Wednesday, September 4, 2019

MILF: Galvez hails MILF’s resolve in pushing forward Bangsamoro Peace Process

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Sep 4, 2019): Galvez hails MILF’s resolve in pushing forward Bangsamoro Peace Process


Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao- During his State of the Peace Process Report on the opening of National Peace Consciousness Month on Tuesday, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. lauded the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for its resolve to push forward the Bangsamoro peace process.

A OPAPP Site report on Tuesday quoted Galvez saying, “Kagagaling ko lang po ng Cotabato para sa decommissioning. Mayroon po sa kanila (MILF), naka-wheelchair. Pero ‘yung nararamdaman po nila, masayang-masaya po sila. Sabi nila, ‘at least buhay kami na naabutan namin ang peaceful resolution ng Bangsamoro conflict” Galvez said.

“These achievements signal the start of a new and exciting chapter in the Bangsamoro people’s history,” Galvez said. “Finally, our Moro brothers and sisters are taking the lead in charting their region’s economic and political future,” the OPAPP site said.

A public launch of the decommissioning of MILF combatants and their weapons will take place on September 7. The venue is yet to be announced by OPAPP in due time, but is presumed to be undertaken in this town of Sultan Kudarat where about 1,060 MILF combatants and 920 weapons will be decommissioned.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and other high-ranking government officials are expected to witness the event.

“Itong decommissioning ay napaka importante dahil ito ay sisimbolo ng katahimikan sa Mindanao. Ang MILF ang magiging ehemplo, na makikita natin na ang buong Mindanao ay magbebenepisyo,” Galvez said.

According to Galvez, the successful decommissioning of MILF combatants will be the key in addressing situations of conflict in Mindanao, and convincing other armed groups to return to the folds of the law.

“When we talked to the MILF, ‘yung mga BIFF at saka mga Abu Sayyaf, pag nakita nila na maganda ang kinalabasan ng normalisasyon at decommissioning, ay talagang magbababa na rin sila ng mga baril,” he said.

In his remarks, Galvez cited other key milestones in the Bangsamoro peace process such as the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

The decommissioning of members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) is part of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the government and the MILF on August 27, 2014.

The BOL was passed by Congress on August 26, 2018 and signed into law by President Duterte.

CPP/NDF=EV: NDF-EV condemns AFP’s attacks on local officials as revealing who is the real persona non grata

NDF-Eastern Visaya propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 4, 2019): NDF-EV condemns AFP’s attacks on local officials as revealing who is the real persona non grata

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-EV
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 04, 2019



The National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas today condemned the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division for attacking or coercing the GRP’s civilian officials and local government units into declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF as “persona non grata.”

“We denounce the fascist military led by Maj. Gen. Pio Dinoso III and the Department of Interior and Local Government led by ex-military chief Eduardo Año for orchestrating persona non grata declarations by the GRP’s local government units under duress,” said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas. “These declarations are thus hogwash. Furthermore, we support the demand for justice for civilian officials who have been killed or harassed to compel their submission to Executive Order 70 that essentially violated democracy by dictating military supremacy over the civilian government .”

The NDF-EV spokesperson then noted, “In Northern Samar, no less than five barangay officials have been killed this year, widely suspected to be the doing of the 803rd IBde led by Brig. Gen. Ramil Bitong. These include San Miguel, Las Navas Barangay Chairman Apolinario “Pening” Lebico, Bobon Barangay Chairman Joselito Zaide, Jr., Barangay Chairman Bolon Tiopento in Lope de Vega, Barangay Council Member Allan Barcelon in Catarman, and most recently Rombang, Lao-ang Barangay Chairman Carmelito Baluyot last August 19. The military also forces local officials to fund the fake surrenders of ordinary civilians who are paraded as NPA members.”

Fr. Salas added, “In Western Samar, elements of the 63rd IB threatened to massacre barangay officials and their constituents in Bay-ang, San Jorge when residents refused to return to their homes after fleeing from the aerial bombings and strafing by soldiers last January. In March, soldiers from the 87th IB forced barangay officials from San Jose de Buan (whose residents also evacuated from their village swarmed by soldiers) to attend a “peace rally” where they were made to surrender as members of the NPA.

“Duterte’s trooops also committed electioneering by backing pro-military mayoralty candidates, who lost in San Jose de Buan but won in Matuguinao. Meanwhile, Barangay Chairman Wilmar Calutan of Beri, Calbiga, was killed last April 25 by assailants whom many witnesses identified as elements of the 46th IB after a successful NPA offensive on the said military unit.”

The NDF-EV spokesperson also called attention to Leyte, where persona non grata declarations, anti-communist “peace rallies,” “peace and development” operations and other anti-democratic measures are widely employed by the Army’s 802nd IBde led by Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy.

Fr. Salas concluded, “The arrogant dictates on the civilian bureaucracy and the use of violence against local officials go to show the real persona non grata is none other than Rodrigo Duterte and his fascist military. They have no legal and political basis to declare the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata. The local government units of the GRP and the people’s democratic government do not even openly relate with each other. Meanwhile, the masses of the people warmly welcome the NPA their homes and communities. The people know the NPA is fighting for national freedom and social liberation. In the eyes of the people, the truly undesirable ones are the US-Duterte regime and its military. Duterte himself is most contemptible as a traitor and sell-out twice over to Chinese and US imperialism.

“The military has no right to force the local government and the people to do their dirty job, in the name of whole-of-nation or -government approach. On the other hand, the local officials and government units and the people are entirely correct in asserting their democratic rights, resisting militarization by all possible means, and bringing Duterte and his bloodthirsty armed minions to account.”#

https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-ev-condemns-afps-attacks-on-local-officials-as-revealing-who-is-the-real-persona-non-grata/

CPP/NDF-NEMR: AFP officials bag at least P60,000 per “fake-forced-to-surrender” via E-CLIP

NDF-North East Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 4, 2019): AFP officials bag at least P60,000 per “fake-forced-to-surrender” via E-CLIP

MARIA MALAYA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-NORTH EAST MINDANAO REGION
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 04, 2019



The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently announced the re-focusing of the E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) on some barrios in the four provinces of Caraga in the coming months. This will yet be a new source of corruption of millions of pesos of public funds. Moreover, it is also a capital for the promotion of AFP officials and their impossible dream of demonizing the New People’s Army (NPA) and revolutionary movement through the parading of fake-forced-to-surrenders.

Based on reports from various barangays and communities in the region, those impelled to surrender were promised Php65,000 each. But some of them only received Php5,000, while majority were left empty-handed. In other cases, the Php5,000 was paid in the form of “downpayment” for a motorcycle, and the “surrenderee” is then obliged to pay in installment the total amount of Php65,000 for said motorcycle. Ironically, instead of receiving the Php65,000 promised them, they are now the ones compelled to produce the amount to pay the motorcycle company. AFP officials, on the other hand, have succeeded in cunningly doubling their profit, from kickbacks from the E-CLIP budget and from commissions by acting as sales agents for motorcycle companies.

There were also some cases wherein fake-forced-to-surrenders were compelled to enlist and undergo CAFGU training and were promised bigger amounts of cash after they have been presented to the media in the cities or in Malacañang. Only a handful were able to receive a small amount of cash. Most of them only got some kilos of rice, noodles and sardines. In short, none of them were able to receive the actual amount promised.

This modus by the military is hardly new, and has long been exposed as a scheme for deception and corruption by AFP officials through the E-CLIP.

If so, from the 96 fake-forced-to-surrenders paraded by the AFP’s 401st and 402nd Infantry Brigade in Surigao del Sur on November 10, 2018 alone, no less than Php5.8 million has been pocketed by corrupt AFP officials. While from the supposed 8,000 fake-forced-to-surrenders nationwide being boasted by the AFP, a whopping Php480 million has been enjoyed as spoils by officials of the AFP, PNP, OPAPP and other officials of the corrupt US-Duterte regime. This amount of half a billion pesos was extracted from imposed exorbitant taxes on the people.

Truth be told, the E-CLIP further aggravates the conditions of the impoverished masses while serving as a lucrative milking cow for corrupt officials of the AFP, PNP and the Duterte government!

These amounts are compounded by commissions received by AFP/PNP officials from big foreign businesses and the local compador bourgeoisie who are permitted to enter and operate in areas forcibly declared as “persona non grata” by the DILG and AFP/PNP or marked as “clear for peace and development” after having been directly militarized by AFP forces under the guise of its “Community Support Program (CSP).”

The NPA in Northeastern Mindanao has long denied all fake news pertaining fake-forced-to- surrenders. Only a handful have truthfully surrendered. Those repeatedly being reported as fake surrenderees are either known military assets in barangays, former NPA members who have long left and are now living as civilians, or innocent civilians, most of them made to forcibly surrender due to deception or fear of being charged or killed by the military.

The people are not blind to the real motives and interests of the US-Duterte regime and the AFP in showcasing so-called “successful” E-CLIP distributions. These are meant to deodorize their counter-revolutionary campaign in the national consciousness and serve as defense against strong international censure against continued martial law imposition in Mindanao, de facto nationwide martial law and the worsening fascist rule of the state.

From the start, the US-Duterte regime and the AFP have failed in their aim to “end” the NPA and the revolutionary movement in spite of ceaseless fascist attacks by the military. Testament to this fact is the repeated postponement of their self-imposed deadlines of “wiping out” the NPA. First, by the end of 2018; then mid-2019; and now postponed anew to 2022, by the end of Duterte’s term.

The lists of fake-forced-to-surrenders serve as basis for military officials to reach their quota for suppression, illegal arrests and extrajudicial killings under the counter-revolutionary Oplan Kapayapaan, now Oplan Kapanatagan, of the US-Duterte regime. In line with this, we expect the intensification of military operations in different parts of the region, the flooding of more fake news on fake-forced-to-surrenders and the establishment of additional AFP or CAA detachments in barrios and communities.

The AFP implements sustained CSP operations to sow disinformation and threaten the people to suppress their resistance and make them passive. It is mandated by the US-Duterte regime’s Development Support and Security Plan, patterned after the US’ Oplan Pacific Eagle. It is no different in essence from previous oplans of previous regimes that use a “whole of nation approach”, in which the AFP mobilizes government institutions such as the DILG, DSWD, NCIP and others to terrorize communities and barangays. This is line with the US scheme to give a “humanitarian” face to the militaristic and brutal “war on terror” and “all- out war” of the AFP and the butcher US-Duterte regime against the people.

The continuous expansion of military forces and sustained military operations use up huge amounts of the nation’s funds while a measly sum is allotted to the already meager allocation for social services for the poor masses and the development of the country’s economy. It is therefore only just and imperative that these are strongly fought and opposed by the broad masses, the revolutionary movement and the NPA.

Then until now, various tactics and schemes by the AFP to divide and defeat the NPA and the revolutionary forces have failed. The NPA has proven time and again that it is a genuine revolutionary army committed to fight for the national and democratic interests of the country and the people. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/afp-officials-bag-at-least-p60000-per-fake-forced-to-surrender-via-e-clip-2/

CPP/NDF-NEMR: Gibanabanang P60,000 matag peke-pugos-gipasurender, nakurakot sa mga opisyal sa AFP gikan sa E-CLIP

NDF-North East Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 4, 2019): Gibanabanang P60,000 matag peke-pugos-gipasurender, nakurakot sa mga opisyal sa AFP gikan sa E-CLIP

MARIA MALAYA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-NORTH EAST MINDANAO REGION
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 04, 2019



Bag-ohay pa lang gianunsyo sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang subling pagpokus sa E-CLIP (Enhanced Community Local Integration Program) sa pipila ka kabaryohan sa upat ka probinsya sa Caraga sa mosunod nga mga bulan. Laing tinubdan na usab kini sa minilyong piso nga pagpangurakot. Gawas pa, kapital kini alang sa promosyon sa mga opisyal sa militar ug sa ilang laraw nga pagpangintriga ug pagsiak-siak sa han-ay sa masa. Lakip niini ang damgo nga dauton ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) ug rebolusyonaryong kalihukan pinaagi sa pagparada sa mga peke-pugos-gipasurender.

Gikan sa mga taho sa lain-laing mga barangay ug komunidad sa rehiyon nga nalunsran sa E- CLIP, ang mga peke-pugos-gipasurender kasagarang ginasaaran nga makadawat og Php65,000 matag usa. Apan, Php5,000 lang ang kantidad sa aktwal nga nadawat niini ug, ang kadaghanan, wala. Laing dagway sa pangilad, ang Php5,000 gihimong “downpayment” sa motor, ug ang mga peke-pugos-gipasurender na ang mobayad sa Php65,000 nga kantidad sa maong motor. Imbes nga sila’y hatagan sa Php65,000, sila na hinuon ang nagbayad sa kompanya sa motor. Busa, doble ang igo sa mga opisyal sa AFP kay nakakurakot na sila gikan sa badyet sa E-CLIP, naka-komisyon pa sila gikan sa pagka-ahente nila sa kompanya sa motor.

Aduna pay mga kaso nga ang pipila sa mga gipasurender pugos nga giparehistro ug gipa- treyning sa pagka-CAFGU ug gisaaran og mas dakung kantidad human iatubang sa AFP ngadto sa midya sa syudad o sa Malakanyang. Maihap lang sa tudlo ang nakadawat sa gamay nga kantidad. Ang kadaghanan, nakadawat lang og pila ka kilong bugas, noodles ug sardinas. Sa laktod, wala’y bisan usa kanila ang nakadawat sa gisaad nga kantidad.

Karaang modus na kini sa pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte, AFP ug PNP, ug hilabihang nabutyag na ang ilahang iskema sa pagpangilad ug pagpangurakot.

(sgd)
Ka Maria Malaya
Spokesperson NDFP-NEMR


Kun mao, sa giingong 96 pa lamang nga mga peke-pugos-gipasurender nga giparada sa 401st ug 402nd Infantry Brigade sa AFP sa Surigao del Sur kaniadtong Nobyembre 10, 2018, gibanabanang dili moubos sa Php5.8 milyon na ang nakurakot sa mga opisyal sa AFP. Sa kinatibuk-ang 8,000 nga mga peke-pugos-gipasurender usab nga gipanghambog sa AFP sa tibuok nasud, nagtagingting nga kapin-kun-kulang Php480 milyon na ang kantidad nga giilog-ilogan sa mga kurakot nga opisyal sa AFP, PNP, OPAPP ug uban pang mga opisyales sa korap nga rehimeng US-Duterte. Kining mokabat sa tunga sa bilyong piso, gipuga gikan sa nagkataas nga buhis sa katawhan.

Mao nga sa pagkatinuod, ang E-CLIP nakapasamot sa kalisod sa katawhan samtang gihimong gatasan kini sa korapsyon sa mga kurakot nga opisyal sa AFP, PNP ug sa gobyernong Duterte!

Walay pay labot kini sa mga ganti nga ginadawat sa mga opisyal sa AFP/PNP gikan sa mga dagkung langyawng negosyo ug lokal nga burgesyang kumprador nga gitugutan nga mosulod ug mo-opereyt sa mga barangay ug munisipyo nga pugsanong gipadeklarang “persona non grata” sa DILG ug sa AFP/PNP. O dili kaha “clear for peace and development” tungod kay direkta na kining gimilitarisa sa mga pwersa sa AFP sa tabon sa ilang mga “Community Support Program (CSP)”.

Dugay nang gipanghimakak sa BHB sa Northeastern Mindanao ang mga pekeng balita mahitungod sa mga peke ug pugsanong surrenderee. Maihap lang sa tudlo ang mga tinuod nga nagsurender. Ang gibalik-balik nga gibalita nga nagsurender mao kadtong dugay nang mga asset sa militar sa mga barangay, o dili kaha mga daang membro sa BHB nga dugay nang nag-undang, ug mga inosenteng sibilyan, kinsa kasagaran kanila pugos nga napasurender tungod kay nailad o nahadlok nga kasuhan o patyon sa militar.

Tin-aw na sa katawhan ang tinuod nga tumong ug interes sa rehimeng US-Duterte ug AFP sa pagpasiatab sa kunohay “malampuson” nga E-CLIP aron mohumot ang ilang kontra- rebolusyonaryong kampanya sa nasudnong ang-ang. Ug mahimo pa kining depensa batok sa makusganong internasyunal nga saway sa martial law sa Mindanao, sa nagakaporma nga martial law sa tibuok nasud ug sa padayong nagkagrabeng pasistang paghari sa estado.

Kanunay nang napakyas ang rehimeng US-Duterte ug AFP sa tumong niining “tapuson” ang BHB ug rebolusyonaryong kalihukan taliwala sa walay puas nga bangis nga pagpangatake sa militar. Gipamatud-an kini sa subli-subling pag-atras niini sa target nga petsa alang sa gideklara nilang “dedlayn” sa pagpuo sa BHB. Una, katapusan sa 2018, ikaduha, pag-abot sa tunga-tunga sa 2019, ug karon, gisibog na ngadto sa 2022 sa pagkahuman sa iyang termino.

Ang mga listahan sa mga peke-pugos-gipasurender nagsilbi isip basehan sa mga opisyal sa militar aron makab-ot nila ang gitakda nilang target alang sa pagpanumpo, pag-aresto o pagpamatay subay sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong mando sa Oplan Kapayapaan, karon Oplan Kapanatagan, ilalom sa rehimeng US-Duterte. Lambigit niini, lauman nga subling moigting na usab ang mga operisyong militar, mobaha ang mga pekeng balita kabahin sa mga peke- pugos-gipasurender ug motukod og mga detatsment sa AFP o CAA niini ngadto sa mga komunidad ug baryo.

Gigamit sa AFP ang mga sustinidong operisyon sa CSP sa larawng mopakaylap og bakak-nga- impormasyon ug hadlokon ang katawhan aron pugngan ang ilang pagsukol ug himuon silang pasibo. Gigambalay sa rehimeng US-Duterte ang Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan nga nagsunod sa Oplan Pacific Eagle karon sa US. Sa esensya, wala kini kalahian sa mga nangaging oplan sa kanhing mga rehimen nga nagagamit og “whole of nation approach”, kun diin gigamit sa AFP sa pagbatok sa BHB ug mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang mga institusyon sa gobyerno sama sa DILG, DSWD, NCIP ug uban pa aron kontrolon ug hasion ang mga komunidad ug barangay. Nahitakdo kini sa pakana sa US nga ipagawas nga makitawhanon kuno ang ilang mapanumpuon ug bangis nga “gubat kontra-terorismo” ug “todo-gera” sa berdugong AFP ug rehimeng US-Duterte batok sa katawhan.

Ang padayong pagpadako sa mga pwersang militar ug sustinidong operisyong militar dinagkong milamoy sa pondo sa nasud bugti sa kanihit kaayo nga alokasyon alang sa katilingbanong serbisyo para sa masang kabus ug pagpalambo sa ekonomiya sa nasud. Kun mao, makatarunganon lang ang makusganong pagbatok ug pagsupak sa mabagang katawhan, rebolusyonaryong kalihukan ug BHB niini.

Sukad kaniadto hangtud karon, dili modulot ang lain-laing mga taktika ug pakana sa AFP nga siak-siakon ug pasurenderon ang BHB ug rebolusyonaryong pwersa. Makadaghan nang napamatud-an nga ang BHB usa ka tinuod nga rebolusyonaryong hukbo nga hingpit nga mibarog alang sa nasudnon ug demokratikong interes sa nasud ug sa katawhan.##

https://cpp.ph/statement/afp-officials-bag-at-least-p60000-per-fake-forced-to-surrender-via-e-clip-2/gibanabanang-p60000-matag-peke-pugos-gipasurender-nakurakot-sa-mga-opisyal-sa-afp-gikan-sa-e-clip/

CPP/NPA-Augusan del Norte: The AFP obscures its failures behind their military operations in Hilong-hilong, Agusan del Norte

NPA-Augusan del Norte propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 4, 2019): The AFP obscures its failures behind their military operations in Hilong-hilong, Agusan del Norte

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
SANDARA SIDLAKAN
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-AGUSAN DEL NORTE
SEPTEMBER 04, 2019

To get false credit and to avoid embarrassment, officials of the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the AFP and the PNP-Caraga have deliberately obscured the real score behind their series of failed battles in encounters with the New People’s Army from July 20-August 15, 2019 in the 6 towns and 2 cities surrounding Mt. Hilong-Hilong. Contrary to the claim by the 29th IB of being the sole operating unit at the time, the AFP/ PNP actually mobilized over 1,000 troops, including test-mission forces from the 11th and 12th Scout Ranger company, supported by the 36th IB and PNP and CAFGU units. They were also reinforced by their air force, artillery and surveillance drones.

Caraga towns under these military operations include Sibagat, Agusan del Sur; Carmen, Cantilan, Madrid and San Miguel, all in Surigao del Sur; and, RTR, Agusan del Norte, as well as Butuan and Cabadbaran cities in Agusan del Norte.

Indeed, one Red fighter was martyred in a firefight between the NPA and the AFP in one of the battles, and the military was able to chance upon an NPA abandoned post. However, the AFP’s claim of “having seized Mt. Hilong-Hilong from the NPA” is a big lie because the terrain is not favorable for any guerrilla encampment due to freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, how pitiful of the AFP that it deliberately blows out of proportion its short-lived satisfaction of supposedly occupying an empty NPA post. Not only do they deceive themselves but the people as well, when it is public knowledge that anywhere in forested areas and the countryside may be transformed into temporary NPA posts.

The AFP even occupy Lumad farms and falsely claim these as “seized camps of the NPA.”

In truth, there had been 9 battles between the government and NPA forces from July 25 to August 12 that resulted in at least 12 casualties from the AFP and PNP. Confirmed dead were PFC. Marlon Calang and one 2nd Lieutenant from the 29th IB; while PFC. Bob Alex Talinis from the same unit sustained injuries. Most of the enemy casualties were hit on August 12 by the NPA’s command-detonated explosives in the hinterlands of Brgy. Mahaba, Cabadbaran City.

In retaliation, the military launched indiscriminate firing of cannons on four occasions from Brgys. Mahaba and Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, using an overkill of more than 15 cannon shells in four days. Aside from this, they also conducted indiscriminate aerial bombings and strafing with the use of Agusta Westland attack helicopters. For these attacks alone, the AFP is estimated to have spent millions of pesos, to include expenses incurred for the heavy usage of Huey helicopters.

On the other hand, before and until the end of these operations, the AFP and the PNP continued to militarize more than 15 barangays covering Cabadbaran, RTR and Butuan in Agusan del Norte, Sibagat in Agusan del Sur, and Carmen, Madrid and Cantilan in Surigao del Sur through their deceptive Community Support Program designed to suppress people’s struggles. Forcible surrenders, leveling of trumped-up charges and psywar tactics were employed against the people in these barangays. Individuals tagged as “NPA supporters” were persistently harassed by AFP forces by way of threats and repeated summons to barangay halls where fascist troops were encamped. They conducted frequent house-to-house operations to force residents to surrender and cooperate with the military.

In Brgy. San Antonio, RTR, which has a CAA detachment, a farmer identified as Roger “Lilit” Mandag was murdered on July 30, 2019 by 29th IB forces. According to reports, before this incident, Mandag was repeatedly threatened and forced to surrender by the 29th IB.

All in all, what the AFP and the PNP usually boast of are made of nothing but deception and malice. The AFP/PNP obscure its own failures and whitewash its abuses against the people, upon orders from the butcher US-Duterte regime, under Oplan Kapanatagan that condones the insatiable greed of AFP/PNP officers for rank and money.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/the-afp-obscures-its-failures-behind-their-military-operations-in-hilong-hilong-agusan-del-norte/

AFP-CRS: RTF ELCAC-CARAGA Takes Bold Steps against NON-ACCREDITED Deped schools in Surigao del Sur

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 3, 2019): RTF ELCAC-CARAGA Takes Bold Steps against NON-ACCREDITED Deped schools in Surigao del Sur

https://www.kalinawnews.com/rtf-elcac-caraga-takes-bold-steps-against-trifpss-and-alcadev-in-surigao-del-sur/

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2676821722336535/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Army intensifies school visits in Bukidnon against CPP-NPA recruitment

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 3, 2019): Army intensifies school visits in Bukidnon against CPP-NPA recruitment

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079215

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2676823812336326/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Hearing AFP’s side in schools ‘true academic freedom'

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 3, 2019): Hearing AFP’s side in schools ‘true academic freedom'

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078764
Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2676825712336136/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Karapatan dared to probe CPP-NPA atrocities in Bukidnon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 3, 2019): Karapatan dared to probe CPP-NPA atrocities in Bukidnon

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/09/02/karapatan-urged-to-probe-bukidnon-slays/



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Defense chief dares Makabayan bloc to condemn CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 3, 2019): Defense chief dares Makabayan bloc to condemn CPP-NPA

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/27/19/defense-chief-dares-makabayan-bloc-to-condemn-cpp-npa-solon-rejects



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2676855045666536/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: AFP lauds 3 Metrobank Foundation soldier-awardees

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 3, 2019): AFP lauds 3 Metrobank Foundation soldier-awardees

[https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079269]

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2676857465666294/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Hinterland village denounces CPP-NPA presence

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 3, 2019): Hinterland village denounces CPP-NPA presence

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079229

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2676860222332685/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: AFP commits to finish communist insurgency

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 3, 2019): AFP commits to finish communist insurgency

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2676861445665896/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA failed recruitment in Davao Norte

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): CPP-NPA failed recruitment in Davao Norte



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2676863622332345/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Thousands of youth write open letters asking CPP-NPA members to SURRENDER!

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): Thousands of youth write open letters asking CPP-NPA members to SURRENDER!

https://www.kalinawnews.com/bukidnon-youths-write-open-letters-asking-reds-to-yield/

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2678320558853318/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Joma Sison, A Passé communist terrorist

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): Joma Sison, A Passé communist terrorist

Image may contain: 1 person, eyeglasses and text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2678538158831558/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Soldiers Provide Assistance to the Family of neutralized CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): Soldiers Provide Assistance to the Family of neutralized CPP-NPA

The soldiers and local officials of Barangay Balite and Mahongcog, Magpet, Cotabato joined force to extend aid to the bereaved family of killed NPA member in Talian, Maragusan, Compostela Valley.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/soldiers-provide-assistance-to-the-family-of-dead-npa/



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2678351768850197/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Community help, vital in hunting down 7 foreign terrorists in Sulu

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): Community help, vital in hunting down 7 foreign terrorists in Sulu



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2678357165516324/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Government peacebuilders renew vow to work for lasting peace

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): Government peacebuilders renew vow to work for lasting peace

Image may contain: 1 person, meme and text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2678432738842100/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: OFW's seek police aid for kids 'at risk' of communist front recruitment in schools

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): OFW's seek police aid for kids 'at risk' of communist front recruitment in schools

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2678522658833108/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Former rebels to receive aid

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 4, 2019): Former rebels to receive aid

Image may contain: 2 people, people standing

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2678528482165859/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (4 September 2019)

Posted to the Relief Web (Sep 4, 2019): ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (4 September 2019)

REPORT from Armed Conflict Location and Events Dataset

Published on 04 Sep 2019 —View Original


Download PDF (542.5 KB)


In South and Southeast Asia, the past month has been marked by: intensifying tensions in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) following the Indian central government’s decision to end J&K’s special status; escalated battles in Shan state in Myanmar; a rise in armed conflicts and violence against civilians in Afghanistan; and lastly, protests and riots in Indonesia concerning Papuan independence.

In Afghanistan, the fighting between the state forces and the Taliban continued at an increased pace in recent weeks. The beginning of the month was marked by a deadly suicide attack conducted by the Taliban outside of a police station in the capital, Kabul, that resulted in at least 14 fatalities, including 10 civilians. The group also targeted US troops, especially near Bagram Air Base in Parwan province. A total of three US soldiers were killed in the past month in such Taliban attacks.

The last two weeks of the month were also emphasized by organized violence in the east and the north of the country. Taliban attacks intensified in Kabul, Ghazni, Balkh, Helmand, and Kandahar provinces along with territorial gain claims in Qala i Naw district of Badghis. Meanwhile, the Taliban siege in the city of Kunduz was one of the highlights of the past week. The Taliban has attempted to overrun Kunduz twice in recent years. While it remains unclear if the Taliban has control of the city, Afghan air strikes are still reportedly ongoing in the region (Al Jazeera, 31 August 2019).

Apart from the Taliban, on 17 August, the Islamic State (IS) conducted its deadliest attack this year, targeting civilians in Kabul. A suicide bomber detonated explosives during a wedding party of the minority Shia Hazara community, resulting in 80 reported civilian fatalities.

Almost all of these attacks occurred during the peace talks between the United States and Taliban officials in Qatar during the month of August. These talks were with the goal of reaching a peace deal, foreseeing the withdrawal of US troops and security guarantees from the Taliban. While the details of the deal are becoming clear by this week, the ongoing Taliban attacks since the beginning of the week prove that the negotiations are unlikely to end the daily violence and civilian casualty toll in Afghanistan (BBC, 3 September 2019).

In Pakistan, violence perpetrated by domestic armed groups targeting security personnel and civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces continued throughout the month of August. Members of the minority Hazara community continue to be the target of remote explosions in Balochistan’s capital Quetta. In 2019, the Hazara community has been the target of frequent attacks, most notably in April when a suicide bomber attacked Quetta’s Hazarganji market (Dawn, 12 April 2019).

In India, on 5 August, the central government issued a presidential order effectively abrogating articles 370 and 35 A of the Indian Constitution, which provide autonomy for the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). On the following day, parliament passed a bill bifurcating J&K into two separate union territories: J&K and Ladakh (encompassing the districts of Leh and Kargil). Anticipating violent opposition, the central government implemented severe restrictions on communication services and movement in J&K and substantially increased paramilitary deployment. In addition, hundreds of political leaders and activists, including three former chief ministers, have been placed under house arrest (Al Jazeera, 17 August 2019). Despite the lack of reporting on the ground situation in J&K, incidents of violent rioting have been reported from the Kashmir valley, reportedly leaving four people dead. Opposition against the Indian central government’s decision to end J&K’s special status also led to sporadic demonstrations in other parts of India.

The row over J&K’s special status also affected India-Pakistan relations. Nationwide anti-India demonstrations and Kashmir solidarity rallies were held in Pakistan throughout the month. Cross-border violence across the Line of Control (LoC) between Pakistani and Indian security forces also escalated, resulting in the reported deaths of 17 people.

In the month of August, battle events in Myanmar increased as the military and Arakan Army engaged in several deadly clashes across northern Rakhine state. In mid-August, three members of the Northern Alliance, going by the name of the Brotherhood Alliance, attacked the Defense Services Technological Academy in the Mandalay region (The Irrawaddy, 16 August 2019). Comprised of the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Arakan Army (AA), the Brotherhood Alliance’s attacks set off an intense period of fighting in Shan state. Many civilians have been caught in the crossfire of the conflict. While the Northern Alliance met with the government’s peace team in Kengtung on 31 August, no formal agreement was reached, though the military did extend the unilateral ceasefire it has declared since December of last year until 21 September of this year (The Irrawaddy, 2 September 2019).

In Indonesia, after several Papuan students were detained and insulted during a protest in East Java calling for Papuan independence, similar protests and riots were reported across the Papua and West Papua provinces in the last two weeks of August (National Public Radio, 28 August 2019). The demonstrations occurred as Indonesia marked its independence day on 17 August. August is also the anniversary of both the New York Agreement and the “Act of Free Choice” in which control of the two Papuan provinces was given to Indonesia in the 1960s. A government-ordered internet blackout in the region beginning on 21 August has hindered the flow of information from the provinces as the disorder continues; demonstrations and public statements in support of separatist aims have also been banned (Channel News Asia, 2 September 2019).

In Thailand, more explosions/remote violence and violence against civilian events involving separatists were recorded than battles last month. Also, notably, a series of bombs went off across Bangkok in early August. Various actors have been floated as possible perpetrators of this violence (Asia Times, 5 August 2019). The authorities have recently arrested the alleged bombmaker while noting the suspects in the bombing came from the southern provinces of Thailand (Reuters, 3 September 2019); however, no definitive motive for the bombings has been given.

In the month of August, there were at least 84 alleged drug suspects killed in the Philippines either in police raids or by anti-drug vigilantes. Meanwhile, the military clashed with the New People’s Army (NPA) a number of times during the month, leading to 20 reported fatalities. The clashes come as President Duterte has stated his intention to crackdown on NPA rebels in the coming months (Rappler, 27 August 2019).

In Vietnam, three protest events were recorded in August against China’s actions in the South China Sea. The protests come amid rising tensions between the two countries in the region (CNN, 30 August 2019).

Finally, after a month of rising tensions between Cambodia and Laos over a disputed border crossing, both Cambodian and Lao troops agreed to withdraw from the area (The Diplomat, 28 August 2019).

https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/acled-regional-overview-asia-4-september-2019

Two armed men shot dead in Lahad Datu

From the New Straits Times (Sep 5, 2019): Two armed men shot dead in Lahad Datu



Two armed men were killed during exchange of fire with security forces in waters off Lahad Datu, yesterday. -- Bernama photo

KOTA KINABALU: Two armed men were killed during exchange of fire with security forces in waters off Lahad Datu, yesterday.

The incident took place in the Felda Sahabat waters, about 10 nautical miles away from the coast, during curfew hour.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said police and Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) enforcement team were patrolling the sea when they detected two suspicious pump boats at 11pm.

"The security team intercepted the boats and turned on the siren. However, one of the suspects (on board) fired a shot towards our men.

"In self-defense, our men fired back. A chase also ensued but one of the boats managed to escape towards the Philippine waters,"
he said, today.
When the situation subsided, Omar said the enforcement team inspected the other boat and found the body of a man with gunshot wound. He said another body was found floating nearby.


The two bodies and the boat were taken to the Lahad Datu marine base. Police also seized a Garand riffle, pump boat engine, and ammunitions, among others.

"We could not determine their nationalities as there were no identity documents found on them. We believe (the suspects) were in their 30s and 40s. We will be taking their fingerprints for identification.

"We believe the suspects and the other boat (that managed to flee) were attempting to commit a crime," he said, adding there were more than one individual on the other boat.

To a question whether the armed men were fishermen, Omar replied in the negative.

"A fisherman will not carry a firearm and shoot (at enforcement personnel). We also believe they are not smugglers because there was no contraband found onboard.

"There is a possibility they may have been spotters trying to look for potential victims for kidnapping or they are militant members," he stressed.

On whether the incident has any links to a recent notice issued by the Indonesian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu to warn Indonesians against movement of Filipino armed men in Sabah's east coast, Omar said it was just a coincidence.

"It's hard for us to relate (the incident with the notice issued). Maybe, it was just a coincidence...It is also too early to make assumptions whether the suspects were members of Abu Sayyaf. We are investigating all possibilities," he noted.


Yesterday, Bernama reported that the warning letter which had gone viral since Monday morning, stated three Abu Sayyaf groups moving into the waters of eastern Sabah on Aug 30.

The letter also stated that the intention was to kidnap by targeting several ships, namely Kapal Batubara, Kapal Tanker, Nelayan Kapal Lengkong and Kapal Tarik Udang.

Indonesian Consul General Krishna Djelani was quoted as saying they were informed there was a movement of armed groups from southern Philippines that had to do with kidnapping for ransom.

He added that the issuance of the letter was intended to warn Indonesian citizens residing in Sabah, especially in the east coast.

The letter stated that Bakongan, Bahala, Sandakan, Mamiang, Tambisan and Taganak were among several places or regions targeted by cross-border criminals.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/518562/two-armed-men-shot-dead-lahad-datu

Decommissioning of MILF Weapons No Guarantee for Peace in Southern Philippines, NGO Says

From BenarNews (Sep 3, 2019): Decommissioning of MILF Weapons No Guarantee for Peace in Southern Philippines, NGO Says



Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters clean their rifles inside a security checkpoint at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, a town in Maguindanao province, southern Philippines, June 22, 2019. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews]

A peace monitoring organization on Tuesday welcomed Manila’s plan to decommission thousands of firearms controlled by an ex-Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), but expressed doubt that the move would sharply reduce violence in the strife-torn south.

A batch of MILF combatants, numbering an estimated 12,000, is expected to turn over firearms to the government in the first phase of decommissioning scheduled for Sept. 7.

“We applaud the plan to retire weapons that are supposedly in the hands of MILF combatants. What we are saying is that it is not enough, and it should not lead to expectations that it is going to resolve in a major deceleration in attacks that are related to firearms. It won’t,” said Francisco Lara, a senior adviser of International Alert Philippines, the local office of the London-based NGO that focuses on peace-building and conflict resolution efforts in hotspots worldwide.

“There is not going to be any impact at all,” he told Philippine media while releasing a new report by International Alert about prospects for peace in the southern Mindanao region.

The phased handover of weapons by the former rebel force, which counts up to 40,000 fighters by its own estimates, is part of a peace deal between the rebel group and Manila that led to the establishment in February 2019 of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is governed by MILF.

The former guerrillas, meanwhile, have been helping the Philippine military go after Islamic State-linked militants, including many who belonged to groups that took part in a five-month IS siege of southern Marawi city in 2017.

In an interview with BenarNews in June, MILF leader Murad Ebrahim said his group was working to validate how many weapons were to be handed over to Manila, but that many of the firearms were owned by MILF members themselves and not the organization.

“We all know that right now the declaration has been there are two types of weapons – those that are owned by the members and those owned by the organization. The agreement is to decommission those weapons that are owned by the organization and not the members,” Lara told reporters.

Lara said he believed that a substantial number of firearms could be left in the hands of former MILF fighters but, in his view, the government and military must account for all of them.

The firearms to be decommissioned Saturday are to be kept by a group made up of government officials, MILF officials and foreign experts, and each combatant who hands over his weapons is expected to receive a cash payment, including money for education.

“Effectively, it’s martial law that has been able to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons, at least in terms of the evidence that we saw in our database,” International Alert country manager Nikki Dela Rosa said.

In particular, Dela Rosa said, the government needed to review its gun control regulations that allow a person to own 15 semi-automatic weapons.

While violence has continued in the south on a near daily basis, deaths attributed to conflicts have decreased year on year, by about 60 percent to just 900 in 2018. This was partially due to coordinated attacks and the drop in the use of explosives by various armed groups, International Alert reported.

“The state was also able to maintain a fragile peace in the Bangsamoro [region] by imposing martial law, which in turn deterred the carrying use of firearms,” Dela Rosa said.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/MILF-weapons-disarming-09032019132522.html

US destroyer conducts ‘freedom of navigation’ sail in China Sea

From American Military News (Sep 3, 2019): US destroyer conducts ‘freedom of navigation’ sail in China Sea

A Pearl Harbor destroyer conducted at least the fifth Navy “freedom of navigation” operation this year in the South China Sea as part of an ongoing campaign to reject China’s claims over most of the area as its territorial seas.

The USS Wayne E. Meyer “sailed within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross and Mischief Reefs (on Wednesday) in order to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law,” Cmdr. Reann Mommsen, spokeswoman for the Navy’s 7th Fleet in Japan, said in an email.

“U.S. forces operate in the Indo-Pacific region on a daily basis, including in the South China Sea. All operations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows,” Mommsen said.

The latest challenge comes as China complained that the United States is trying to “contain” China following the planned sale of 66 F-16V fighters to Taiwan. A Chinese defense official, Senior Col. Ren Guoqiang, also said that China and Russia now “boast a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination” in a “new era.”

Fiery Cross and Mischief Reefs in the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam. Mischief Reef is about 150 miles west of Palawan Island in the Philippines.

China has built up both reefs and constructed airfields and military installations on both.

The United States is worried that China will attempt to restrict military and commercial traffic through the South China Sea, through which an estimated $3.4 trillion in international shipping passes annually.

Twelve nautical miles is the international territorial norm. Beyond that is considered international waters. The Navy said the Wayne E. Meyer and its crew of about 350 are deployed to the Western Pacific “in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Ren, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said Thursday that with the Wayne E. Meyer’s passage on Wednesday, the “U.S. military is just repeating its mistakes by trespassing repeatedly into the waters and airspace adjacent to” what it calls the Nansha islands and reefs.

“It severely undermines the rules of international law and China’s sovereignty and security,” he said. “It also imperils the peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

China is “firmly against” the operations and urged the United States “to stop such provocative actions immediately so as not to trigger unexpected incidents.”

Ren criticized the Trump administration’s planned sale of 66 F-16Vs fighters to Taiwan and said that, on July 23, Russian and Chinese forces conducted the first joint strategic air patrol in Northeast Asia. Two H-6K bombers from China and two Tu-95 bombers from Russia jointly patrolled over the Sea of Japan and East Sea, he said.

Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei navies stage drills near South China Sea

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 4, 2019): Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei navies stage drills near South China Sea



Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei navies hold maritime drills near the South China Sea while en route to the first ever Asean-US maritime exercises. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy)

The Philippines conducted naval drills with Vietnam and Brunei in the waters adjacent to the South China Sea, while en route to the site of the first-ever maritime exercises between the Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) and the United States.

The Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam are three of the four members of the Asean that have claims in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway where the US and China are battling for influence. The fourth is Malaysia.

The Philippine Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), an offshore patrol vessel, linked up with the Royal Brunei Navy’s KDB Darulaman near Kingston Shoal in the Spratly Islands last Monday before they sailed together to meet HQ-18 of Vietnam’s People Navy in the waters near Hon Khoai, the southernmost point of Vietnam and close to the South China Sea.

“Series of drills and exercise were conducted while en route to the exercise area,” said Lt. Ryan Luna, public affairs officer of the Philippine contingent’s Navy Task Group 80.5.

The three navy vessels will form as one of the combined task group in the exercises where the Philippine Navy headed by Capt. Hilarion Cesista will be the designated task group commander, he said.

The 10-member Asean and the US kicked off the inaugural joint exercises at a Royal Thai Navy base in Sattahip, Thailand on Monday.

The maritime drills will be carried out over the next few days in the Gulf of Thailand to the South China Sea before it concludes in Singapore.

The Asean and US navies will operate together and execute a variety of realistic scenarios designed to reinforce interoperability in areas such as visit, board, search and seizure, maritime domain awareness, division tactics and maritime asset tracking.

“The Navy will be benefited from this because they will be operating with other navies as far as maritime safety and security is concerned. It also promotes exercise of freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded commerce,” chief of naval staff Rear Adm. Loumer Bernabe said during the send-off ceremony for the Philippine participants last week.

This is the first time that the Asean will be holding a joint exercise with the US as a regional bloc. Last year, Asean conducted maritime drills with China, despite conflicting interests with four Southeast Asian claimants over the South China Sea.

They are unfolding as a Chinese survey ship remains in waters claimed by Vietnam, prompting the Pentagon last week to accuse Beijing of efforts to “violate the rules-based international order throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

It also comes as Chinese warships and survey vessels sail through Philippine waters in recent months without permission.

China claims the majority of the South China Sea, often invoking its so-called nine-dash line as a supposed historic justification to the waters, which are a key global shipping route.

For the US, the joint exercises have nothing to do with China’s growing military might and economic influence in the region.

“The exercise is not focused or dedicated against or towards anyone else. It’s to enhance the skills of Asean and the US working together,” Rear Adm. Murray Joe Tynch, commander of US Navy’s Logistics Group of the Western Pacific, told reporters in a telephone briefing Tuesday.

“The challenges we face in the maritime domain extend beyond what any single nation can handle, and that’s where partners and allies are force multipliers for peace and interoperability,” he said.

“That’s an unparalleled advantage that no competitor or rival can match. I fully believe we are stronger when we sail together.”

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/179664/philippines-vietnam-brunei-navies-stage-drills-near-south-china-sea

Locsin: DFA has filed 60 diplomatic protests vs China since 2016

From Rappler (Sep 4, 2019): Locsin: DFA has filed 60 diplomatic protests vs China since 2016

'Even if I believe that filing diplomatic protests is like throwing paper at a brick wall, I do it,' the Philippines' top diplomat Teodoro Locsin Jr tells a panel of lawmakers



DIPLOMATIC PROTESTS. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr says the government protested China's incursions 'at every turn.' File photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

The Duterte administration has so far filed "more or less 60" diplomatic protests against China since 2016, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr said on Wednesday, September 4.

Locsin addressed questions from lawmakers on China's intrusive actions in the West Philippine Sea, during a hearing of the House committee on appropriations to tackle the proposed 2020 budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate asked Locsin to describe the Duterte administration's efforts to exact accountability from China, particularly the unauthorized forays of its warships into Philippine territorial waters, and the militarization of reclaimed islands within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

"Every incursion, when I was at the United Nations (UN), I would answer them face to face. When I became secretary of foreign affairs, even if I believe that filing diplomatic protests is like throwing paper at a brick wall, I do it," replied Locsin, who was the country's Permanent Representative to the UN before becoming DFA chief.

"I do it because the experts say, just keep doing it because that way, nobody can say that we have given up what we believe are our rights.... We have filed diplomatic protests at every turn," Locsin added.

Citing the DFA's records, Locsin said the department filed 39 notes verbales from the start of the Duterte administration, and another 24 since he took over as foreign secretary in October 2018, bringing the total to 63.

Locsin referred to the notes verbales as "protests."

Zarate asked for copies of the notes verbales but Locsin declined to give them, saying they were "exclusively executive communications."

Zarate also asked for clarification on the reportedly "apologetic" way that President Rodrigo Duterte raised the arbitral award on the West Philippine Sea when he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on August 29.

On Monday, September 2, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo quoting Duterte's statement to Xi. "The President said, 'I didn't want to alarm you with what I'm about to raise because of your problem in Hong Kong, which is why I'm asking for forgiveness, but I need to say this because I promised my countrymen.'"

"To start with, the report that the President was apologetic in raising the arbitral award, that's total fabrication, in every aspect a complete lie," Locsin said, adding that Duterte "has always raised the arbitral award" during his visits to China.

At least 9 instances of Chinese warships passing through Philippine territorial waters without prior notice to the government have been reported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

The sightings occurred from February to August this year.

Lorenzana described the incidents as "alarming," prompting Locsin to file a series of diplomatic protests against China in July and August.

The DFA also protested the presence of Chinese survey vessels in waters off the country's Pacific coast and near Ilocos Norte in August, Locsin said at the time.

Earlier this year, the DFA also protested the "swarming" of the Philippine-held Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea by Chinese vessels.

"In doing this, I depend entirely on military intelligence," Locsin told the congressional panel on Wednesday.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/239321-locsin-says-dfa-filed-diplomatic-protests-vs-china-since-2016

CA confirms appointments of Medal of Valor recipient, 32 other military officers

From the Manila Times (Sep 4, 2019): CA confirms appointments of Medal of Valor recipient, 32 other military officers

THE bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointments of 33 ranking officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, who was awarded the Medal of Valor.

Sobejana led the successful firefight in the late 80s against the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) led by its late leader, Abdurajak Janjalani.

Sobejana also received other medals that capped his storied military career, according to Rep. Luis Ferrer 4th, chairman of the CA national defense committee.

Aside from Sobejana, the CA, during its plenary session presided by its concurrent chairman, Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd, also confirmed Lt. Gen. Antonio Ramon Lim.

Based on the recommendation of Ferrer’s committee, the CA also confirmed the appointments of eight major generals, two rear admirals, 16 brigadier generals, two colonels, one captain and two commodores.

The eight major generals were Cornelio Valencia Jr., Dante Hidalgo, Reynaldo Aquino, Roberto Ancan, Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Corleto Vinluan Jr., Tyne Banas and Diosdado Carreon.

Before the confirmation of the 33 military officers, the CA also elected Sen. Francis Pangilinan as its minority leader.

Representatives Alex “AA” Advincula and Rico Geron were elected as assistant minority leaders.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/04/news/latest-news/ca-confirms-appointments-of-medal-of-valor-recipient-32-other-military-officers/611187/

140k AFP workers in finlit program

From the Manila Standard  (Sep 3, 2019): 140k AFP workers in finlit program

An estimated 140,000 soldiers and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will receive financial literacy training under a partnership forged by BDO Foundation, the AFP and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.


Senior officers of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas led by Governor Benjamin Diokno (third from left), BDO Foundation, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines witness the MOA signing and launch of the financial education program held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

As part of a shared vision to promote financial inclusion and concerted efforts to help the men and women of the military achieve financial independence, the three parties inked an agreement for the development of a financial education program for the armed forces.

The memorandum of agreement was signed by BDO Foundation’s president Mario Deriquito, trustee and treasurer Lucy Co Dy, and trustee and corporate secretary Lazaro Jerome Guevarra; AFP Inspector General Lt. Gen. Antonio Ramon Lim, representing AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., AFP deputy chief of staff for personnel BGen. Adriano Perez Jr., BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, and BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier.

In attendance at the MOA signing held in Camp Aguinaldo were BDO Foundation’s trustee Ma. Corazon Mallillin, independent trustee Felina Arellano, and trustee and BDO Unibank president and CEO Nestor Tan, one of the guest speakers at the event.

The corporate citizenship initiative is in line with BDO Foundation’s financial inclusion advocacy and BSP’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion.

It is also aligned with the AFP Transformation Roadmap and efforts to build a better and stronger AFP, a world-class organization that is a source of national pride.

“BDO Foundation is honored to be able to contribute to the achievement of the ATR and help soldiers get high marks in their individual scorecards particularly on the aspect of personal finance,” Deriquito said.

“Together with subject matter experts from the AFP and BSP’s Center for Learning and Inclusion Advocacy, we will equip military personnel with knowledge, skills, and tools to help them make sound financial decisions,” he added.

“For this unique opportunity to be of service to the Filipino soldier, for enabling us to expand the coverage of our financial literacy programs and reach out to more beneficiaries, we would like to thank the AFP and BSP,” the foundation president said.

“We are pleased to know that our collaboration with the AFP and BSP as well as the Philippine Army will benefit the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Deriquito continued.

The financial education program for the AFP effectively expands BDO Foundation’s partnership project with the Philippine Army and BSP, which was launched earlier this year.

It enables the foundation and Bangko Sentral to extend financial education resources to all AFP personnel and develop new interventions tailored specifically for the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force.

It paves the way for the mainstreaming of financial education resources in AFP’s training and capacity building programs.

The training materials―including educational videos and discussion guides―will cover savings, budgeting and financial planning, investments, entrepreneurship, managing debt and avoiding scams, among other topics.

The AFP is the latest addition to BDO Foundation’s expanding list of financial education partners, which currently includes the Department of Education, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Army and Civil Service Commission.

Through these partnerships, the foundation hopes to contribute to the development of a financially literate citizenry and support nation-building.

CA confirms Cirilito Sobejana as AFP Westmincom chief

From Rappler (Sep 4, 2019): CA confirms Cirilito Sobejana as AFP Westmincom chief

Marawi-based 103rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr also gets the nod of the powerful Commission on Appointments



CONFIRMED. Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana has been confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Appointments confirmed on Wednesday, September 4, the ad interim appointment of Lieutenant General Cirlito Sobejana as the Western Mindanao Command chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The CA committee on national defense, chaired by Cavite 6th District Representative Luis Ferrer, recommended his appointment along with other senior officials of the AFP.

Sobejana was awarded the Medal of Valor, the Philippines' highest military honor for courage, over the 1995 heavy gun encounter with local terrorist Abu Sayaff Group founding leader Abdurajak Janjalani and his men in Basilan.

Sobejana was also the former commander in 2017 of Task Force Sulu, which made sure that ASG fighters would be prevented from joining the fighting in Marawi.

Prior to the confirmation, Sobejana held the position in "ad interim" because he was appointed by President Duterte in June when Congress was in recess. Certain public officials, like members of the Cabinet and military top brass, need CA confirmations to gain permanent appointments.

On Wednesday, the powerful body also confirmed the appointment of Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr, commander of the Marawi-based 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, and Lieutenant General Antonio Ramon Lim, AFP's inspector general.

Here is the list of the 29 others confirmed at the CA plenary session:
  1. Ryan Bakabak to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy
  2. Ewald Manay to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
  3. Loumer Bernabe to the rank Rear Admiral
  4. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr. to the rank of Brigadier General
  5. Benedict Arevalo to the rank of Brigadier General
  6. Emmanuel Anthony Ramos to the rank of Brigadier General
  7. Cornelio Valencia Jr. to the rank of Major General
  8. Bienvenido Regondola Jr. to the rank of Brigadier General
  9. Ferdinand Jose Rivera to the rank of Brigadier General
  10. Reynaldo Aquino to the rank of Major General
  11. Henry Doyaoen to the rank of Brigadier General
  12. Roberto Ancan to the rank of Major General
  13. Renato David to the rank of Commodore
  14. Charlton Gaerlan to the rank of Brigadier General
  15. Laurence Mina to the rank of Brigadier General
  16. Rodrigo Mejia to the rank of Commodore
  17. Marceliano Teoflio to the rank of Brigadier General
  18. Glenn Cruz to the rank of Brigadier General
  19. Rommel Galang to the rank of Rear Admiral
  20. Antonio Ramon Lim to the rank of Lieutenant General
  21. Manuel Sequitin to the rank of Brigadier General
  22. Antonio Nafarrete to the rank of Brigadier General
  23. Divino Pabayo Jr. to the rank of Major General
  24. Lincoln Francisco Tagle to the rank of Brigadier General
  25. Corleto Vinluan Jr. to the rank of Major General
  26. Elpidio Talja Jr. to the rank of Brigadier General
  27. Tyne Bañas to the rank of Major General
  28. Camilo Balutan to the rank of Lieutenent General
  29. Jose Santos Carandang IV to the rank of Colonel, Corps of Professors (reserve)
  30. Diosdado Carreon to the rank of Major General.
Only Major General Dante Hidalgo of the Philippine Navy was not recommended for appointment over issues on his retirement. A member of Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986, he is set to reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 by June next year.

Hidalgo was appointed as the Naval Reserve Commander and was up for confirmation during the 17th Congress around May.

"Nagkaroon ng issue with the dates. May ruling kasi sila na 'pag one year prior to your retirement, hindi ka na pwede i-promote…Nagsubmit sila nung May ng ad interim appointment, ang problema, inabot ng recess [ng 17th Congress] so hindi nadeliberate," Ferrer said in a media interview.

(There was an issue with the dates. There's a ruling that if you're not confirmed one year before your retirement, you cannot be promoted. The names for the ad interim appointment was submitted last May, but the problem was they weren't deliberated before the 17th Congress went on recess.)

There were originally 33 senior officials of the AFP up for confirmation.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/239319-commission-appointments-confirms-cirilito-sobejana-afp-wesmincom-chief