo with his repeated criticisms of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and this administration to stay politically relevant in the Philippines while maintaining and lapping up his lavish lifestyle in Europe,” he said.
“Unlike Mr. Sison who has prolonged the peace process, so he can milk the situation and continue freeloading in the Netherlands as well as enjoying the donations and grants by socialist organizations to his group, the President has tread the path that his predecessors did not dare take to achieve genuine peace,” he added.
Panelo, however, reminded the CPP that the Duterte administration still seeks peace.
“We are just trying a different tact by localizing the peace talks as the concerns of rebel groups vary from one locality to another especially so that Mr. Sison appears not to have control over the communist forces on the ground,” he said.
“It is thus vital to explain to the people where the President is coming from and why he officially announced the permanent termination of talks between the government and the CCP, notwithstanding the issuance of Proclamation No. 360,” he added.
In November 2017, peace talks between the government and communist rebels bogged down after Duterte walked away from the negotiating table, repeatedly blaming the rebels for violations of the unilateral ceasefire.
Duterte then had imposed a number of conditions for a revival of the talks, but Sison rejected them, labeling the government’s push for peace as a “cheap trick” which has failed many times.
http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/290902/joma-pits-npa-vs-rody.html
NPA rebels not welcome in Eastern Mindanao
From the Sun Star-Davao (Mar 24, 2019): NPA rebels not welcome in Eastern Mindanao
THE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) noted a total of 12 resolutions passed in the first quarter of 2019 declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as "persona non grata".
These resolutions were passed by barangays, municipalities, provinces, and tribal councils in Eastmincom's area of responsibility.
Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, said Sunday, March 24, that in December last year, there were already three resolutions passed declaring the group unwelcome to operate in their area.
"The New People’s Army is on the run after more and more communities and local government units (LGUs) are declaring them 'persona non grata' in their respective communities,” Santos said.
Just recently, the Province of Davao Oriental barred the communist group from entering the province and declared the group as undesirable after the Provincial Peace and Order Council passed a resolution on February 19.
On February 15, the formerly NPA-infested villages of Surigao del Norte particularly Camam-onan and Gigaquit also declared the Red fighters as "persona non grata", citing that they are already tired of their intimidation.
The Provincial Government of Compostela Valley have also passed a resolution condemning and declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata in the whole province last January 25.
The Ovu-Manuvo Tribe in Kinarum, Magpet and Datu Ladayon, Arakan in North Cotabato prohibited the rebels from entering their communities last December 19, 2018, while 21 barangays in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and the whole municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur declared the same on October 23, 2018, and December 21, 2018, respectively.
Meanwhile, from January 1 to March 21 this year, the troops in Eastern Mindanao have recorded a total of 59 armed encounters wherein 16 NPA members were killed while 22 others were captured.
Data further showed that a total of 130 NPA regulars and 79 Militia ng Bayan surrendered along with 88 mass supporters and members of the underground mass organizations.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1798434
THE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) noted a total of 12 resolutions passed in the first quarter of 2019 declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as "persona non grata".
These resolutions were passed by barangays, municipalities, provinces, and tribal councils in Eastmincom's area of responsibility.
Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, said Sunday, March 24, that in December last year, there were already three resolutions passed declaring the group unwelcome to operate in their area.
"The New People’s Army is on the run after more and more communities and local government units (LGUs) are declaring them 'persona non grata' in their respective communities,” Santos said.
Just recently, the Province of Davao Oriental barred the communist group from entering the province and declared the group as undesirable after the Provincial Peace and Order Council passed a resolution on February 19.
On February 15, the formerly NPA-infested villages of Surigao del Norte particularly Camam-onan and Gigaquit also declared the Red fighters as "persona non grata", citing that they are already tired of their intimidation.
The Provincial Government of Compostela Valley have also passed a resolution condemning and declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata in the whole province last January 25.
The Ovu-Manuvo Tribe in Kinarum, Magpet and Datu Ladayon, Arakan in North Cotabato prohibited the rebels from entering their communities last December 19, 2018, while 21 barangays in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and the whole municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur declared the same on October 23, 2018, and December 21, 2018, respectively.
Meanwhile, from January 1 to March 21 this year, the troops in Eastern Mindanao have recorded a total of 59 armed encounters wherein 16 NPA members were killed while 22 others were captured.
Data further showed that a total of 130 NPA regulars and 79 Militia ng Bayan surrendered along with 88 mass supporters and members of the underground mass organizations.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1798434
Military says localized peace talks will benefit communities
From Sun Star-Bacolod (Mar 24, 2019): Military says localized peace talks will benefit communities
THE military in Negros Occidental province is amenable to the localized peace talks being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Lt. Col. Igberto Dacoscos, commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Isabela, Negros Occidental, said that localized peace talks would be very relevant in the province because of the presence of Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros, the local unit of the New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
"We believe that with the involvement of the local government units and other stakeholders, the localized peace talks would be more effective as it will also involve the local communities that are usually affected by the disturbance of the peace and order in their respective localities," Dacoscos said.
He also cited the incentive package being offered by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. for the members of the NPA rebels who will return to the government fold.
"The benefits directly go to the communities, so they really feel their involvement in the localized peace talks," Dacoscos added.
Meanwhile, Dacoscos said the Army in the province is conducting focused military operations in preparation for the 50th founding anniversary of the NPA on March 29.
"We have relentless combat operations to prevent any plans by the NPA rebels to launch atrocities in Negros, especially in our area covering the fifth and sixth districts," Dacoscos said.
He said the military has already identified the possible areas where the rebels might conduct combat operations in celebration of their founding anniversary.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1798444
THE military in Negros Occidental province is amenable to the localized peace talks being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Lt. Col. Igberto Dacoscos, commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Isabela, Negros Occidental, said that localized peace talks would be very relevant in the province because of the presence of Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros, the local unit of the New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
"We believe that with the involvement of the local government units and other stakeholders, the localized peace talks would be more effective as it will also involve the local communities that are usually affected by the disturbance of the peace and order in their respective localities," Dacoscos said.
He also cited the incentive package being offered by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. for the members of the NPA rebels who will return to the government fold.
"The benefits directly go to the communities, so they really feel their involvement in the localized peace talks," Dacoscos added.
Meanwhile, Dacoscos said the Army in the province is conducting focused military operations in preparation for the 50th founding anniversary of the NPA on March 29.
"We have relentless combat operations to prevent any plans by the NPA rebels to launch atrocities in Negros, especially in our area covering the fifth and sixth districts," Dacoscos said.
He said the military has already identified the possible areas where the rebels might conduct combat operations in celebration of their founding anniversary.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1798444
Sison: Duterte ‘best recruiter’ of NPA rebels
From the Business World (Mar 24, 2019): Sison: Duterte ‘best recruiter’ of NPA rebels
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte is the “best recruiter” of the New People’s Army for driving people to “fight” his “evil” regime, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria C. Sison said in a statement on late Saturday evening, March 23.
“As the best recruiter of the NPA, Duterte has driven so many people to join the NPA by running a tyrannical, treasonous, mass murdering, plundering and inflation-generating regime. The people have no choice but to fight such an evil regime,” said Mr. Sison in a statement on late Saturday evening, March 23.
Relations between the national government and communist rebels had been strained anew, with Mr. Duterte announcing on March 21 that he is ending peace negotiations.
“By terminating the peace negotiations, he compels the armed revolutionary movement to concentrate on intensifying the people’s war and cast away any illusion that this regime of terror and greed can negotiate social, economic and political reforms to address the roots of the armed conflict in order to achieve a just and lasting peace,” Mr. Sison said.
The exiled communist leader said of Mr. Duterte’s “splitting the military and police forces into two parts.
“The part for psywar and mass intimidation is for engaging in fake peace-and-development activities, rounding up people for fake localized peace negotiations, fake surrenders, occupation of civilian offices, too many checkpoints, guarding pro-Duterte politicians and business enterprises, over-enlarged surveillance and intelligence operations, widespread red tagging, urban arrests and death-squad operations.
“The part for combat is weakened with less personnel for field deployment.”
Mr. Sison also said Mr. Duterte is the “best transport and supply officer” for the rebels.
“When they advance in superior force, the NPA retreats and gives the enemy an illusion of winning. But when they camp and take over rough terrain, their strength is thinned out and they leave gaps between units and make small detachments and patrol teams, which are easy targets for the counteroffensives of the NPA,” he said.
“It is impossible for the reactionary military, police and paramilitary forces to defeat the NPA through sheer military operations and puerile psywar. The NPA already has nationwide strength and is deeply rooted among the toiling masses,” Mr. Sison said.
Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador L. Panelo said: “Other than saying that his rants are psychologically challenged, they are undeserving of a response.”
Malacañang recently announced a new panel will be organized to pursue localized peace talks with the rebels.
https://www.bworldonline.com/sison-duterte-best-recruiter-of-npa-rebels/
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte is the “best recruiter” of the New People’s Army for driving people to “fight” his “evil” regime, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria C. Sison said in a statement on late Saturday evening, March 23.
“As the best recruiter of the NPA, Duterte has driven so many people to join the NPA by running a tyrannical, treasonous, mass murdering, plundering and inflation-generating regime. The people have no choice but to fight such an evil regime,” said Mr. Sison in a statement on late Saturday evening, March 23.
Relations between the national government and communist rebels had been strained anew, with Mr. Duterte announcing on March 21 that he is ending peace negotiations.
“By terminating the peace negotiations, he compels the armed revolutionary movement to concentrate on intensifying the people’s war and cast away any illusion that this regime of terror and greed can negotiate social, economic and political reforms to address the roots of the armed conflict in order to achieve a just and lasting peace,” Mr. Sison said.
The exiled communist leader said of Mr. Duterte’s “splitting the military and police forces into two parts.
“The part for psywar and mass intimidation is for engaging in fake peace-and-development activities, rounding up people for fake localized peace negotiations, fake surrenders, occupation of civilian offices, too many checkpoints, guarding pro-Duterte politicians and business enterprises, over-enlarged surveillance and intelligence operations, widespread red tagging, urban arrests and death-squad operations.
“The part for combat is weakened with less personnel for field deployment.”
Mr. Sison also said Mr. Duterte is the “best transport and supply officer” for the rebels.
“When they advance in superior force, the NPA retreats and gives the enemy an illusion of winning. But when they camp and take over rough terrain, their strength is thinned out and they leave gaps between units and make small detachments and patrol teams, which are easy targets for the counteroffensives of the NPA,” he said.
“It is impossible for the reactionary military, police and paramilitary forces to defeat the NPA through sheer military operations and puerile psywar. The NPA already has nationwide strength and is deeply rooted among the toiling masses,” Mr. Sison said.
Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador L. Panelo said: “Other than saying that his rants are psychologically challenged, they are undeserving of a response.”
Malacañang recently announced a new panel will be organized to pursue localized peace talks with the rebels.
https://www.bworldonline.com/sison-duterte-best-recruiter-of-npa-rebels/
‘Rebel leader’ killed as soldiers overrun NPA camp in Iloilo
From the Daily Guardian (Mar 25, 2019): ‘Rebel leader’ killed as soldiers overrun NPA camp in Iloilo
A SUSPECTED leader of the New People’s Army was gunned down in a clash with Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion on Sunday in Miagao, Iloilo. (Photo from 61st Infantry Battalion)
A MAN believed to be leader of a New People’s Army (NPA) squad was killed in yet another encounter between suspected rebels and the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion.
The latest clash happened March 24, 2019 at Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo.
A composite platoon of the 61st Infantry Battalion led by Staff Sergeant Segovia was on strike operations when they encountered 20 NPA rebels from the Suyak Platoon of the Komiteng Rehiyon Panay-Souther Front Committee.
Joven Ceralvo alias Lex allegedly led the rebels in the 30-minute gunfight with Army troopers.
Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander, said heightened intelligence monitoring led them to stumble on the NPA camp in Miag-ao town.
The area was surrounded with collapsible tents made of laminated sacks.
Magbalot said NPA rebels don’t build permanent structures as they opt for foldaway shelters.
“There’s always a water source and running trenches that could indicate they’ve been in the area for quite some time,” he said.
Barangay Alimodias is more or less 18 kilometers from Miag-ao town proper.
The village center could be accessed by vehicle while Sitio Burak, the area where the encounter happened, could be reached after a 2-kilometer walk.
The encounter led to the death of an NPA combatant who is presumed to be one of the group’s leader.
“An NPA leader could be distinguished by a hat etched with a red star. The fatality was wearing one during the encounter,” Magbalot said.
Recovered at the encounter site was an NDF flag, an M16 rifle, claymore mines, and subversive documents.
As he stated earlier, Magbalot said more armed clashes are to be expected, especially that they are pounding heavily on the rebels’ lairs.
The latest encounter is the fourth that happened between 61st IB soldiers and NPA rebels in Southern Panay in a span of one week.
Prior to that, an encounter also occurred happened early morning of March 20 at Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo.
The soldiers encountered around 10 rebels believed to be members of Sibat Platoon of the NPA’s LRP-SFC led by a certain Nahum.
A soldier was slightly wounded on his right cheek but Magbalot said he now is safe and in stable condition now.
The operating troops recovered a claymore mine, seven bag packs, two detonators for improvised explosive device (IED), two Baofeng radios, two mobile phones, two handcuffs, two magazines for M16 rifle, and ammunition for 7.62mm.
The first clash happened in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras on March 17 and the other at Barangay Osorio 1, San Remegio, Antique on March 19.
https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/rebel-leader-killed-as-soldiers-overrun-npa-camp-in-iloilo/
A SUSPECTED leader of the New People’s Army was gunned down in a clash with Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion on Sunday in Miagao, Iloilo. (Photo from 61st Infantry Battalion)
A MAN believed to be leader of a New People’s Army (NPA) squad was killed in yet another encounter between suspected rebels and the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion.
The latest clash happened March 24, 2019 at Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo.
A composite platoon of the 61st Infantry Battalion led by Staff Sergeant Segovia was on strike operations when they encountered 20 NPA rebels from the Suyak Platoon of the Komiteng Rehiyon Panay-Souther Front Committee.
Joven Ceralvo alias Lex allegedly led the rebels in the 30-minute gunfight with Army troopers.
Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander, said heightened intelligence monitoring led them to stumble on the NPA camp in Miag-ao town.
The area was surrounded with collapsible tents made of laminated sacks.
Magbalot said NPA rebels don’t build permanent structures as they opt for foldaway shelters.
“There’s always a water source and running trenches that could indicate they’ve been in the area for quite some time,” he said.
Barangay Alimodias is more or less 18 kilometers from Miag-ao town proper.
The village center could be accessed by vehicle while Sitio Burak, the area where the encounter happened, could be reached after a 2-kilometer walk.
The encounter led to the death of an NPA combatant who is presumed to be one of the group’s leader.
“An NPA leader could be distinguished by a hat etched with a red star. The fatality was wearing one during the encounter,” Magbalot said.
Recovered at the encounter site was an NDF flag, an M16 rifle, claymore mines, and subversive documents.
As he stated earlier, Magbalot said more armed clashes are to be expected, especially that they are pounding heavily on the rebels’ lairs.
The latest encounter is the fourth that happened between 61st IB soldiers and NPA rebels in Southern Panay in a span of one week.
Prior to that, an encounter also occurred happened early morning of March 20 at Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo.
The soldiers encountered around 10 rebels believed to be members of Sibat Platoon of the NPA’s LRP-SFC led by a certain Nahum.
A soldier was slightly wounded on his right cheek but Magbalot said he now is safe and in stable condition now.
The operating troops recovered a claymore mine, seven bag packs, two detonators for improvised explosive device (IED), two Baofeng radios, two mobile phones, two handcuffs, two magazines for M16 rifle, and ammunition for 7.62mm.
The first clash happened in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras on March 17 and the other at Barangay Osorio 1, San Remegio, Antique on March 19.
https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/rebel-leader-killed-as-soldiers-overrun-npa-camp-in-iloilo/
Rebel killed as Phil. Army troops overrun NPA camp
From Panay News (Mar 25, 2019): Rebel killed as Phil. Army troops overrun NPA camp
Government troops recovered flags of the New People’s Army and National Democratic Front at a rebel encampment in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on March 24, 2019. The troops overran the camp before dawn. One rebel was killed.PHOTO COURTESTY OF THE PHIL. ARMY’S 61IB
ILOILO – Philippine Army troops overran a rebel encampment in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao town before dawn yesterday, five days before the New People’s Army (NPA) marks its 50th anniversary on March 29. One rebel was killed.
The rebels belonged to the Suyak Platoon of NPA Panay’s Southern Front Committee and the same group that clashed with soldiers of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) thrice last week, said Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., battalion commander.
“We received information that the rebels have been staying in Barangay Alimodias for three days already after successive encounters with us. Pero mabilis ang mga mamamayan na nag-inform sa atin kaya na-overrun natin ang kanilang camp,” said Magbalot.
As of this writing, the rebel who died in the clash remained unidentified. The 61IB believed he was a ranking officer of NPA Panay.
The rebel, between 35 to 40 years old, was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and trousers, and a fatigue-colored cap with a red star. No identification papers were recovered from him.
According to Magbalot, the encounter happened around 4 a.m. There were around 20 rebels.
The firefight lasted for some 30 minutes.
The rebels withdrew to the mountains and left their dead comrade.
This unidentified rebel died during an encounter with Philippine Army soldiers in the hinterland barangay of Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on March 24, 2019. Government troops overran a rebel encampment in Barangay Alimodias before dawn. PHOTO COURTESTY OF THE PHIL. ARMY’S 61IB
Soldiers recovered from the campsite flags of the NPA and National Democratic Front, subversive documents, an M16 rifle, ammunition, anti-personnel mines, backpacks, and personal belongings.
“This is still part of our pursuit operations following the series of encounters last week. Our presence in Barangay Alimodias surprised them,” said Magbalot.
Barangay Alimodias, a hinterland village, is some 10 kilometers from Miag-ao’s town center.
The 61IB clashed with the rebels in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17; in Barangay Osorio 1, San Remigio, Antique on March 19; and Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras on March 20.
In the March 17 clash, three NPA suspects were arrested and nine improvised explosive devices were seized.
On the other hand, a solder of the 61IB was injured in the March 20 clash. A bullet grazed the face of Private First Class Bryan Cillo.
“Don’t let them harm you and the people. Hunt them down,” Major General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) in Panay Island, ordered his men after these three successive encounters.
He also criticized the rebels for using antipersonnel mines.
“This is a violation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines (Ottawa Treaty), and the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity (Republic Act 9851),” said Dolina.
https://www.panaynews.net/rebel-killed-as-phil-army-troops-overrun-npa-camp/
Government troops recovered flags of the New People’s Army and National Democratic Front at a rebel encampment in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on March 24, 2019. The troops overran the camp before dawn. One rebel was killed.PHOTO COURTESTY OF THE PHIL. ARMY’S 61IB
ILOILO – Philippine Army troops overran a rebel encampment in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao town before dawn yesterday, five days before the New People’s Army (NPA) marks its 50th anniversary on March 29. One rebel was killed.
The rebels belonged to the Suyak Platoon of NPA Panay’s Southern Front Committee and the same group that clashed with soldiers of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) thrice last week, said Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., battalion commander.
“We received information that the rebels have been staying in Barangay Alimodias for three days already after successive encounters with us. Pero mabilis ang mga mamamayan na nag-inform sa atin kaya na-overrun natin ang kanilang camp,” said Magbalot.
As of this writing, the rebel who died in the clash remained unidentified. The 61IB believed he was a ranking officer of NPA Panay.
The rebel, between 35 to 40 years old, was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and trousers, and a fatigue-colored cap with a red star. No identification papers were recovered from him.
According to Magbalot, the encounter happened around 4 a.m. There were around 20 rebels.
The firefight lasted for some 30 minutes.
The rebels withdrew to the mountains and left their dead comrade.
This unidentified rebel died during an encounter with Philippine Army soldiers in the hinterland barangay of Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on March 24, 2019. Government troops overran a rebel encampment in Barangay Alimodias before dawn. PHOTO COURTESTY OF THE PHIL. ARMY’S 61IB
Soldiers recovered from the campsite flags of the NPA and National Democratic Front, subversive documents, an M16 rifle, ammunition, anti-personnel mines, backpacks, and personal belongings.
“This is still part of our pursuit operations following the series of encounters last week. Our presence in Barangay Alimodias surprised them,” said Magbalot.
Barangay Alimodias, a hinterland village, is some 10 kilometers from Miag-ao’s town center.
The 61IB clashed with the rebels in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17; in Barangay Osorio 1, San Remigio, Antique on March 19; and Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras on March 20.
In the March 17 clash, three NPA suspects were arrested and nine improvised explosive devices were seized.
On the other hand, a solder of the 61IB was injured in the March 20 clash. A bullet grazed the face of Private First Class Bryan Cillo.
“Don’t let them harm you and the people. Hunt them down,” Major General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) in Panay Island, ordered his men after these three successive encounters.
He also criticized the rebels for using antipersonnel mines.
“This is a violation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines (Ottawa Treaty), and the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity (Republic Act 9851),” said Dolina.
https://www.panaynews.net/rebel-killed-as-phil-army-troops-overrun-npa-camp/
NDFP spokesperson nabbed in Laguna
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 24, 2019): NDFP spokesperson nabbed in Laguna
This photo, taken Dec. 22, 2016, shows Frank Fernandez giving a press conference somewhere in southern Negros Occidental. It was his first public appearance after 30 years. (Contributed photo)
SAN PEDRO CITY — A spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) was arrested in Nagcarlan town in Laguna province on Sunday.
Frank Fernandez, NDFP-Negros spokesperson, was arrested at 5:16 a.m. in Barangay Calumpang, in a joint operation of the Philippine Army and Laguna police.
This was confirmed to the INQUIRER by three police officials.
One of the sources said Fernandez was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant.
Fernandez’s arrest came days after NDFP peace consultant Renante Gamara was arrested in Imus City, Cavite last week.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently dismantled the government’s peace panel, which was headed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
Fernandez is the sixth NDF official arrested since the government terminated its peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army in 2017.
This photo, taken Dec. 22, 2016, shows Frank Fernandez giving a press conference somewhere in southern Negros Occidental. It was his first public appearance after 30 years. (Contributed photo)
SAN PEDRO CITY — A spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) was arrested in Nagcarlan town in Laguna province on Sunday.
Frank Fernandez, NDFP-Negros spokesperson, was arrested at 5:16 a.m. in Barangay Calumpang, in a joint operation of the Philippine Army and Laguna police.
This was confirmed to the INQUIRER by three police officials.
One of the sources said Fernandez was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant.
Fernandez’s arrest came days after NDFP peace consultant Renante Gamara was arrested in Imus City, Cavite last week.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently dismantled the government’s peace panel, which was headed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
Fernandez is the sixth NDF official arrested since the government terminated its peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army in 2017.
Editorial: New tone and terminology in handling communist insurgency
Editorial from the Manila Times (Mar 25, 2019): New tone and terminology in handling communist insurgency
PEOPLE are not so sure which is sadder to behold: the permanent end of peace negotiations between the government and the communist rebels, or the dissolution of the government negotiating panel led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.
In our view, it is fitting that President Duterte has declared an emphatic end to both because both signify a failed and costly initiative.
Both government and the communists must shoulder part of the blame for the failed peace effort.
The effort started with a bang when President Duterte made the dramatic decision to include representatives of the communists in his initial cabinet and administration.
But this show of confidence quickly petered out when CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison failed to reciprocate with an earnest that the communists would be willing to end their armed struggle against the government.
In the subsequent negotiations, the communists were more intransigent and demanding than conciliatory. They made demands for communist leaders in detention to be released so they could serve as consultants in the talks.
The government negotiating panel for its part did not look prepared for a hard-nosed eyeball-to-eyeball meeting with the communist panel. The government’s position appeared to come out in stages, and only in the end did it present what it considered as the acceptable outcome from the talks. President Duterte appeared to shape the government’s position by butting in.
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Now, the government wants to shift the peace process entirely to localized talks, and to exclude Sison from the conversation.
According to national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., this means the Chief Executive has completely shut the door to any “interventions or persuasions” regarding the CPP, its armed unit the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
The government will focus instead on localized peace engagements.
Esperon said there is no need to pursue talks with Sison since the socio-economic causes he has been fighting for are already being delivered by the Duterte administration.
It was in November 2017, that President Duterte issued Proclamation 360 declaring the termination of peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA over the insurgents’ continued offensives against government forces and private installations.
A year later, in December 2018, the President signed Executive Order 70 directing the creation of a national task force that will spearhead a whole-of-government approach to “end local communist armed conflict.”
The change in terminology is significant. The talk is now about the end of the insurgency. It is not about peace the platitude.
Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., deputy chief of staff for civil military operations (J7) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said Mr. Duterte’s move is the right path because the communists only took advantage of the peace negotiations to regroup and strengthen their ranks.
“This is only proper,” he said. “Thirty-one years of deceptive ploys using peace talks, across five administrations, only resulted in more terrorist NPA being released, an opportunity for the CTG (communist terrorist group) to recruit and recover lost areas of influence, publicity for Joma in the international arena as a ‘dove’,” Parlade said.
Talks with Sison only resulted in “wasted government funds spent for negotiations and junkets, opportunity losses for investments and development because of prolonged and intermittent fighting, politicians kowtowing with NPA for survival, especially during elections but leaving the government empty-handed.”
Sison, for his part, never showed a semblace of control over the local insurgents still actively operating in the country.
As government strategists began testing the new approach, Sison declared that Duterte was just being “delusional.”
https://www.manilatimes.net/new-tone-and-terminology-in-handling-communist-insurgency/530426/
PEOPLE are not so sure which is sadder to behold: the permanent end of peace negotiations between the government and the communist rebels, or the dissolution of the government negotiating panel led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.
In our view, it is fitting that President Duterte has declared an emphatic end to both because both signify a failed and costly initiative.
Both government and the communists must shoulder part of the blame for the failed peace effort.
The effort started with a bang when President Duterte made the dramatic decision to include representatives of the communists in his initial cabinet and administration.
But this show of confidence quickly petered out when CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison failed to reciprocate with an earnest that the communists would be willing to end their armed struggle against the government.
In the subsequent negotiations, the communists were more intransigent and demanding than conciliatory. They made demands for communist leaders in detention to be released so they could serve as consultants in the talks.
The government negotiating panel for its part did not look prepared for a hard-nosed eyeball-to-eyeball meeting with the communist panel. The government’s position appeared to come out in stages, and only in the end did it present what it considered as the acceptable outcome from the talks. President Duterte appeared to shape the government’s position by butting in.
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Now, the government wants to shift the peace process entirely to localized talks, and to exclude Sison from the conversation.
According to national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., this means the Chief Executive has completely shut the door to any “interventions or persuasions” regarding the CPP, its armed unit the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
The government will focus instead on localized peace engagements.
Esperon said there is no need to pursue talks with Sison since the socio-economic causes he has been fighting for are already being delivered by the Duterte administration.
It was in November 2017, that President Duterte issued Proclamation 360 declaring the termination of peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA over the insurgents’ continued offensives against government forces and private installations.
A year later, in December 2018, the President signed Executive Order 70 directing the creation of a national task force that will spearhead a whole-of-government approach to “end local communist armed conflict.”
The change in terminology is significant. The talk is now about the end of the insurgency. It is not about peace the platitude.
Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., deputy chief of staff for civil military operations (J7) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said Mr. Duterte’s move is the right path because the communists only took advantage of the peace negotiations to regroup and strengthen their ranks.
“This is only proper,” he said. “Thirty-one years of deceptive ploys using peace talks, across five administrations, only resulted in more terrorist NPA being released, an opportunity for the CTG (communist terrorist group) to recruit and recover lost areas of influence, publicity for Joma in the international arena as a ‘dove’,” Parlade said.
Talks with Sison only resulted in “wasted government funds spent for negotiations and junkets, opportunity losses for investments and development because of prolonged and intermittent fighting, politicians kowtowing with NPA for survival, especially during elections but leaving the government empty-handed.”
Sison, for his part, never showed a semblace of control over the local insurgents still actively operating in the country.
As government strategists began testing the new approach, Sison declared that Duterte was just being “delusional.”
https://www.manilatimes.net/new-tone-and-terminology-in-handling-communist-insurgency/530426/
AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - AFP troops overrun 4th BIFF hideout
From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 24, 2019): Photo/slide - AFP troops overrun 4th BIFF hideout
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2381373068548070/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2381373068548070/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - War materials recovered in Maguindanao
From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 24, 2019): Photo/slide - War materials recovered in Maguindanao
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2381371265214917/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2381371265214917/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - Alert on foreign terrorists' entry
From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 24, 2019): Photo/slide - Alert on foreign terrorists' entry
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2381369845215059/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2381369845215059/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
US, Filipino soldiers construct school building in Bataan
From PTV News (Mar 22): US, Filipino soldiers construct school building in Bataan
ORANI, Bataan — American and Filipino soldiers are now almost halfway in constructing an additional school building for the Pag-asa Elementary School in an upland village here.
The project is one of the humanitarian and civic assistance undertakings under the Philippines–United States Balikatan Exercise which will officially be held April 1-12.
Taking part in the construction of a one-storey, two classroom-building in Barangay Pag-asa are members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically from the PAF’s 355th Wing and their American counterparts.
The construction began last March 12 and is set to be finished on April 12 this year.
Roberto Surait, Grade 6 teacher of Pag-asa Elementary School, said they have more than 300 pupils in the school.
“May 48 – 51 pupils ang bawat classroom namin kaya kailangang-kailangan ang additional classroom. Suwerte kami at kami ang nabigyan ng Balikatan (There are 48 to 51 pupils in our every classroom, that is why there is a need for an additional classroom. We are lucky that we were given by the Balikatan),” he said.
Surait said construction of the sturdy and nice building is fast.
The said facility is one of the two projects included in the Engineering Capability Program activities of Balikatan 35-2019.
“The partnership between the countries involved in this activity creates change not only in transforming the Philippine Army but also in shaping the environment. We are looking forward that this project would enhance and develop a peaceful place for education and learning,” said Lt. Col. Felix Emeterio Valdez, acting Battalion Commander of 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion, in a statement.
Aside from the construction of the school building in this town, Filipino and American soldiers are also renovating elementary schools in Laguna and Batangas provinces.
http://ptvnews.ph/us-filipino-soldiers-construct-school-building-in-bataan/?fbclid=IwAR2-m_0fcqJ9JH4wfmZ6MnB4ncJkCUxxv84rnCnF1rTKNvExnQKYqw97E9I
ORANI, Bataan — American and Filipino soldiers are now almost halfway in constructing an additional school building for the Pag-asa Elementary School in an upland village here.
The project is one of the humanitarian and civic assistance undertakings under the Philippines–United States Balikatan Exercise which will officially be held April 1-12.
Taking part in the construction of a one-storey, two classroom-building in Barangay Pag-asa are members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically from the PAF’s 355th Wing and their American counterparts.
The construction began last March 12 and is set to be finished on April 12 this year.
Roberto Surait, Grade 6 teacher of Pag-asa Elementary School, said they have more than 300 pupils in the school.
“May 48 – 51 pupils ang bawat classroom namin kaya kailangang-kailangan ang additional classroom. Suwerte kami at kami ang nabigyan ng Balikatan (There are 48 to 51 pupils in our every classroom, that is why there is a need for an additional classroom. We are lucky that we were given by the Balikatan),” he said.
Surait said construction of the sturdy and nice building is fast.
The said facility is one of the two projects included in the Engineering Capability Program activities of Balikatan 35-2019.
“The partnership between the countries involved in this activity creates change not only in transforming the Philippine Army but also in shaping the environment. We are looking forward that this project would enhance and develop a peaceful place for education and learning,” said Lt. Col. Felix Emeterio Valdez, acting Battalion Commander of 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion, in a statement.
Aside from the construction of the school building in this town, Filipino and American soldiers are also renovating elementary schools in Laguna and Batangas provinces.
http://ptvnews.ph/us-filipino-soldiers-construct-school-building-in-bataan/?fbclid=IwAR2-m_0fcqJ9JH4wfmZ6MnB4ncJkCUxxv84rnCnF1rTKNvExnQKYqw97E9I
NDF/NPA-Kalinga: 503 Infantry Brigade at 50 IB, mga dramatista at tigalubid ng fakenews!
NPA-Kalinga propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 24, 2019): 503 Infantry Brigade at 50 IB, mga dramatista at tigalubid ng fakenews!
Tipon Gil-ayab
Spokesperson
Bagong Hukbong Bayan – Kalinga
Marso 20 ibinalita sa midya ni Col. Henry Doyaoen, hepe ng 503rd Infantry Brigade ng Philippine Army, na may naganap daw na engkwentro sa pagitan ng mga tropa ng 50th IB at ng BHB, 4:50 ng madaling araw sa pagitan ng Buaya at Mabaca, Balbalan, Kalinga. Sa nasabing labanan ay nakakumpiska diumano ng isang M16 na riple, dalawang granada at mga bala ang mga militar habang nagtamo naman daw ng isang sugatan mula sa panig ng BHB.
Kasinungalingan! Walang yunit ang BHB sa nasabing lugar ng mga panahong nabanggit na nagkaroon ng labanan.
Ang tanging katotohanan sa kwentong-barbero ng AFP hinggil sa nasabing labanan sa Mabaca-Buaya ay ang paglabag nito sa karapatang-tao ng mga residente at pagbulabog nito sa katahimikan ng nasabing mga barangay dahil sa walang-habas nitong pagpapaputok ng matataas na kalibre ng baril upang palabasing may labanang naganap. Sinasayang lang ng AFP ang kanilang mga bala at pinahihiya ang sarili dahil sa gawa-gawang sarswela nito.
Matagal nang alam ng taumbayan na sa desperasyon ng mersenaryong AFP, madalas itong gumawa ng fake news at fake encounters upang palabasing nananalo ang gera nito laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Kung kaya’t ang pekeng labanan sa Mabaca-Buaya ay pakana ng 50th IB upang may maipalabas na “accomplishment” at nang makakuha ng promosyon at makakurakot din ng pabuya mula sa kaban ng bayan.
Layunin din ng mga ganitong pekeng balita na magpakalat ng takot at pangamba sa hanay ng masa. At isa lamang ito sa mahabang listahan ng mga pekeng balita na inimbento ng AFP sa prubinsya.
Noong nakaraang linggo rin ay ipinagmalaki ng AFP na may napa-surrender silang dalawang diumano ay miyembro ng BHB sa Brgy. Allaguia sa munisipyo ng Pinukpuk. Ang totoo ay mga miyembro ng CAFGU sa nasabing barangay ang sinasabi nilang nag-surrender!
Ang mga pekeng surrender ay matagal nang bahagi ng saywar ng AFP upang palabasing “humihina” na ang BHB at isa ring raket na pinagkakakitaan lang ng mga matataas na opisyal ng AFP. Gamit ang dalawang helicopter na pinaikot-ikot sa iba’t ibang bayan ng Kalinga nitong nagdaang mga araw, nagpakalat ang AFP ng mga polyeto na nananawagan ng pag-surender ng mga kasapi ng BHB at mga sibilyang sumusuporta sa BHB. Nagsasayang sila ng lohistika.
https://www.ndfp.org/503-infantry-brigade-at-50-ib-mga-dramatista-at-tigalubid-ng-fakenews/
Tipon Gil-ayab
Spokesperson
Bagong Hukbong Bayan – Kalinga
Marso 20 ibinalita sa midya ni Col. Henry Doyaoen, hepe ng 503rd Infantry Brigade ng Philippine Army, na may naganap daw na engkwentro sa pagitan ng mga tropa ng 50th IB at ng BHB, 4:50 ng madaling araw sa pagitan ng Buaya at Mabaca, Balbalan, Kalinga. Sa nasabing labanan ay nakakumpiska diumano ng isang M16 na riple, dalawang granada at mga bala ang mga militar habang nagtamo naman daw ng isang sugatan mula sa panig ng BHB.
Kasinungalingan! Walang yunit ang BHB sa nasabing lugar ng mga panahong nabanggit na nagkaroon ng labanan.
Ang tanging katotohanan sa kwentong-barbero ng AFP hinggil sa nasabing labanan sa Mabaca-Buaya ay ang paglabag nito sa karapatang-tao ng mga residente at pagbulabog nito sa katahimikan ng nasabing mga barangay dahil sa walang-habas nitong pagpapaputok ng matataas na kalibre ng baril upang palabasing may labanang naganap. Sinasayang lang ng AFP ang kanilang mga bala at pinahihiya ang sarili dahil sa gawa-gawang sarswela nito.
Matagal nang alam ng taumbayan na sa desperasyon ng mersenaryong AFP, madalas itong gumawa ng fake news at fake encounters upang palabasing nananalo ang gera nito laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Kung kaya’t ang pekeng labanan sa Mabaca-Buaya ay pakana ng 50th IB upang may maipalabas na “accomplishment” at nang makakuha ng promosyon at makakurakot din ng pabuya mula sa kaban ng bayan.
Layunin din ng mga ganitong pekeng balita na magpakalat ng takot at pangamba sa hanay ng masa. At isa lamang ito sa mahabang listahan ng mga pekeng balita na inimbento ng AFP sa prubinsya.
Noong nakaraang linggo rin ay ipinagmalaki ng AFP na may napa-surrender silang dalawang diumano ay miyembro ng BHB sa Brgy. Allaguia sa munisipyo ng Pinukpuk. Ang totoo ay mga miyembro ng CAFGU sa nasabing barangay ang sinasabi nilang nag-surrender!
Ang mga pekeng surrender ay matagal nang bahagi ng saywar ng AFP upang palabasing “humihina” na ang BHB at isa ring raket na pinagkakakitaan lang ng mga matataas na opisyal ng AFP. Gamit ang dalawang helicopter na pinaikot-ikot sa iba’t ibang bayan ng Kalinga nitong nagdaang mga araw, nagpakalat ang AFP ng mga polyeto na nananawagan ng pag-surender ng mga kasapi ng BHB at mga sibilyang sumusuporta sa BHB. Nagsasayang sila ng lohistika.
https://www.ndfp.org/503-infantry-brigade-at-50-ib-mga-dramatista-at-tigalubid-ng-fakenews/
NDF/NDF Negotiating Panel: On Documents of Identification or Safe Conduct Passes
NDF Negotiating Panel propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 24, 2019): On Documents of Identification or Safe Conduct Passes
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel
Press Statement
March 23, 2019
NDFP Negotiating Panel Chairperson Fidel V. Agcaoili
For the information of Gen. Galvez and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it is not a crime to participate in peace negotiations and to possess a document of identification or safe conduct pass in order to do so.
The Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) mandates the two Parties to issue documents of identification or safe conduct passes to negotiators, consultants, staffers, security and other personnel to enable the Parties to hold peace negotiations and forge comprehensive agreements on human rights and international humanitarian law, social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, and end of hostilities and disposition of forces in order to pave the way for a just and lasting peace in the country.
Except for the negotiators who are appointed by the respective principals of the Parties, the consultants, staffers, security and other personnel in the peace negotiations are chosen for their experience and expertise in the fields of economics, politics, law and human rights – both international and domestic, – military, etc., as well as their capability to consult with concerned communities and organizations on matters pertinent to the peace negotiations to move these forward.
In any legal and judicial system, criminal offenses are defined in law, codified and enriched in jurisprudence. Under the laws of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), there is no crime attached to participation in peace negotiations or being holders of documents of identification or safe conduct passes.
Mr. Renante Gamara is protected from arrest under the JASIG as a publicly known consultant of the NDFP for political and constitutional reforms. Even under GRP laws, he could not be the subject of arrest because there is no warrant against him and he has an outstanding bail on the case with which he is charged. But his arresting unit resorted to the usual ploy of planting evidence in order to charge him with the trumped up offense of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, as in the cases of NDFP consultants Edilberto Silva, Vic Ladlad and Rey Claro Casambre.
On the other hand, Fr. Art Balagat is a priest who was based abroad for a long time and had recently returned to the Philippines to retire in the Diocese of Imus, Cavite. He is neither a participant nor a holder of document of identification or safe conduct pass in the peace negotiations. But he was during the time of the Marcos dictatorship, the spokesperson of the Justice for Aquino, Justice for All (JAJA) movement. His arrest smacks of the regime’s irrational and unrelenting assault and persecution of church people.
The militarists in the GRP’s security cluster are fond of ignoring and violating their own laws, more so today under an enabling commander-in-chief whose apparent preferred solution to the nation’s problems is to intimidate, terrorize, jail or kill his opponents, suspected drug users from the poor, peasant activists, trade unionists, lawyers and human rights defenders. But there is a limit to his threatening speeches, brutal ways, corrupt practices, and treasonous policies. It will soon be reached.
https://www.ndfp.org/on-documents-of-identification-or-safe-conduct-passes/
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel
Press Statement
March 23, 2019
NDFP Negotiating Panel Chairperson Fidel V. Agcaoili
For the information of Gen. Galvez and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it is not a crime to participate in peace negotiations and to possess a document of identification or safe conduct pass in order to do so.
The Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) mandates the two Parties to issue documents of identification or safe conduct passes to negotiators, consultants, staffers, security and other personnel to enable the Parties to hold peace negotiations and forge comprehensive agreements on human rights and international humanitarian law, social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, and end of hostilities and disposition of forces in order to pave the way for a just and lasting peace in the country.
Except for the negotiators who are appointed by the respective principals of the Parties, the consultants, staffers, security and other personnel in the peace negotiations are chosen for their experience and expertise in the fields of economics, politics, law and human rights – both international and domestic, – military, etc., as well as their capability to consult with concerned communities and organizations on matters pertinent to the peace negotiations to move these forward.
In any legal and judicial system, criminal offenses are defined in law, codified and enriched in jurisprudence. Under the laws of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), there is no crime attached to participation in peace negotiations or being holders of documents of identification or safe conduct passes.
Mr. Renante Gamara is protected from arrest under the JASIG as a publicly known consultant of the NDFP for political and constitutional reforms. Even under GRP laws, he could not be the subject of arrest because there is no warrant against him and he has an outstanding bail on the case with which he is charged. But his arresting unit resorted to the usual ploy of planting evidence in order to charge him with the trumped up offense of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, as in the cases of NDFP consultants Edilberto Silva, Vic Ladlad and Rey Claro Casambre.
On the other hand, Fr. Art Balagat is a priest who was based abroad for a long time and had recently returned to the Philippines to retire in the Diocese of Imus, Cavite. He is neither a participant nor a holder of document of identification or safe conduct pass in the peace negotiations. But he was during the time of the Marcos dictatorship, the spokesperson of the Justice for Aquino, Justice for All (JAJA) movement. His arrest smacks of the regime’s irrational and unrelenting assault and persecution of church people.
The militarists in the GRP’s security cluster are fond of ignoring and violating their own laws, more so today under an enabling commander-in-chief whose apparent preferred solution to the nation’s problems is to intimidate, terrorize, jail or kill his opponents, suspected drug users from the poor, peasant activists, trade unionists, lawyers and human rights defenders. But there is a limit to his threatening speeches, brutal ways, corrupt practices, and treasonous policies. It will soon be reached.
https://www.ndfp.org/on-documents-of-identification-or-safe-conduct-passes/
Troops overrun NPA hideout in Iloilo
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2019): Troops overrun NPA hideout in Iloilo
Government troops overrun an NPA hideout in Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo, on March 24 2019. The 61st Infantry Battalion recovered subversive documents, M16 rifle, ammunitions, anti–personnel mines and NPA-NDF flags (Photo courtesy of 61IB)
ILOILO CITY — A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed as government troops overran an NPA hideout following an encounter in the hinterlands of Iloilo, the military said on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Sisenado Magbalot Jr., commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), said no government soldier was wounded but confirmed that a still unidentified man believed to be an NPA leader was killed in at least 30-minute exchange of gunfire at around 4 a.m. Sunday in Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias in Miagao, Iloilo.
Magbalot said the dead body aged between 35 to 40 years old was wearing the typical attire of the NPA, which is black and donned a fatigue-colored cap with a star design.
He said the more or less 20 NPA rebels belonging to the Suyak Platoon of the Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay of Joven Ceralvo was the same group that the 61IB encountered in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17.
“Actually, it was still part of our pursuit operations following the series of encounters with the rebel groups in the past week in southern part of Iloilo. This is now our fourth encounter,” he said.
The 61IB recovered subversive documents, M16 rifle, ammunition, anti–personnel mines, and flags of the NPA-National Democratic Front at the NPA lair.
“We believe there are also wounded from their group because they were surprised by the presence of our government troops in the area. The pursuit and clearing operation still continue,” Magbalot said.
Barangay Alimodias, a hinterland barangay of Miagao, is around eight to 10 kilometers away from the town proper.
Meantime, Magbalot said they will be asking the help of barangay officials in identifying the dead body.
During the March 17 encounter, the government soldiers captured three NPA rebels identified as Ramon “Toto” Elamparo, 48; Roberto “Nono” Elbao, 50; and Ruperto “Bebot” Elamparo, 50.
A clash with the NPA also took place in Barangay Osorio-2 in San Remegio, Antique on March 19 and another encounter in Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20.
Magbalot, earlier, said government troops will not let the communist group celebrate its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.
Both the United States and European Union had listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065454
Government troops overrun an NPA hideout in Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo, on March 24 2019. The 61st Infantry Battalion recovered subversive documents, M16 rifle, ammunitions, anti–personnel mines and NPA-NDF flags (Photo courtesy of 61IB)
ILOILO CITY — A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed as government troops overran an NPA hideout following an encounter in the hinterlands of Iloilo, the military said on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Sisenado Magbalot Jr., commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), said no government soldier was wounded but confirmed that a still unidentified man believed to be an NPA leader was killed in at least 30-minute exchange of gunfire at around 4 a.m. Sunday in Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias in Miagao, Iloilo.
Magbalot said the dead body aged between 35 to 40 years old was wearing the typical attire of the NPA, which is black and donned a fatigue-colored cap with a star design.
He said the more or less 20 NPA rebels belonging to the Suyak Platoon of the Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay of Joven Ceralvo was the same group that the 61IB encountered in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17.
“Actually, it was still part of our pursuit operations following the series of encounters with the rebel groups in the past week in southern part of Iloilo. This is now our fourth encounter,” he said.
The 61IB recovered subversive documents, M16 rifle, ammunition, anti–personnel mines, and flags of the NPA-National Democratic Front at the NPA lair.
“We believe there are also wounded from their group because they were surprised by the presence of our government troops in the area. The pursuit and clearing operation still continue,” Magbalot said.
Barangay Alimodias, a hinterland barangay of Miagao, is around eight to 10 kilometers away from the town proper.
Meantime, Magbalot said they will be asking the help of barangay officials in identifying the dead body.
During the March 17 encounter, the government soldiers captured three NPA rebels identified as Ramon “Toto” Elamparo, 48; Roberto “Nono” Elbao, 50; and Ruperto “Bebot” Elamparo, 50.
A clash with the NPA also took place in Barangay Osorio-2 in San Remegio, Antique on March 19 and another encounter in Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20.
Magbalot, earlier, said government troops will not let the communist group celebrate its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.
Both the United States and European Union had listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065454
Reds urged to grab chance for localized peace talks
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2019): Reds urged to grab chance for localized peace talks
The highest-ranking military commander in the Visayas said communist New People’s Army terrorists (CNT) still waging war against society should grab the opportunity to directly negotiate with the government, now that the Duterte administration expressed openness for localized peace initiatives.
With the termination of the peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF), Central Command (Centcom) commander, Lt. General Noel Clement, said his command fully supports localized peace talks.
Clement said Centcom will now start to work with other government agencies in directly engaging with the CNTs in a localized dialogue to give them a chance at a new life.
“The Central Command, along with other government agencies will strongly pursue the localized peace talks. This is to show that the government is sincere towards the attainment of a just and lasting peace,” Clement said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
He added, that localized peace talks “will serve as an avenue for the CNT members to negotiate directly and receive assistance from the government.”
Through direct negotiations with them, he said that the government will be able to directly address the problems, “thereby justly and objectively terminating the irrelevant NDF-schemed peace process.”
The commander of Centcom said he believes that “finally putting an end to the longstanding armed conflict in the country” can only be attained through a focused dialogue that is limited to specific issues rather than a generalized approach.
“We have the strong support of the local government units and agencies. We expect that the general public will support this endeavor as peace-loving citizens of the country,” he said.
He noted that a number of CNTs in the Visayas, particularly in Panay and Negros Islands, had already surrendered to the military and received help from the government.
“The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program does not only provide firearm remuneration, but an overall financial, livelihood and employment opportunities for the benefit of the former rebel and his/her family,” he said, stressing that “(we) will facilitate your return to the mainstream society and help you live normal and productive lives.”
“We are hoping to process more CNTs who want to return to the fold of the law and back to the mainstream society.” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065457
The highest-ranking military commander in the Visayas said communist New People’s Army terrorists (CNT) still waging war against society should grab the opportunity to directly negotiate with the government, now that the Duterte administration expressed openness for localized peace initiatives.
With the termination of the peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF), Central Command (Centcom) commander, Lt. General Noel Clement, said his command fully supports localized peace talks.
Clement said Centcom will now start to work with other government agencies in directly engaging with the CNTs in a localized dialogue to give them a chance at a new life.
“The Central Command, along with other government agencies will strongly pursue the localized peace talks. This is to show that the government is sincere towards the attainment of a just and lasting peace,” Clement said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
He added, that localized peace talks “will serve as an avenue for the CNT members to negotiate directly and receive assistance from the government.”
Through direct negotiations with them, he said that the government will be able to directly address the problems, “thereby justly and objectively terminating the irrelevant NDF-schemed peace process.”
The commander of Centcom said he believes that “finally putting an end to the longstanding armed conflict in the country” can only be attained through a focused dialogue that is limited to specific issues rather than a generalized approach.
“We have the strong support of the local government units and agencies. We expect that the general public will support this endeavor as peace-loving citizens of the country,” he said.
He noted that a number of CNTs in the Visayas, particularly in Panay and Negros Islands, had already surrendered to the military and received help from the government.
“The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program does not only provide firearm remuneration, but an overall financial, livelihood and employment opportunities for the benefit of the former rebel and his/her family,” he said, stressing that “(we) will facilitate your return to the mainstream society and help you live normal and productive lives.”
“We are hoping to process more CNTs who want to return to the fold of the law and back to the mainstream society.” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065457
NPA destroyed youth’s lives for rebellion: ex-CPP leader
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2019): NPA destroyed youth’s lives for rebellion: ex-CPP leader
A former regional youth chief of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said the revolutionary organization and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), destroyed the lives of the youth who could have been productive members of the community.
In a statement sent to PNA on Sunday, "Ka Louie" said the NPA is responsible for duping young minds into joining an organization with a lost cause.
Ka Louie, who claimed to be a member of the CPP in the National Capital Region for eight years before he decided to leave the group in 1990 to finish college, is now part of KADRE, a group of more than 300 former members of the CPP-NPA.
Later on, he became a professor in a university where "Ka Apol" and "Ka Czes" became his students.
“Parehong matalino sina Ka Apol at Ka Czes at pareho rin silang miyembro ng Collective Unit. Si Apol ay Student Council Vice President habang si Czes naman ay (Both Ka Apol and Ka Czes were smart and were members of the Collective Unit. Apol is a Student Council Vice President while Czes is a) Political Science Society President,” Ka Louie said.
He, together with the other youth members of the communist terrorist group, advised Ka Apol to focus on his studies first and not to accept NPA’s invitation to become a political officer of the group in Rizal and enter rural integration.
“Palubog na ang kilusan at papunta na sa pagiging gangsterismo. Naniwala si Czes at tinapos niya ang kanyang pag-aaral at nagtapos ng may dangal pero si Apol ay piniling mamundok (The group is sinking and already leaning to gangsterism. Czes believed and finished his studies with dignity while Apol chose to stay in the mountains),” he added.
With his determination to improve the status of his family, Ka Czes finished college and is now the head executive assistant of a senator while studying law.
Meanwhile, Ka Apol died in a bloody encounter between members of an NPA unit in Tanay, Rizal and a private army of a politician.
Ka Louie said ka Apol was tasked to grab the lands of “hacienderos” and politicians in the area.
According to reports, he said, Ka Apol’s corpse was dragged by the politician’s army to the plaza to show the farmers that the NPA is not capable of giving them protection.
Ka Apol’s corpse was then buried at the foot of Sierra Madre in Rizal.
“Kung hindi napatay sa engkuwentro, malamang ay isang kapaki-pakinabang na mamamayan si Apol sa kasalukuyan. Malamang ay isa itong top executive at malaki ang naiaambag sa Pilipinas (If he didn’t die due to the encounter, Apol could have been a productive citizen now. He may now be a top executive with a lot of contributions to the Philippines),” Ka Louie said.
Ka Apol, he said, is just among the many young Filipinos whose lives were wasted after joining the "failed rebellion."
In March 2018, six alleged communist rebels — among them 21-year-old Myles Albasin, a Mass Communication graduate of UP Cebu — were captured following an encounter with government personnel in Negros Oriental province.
In February this year, John Carlo Capistrano Alberto, a student of the University of the Philippines - Los Banos, reportedy an NPA member, died in a clash with government troops in Laguna province.
The military, meanwhile, said it will heighten its security in preparation to the forthcoming 50th founding anniversary of the NPA.
The CPP founded the NPA on March 29, 1969.
Both the United States and the European Union listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065468
A former regional youth chief of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said the revolutionary organization and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), destroyed the lives of the youth who could have been productive members of the community.
In a statement sent to PNA on Sunday, "Ka Louie" said the NPA is responsible for duping young minds into joining an organization with a lost cause.
Ka Louie, who claimed to be a member of the CPP in the National Capital Region for eight years before he decided to leave the group in 1990 to finish college, is now part of KADRE, a group of more than 300 former members of the CPP-NPA.
Later on, he became a professor in a university where "Ka Apol" and "Ka Czes" became his students.
“Parehong matalino sina Ka Apol at Ka Czes at pareho rin silang miyembro ng Collective Unit. Si Apol ay Student Council Vice President habang si Czes naman ay (Both Ka Apol and Ka Czes were smart and were members of the Collective Unit. Apol is a Student Council Vice President while Czes is a) Political Science Society President,” Ka Louie said.
He, together with the other youth members of the communist terrorist group, advised Ka Apol to focus on his studies first and not to accept NPA’s invitation to become a political officer of the group in Rizal and enter rural integration.
“Palubog na ang kilusan at papunta na sa pagiging gangsterismo. Naniwala si Czes at tinapos niya ang kanyang pag-aaral at nagtapos ng may dangal pero si Apol ay piniling mamundok (The group is sinking and already leaning to gangsterism. Czes believed and finished his studies with dignity while Apol chose to stay in the mountains),” he added.
With his determination to improve the status of his family, Ka Czes finished college and is now the head executive assistant of a senator while studying law.
Meanwhile, Ka Apol died in a bloody encounter between members of an NPA unit in Tanay, Rizal and a private army of a politician.
Ka Louie said ka Apol was tasked to grab the lands of “hacienderos” and politicians in the area.
According to reports, he said, Ka Apol’s corpse was dragged by the politician’s army to the plaza to show the farmers that the NPA is not capable of giving them protection.
Ka Apol’s corpse was then buried at the foot of Sierra Madre in Rizal.
“Kung hindi napatay sa engkuwentro, malamang ay isang kapaki-pakinabang na mamamayan si Apol sa kasalukuyan. Malamang ay isa itong top executive at malaki ang naiaambag sa Pilipinas (If he didn’t die due to the encounter, Apol could have been a productive citizen now. He may now be a top executive with a lot of contributions to the Philippines),” Ka Louie said.
Ka Apol, he said, is just among the many young Filipinos whose lives were wasted after joining the "failed rebellion."
In March 2018, six alleged communist rebels — among them 21-year-old Myles Albasin, a Mass Communication graduate of UP Cebu — were captured following an encounter with government personnel in Negros Oriental province.
In February this year, John Carlo Capistrano Alberto, a student of the University of the Philippines - Los Banos, reportedy an NPA member, died in a clash with government troops in Laguna province.
The military, meanwhile, said it will heighten its security in preparation to the forthcoming 50th founding anniversary of the NPA.
The CPP founded the NPA on March 29, 1969.
Both the United States and the European Union listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065468