Sunday, April 14, 2019

2 women vendors hurt in Maguindanao grenade attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): 2 women vendors hurt in Maguindanao grenade attack



Police authorities are hot on the trail of two men, who tossed a hand grenade at a roadside chicken barbecue stall in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, which injured two female vendors on Sunday night.

The ongoing manhunt was launched in coordination with the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion, said Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares, police director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in an interview with reporters Monday.

He said the grenade attack happened around 7 p.m. in Barangay Rebuken of Sultan Kudarat town.

Vendors Bai Urugan Murod, 45, and her 47-year-old companion, Rakma Tarim, both residents of Barangay Rebuken, sustained shrapnel injuries in different parts of their bodies.

Initial investigation disclosed that one of two men on a motorcycle hurled the grenade and sped away.

Mijares said that personnel of the Sultan Kudarat municipal police office have sought the help of local officials and Muslim leaders to identify the perpetrators.

Murod and Tarim are now confined at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in this city.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067309

Soldiers overrun NPA camp

From the Philippine Star (Apr 15, 2019): Soldiers overrun NPA camp

Army soldiers yesterday overran an alleged camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) and seized several high-powered firearms following a firefight in Bindoy, Negros Oriental.

The firefight in Sitio Mansuluway in Barangay Cabcaban lasted five minutes, according to 1Lt. Ma. Allein Veluz, operations officer of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion.


Veluz said the troopers seized from the camp three rifles, a sack of rice, subversive documents, medical kit, hammocks and pairs of rain boots. The camp can accomodate 20 persons.

Pursuing soldiers found traces of blood along the rebels’ escape routes.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, chief of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, said there would be no letup in their campaign against the rebels.

Arevalo said his men have been ordered to stay alert and to prevent politicians from using the NPA as their private goons, especially during the election period.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/04/15/1910049/soldiers-overrun-npa-camp

Reds torture, kill Mindoro IP leader

From The Manila Times (Apr 15, 2019): Reds torture, kill Mindoro IP leader

BANSUD, Oriental Mindoro: A tribal leader and supporter of local officials was found dead in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, allegedly tortured by the New People’s Army (NPA).Jose Barera, alias Gegs, 47, a Hanunuo tribal leader, was found floating on the Tumalo River at Sitio Liberty, Barangay Naibuan, San Jose with multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

His brother Boy Barrera identified the body and said a group of about seven NPA gunmen, some of them amazons, forcibly took Jose from their house on Friday afternoon. Jose’s wife and six children were crying and begged the terrorists to spare their father’s life, but were instead threatened that they would be shot.

Barrera’s abductors were identified as members of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Silangan led by Rosita Serrano, alias Ester, of the Sub-Regional Military Area–4D that operates in Southern Mindoro.

Barrera was a former member of the NPA’s Sangay ng Partido in
their barangay (village) before he surrendered to the government on Aug. 10, 2018. He was also one of 43 former rebels who received benefits from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.


Barera was a known supporter of Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Sato and Gov. Mario Gene Mendiola, who were actively supporting the Mangyan community.

Col. Marceliano Teofilo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade in Mindoro urged all the Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) communities and the people of Mindoro to stand against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)–NPA terrorists.
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He also lambasted the human rights group Karapatan for keeping silent on the brutality of the NPA terrorists. “Where are the Karapatan and other human rights groups? This is the right time for you to show up and prove that you are true defenders of the people. We are calling your attention to conduct an impartial investigation and help the families of the victim attain justice. Speak up and denounce the atrocities of the NPAs,” Teofilo said.

Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, 4th Infantry Battalion commander, also condemned the CPP–NPA, saying: “They are very desperate due to their sagging strength. They even resorted to kidnapping and forced victims join their group. Their heinous crimes show that they are merely like the terrorist Abu Sayaff and pro-Islamic State groups.”

On April 6, the NPA also abducted Reymundo Malupa, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit-Mabuhay Patrol Base, with the village chairman of Barangay Malo, and two other civilians. The three were released, while Malupa remains in captivity.

The suspects were also liable for the killing of Kennedy Dam-in Aquino of Barangay Manoot, Rizal and Jun-jun Ysog of Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro. They were also behind the foiled kidnapping of four civilians from Bongabong who also escaped.
Meanwhile, the Hanunuo tribe, one of the Mangyan IPs, condemned the latest Communist Terrorists Group killing of their tribal leader, calling the act inhumane.

Chieftain May-at Luzon and other tribe members said: “They killed one of out tribal leaders like an animal. They have no conscience. He was a good man. We thought they are pro-people, but what are they doing to us.”

NPA kills captive Mangyan tribe leader in Mindoro

From GMA News (Apr 15, 2019): NPA kills captive Mangyan tribe leader in Mindoro

New People's Army guerillas allegedly executed a Hanunuo Mangyan tribe leader five days after the victim was abducted by the group.

Authorities identified the victim as Jose Barrera, 47, a resident of Sitio Liberty, Barangay Naibuan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

San Jose Municipal Police Station reported that the NPA seized Barrera on April 7 from his home.

Boy Barrera, an ex-NPA member and brother of Jose, positively identified his brother's captors as Miguel Magbata alias Ka Mikoy, Lena Gumpad Alias Ka Aira, Tata Malucon, and Mervin Malucon, and five other members.


A certain Marso Canaway found last Friday (April 12) Jose Barrera's body near Tumalo River in Barangay Naibuan, with a gunshot wound in his left chest.

Boy Barrera claimed that Jose was abducted and executed for refusing to support candidates the NPA is endorsing, and for rejecting NPA's invitation to rejoin the group.

Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and 4th Infantry Battalion (IB) Philippine Army Intelligence reports confirmed that Jose Barerra was a former rebel who worked as team leader under Platoon Olip (an NPA term) assigned to Sitio Liberty.

Jose surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) on August 10, 2018 and was recently awarded the E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program).

The Mangyan tribal community expressed their deep frustration and anguish over the incident.

"Parang hayop nilang pinatay ang isa sa mga lider ng tribu namin. Wala silang mga konsensya. Mabuting tao ito. Akala ko para sila sa tao pero anung ginagawa nila sa amin?” Tribal Chieftain May-at Luzon told GMA News.

Meanwhile, the Mangyan tribal community—together with the family of the victim—is requesting the Philippine National Police and the AFP to help serve justice for the loss of their patriarch and leader.

In a statement, Police Brigadier General Tomas Apolinario, director of the Police Regional Office -Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) condemns the barbaric act perpetrated by the NPA against an iinocent IP member.

"It is an obvious and desperate action by the terrorist NPAs to coerce our brother IPs to join their dwindling and hopeless group," Apolinario said.

Apolinario has directed the Regional Human Rights Office (RHRAO) to assist the family of the slain tribal leader filing criminal charges in court and a case for violation of Human Rights at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) against the NPA members responsible for the killing.

The Regional Crime Laboratory Office will schedule an exhumation and necropsy report on the body at an opportune time to determine if the victim was also tortured before being killed by his perpetrators.

On the other hand, the tribal community will be holding an indignation rally against the NPA to denounce the killing of their IP brother.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/691249/npa-kills-captive-mangyan-tribe-leader-in-mindoro/story/

Ka Frank arraigned for murder

From The Daily Guardian (Apr 15, 2019): Ka Frank arraigned for murder

The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) said National Democratic Front (NDF) spokesperson Francisco “Ka Frank” Fernandez has been arraigned for murder after he was arrested in Laguna province in March 2019.

Brigadier Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303IB commander, said they are still awaiting more charges to be filed against Fernandez although the murder case would already suffice.

He added that it is still possible to file additional charges against Fernandez, and he believes that the reason no one has yet to sue the rebel leader is that most of his alleged criminal activities happened 30 years ago.

“We can only encourage the victims of the [New People’s Army (NPA)] to surface and file charges against him,” Arevalo added.

The Army general earlier urged the victims of the NPA’s atrocities in Negros to surface and file additional charges against the NDF spokesperson.

Arevalo claimed that many innocent people were killed because of Fernandez as he was not only an NDF spokesperson but also a leader of the New People’s Army in Negros Island.

“He is the one who directly gave orders to the rebel combatants as to what they would attack and who they will ambush,” he added.

Arevalo said their current objective with Fernandez is to maintain his health.

Amasona nagsurender sa 75th IB

From the Radio Mindanao Network (Apr 15, 2019): Amasona nagsurender sa 75th IB


[image: npa 75th.jpg]

Laing kalampusan batok sa insurhensya ang nahimu sa 75th IB Phil. Army nga nakabasi sa Bislig City, Surigao del Sur human bolontaryong mitahan sa iyang kaugalingon ngadto sa kasundaluhan ang giilang political officer sa New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

Giila ni LTC Jaime Datuin, commanding officer sa 75th IB Phil. Army ang nagsurender nga si Aileen Inayan Mission, “alias Yvonn/Angie, 31 anyos, residenti sa brgy. Sarmiento, Laak, Compostela Valley Province.

Si Mission maoy kanhi political officer sa Guerilla Front Committee 33 ubos sa Southern Mindanao Regional Committee sa NPA.

Bitbit sa pagsurender ni Mission ang usa ka M16A1 riffle, usa ka shotgun ug daghang mga buhing bala.

Suby niini gipaniguru ni LTC Datuian nga makabenepisyo si Mission sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) sa goberno.

AFP-CRS: More Negros areas identified as poll hotspots

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 13, 2019): More Negros areas identified as poll hotspots

The number of election areas of concern on Negros island has increased to 28 amid recent attacks by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

No photo description available.

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2414465031905540/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental declare CPP-NPA-NDF 'persona non grata'

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 13, 2019): Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental declare CPP-NPA-NDF 'persona non grata'

The respective Provincial Peace and Order Councils of (PPOC) of this province and Misamis Occidental have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF), and the New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata.

Image may contain: text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2414431401908903/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Mt. Province town residents denounce NPA presence

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 13, 2019): Mt. Province town residents denounce NPA presence

More than 5,000 local residents of Tadian town in Mountain Province staged an indignation rally, denouncing the presence of the terrorist group, New People’s Army, and asking the group to leave the tow.

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2414429158575794/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

Duterte mulls creation of five-member panel to talk with rebels

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 14, 2019): Duterte mulls creation of five-member panel to talk with rebels
President Duterte is mulling the creation of a new five-member panel that will talk peace with communist rebels.



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally at the Bacolod City Government Center Football Field in Negros Occidental on April 11, 2019. (SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

After terminating the formal negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, the President said he might tap three military representatives and civilians to form the new peace panel.

“If you want to talk to me, I’ll send someone else. You talk to each other. I don’t want to talk anymore,” he said in the Visayan dialect during his visit to Bukidnon last Saturday.


“I’ll look for another way and new people to talk to. Maybe one, two, or three from the military, and… Maybe around five. Two civilians and three from the military,” he added.

Duterte said he abolished the previous government peace panel since the talks with the rebel group were unsuccessful. “I abolished the peace panel too. It’s been three years but I wasn’t even able to achieve anything,” he said.

He also took a swipe at communist leader Jose Maria Sison for not helping with the peace talks. “The talks were often interrupted because your chief is hotheaded, that fool. Maybe it’s because of old age,” said Duterte, who often traded insults with Sison in his public speeches.

Last month, the President announced the permanent termination of the government’s peace talks with the communist terrorist group, saying the rebels could try to talk peace with his successor instead. The government instead will create a new panel that will supervise localized peace engagements.

Joma Sison: Duterte only creating 'war panel' with military men in peace talks

From CNN Philippines (Apr 14. 2019): Joma Sison: Duterte only creating 'war panel' with military men in peace talks


Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison and President Rodrigo Duterte (FILE PHOTO)

President Rodrigo Duterte is only creating a "war panel" with his plan to include more military representatives in the peace negotiations, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison said Sunday.

Sison told CNN Philippines that the National Democratic Front (NDF), the alliance of groups under the Communist Party leadership and the negotiators for peace talks, will not recognize this.

"The NDF would not want to be baited into accepting a war panel, or a panel that is dominated by the military whose purpose is mainly to seek the impossible such as the surrender of the revolutionary forces especially the NPA, the New People's Army," he said.

Duterte had said he permanently ended talks with the CPP last month. But on Saturday, the President bared his plans to look for new ways to talk to the Reds, including looking for a military-led peace panel.

READ: Duterte mulls creating new peace panel that has more military representatives

The communist leader however said Duterte should first answer why he terminated the peace negotiations in the first place. Sison explained Duterte cannot dictate the terms of the negotiations.

"Duterte is not serious and sincere in resuming the peace negotiations. He wants to impose a war panel on the NDF, and the NDF will not accept that," he said.
Sison added Duterte is putting too much power in the military, thinking that it can solve all of his problems.

"Duterte keeps on militarizing his government, and I think he will be strangulated by his own militarization... and the bloodbath that he's already carrying out," he said.

Earlier, Duterte pushed for having localized peace talks.

Military says persona non grata declarations vs NPA curtail recruitment

From the Business World (Apr 14, 2019): Military says persona non grata declarations vs NPA curtail recruitment

NPA surrender Iligan

Members of the New People’s Army in Iligan City surrender to authorities in this March 2019 handout photo from the Western Mindanao Command.

MORE LOCAL government units (LGUs) have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA) “persona non grata” in their respective communities, according to the military. 

Three of the most recent declarations were in the following areas: North Cotabato, made by the Provincial Peace and Order Council; Barangay Camanggaan in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur; and Misamis Occidental, covering all its 14 municipalities. Several areas in the Davao Region and in Negros island made the announcements earlier this year. 

“With the declaration, the CTG (communist terrorist groups) will have a small chance of recruiting our people especially the farmers, the youth, women and the indigenous people to join this terrorist movement,” 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Bagnus P. Gaerlan, Jr. said in a statement. 

“Likewise, we are expecting an enhanced cooperation between and among the people in giving information on the whereabouts of these terrorist group,” he added. 

The persona non grata declarations come amid the national government’s direction towards localized peace talks with the communist movement.

https://www.bworldonline.com/military-says-persona-non-grata-declarations-vs-npa-curtail-recruitment/

NDF/Sison: NDFP and the Filipino people must be alert to Duterte’s militarism in the name of peace

Jose Maria Sison press/propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Apr 14, 2019): NDFP and the Filipino people must be alert to Duterte’s militarism in the name of peace

Press Statement by Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
April 14, 2019

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Filipino people should be alert to Duterte’s militarist purposes in announcing that he wishes to reopen the peace talks with the use of a militarized negotiating panel under the militarized office of the presidential adviser, General Galvez.

The NDFP does not want to be baited into accepting a war panel of the Duterte regime whose purpose is merely to seek the impossible, such as the surrender of the revolutionary forces, especially the New People’s Army.

Duterte must first answer the following prejudicial questions:

1. Why did he terminate the peace negotiations and annul all agreements painstakingly made since the The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992?

2. Why did he terminate and dismantle the GRP section of the Joint Monitoring Committee formed under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Humans Rights and International Humanitarian Law?

The NDFP must remind Duterte that he cannot dictate the terms of whatever kind of negotiations he seeks from the revolutionary movement pf the people.

By all indications, Duterte is merely play-acting in the name of peace while carrying out an all-out war and scheming to rig the May 2019 elections in order to pave the way for a fascist dictatorship through charter change to a bogus federalism. 

DNA test confirms death of Abu Dar, last surviving Maute leader

From Rappler (Apr 14, 2019): DNA test confirms death of Abu Dar, last surviving Maute leader

(UPDATED) Marawi commander Colonel Romeo Brawner says Abu Dar's death is a major victory in the fight against terrorism

Marawi file photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

Marawi file photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – A DNA test confirmed the death of Owaidah Benito Marohombsar or "Abu Dar," the last known surviving leader behind the 2017 Marawi siege.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed the report.

Colonel Romeo Brawner, commander of 103rd Brigade based in Marawi, said the death of Abu Dar is a major victory in the fight against terrorism. He described Abu Dar as "one of the candidates" seen to succeed slain Islamic State emir Isnilon Hapilon.

"With his neutralization, we are hoping that this would also finally put an end to the Maute-ISIS in Lanao,”
he said.


The military announced in March that Abu Dar was likely killed, together with 4 other terrorists, in clashes in Tuburan town in Lanao del Sur, weeks after troops overran his camp in the town of Sultan Dumalundong. Four soldiers and two others were wounded in the clash.

His remains were found abandoned in the encounter site. Samples were taken for DNA test confirmation.

Abu Dar led the remnant Maute Group fighters in the aftermath of the 5-month-long Marawi siege that killed over 1,000 people.

"He was a known religious leader. In comparison, Turaifie in Maguindanao and Hatib Sawadjaan in Sulu are not known religious leaders,"
Brawner said.

Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said that the neutralization of Abu Dar "is a significant accomplishment of the government and the people of Lanao del Sur who worked together to rid their beloved province of terrorists."

"We will continue our operations so that the sacrifices of our fallen comrades in pursuit of peace will not go to waste," he added .

https://www.rappler.com/nation/228143-dna-test-death-abu-dar-maute-group-leader

North Cotabato declares CPP-NPA ‘persona non grata’

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14, 2019): North Cotabato declares CPP-NPA ‘persona non grata’


Army Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th Infantry Division commander, speaks during the North Cotabato Joint PPOC and PDRRMC meeting where the province declared the NPA “persona non grata”. (Photo by 6ID)

The North Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has joined the military in declaring the underground Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) as “persona non grata” in the area.

“This unified movement of support aims to condemn the actions of the CPP-NPA and its blatant disregard for the country’s search for peace,” Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said in a statement Saturday.

Sobejana added that the terrorist NPA is no longer welcome in Cotabato as he called on local communities not to allow the radicals to settle in their lands.

“They should be alienated for the cruelty they commit to our people and the poison they feed to our youth,” he said.

The declaration was manifested and agreed upon during the joint PPOC and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting presided by North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza on Friday at the provincial capitol in Barangay Amas here.

Also present in the meeting were Sobejana and Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, police director for Region 12.

In a separate statement, Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, AFP Western Mindanao Command chief, described the declaration against the communist group as a development in the multi-sector campaign against insurgency in Central Mindanao.

“We fully support the unified declaration made by the peace council in condemnation of communist rebel fronts in Central Mindanao,” dela Vega said.

He assured that the anti-insurgency campaign is bolstered in cooperation with local governments in the area.

The CPP-NPA Guerilla Fronts 72 and 73 are operating in North Cotabato and are known to be active in the towns of Arakan, Antipas, President Roxas, Magpet, Kidapawan City, Tulunan, and Makilala.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067277

Army confirms DNA match on extremist leader in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14, 2019): Army confirms DNA match on extremist leader in Lanao



An official of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade (103IB) said the DNA samples it tested last month from a dead extremist militant fighter confirmed that it was from Owayda Benito Marohomsar, also known as Abu Dar--the leader of Dawla Islamiya Lanao Group.

Col. Romeo Brawner, 103IB commander, confirmed this Sunday (April 14), although on Friday, in a press briefing of Task Force Bangon Marawi at the city's "ground zero," he said only President Rodrigo Duterte would announce the confirmation.

However, the announcement from the president did not happen because the scheduled visit to the city was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Duterte was supposed to be in the city to campaign for administration candidates under the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN) party.

Meanwhile, this confirmation came a month after Abu Dar was killed in a military pursuit operation at the boundaries of Tubaran and Pagayawan towns in Lanao del Sur.

Dar took over the leadership after top leaders of Islamic State-sympathizers, the Maute group, were killed during and after the Marawi siege in 2017, including the death of Isnilon Hapilon.

Brawner said the confirmed death of Abu Dar would also mean the end of the Dawlah Islamiya Lanao group.

"This group is leader-centric. If you remember, when the two leaders were neutralized in the last part of Marawi siege, President Duterte declared liberation of Marawi from the terrorist influence," Brawner said in an earlier interview.

The two leaders were Abu Sayaff leader Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute who led the planning of the attack in Marawi City in May 2017.

Abu Dar was part of the planning and the attack, according to Brawner, but he slipped out from the battleground in the early part of the siege after he got wounded.

According to the military's intelligence report, Abu Dar tried to return to the battleground with other fighters as reinforcement but did not succeed as government troopers decisively regained control of the entire Marawi City.

After the five-month battle which ended in October 2017, Abu Dar started to recruit and train new fighters, targeting young ones and orphans of Marawi siege.

"He also recruited and trained those whose family members and relatives died during the siege... But they will not be able to continue now because Abu Dar is dead and their remnants, followers and supporters have already surrendered to the military and they are with us now," Brawner added.

The military in Marawi and Lanao del Sur which neutralized Abu Dar is now awaiting the copy of the DNA result from the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operation and are expecting Duterte to formally announce it to the public.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067287

Karapatan has clear pattern of bailing out arrested Reds: AFP official

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14, 2019): Karapatan has clear pattern of bailing out arrested Reds: AFP official



There’s no stopping the military from unmasking human rights group Karapatan and other communist front organizations.

Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, on Saturday bared Karapatan has shown a clear pattern of bailing out arrested leaders and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Aside from paying for the cash bond of arrested Romeo Nanta, head of NPA Regional Operations Command (ROC) Negros Island in 2012 and Zaldy Canete alias “Ka Jinggoy”, leader of NPA 1st Pulang Bagani Command, in 2015, Parlade said Karapatan - Northern Negros bailed out in 2012 Hernando Llorente alias “Ka Adoy”, NPA Northern Negros Front commander, and wife Faith Roseen Basergo alias “Ka Bea”, an NPA political instructress.

“That's a clear pattern they have established and it doesn’t need rocket scientists to understand that,” Parlade said.

He said it is “heroic” for former Karapatan – Southern Mindanao region secretary general Honey Mae Suazo, and Karapatan - Negros secretary general Fred Caña to have raised money to help bail out Canete and Nanta, respectively.

“What a coincidence? Maybe Karapatan doesn’t know that they are telling the same pathetic story,” he said, adding that this is also the version of Karapatan- Northern Negros who raised money to bail out the Llorente couple.

The Llorente couple were released from jail in April 2012 after a total of PHP80,000 bail was paid. Both were among those charged with robbery-in-band in connection with the 2011 raid of the fish farm of Joseph Edgar Sarrosa, a nephew of then Governor Joseph Marañon in Brgy. Bulanon, Sagay City.

Records at the time of the couple’s release showed that more than P2 million has already been spent to bail out more than 10 arrested NPA leaders in Negros, who later rejoined the revolutionary movement to resume their armed struggle.

“Ms. Palabay, where are you now? Honey Mae Suazo is appealing for pity now, saying she is a single mother after being separated from her NPA husband, Jonald Suazo,” said Parlade referring to Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay.

“To establish how selective they (Karapatan) are as human rights defenders, let’s see how they can help the poor Mangyan relatives of Hanunuo tribal leader Jose Barera who was abducted and killed by NPA members led by Ka Mikoy and Ka Aira two days ago in Benil, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro,” he added.

The 47-year old Barrera, he said, was a former rebel who surrendered, only to be murdered by Karapatan's ally -- CPP-NPA.

Parlade lamented that these are the advocacies financially supported by non-government organizations (NGOs) of Gemany and Belgium like Viva-Salud and Solidagro.

“Don't they know that they are directly aiding these terrorist organizations with their funding from Europe?” he said.

SEC probe

He added that it’s about time that Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) look into at all these CPP front organizations before other well-intentioned NGOs are dragged into this mess.

Data obtained by the AFP showed communist front organizations receive funds from the Belgian government and some European Union (EU) countries in the guise of marginalized and pro-poor programs. The military has identified seven recipient organizations based on documents from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not to mention those from other European countries.

The EU has reportedly released its first tranche of more than 621,000 Euros (PHP36,663,840) to the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines and is expected to release 1.3 million Euros (PHP76,752,000) this year until the Philippine government flagged them. The Blegian government, on the other hand, has allocated a 15-million Euro (PHP885,600,000) grant or 3 million Euros per year to some Belgian NGOs for the 2017-2021 program.

The ILPS

Many of these CPP front organizations, he added, can easily be identified at the website of International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) chaired by Jose Maria Sison.

“The 'Kamatayan Bloc' refutes this claim but they have been participating in this international assembly called by terrorist Joma in the last five assemblies,” he said, referring to the Makabayan party-list groups in Congress.

He added that in the 6th ILPS Assembly that will be held in Hong Kong in June is where Joma, as head of the CPPs International Department and the International Coordinating Committee, gives his orders on what NGOs do to generate foreign funding using various social developmental projects as cover.

“These include literacy, IP issues, women and children's rights, human rights, health, and even disaster resilience. No wonder they amass billions of pesos from European and Western donors, Parlade said.

Local front activities

Meanwhile, at the local front, Parlade said, it was Rey Casambre, head of the National United Front Commission, who orchestrated all these illegal activities using legal fronts like Karapatan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Alliance of Concerned Techers, League of Filipino Students, Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Kadamay, among others, until his arrest in 2018.

“These are classic revolutionary dual tactics. When shall we finally wake up to ban organizations under the NDF? I hope we get this into our minds before they proudly celebrate the NDFs anniversary on 24 April,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067297

PH claims on Spratlys, WPS solid: DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14, 2019): PH claims on Spratlys, WPS solid: DND chief



The country's claims on the Spratly islands and West Philippine Sea are on solid ground.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made this statement after the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the Spratlys are part of its territory, citing historical and legal basis.

"Despite the pronouncement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, we stand on solid grounds on our claims in the Spratlys and the West Philippine Sea. There is the 1981 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on The Law of the Sea) of which China is a signatory, that gave the Philippines an EEZ (exclusive economic zone) of 200 nautical miles," he said in a message to reporters Sunday.

Another factor cementing Philippines claims on the said territories is the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in July 12, 2016 which invalidated Chinese historical claims, Lorenzana pointed out.

"There is the PCA ruling of July (12) 2016 which invalidated the Chinese historical claims. In short, the Chinese have nothing working for them except their imagined historical claim," the DND chief stressed.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Philippine government remains committed on its claim on disputed territories and exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

"We remain steadfast in maintaining our claims with respect to our territory and exclusive economic zones pursuant not only to the said arbitral judgment based on accepted principles of public international law but consistent with the directives of our Constitution and the aspirations of the Filipino people," he said.

Panelo, also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, said China should avoid performing acts that would place Filipino fishermen's fishing in the disputed areas at risk.

He warned that this could "cause irritants that will disrupt the current friendly relations of the two countries, as well as imperil future bilateral negotiations on matters of mutual concern."

"It is our principled stand that the peace in the West Philippine Sea should be maintained," Panelo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067299