Friday, April 19, 2019

Parsing The Present Philippines-China Contretemps – Analysis

From the Eurasia Review (Apr 19, 2019): Parsing The Present Philippines-China Contretemps – Analysis (By Mark J. Valencia)

Disputed Pag-asa (Thitu) Island by China and the Philippines in Spratly Islands.

Website of red-tagged Ibon Foundation cyber-attacked, says exec

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 19, 2019): Website of red-tagged Ibon Foundation cyber-attacked, says exec

MANILA, Philippines — Red-tagged think-tank Ibon Foundation has reported that cyber-attackers took down its website on Maundy Thursday.

Ibon Foundation Executive Director Sonny Africa in a tweet said: “No, IBON’s website isn’t on vacation… and apparently neither are cyber-attackers! Working on resurrection.”


A visit to Ibon Foundation’s website would show a notification saying, “it appears you have no permission to access this page. 403 error. Forbidden”. A 403 error is a hypertext transfer protocol code, which tells internet users that they are trying to access a website deemed forbidden.

Ibon Foundation is one of the organizations being accused by the government of having links to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA), and its political wing National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

In an opinion piece written by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff for civil military operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., the military claims to have sufficient evidence to prove Ibon Foundation’s ties with the CPP-NPA-NDFP.

READ: AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations reacts to Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Zarate

Rep. Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna, one of the party-list groups that also supposedly has links with CPP, earlier hit Parlade for making such accusations just to earn the praise of the administration and eventually be assigned as AFP chief.

READ: Parlade targeting Makabayan bloc to win AFP top post— Zarate

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1108466/website-of-red-tagged-ibon-foundation-cyber-attacked-says-exec

4 Abu Sayyaf terrorists to undergo preliminary probe on April 24

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 19, 2019): 4 Abu Sayyaf terrorists to undergo preliminary probe on April 24

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to conduct a preliminary investigation of four suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group (ASG) on April 24.



Department of Justice (MANILA BULLETIN)

Acting Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said that during inquest proceedings held last Wednesday before Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Olive Torrevillas, the suspects decided to undergo preliminary investigation and signed a waiver of the provisions of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code that penalizes delay in the delivery of a detained person to the proper judicial authorities.

The suspects were identified as Jainab Ibrahim, 29, Khadeeja Tawasil Jainal, 24, Abdurrafi Jalas Danial, 28, and Fatma Musa Narimen, 45.

The four were brought for inquest by the Major Crimes Investigation Unit of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Group (PNP-CIDG) which filed the complaint, accusing them of illegal possession of explosives in violation of Republic Act 9516.

The four suspects are currently detained at the PNP-CIDG in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The PNP said the four were arrested Tuesday morning in Barangay Talabaan in Zamboanga City.

Armed with a search warrant, the PNP found in the possession of the suspects two fragmentation grenade; a nine-volt battery with a switch; an eco bag containing white granules suspected to be ammonium nitrate; a timer with wire; several wires with alligator clip; concrete nails; two non-electric blasting caps with a safety cover; and, identification cards.

Police disclosed that the suspects are followers of ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and are being utilized by the ASG for their financial transactions, procurement, and transportation of firearms and explosives, and the facilitation of recruitment and travel of foreign fighters to the Philippines.

NPA 'medic', 18-year-old rebel surrender in Surigao del Sur, says military

From GMA News Online (Apr 19, 2019: NPA 'medic', 18-year-old rebel surrender in Surigao del Sur, says military

Two members of the New People's Army--one 18-year-old and one woman-- surrendered over the Holy Week, the 3rd Special Forces Battalion has said.

Those who surrendered were only identified by their aliases Joy and Rosman.

Joy, a resident of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur and supposedly a medic of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, surrendered on Holy Wednesday and turned over to the military an M-1 rifle, a shotgun and medical supplies.

Eighteen-year-old Rosman, a resident Lianga, Surigao del Sur and supposedly also a member of the NEMRC, surrendered on Maundy Thursday.

He also turned over to the military an M-16 rifle.

The military said Joy was only 16 years old when she was recruited into the NPA. It said this was a violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

It added that Joy surrendered after her boyfriend, an NPA rebel, was arrested on April 14.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/691796/npa-medic-18-year-old-rebel-surrender-in-surigao-del-sur-says-military/story/

NPA rebels surrender in Agusan del Sur —AFP

From GMA News (Apr 19, 2019): NPA rebels surrender in Agusan del Sur —AFP

Story image for new people's army from GMA News

With their firearms, several members of the New People's Army and supporters of the rebel group surrendered to the 3rd Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army at Brgy. Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on Holy Wednesday, April 18.

They are composed of six rebels, 14 "militia ng bayan," and 30 mass supporters from Sitio Kahayag, Barangay Banag-banag and Sitio Bantolinao, Barangay Padiay of said municipality.

They brought with them (1) M653 rifle, (1) Cal.22 rifle, (6) 12 gauge homemade shotguns, (2) cal .38 pistols, and one (1) fragmentation grenade.


“I am so tired and hungry. I don't want to participate in the atrocities anymore and stop living like this. I know that staying in the mountains as a member of the NPA will not give me a better future,” one of the rebels said.

Sibagat mayor Maria Liza Evangelista said the local govenrment unit has given initial assistance to the surrenderers in the form of rice, goods and cash while their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits are being processed.

Last December 21, 2018, the municipality of Sibagat declared the NPA rebels as “persona non-grata” after they latter abducted the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) members and regular soldiers of the New Tubigon patrol base.

Datu Kahapsay (not his true name), a charismatic tribal leader, led the surrenderees and said, “We now pledge our loyalty to the 'true Government' and not to the communist terrorists.”

“It has been long enough that we have been manipulated by the NPAs. I thank President Duterte for giving us (Lumads) a chance to recover from the years of destruction, oppression and the lies of the communist ideology which caused misunderstandings among the Manobos," he added.

Lieutenant Colonel Joey Baybayan, commander 3rd Special Forces battalion said, the surrender "is a manifestation of how LGUs and other stakeholders jointly exerted efforts that eventually led to the mass surrender thereby attaining the long been desired peace and development."

Brigadier General Andres Centino, commander 401st Infantry Brigade said, “The mass surrender in Sibagat will have a great impact to the CNTs (Communist New People’s Army Terrorists) and will surely result to more members returning to the mainstream society. The terrorists are clearly losing their mass support and they will continue to disintegrate.”

Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th Infantry Division appealed to the remaining NPA rebels to make use of Lent as the best time to "repent and surrender."

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/691800/npa-rebels-surrender-in-agusan-del-sur-afp/story/

AFP-CRS: New peace panel gives fresh hope for peace

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 18, 2019): New peace panel gives fresh hope for peace

President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to create a new panel of negotiators to talk peace with insurgents gives a fresh hope to ending the decades-old armed conflict in the country.

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2422324684452908/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: More LGUs declare rebelspersona non grata in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 18, 2019): More LGUs declare rebelspersona non grata in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur

More communities and local government units (LGUs) in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur
has declared the CPP-NPA as Persona Non Grata on Tuesday, April 16.

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2422326584452718/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: President Duterte approves plan against CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 18, 2019): President Duterte approves plan against CPP-NPA

President Duterte has approved a national plan to integrate the government’s efforts to address the armed conflict with local communists, on Tuesday, April 16.

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2422326951119348/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: PRRD approves plan to bring peace, security to conflict areas

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 18, 2019): PRRD approves plan to bring peace, security to conflict areas

President Duterte has approved a national plan, which integrates and harmonize the various efforts of the entire government and all sectors of society in delivering goods and services, as well as in providing for peace and security in conflict-affected areas on Tuesday, April 16.

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2422337381118305/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: Soldiers join NPA returnees in Lenten ‘pabasa’

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 18, 2019): Soldiers join NPA returnees in Lenten ‘pabasa’

Army soldiers and former CPP-NPA-NDF rebels observe the Holy Week in a joint pabasa or the public chanting of verses depicting the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2422340207784689/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: Davao peace council seeks closure of 11 CPP-NPAlinked schools

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 18, 2019): Davao peace council seeks closure of 11 CPP-NPAlinked schools

The Davao City Peace and Order Council has formally asked the Department of Education to revoke the permits of at least 11 tribal schools previously linked to the communist guerrilla movement.

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AFP-CRS: Bilateral meeting between the Department of National Defense - Philippines and Ministry of Defense - Croatia

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 18, 2019): Bilateral meeting between the Department of National Defense - Philippines and Ministry of Defense - Croatia 

Bilateral meeting between the Department of National Defense - Philippines and Ministry of Defense - Croatia headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Republic of Croatia Damir Krstičević and Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana at the HQS Croatian Navy, Split, Croatia on 11 April 2019.

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AFP-CRS: Mt. Province community denounce CPP-NPA atrocities against residents

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 19, 2019): Mt. Province community denounce CPP-NPA atrocities against residents

The Tadian Community conducted a condemnation and peace rally at Poblacion, Tadian, Mountain Province last April 9, in relation with the recent encounters in the mountain areas of Bauko that affected most barangays of Tadian and resulted to the killing of 2 police officers and wounding of 9 others.

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AFP-CRS: Abu Sayyaf terrorist group logistics couriers, recruiters nabbed in Zamboanga

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 19, 2019): Abu Sayyaf terrorist group logistics couriers, recruiters nabbed in Zamboanga

Four Abu Sayyaf logistics couriers and recruiters of foreign terrorists were arrested in a coastal village in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, April 16.

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AFP-CRS: BIFF member neutralized in North Cotabato clash

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 19, 2019): BIFF member neutralized in North Cotabato clash

A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed and another was wounded in an encounter with members of 34th Infantry Batalion in Barangay Kadingilan, Midsayap on Tuesday, April 16.





AFP-CRS: Community information help army troops neutralized 3 communist terrorist

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 19, 2019): Community information help army troops neutralized 3 communist terrorist

Three members of the communist terrorists NPA were neutralized in an encounter in Calatrava, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, April 17.

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AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA couple surrender in Bukidnon province

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 19, 2019): CPP-NPA couple surrender in Bukidnon province

A CPP-NPA member and his wife voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon Province on Wednesday, April 17.

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AFP-CRS: Creating a family away from armed struggle

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 19, 2019): Creating a family away from armed struggle

A CPP-NPA member and his wife voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon Province on Wednesday, April 17.

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AFP-CRS: Right decision for CPP-NPA couple

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 19, 2019): Right decision for CPP-NPA couple

A CPP-NPA member and his wife voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon Province on Wednesday, April 17.

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2422387084446668/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: Widow of slain councilor denounces CPP-NPA inhumane act

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 19, 2019):  Widow of slain councilor denounces CPP-NPA inhumane act

Some 575 residents participated in the conduct of condemnation rallies at various police stations in Negros Occidental to denounce the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in their respective areas.

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Rep. Sema files a bill seeking to declare Cotabato City as BARMM Capital

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Apr 19, 2019): Rep. Sema files a bill seeking to declare Cotabato City as BARMM Capital


Bai Sandra Sema (Photo by Rocky Nazareno | Manila Bulletin)

Cotabato City- Maguindanao and Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema has filed House Bill No. 8880 seeking to declare Cotabato City as the capital of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a report by Manila Bulletin said.

Sema said that, “Described as the crown jewel of the Bangsamoro Homeland, it is fitting and proper that Cotabato City be declared as the capital of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”

During the conduct of the plebiscite on January 21, 2019 for the ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law, majority of the people of Cotabato City voted for its inclusion to the BARMM.

“Cotabato City was the administrative center of the ARMM when Maguindanao was carved out in 1973. However, the city broke off administratively from Maguindanao as it rejoined SOCCSKSARGEN or Region 12 in the 1990s,” Sema said as quoted by the Manila Bulletin.

Sema said that sometime in 1515, the Sultanate of Maguindanao was formally established with Kota Wato (now Cotabato City) as its capital, and ruled a vast territory in Mindanao.

“Several towns were carved off from Cotabato Empire since the year 1913. Cotabato City used to be part of the original province of Cotabato and was its capital from 1920 until 1967, a year after the separation of South Cotabato,” she said.

The proposed Act shall take effect upon approval.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1779/--rep--sema-files-a-bill-seeking-to-declare-cotabato-city-as-barmm-capital

Ibon Foundation claims attack on website

From Rappler (Apr 19, 2019): Ibon Foundation claims attack on website

(UPDATED) On Twitter, Ibon Foundation executive director Sonny Africa says they are working on resurrecting the site




(UPDATED) – The website of Ibon Foundation – Ibon.org – was taken down in an apparent cyberattack, the think tank's executive director said early Friday morning, April 19.

Sonny Africa, the executive director, said on Twitter, "No, IBON's website isn't on vacation... and apparently neither are cyber-attackers."

Visiting Ibon.org currently gives what appears to be a 403 error, meaning access by a given visitor is forbidden to the site.

Africa said the foundation is working to bring the site back online.

Speaking with Rappler over Twitter, Africa added the issue was with "bots making abnormally large requests."

He added, "We were able to get the site up again after a few hours last time, but now maybe 3 days to rise again."

In text messages to Rappler, the Ibon Foundation also said it "experienced the same irregular activity as last February 27." The effect of the Friday attack forced the webhost to disable operations so as not to affect other clients.

The downtime for Ibon Foundation's website follows attacks on alternative media websites in the Philippines, specifically those under the Altermidya banner.
The Philippine government also tagged Ibon Foundation as part of a number of groups whose funding was allegedly being used to support terrorism by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
https://www.rappler.com/technology/news/228546-ibon-foundation-website-attack

Salugpongan House inquiry smeared with malicious intent, groups claim

Posted to the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Apr 19, 2019): Salugpongan House inquiry smeared with malicious intent, groups claim

A Lumad organization slammed the recent ‘Congressional inquiry’ being done against Salugpongan schools for its ‘malicious intention’ to link the school to the New People’s Army (NPA).

The Lumad group Pasaka Lumad Confederation of Southern Mindanao (Pasaka) expressed doubt of the true intention behind the conduct of inquiry against Salugpongan schools and considered the same as attacks to alternative schools in Mindanao and part of the continuing effort to discredit the school under the imposition of martial law.

Jong Monzon, secretary-general of Pasaka said in a phone interview that they were not shocked to learn that the AFP and other agencies of the government have conducted a “bogus investigation” against Salugpongan School.

Monzon told Davao Today that the effort is “to further ensure to silence the Manobo people” as massive evacuations and surrenders happen in the hinterlands of Talaingod and other Lumad communities.

“For the longest time, the military is persistent to link our alternative schools to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) despite its legitimacy and legality. We have already shown proof of our legality but instead of giving these Manobo children the right to learn, they keep on attacking our schools and our volunteer teachers,” Monzon said.

Monzon also questioned the process of the inquiry, as they do not have knowledge that it took place in the region before the Lenten season.

“If this congressional inquiry truly aims to know the truth about our alternative schools and its operation then they should have invited us and question us. But instead, they went on the process without us. Clearly, it is only a military effort to cover up the true situation of the indigenous people” Monzon added.

On Wednesday’s press conference, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations Major General Antonio Parlade Jr. announced to the media that a 2-day Congressional Inquiry and an ocular visit is happening to validate the red-tagging accusations against the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center.

The Congressional Inquiry was composed of the Committee of the Indigenous People joined by various agencies like the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Indigenous People’s Concern, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, the National Commission of Indigenous People, Local Government, police and the military.

Parlade said inquiry aims to finally thresh out about the truth over Salugpongan Schools, saying, “that in fact, they are teaching nothing good about the government through the radicalization of students and eventually, recruit them to become an NPA”.

However, Monzon slammed Parlade’s claim that Salugpongan is a breeding ground of NPA fighters in Talaingod, saying that the school is the only means of learning by the Manobo tribe for the longest time as government services are elusive in the area.

Most of these schools are in the hinterlands of Talaingod that accessible only by foot.

The government have not reached most of these communities and not provided with basic services such as education, Monzon said.

The Salugpongan Council initiated in the building of alternative schools with the help of non-government organizations (NGOs) and the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) to answer the need of education of the young Manobos who cannot trek down and study in the nearest DepEd School.

“The school taught everyone how to read, write and most of all defend our ancestral land. The school helped not just in our academic learning but also in the development of the community anchored in the Manobo’s culture and practices,” Monzon said.

He also clarified that “the defense for the ancestral domain is a tribal practice” yet the military considered it as an act of terrorism.

‘Orchestrated lie’

During the press conference, Parlade claimed that the inquiry was scheduled a long time ago, postponed twice. He also added that the Makabayan Bloc made efforts to delay the inquiry.

However, both Anakpawis Representative Ariel Casilao and Bayan Muna Representative Karlos Zarate denied the allegations, calling Parlade a liar.

The two representatives who compose of the Makabayan Bloc in Congress along with Gabriela Women’s Partylist, Act Teachers Partylist and Kabataan Partylist are also not shocked upon hearing Parlade’s statement.

In a phone interview with Rep. Zarate, he told Davao Today that his office did not receive an invitation to a scheduled ocular visit in Talaingod on April 16, 2019.

He then provided a copy of an invitation sent by the House Committee on Indigenous People dated March 25, 2019, for an ocular inspection in Lianga, Surigao del Sur to be held on April 25, 2019, in view with his House Resolution No. 1656 calling for an investigation in aid of legislation on the human rights abuses committed against the indigenous people in the area.

In his letter to Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaong, chair of the Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities dated April 10, 2019, Zarate asked to move the schedule after 2019 mid-term election.

Zarate stressed out that Parlade is “all talk and allegations” without clear basis and proof.

“From the statements and lies now being peddled by Parlade, it is now becoming apparent that the purpose of this so-called investigation is nothing but a McCarthyist witch hunt to further vilify and slander the Makabyan bloc and other progressive groups. This is part of the vicious partisan campaign directed against us by anti-democratic forces, like the discredited putschist Parlade,” Zarate said.

Parlade on the other hand also accuses the Makabayan Bloc as part of the ‘legal fronts of the NPA’, calling them as “Alipures” of the Communist Party founding chair Jose Maria Sison.

Rep. Casilao also belied the statement and called Parlade “nothing but a liar.”

Casilao said he did not receive an invitation from the House Committee on Indigenous People as Parlade stated and challenged him to provide proof of his allegations.

Casilao also signifies his willingness to join the inquiry yet he and other progressive representatives do not have any knowledge about the schedule.

“He just put his name to shame for lying several times already and we cannot let this pass. First of all, Salugpongan has long been presenting its legality to the public and if fact it was confirmed by no less than the DepEd National Office. Second, he is messing with us without any evidence to prove his claim,” said Casilao in a phone interview.

Both Makabayan congressmen believe that the inquiry was done with malicious intent to attack organizations that are critical to the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/salugpongan-house-inquiry-smeared-with-malicious-intent-groups-claim/

Police flags down hundreds of protesters in Bukidnon town

Posted to the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Apr 19, 2019): Police flags down hundreds of protesters in Bukidnon town


Law enforcers in Manolo Fortich town held hundreds of peasants from Bukidnon this morning, April 19 while en route to this city to conduct a protest rally on Good Friday.

Angelita Jurial, spokesperson of the peasant group Ogyon, one of the participating organizations, said police officers manning a checkpoint flagged down their convoy Friday morning telling the protesters they were looking for someone who’s with them suspected to be a member of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“First they told us that a member of Hustisya from San Fernando, Bukidnon, whom they suspected of being an NPA member was with us,” Jurial said in a phone interview Friday afternoon.

But, she said, when they could not find the person they were looking for, they were not permitted to proceed as they were accused of violating a law seeing that the group was bringing along minors.

Jurial reasoned that the children are with their parents and they have to be brought along, as no one would be left to care for them while their parents are away.

She said they want to mount a protest action in front of the city hall in Cagayan de Oro to show their indignation to Mayor Oscar Moreno for his pronouncement saying that he was amenable to the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

“Our stand is that martial law is not the solution. It has, in fact, worsened the plight of ordinary people. It is not for fighting terrorism, but for civilians and activists,” Jurial said.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Surki Sereñas, police regional spokesperson said that while the Phil. National Police respects every person’s right to travel, to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances, “we cannot allow flagrant defiance of the law, breach of peace and disorderly conduct in a supposedly peaceful and tranquil day of the [Lent].”

“Hence, the group identifying themselves as members of dubious [indigenous peoples] and peasant organization of Bukidnon on their way to stage a rally in Cagayan de Oro City was stopped by PNP personnel at Manolo Fortich checkpoint for routine public safety and security check. Government authorities are also ensuring that the group is not violating the law on trafficking in person and RA 7610 (Exploitation of minors),” the police officer added.

Section 7 (Child Trafficking) of Article IV of the law, Republic Act 7610, cited, states “Any person who shall engage in trading and dealing with children including, but not limited to, the act of buying and selling of a child for money, or for any other consideration, or barter, shall suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua. The penalty shall be imposed in its maximum period when the victim is under twelve (12) years of age.”

Jurial said they are not keen on leaving their children under the care of the local government-run social welfare facilities.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/police-flags-down-hundreds-of-protesters-in-bukidnon-town/

Protesting farmers in Bukidnon held by cops

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2019): Protesting farmers in Bukidnon held by cops

Police have held a convoy of some 300 protesting farmers at a checkpoint in the municipality of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon on Good Friday.


The protesters and policemen in Maluko, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on Friday afternoon (19 April 2019). Photo courtesy of the Kalbaryo sa Kabus sa Bukidnon Facebook page.

Lawyer Beverly Musni, of the National Union (of Lawyers) of the Philippines in Mindanao, said the farmers were on the way to Cagayan de Oro to participate in a march rally called “Kalbaryo sa mga Kabus.”

The farmers, she said, were protesting the lack of food brought about by intense military operations in the countryside and land grabbing of ancestral lands.

Musni said the policemen and employees of the local Department of Social Welfare and Development accused the farmers of trafficking of minors because of the presence of children in the convoy.

“What they have done is without basis. How can there be trafficking when the children were with their parents?” she stressed.

Lt. Col. Surki Serenes, Philippine National Police Region 10 spokesperson, said they are awaiting word from the DSWD before the convoy would be released.



“The DSWD is checking if it is indeed the parents who are accompanying the minors,” Serenes said.

“Once the DSWD says it’s okay, the PNP will release the convoy,” he added.

Serenes said the DSWD in Manolo Fortich is ensuring that the laws on child abuse are not violated.

“They are free to go as soon as they are cleared of any unlawful infraction,” Serenes said.

Musni said the farmers are adamant that no children will be handed over to the custody of the DSWD in Manolo Fortich.

She said the farmers are ready to spend Friday night in Manolo Fortich to assert their rights to the children.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/04/protesting-farmers-in-bukidnon-held-by-cops/

Army in NegOcc readies for Election 2019

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2019): Army in NegOcc readies for Election 2019

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The 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) leadership convened its battalion commanders, operations officers and key non-commissioned officers in a Command Conference as part of its preparations for the upcoming local and national elections on May 13.

BGen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, called on these officers from the 15th Infantry Battalion, 62nd Infantry Battalion, 79th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion, and 542nd Engineering Construction Battalion, all assigned in Negros Occidental to ensure that the security preparations of the Army for the coming elections are all on track.

Meanwhile, Major Tim Clavel, the Operations Officer of 303rd Infantry Brigade detailed the security preparations of the military and gave emphasis on the timeline, employment of forces and the resources needed in every area, as per a release from the 303rd IB.

Arevalo reminded battalion commanders to closely coordinate, collaborate and cooperate with PNP and COMELEC counterparts and work as a team for the safe conduct of elections.

"We must ensure the proper implementation of our Security Plan this coming election. We must not allow any armed group especially the CPP-NPA to conduct any atrocities or be used by candidates as their Private Armed Group this coming elections. We must prevent their extortion and other terroristic activities in the province,” Arevalo warned the troops.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1021039

Army captures NPA member, recovers firearms in Calinog encounter

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2019): Army captures NPA member, recovers firearms in Calinog encounter
CAMP MONTECLARO, Miag-ao, Iloilo -- A New People’s Army (NPA) member identified alias “Greg” or “Fernan” was captured by members of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion (61IB), Philippine Army in an encounter with the terrorist group.


Alias "Greg" or "Fernan" was captured in an encounter of the 61st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, with members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist in Barangay Masaroy, Calinog, Iloilo at about 6:20 in the morning of April 16.
This, after the troops of the Philippine Army’s 61IB had a clash with members of CPP-NPA Terrorist in Barangay Masaroy, Calinog, Iloilo at about 6:20 in the morning of April 16.

The government troop receives reports of the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area while conducting combat operations.

According to Ltc Joel Benedict G Batara, 61IB Commanding Officer, aside from the NPA members, the Army troops found firearms, ammunition and subversive documents in the encounter site.

None from the government side was hurt during the encounter.

Batara lauded the efforts of the troops for their relentless effort to pursue the terrorists in the area.

He also commended the civilians who reported the presence of NPA terrorists in their community.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1021034