Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Armed NPA terrorist bolts camp, yields to Army unit in Surigao del Norte

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 4, 2020): Armed NPA terrorist bolts camp, yields to Army unit in Surigao del Norte (By Mike Crismundo)

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – A young New People’s Army (NPA) fighter bolted the rebels’ camp and voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 30thInfantry (Python) Battalion (30th IB) in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte.



Shown in photo are the high powered firearm and magazines with live ammunition surrendered by “Ka Ayong” to the Army’s 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte. (Photo courtesy of 30thIB-CMO/Manila Bulletin)

According to 30th IB CMO Officer 2nd Lt. Benjamin Elisand De Dios, the NPA fighter also surrendered his M16 A-1 Armalite Rifle with short and long magazines loaded with live ammunitions after bolting his camp and ran to the nearest headquarters of the 30th IB.

The young CNT fighter was identified as certain “Ka Ayong,” 21, a member of Sangay Yunit Propaganda 16-B (SYP 16-B) of Guerilla Front 16 (GF16) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) under “Kumander Jerric”
. 2nd Lt. De Dios said. “Ka Ayong” fled the camp allegedly because of abuses committed by their leader.

Since January, 2020, three other CNTs decided to return to the folds of law and surrendered five high powered firearms.

Lt. Col. Ryan Charles G. Callanta, 30th IB commander, urged the remaining CNTs to avail of the government’s peace and development program.

“The 30th IB and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte will do our share in keeping the peace in the province and we assure the security of the remaining CNT members who wants to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or ECLIP, in order to reunite with their families and start a new and brighter future without fear and intimidation,” Callanta said.

“Ka Ayong” will undergo custodial and stress debriefing prior to his enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Wounded NPA commander arrested in hospital

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 4, 2020): Wounded NPA commander arrested in hospital (By Mike Crismundo)

CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The regional command of Caraga region reported on Thursday the arrest of an alleged commanding officer of the communist-New People’s Army (NPA) Platoon 1, Sentro de Grabidad, Sub Regional Command (SDG-SRC) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Maj. Renel E. Serrano, Regional Public Information Office chief of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13), told The Manila Bulletin on Thursday that the alleged NPA commander is temporarily placed under police custody after his arrest at a hospital in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Wednesday.

PRO 13 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr, identified the arrested NPA commander as Joel Delahilba, 32, alias “Kid/Viray.”


“He was apprehended while undergoing medical treatment at Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City yesterday due to a gunshot wound on his left rib and parietal area,” Esquivel said. The suspect was wounded in a gunbattle with government security forces in Surigao del Sur recently.

Operatives of PRO13, 9th Special Forces Company of the Philippine Army, and Tagum City Police served the warrant of arrest at around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Judge Lilibeth O. Ladaga of Regional Trial Court Branch 28, 11th Judicial Region issued the arrest warrant for frustrated murder with a recommended bail bond of P200,000, and attempted murder with a recommended bail bond of P120,000, Esquivel said.

“As of now, he is placed under hospital arrest,” the region’s top police official said.

“We will make sure he receives proper medical treatment for him to fully recover. His safety and security are also our concern,” Esquivel said.

He told the remaining NPA members that there is no brotherhood in the armed struggle and that the government’s efforts continue to reach out to those who want to lay down their arms.

CPP: On the “suspension of VFA termination”

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 3, 2020): On the “suspension of VFA termination”

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
JUNE 03, 2020



In an act of diplomatic acrobatics, the Philippine government yesterday announced it has notified the US of a six month “suspension of the termination” of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which can be further extended by another six months, which puts the abrogation of the military agreement on indefinite hold. This step was undertaken by the Department of Foreign Affairs under the instruction of Duterte.

The Party denounces the puppet Duterte for backtracking on its declaration to terminate the VFA. It contravenes the Filipino people’s long-standing desire to end the US military intervention in the country and attain genuine national sovereignty. The VFA is one of the starkest reminder of US neocolonial rule in the country and serves as an instrument serving US military domination in the country.

1. What is behind the “suspension of termination” of the VFA?

On February, the Party anticipated that the Duterte regime will not push through with the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and viewed the act of filing a notice of termination on February 11 as self-serving to seek more attention and support from his imperialist masters.

The Party said: “Duterte’s self-serving and myopic aims indicate that his act of serving notice to terminate the VFA are not geared towards ending more than half-a-century long neocolonial rule by the US imperialists. He will likely be easily placated. Or he can be made to straighten up by Trump or by his own pro-US military officers.”

Prior to this playacting, Duterte vented frustration over the lack of brand-new helicopters, fighter jets, bombs and other war toys being provided by the US military to the AFP for its counterinsurgency drive.

To placate their misbehaving puppet, the US State Department on April 30 issued a certification approving the Duterte government’s request to buy \$1.5 billion (around ₱75 billion) worth of helicopters, Hellfire missiles and other war matériel and services. A few weeks earlier, the regime also placed orders to buy ₱2.4 billion worth of artillery systems from a US-partner company in Israel, the Elbit Systems.

Duterte’s order to suspend the termination of the VFA is an expression of satisfaction over the offer of arms by the US.

2. What are the “political and other developments in the region” that Duterte is talking about?

Duterte’s rush and sudden turnaround to save the VFA show that he has bowed to increasing US pressure exerted through US agents in his government. It is linked with pressing plans of the US to further heighten its military presence in the South China Sea and use the Philippines as a base of operations in view of increasing anti-China jingoism and war preparations of the Trump government.

There are now several saber-rattling American warships in the South China Sea and in the southern Philippine seas. The non-termination of the VFA will pave the way for them to sail and dock in Philippine waters.

Amid the sharp intensification of the international capitalist crisis that has pulled the US economy back to recession after years of economic stagnation, the Trump government is increasingly turning to the use of direct military force to secure and further push its economic interests in the Asia-Pacific as well as other regions across the world. The US military urgently needs the continuance of the VFA to serve its military strategy.

By suspending the termination of the VFA, expect the AFP and the US military to push through with the Balikatan exercises that were suspended because of the VFA “notice of termination,” and the Covid-19 pandemic. In the coming weeks and months, expect the inrush of an unprecedented number of US military personnel in the country as the US rushes to build up its forces amid reports of continuing strengthening of China’s military forces in the South China Sea.

In securing the VFA, combined with its failure to oppose Chinese construction of military facilities in the South China Sea, the Duterte regime is putting the country at the center of US-China inter-imperialist conflict.

3. What is the link between the “suspension of termination” of the VFA and the rush to approve the Anti-Terror Bill?

Also yesterday, the House of Representatives rammed through congressional procedures and approved on second reading the Anti-Terror Bill. With the approval, Duterte is now one breath away from acquiring even more authoritarian powers which will further reinforce his tyrannical regime and complete his martial law rule.

The sudden rush to approve the draconian Anti-Terror Law is also inextricably linked with the suspension of termination of the VFA. The push for a new Anti-Terror Law to replace the Human Security Act has long been pushed by the US imperialists and expressed through their representatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and their agents in the security and defense establishment in the country.

The most vigorous promoters of the Anti-Terror Law are American military agents Delfin Lorenzana, Eduardo Año and Hermogenes Esperon, who compose the junta with Duterte that now dominates the country through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), as well as the National Task Force Against Covid-19.

The Anti-Terror Law is the quid pro quo for the US’ approval of the Duterte arms deal. It will help further entrench US military domination in the country, reinforce the US imperialist’s Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines (OPE-P), justify more arms deals and dumping of US surplus war matériel in the country, and give way to open deployment of more American troops in the country to directly participate and support counterinsurgency operations of the AFP.

The OPE-P, which gave the US a broader venue to perpetuate and expand military presence in the country, was borne out of the ruins of the Marawi siege which the regime and the US stridently painted as a “war against terror.” US special “anti-terror” forces, which are euphemistically called “advisers,” need the VFA for immunity against local laws and regulations.

Duterte needs the Anti-Terror Law to justify begging the US for more arms. He must keep his US-trained and loyalists happy, both in their brutal campaign against the people and by lining their pockets with kickbacks from bigger and more lucrative acquisition contracts.

4. What must be done?

The Filipino people must condemn the suspension of the termination of the VFA, push their patriotic demand for its complete abrogation and oppose any move to have it renegotiated. They must call on the international community of Filipinos to expose and denounce the VFA and heightening US military intervention in the Philippines and denounce US support for the Duterte fascist regime.

The Filipino people must express their indignation and protest not only online, but “offline” as well by coming together to manifest their unity and as a means of fighting back against the onslaught against the country’s sovereignty and national dignity.

The people’s patriotic forces must remind everyone of the innumerable crimes perpetrated by US military forces which have gone unpunished because of the VFA, and how the US military uses the VFA, the EDCA and Mutual Defense Treaty to dominate the country and establish its imperialist hegemony in the region. The Filipino youth must be reminded of the Filipino people’s grave sufferings during US armed aggression, colonial and neocolonial subjugation of the country since the turn of the 20th century.

The Filipino people are being blindsided by the Duterte fascist regime in suspending the termination of the VFA, railroading the Anti-Terror Law, extending Duterte’s emergency powers, and implementing a slew of other militarist and neoliberal measures.

These measures are being rammed through by the fascist regime almost at a time that the Filipino people remain locked down as the fascist regime reserves the “right” to determine what is “essential” or not for the people. The youth, in particular, the torch bearer of Filipino patriotism and militance, are being prevented from collectively raising their voices and expressing their patriotic and democratic stand.

The need to voice out indignation and resist the fascist, neoliberal and US interventionist blitzkrieg has become most urgent. The people must overcome all barriers.

https://cpp.ph/statement/on-the-suspension-of-vfa-termination/

CPP/CIO: Anti-Terror Law will push people to join the NPA in numbers

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 2, 2020): Anti-Terror Law will push people to join the NPA in numbers

MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
JUNE 02, 2020



The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) pointed out on Tuesday that the Duterte regime’s Anti-Terror Law will fail to stop the growth of the revolutionary armed struggle and instead will likely fuel the further growth of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“In the same way that Marcos’ 1972 martial law shut all avenues for democratic expression, the Anti-Terror Law will be used to terrorize and silence all opposition, giving the people no other recourse but to join the revolutionary armed struggle as a way of fighting back against the regime’s corruption, brutality and subservience to the US and China,” said CPP Chief Information Officer Marco L. Valbuena.

“The Anti-Terror Law will give the military and police the license to pounce on anyone it wants to accuse of being a communist or communist-supporter. By terrorizing and silencing the people through the Anti-Terror Law, Duterte will succeed only in stoking the people’s anger and pushing them to further support and join the NPA,” added Valbuena.

Over the past years, officers of the AFP and PNP have been arbitrarily accusing critics of the regime of being communist fronts, supporters, abettors or linked to the CPP and NPA. In their anti-communist zealotry, the AFP and PNP see red wherever they look, and accuse every one who stands for the people’s interests of being a communist, said the CPP information officer.

“The toiling masses and intellectuals continue to be drawn to join the NPA because of the regime’s intense persecution, suppression and threats against the democratic forces,” added Valbuena.

Valbuena pointed this out after Rodrigo Duterte certified yesterday the Anti-Terror Bill as an urgent legislative measure. His fascist diehards in Congress are now railroading the passage of this law before Friday. The said bill was already approved at the committee-level last week.

The rush to enact the Anti-Terror Law is clearly being directed by the National Task Force and Malacañang itself. Duterte and his ilk of militarist officers led by Delfin Lorenzana, Eduardo Año and Hermogenes Esperon want to have their bloody hands on the Anti-Teror Law to further consolidate the fascist regime and suppress dissent.

“The Anti-Terror Law will be the last brick to complete the Duterte regime’s martial law infrastructure, short of outright declaration,” said Valbuena. “It will put into place the worst draconian measures that Duterte-Lorenzana-Año-Esperon junta have long wanted to impose to terrorize and silence the people and establish absolute rule,” he added.

The CPP called on the Filipino people to see through the thin legal veil of Duterte’s martial law, break out of the restrictions imposed by the regime and creatively and militanty wage collective resistance amid the pandemic in order to assert their democratic rights and protect the people’s interests against the corrupt, fascist and anti-people regime.

https://cpp.ph/statement/anti-terror-law-will-push-people-to-join-the-npa-in-numbers/

Kalinaw News: 3 klase ng baril na may mga bala mula sa teroristang NPA narekober sa Isabela

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 3, 2020): 3 klase ng baril na may mga bala mula sa teroristang NPA narekober sa Isabela (By 5th Infantry Division)



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – Sa patuloy na pagpapatupad ng EO #70 o Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) ng kasundaluhan ng 502nd Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, Philippine Army sa kanilang nasasakupan ay nagresulta sa pagkarekober ng isang (1) M16A1 kalibre ng baril, isang (1) kalibre 45 Pistol at isang (1) 9mm pistol na pinaniniwalaang pagmamay-ari ng mga miyembro ng Regional Sentro De Grabidad, Komiteng Rehiyong-Cagayan Valley (RSDG,KRCV) sa San Mariano, Isabela noong ika-28 ng Mayo 2020.

Ayon kay Brigadier General Laurence E Mina, Commander ng 502IBde ang pagkarekober ng mga nasabing mga baril at mga bala ay dahil sa tulong at kooperasyon ng mga sibilyan mula sa nasabing lugar sa ating mga kasundaluhan.

Pinuri naman ni MGen Pablo M Lorenzo AFP, Commander ng 5ID, ang kanyang kasundaluhan kabilang ang mga sibilyan sa pakikipagtulungan at pakikiisa nila na nagresulta sa matagumpay na operasyon upang tapusin ang insurhensiya sa Rehiyon ng Cagayan Valley.

Ipinapaabot din niya muli ang mensahe ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) noong ika-12 ng Mayo 2020 na may Php2, 000,000.00 pabuya sa sinumang makapagbigay impormasyon sa presensya at pagkadakip o neutralisa ng mga matataas ng pinuno ng Komunistang NPA, katulad ni EVANGELYN RAPANUT @Chat/Marsha (Secretary ng KR-CV) sa Rehiyon ng Cagayan Valley, at sina SIMON NAOGSAN SR @ Filiw (Secretary ng ICRC) kasama si JACINTO FARODEN @ Digbay na may patung sa ulo na Php5,200,000.00 na pawang gumagalaw sa Rehiyon ng Cordillera na binansagang utak ng mga naganap na terorismo sa buong rehiyon ng Cagayan Valley at Cordillera.

Maliban dito, pinapaabot din ni MGen Lorenzo ang kanyang mensahe sa mga kasapi ng komunistang grupo na magbalik-loob at huwag nang hayaang mawasak o masira ng maling idelolohiya ang kanilang buhay.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3-klase-ng-baril-na-may-mga-bala-mula-sa-teroristang-npa-narekober-sa-isabela/

Mindanao lawmakers: Anti-terror bill will further incite violence, not end terrorism

From Rappler (Jun 3, 2020): Mindanao lawmakers: Anti-terror bill will further incite violence, not end terrorism (By Mara Cepeda)

'This law is not meant to combat terrorism. It is meant to give the state the power to tag whomever they please as a terrorist. Hindi pa ba tayo natuto?' says House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman of Basilan



JUNK TERROR BILL. A protester raises a sign against the anti-terror law outside the University of the Philippines' Quezon Hall in Quezon City on June 3, 2020. Photo by Jire Carreon/Rappler

Several lawmakers from Mindanao who have firsthand experience dealing with violent extremists rejected the anti-terror bill, saying it might even incite violence and further embolden terrorists.

House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman of Basilan did not mince words against House Bill (HB) No. 6875 or the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which the lower chamber approved on final reading on Wednesday, June 3. It is now up for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature. 

(READ: 'Draconian' anti-terror bill, feared to be used vs gov't critics, hurdles Congress)

"This law is not meant to combat terrorism. It is meant to give the state the power to tag whomever they please as a terrorist. Hindi pa ba tayo natuto? (Have we not learned anything?)" Hataman asked.

Hataman said it is clear to him that violent extremism needs to be quashed, citing how the infamous terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operates in his province.

But he also said they have learned there are ways to dialogue with the ASG and work with different sectors to help terrorists turn their backs on violence and live a reformed life – including good governance that looks after the welfare of the community, and quality education so children would not fall in the hands of recruiters.

Hataman argued none of these can be found in the anti-terror bill, which has provisions on warrantless arrests and the 14-day imprisonment of suspected terrorists.

It would also create an Anti-Terror Council – composed of top government officials – that will have the power to order the arrest of people they deem to be as terrorists.

"Pag-etsapuwera, pagpapabaya, pang-aapi, pang-aabuso, paniniil ng karapatan at kalayaan – ito ang tunay na nagtutulak sa ilan tungo sa violent extremism…. Kung ganito kalabnaw at kalawak ang mga probisyon, kung ganito kadaling ma-misinterpret o maabuso ang nakasaad sa batas, baka lalong mapalala ng batas na ito, kaysa maampat o mapigilan, ang terorismo," said Hataman.

(Neglect, abuse, the trampling on rights and freedom – these are the reasons that push some into violent extremism.... If the provisions of the bill are this vague, if what is stated under the bill would be easily misinterpreted or abused, then perhaps this bill would only worsen, instead of stop, terrorism.)

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Anak Mindanao Representative Amihilda Sancopan, who was also among the 31 lawmakers who voted no to HB 6875, said the anti-terrorism bill may cause "unimaginable sufferings" to the communities "out of sheer terrorist tagging."

She argued Islamophobia would become worse if the anti-terrorism bill – certified as urgent by Duterte – becomes law.

"Kaming mga Moro at Lumad ang madalas na unang biktima ng tunay na terorismo, hindi lamang sa bansang ito kundi sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo. At sa pagpapatupad ng batas na ito, naniniwala po kami na madadagdagan lang nito ang pagpapahirap at pang-aabuso sa katulad naming nahuhusgahan na mga terorista bago pa man malaman ang aming mga pangalan o makita ang aming mga mukha," Sangcopan said. (We Moros and Lumad are often the first victims of real terrorism, not just in our country but in other parts of the world. And in the enactment of this law, I believe it would only worsen the abuse against us – people who are often stereotyped to be terrorists even before others find out our names or see our faces.)

'No practicability' to detain 'real' terrorists

Like Hataman and Sancopan, Lanao del Norte 1st District Representative Khalid Dimaporo argued that jailing suspected terrorists is not the answer to terrorism. Unlike the other two legislators, however, Dimaporo abstained from the vote.

In his explanation of his abstention, Dimaporo cited Mindanao's two most wanted terrorists, Marawi siege leader Isnilon Hapilon and Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan – both of whom were killed when government forces launched operations to capture them.

"The real meat of this is to detain terrorists, but all you have to do is to look at the top two terrorists at large in Mindanao. One is Isnilon Hapilon. Two, Marwan. Never did it end in detention of these terrorists," Dimaporo said.

"There is no practicability of serving an arrest warrant or trying to capture a high-profile terrorist, real terrorists. What we really need in Mindanao are more police and more armed forces so we can properly secure our regions," he added.

Dimaporo also said he abstained from voting because many lawmakers like him were not allowed to join the 4-hour debates on the anti-terror bill on Tuesday, June 2

The Lanao del Norte representative said he wanted to ask why it was so urgent to pass HB 6875, when he has received reports from provincial and regional peace and order councils saying they have already "eradicated" the terrorists.

When martial law was imposed in Mindanao in the wake of the Marawi siege, Dimaporo recalled getting an assurance from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that around 80 terrorists at large in Luzon and the Visayas would still be captured since they have standing arrest warrants.

"If we are able to do it that way, why do we need House Bill 6875 when you have the capability and the manpower and the ability to file cases against terrorists that are at large?" Dimaporo asked

Because the House adopted and passed the same version that the Senate approved in February, the anti-terror measure will become an enrolled bill and will immediately be sent to Malacañang for Duterte to sign into law.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/262816-mindanao-lawmakers-anti-terror-bill-further-incite-violence-not-end-terrorism

Urban poor activist’s death warns danger of anti-terror bill

Posted to the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Jun 3, 2020): Urban poor activist’s death warns danger of anti-terror bill (MARO B. ENRIQUEZ)



Kadamay Seretary General Carlito Badion (Photo courtesy of Saya Villacorta)

The death of urban poor activist leader Carlito Badion comes a day after Congress pushed for the Anti-Terror Bill to the plenary on May 30, as progressive lawmakers warned his killing is a prelude to how the bill will target critics and activists.

Badion was secretary general of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap or Kadamay,
and was instrumental for the group’s housing occupation campaigns in the past few years.

Badion or Ka Karletz was in his hometown of Ormoc, Leyte since January to organize urban poor and workers, according to his group,
and was found on Thursday afternoon, at Pagsanga-an riverside in Barangay Guintigui-an.


“Kadamay strongly condemns this disgusting crime, which shows the brutal trait of the administration,” the group said in Filipino in a statement.

The group said Ka Karletz had received death threats for several years and suspects the Armed Forces to be behind this attack.

Meanwhile, Kabataan Partylist warned the public that Badion’s murder shows what will happen when the Anti-Terror’ bill is passed into law.

“Prior to its filing, the Duterte regime has already been conducting illegal arrests and detentions, and killings of progressive citizens. What more will happen once this bill has been made into law?” the group said.

Badion’s death comes a day after the aforementioned bill- which allows law enforcement to imprison for 12 years any person who threatens to commit, propose, or incite others to commit terrorism, among others- was approved in the House of Representatives.

Bayan Muna representative House Deputy Minority leader Carlos Isagani Zarate said that Badion’s death “followed the same pattern preceded by red-tagging and death threats coming from suspected state forces.”
His case is also not the first incident against human rights workers and activists this year. Just last April, Bayan Muna-Iloilo coordinator Jose Reynaldo “Jory” Porquia was shot dead by unidentified assailants inside his rented home.

As of April 2020, Karapatan Alliance Philippines has documented 308 victims of extra-judicial killings committed under the Duterte government’s counterinsurgency program, says Cristina Palabay, secretary general of Karapatan. Of that number, 179 of the victims were activists and human rights defenders.

“Karapatan condemns the killing, as stark proof of the worsening climate of impunity under the current administration. We call on the Commission on Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation on the killing of Badion,” she adds.

In comparison, Irish human rights group Front Line Defenders said in its Global Analysis 2019 report released in 2020 that 304 human rights defenders were killed worldwide; 43 of these were Filipinos. The report also mentions that 40% of the victims worked on land, indigenous peopleS and environmental rights.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/urban-poor-activists-death-warns-danger-of-anti-terror-bill/

Government denounces NPA for two recent attacks

From the Palawan News Online (Jun 3, 2020): Government denounces NPA for two recent attacks (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

In a statement issued Monday, the Palawan Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC) said the NPA attacks disregarded the welfare of the people especially the frontliners against the coronavirus disease.



File photo courtesy of Palawan Provincial Treasurer's Office FB Page

The province’s task force to end the local communist armed conflict has denounced the attacks carried out by the New People’s Army (NPA) against government troops in two municipalities in the midst of the current pandemic.

In a statement issued Monday, the Palawan Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC) said the NPA attacks disregarded the welfare of the people especially the frontliners against the coronavirus disease.

The ambush was carried out by the NPA’s so-called Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) against the 2nd Palawan Provincial Mobile Force Compay (2nd PPMFC) on May 20 in Barangay New Agutaya, San Vicente, and on May 28 against the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) in Brgy. Bunog, Rizal.

The military said the troops were providing assistance to frontliners when they were attacked.

“Those ‘ambuscades’ against the police and military personnel are part of the CTG’s (communist terrorist groups) operational strategy and doctrine to sow terror to overthrow the government through armed means,” the PTF ELCAC’s statement said.

It denied the NPA’s accusation of widespread starvation and dissatisfaction among Palaweños during the quarantine period.

“It is only geared to arouse ill feelings and animosity to the government and disunity among the people. The truth is that the provincial government and other government agencies are working hand-in-hand to provide or extend ‘ayuda’ to every Palaweño,” the statement said.

On May 20, a member of the provincial police, identified as Patrolman Jayson Javarez Catanduanes, was wounded following a reported NPA ambush.

The attack, however, was denied by the NPA.

On May 28, civilian Jefferson Abella was killed when the NPA attacked the CAA that was deployed to provide security assistance to the provincial government’s Mantayob Water System Project. The rebels in Palawan claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was directed to the 18th Special Forces Company of the Philippine Army.

“The PTF ELCAC condemns this vile attack of the CTGs despite the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. This attack is atrocious, illegal, and inhuman,” the statement said.

NPA’s BVC sympathizes with Abella’s family

In a statement sent Tuesday to Palawan News, the BVC through its spokesperson Salvador Luminoso expressed condolences to the Abella family.

“Ipinapaabot ng Bienvenido Vallever Command ang marudbdob na pakikidalamhati sa mga magulang, kaanak at kaibigan ni Jefferson Abella. Alam ng NPA Palawan na wala ni anumang salita o paliwanag ang maaaring makapagpabalik sa buhay ng kanilang nasawing kaanak,” Luminoso said.

Luminoso also claimed that the government water facility in Bunog is being used as a camp of military troops.

“Maiiwasan sana ang pagkadamay ng mga sibilyan sa labanan kung sumusunod ang AFP-WesCom sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarin Law (CARHRHIL) at Geneva Protocol hinggil sa Batas ng Digma na malinaw na nakasaad. Hindi dapat gaming kampo ang mga sibilyang entidad at mga pampublikong pasilidad na ginagamit ng mga sibilyan,” he said.

“Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng BVC na ginagawang outpost ng 18th SFC, 4th MBLT at CAFGU-CAA ang baranggay hall ng Bunog, malalakas ang loob na mag-inuman at mambastos ng mga sibilyan, takutin ang mga katutubo na papatayin sila sa panahong maabutan sila ng alanganin sa gubat,” he added.

He also denied that the firefight lasted for around five minutes.

Luminoso said that the target of the operation was only the government troops and not the civilians.

“Naninindigan ang BVC na mananatiling lehitimong target ng mga aksyong militar ang mga detachment at kampo ng Marines, CAFGU-CAA at sundalo, lalo na yaong mga jump off point para sa Focused Military Operations ng JTF-Peacock. Mananatili ring target para sa mga operasyong pamamarusa ng BVC ang mga RCSP Teams na nanlilinlang sa mga katutubo at magsasaka sa probinsya,” Luminoso said.

Top CTG leader, 2 others apprehended in Northern Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 2, 2020): Top CTG leader, 2 others apprehended in Northern Samar (By CMO, 20IB, 8ID, PA)

Featured Image

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar, June 2 -- Some three personalities of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Northern Samar were apprehended by the operating troops of Team Peacemaker at the outskirt of Brgy. Epaw, this town, on June 1, 2020.

Combined elements under the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade was conducting patrol in response to the report that the locals have been the subject of
threats and intimidation by the NPA who were collecting foodstuffs and cash to support their atrocious activities.

This led to the apprehension of Carlos Baluyot @Ka Kris, Alvino Lucapa @Ka Ebin, and a minor @Ka Anda, who were caught laying landmines/improvised explosive device (IED) along the route.

Before becoming a full time NPA, @Ka Kris was an active leader of the White Area being the Chairman of Alyansa san mga Parag-uma Kontra Kagutom san Las Navasnon (APKLAS), a subsidiary of the Northern Samar Small Farmers Association (NSSFA) which serve as conduit of the Red Area (NPA) in Northern Samar.

Carlos Baluyot @Ka Kris was among the White Area personalities who accompanied Cong. Ferdinand Gaite of Bayan Muna during their “Fault Finding Mission” in Las Navas on November 11, 2019. The event was conducted to discredit the government after the FA50 fighter jets conducted air strike on an NPA bomb-making camp in Brgy. Capotuan, Las Navas, Northern Samar on October 26, 2019.

Seized from their possession were: One (1) Cal .45 pistol; two (2) IED; and subversive documents.



A letter from the daughter of @Ka Kris when the latter decided to go on full time with the NPA.

Also recovered from @Ka Kris an amount of Php25,000, which the apprehended persons voluntarily revealed, will be used for the procurement of IED components upon the instruction of @Ka Martin.

The apprehended personalities were turned over to Northern Samar Provincial Police Office for documentation and filing of appropriate charge(s).

Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gullem, 20th Infantry Battalion commander is appealing to the NPA personalities in Northern Samar to be discerning in their actions. He said, the NPA must not allow themselves to be trapped by the sweet lies of their cadres whose intent is to create chaos at the expense of ordinary Filipinos.

Colonel Lowell Tan, commander of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade, is saddened by the plight of the apprehended NPA. In this time of crisis where the nation is battling against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the CTGs have disregarded the well-being of their members just to push their evil intent.

“I call on the remaining NPA members in Northern Samar to surface and free themselves from the bondage of fear. The provincial government and the Philippine Army will help them start a new life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” he said. (CMO, 20IB, 8ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1043644

Duterte certifies Anti-terror bill as urgent

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 3, 2020): Duterte certifies Anti-terror bill as urgent (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)


Presidential spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque maintains that there are no draconian provisions to the anti-terror bill, which was certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday. (PIA NCR)

CALOOCAN CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- Presidential spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque on Tuesday said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has certified as urgent the proposed anti-terrorism bill to fast track the approval of the measure.

During his regular Malacañang media briefing multicast by the Presidential Communications and affiliate government media, Roque also clarified, however, that there are no draconian provisions to the anti-terror bill.

“That's actually a piece of legislation being deliberated by Congress. We always respect prerogative of Congress,” the official said.

To recall, on Monday, June 1, the President wrote a letter to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and said House Bill 6785 must be immediately passed "to address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism" and "effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts."

Senate Bill 1083 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019, which seeks to "preserve national security and general welfare," was so far approved at the House committee level last week.

The bill seeks to amend the Human Security Act of 2007 by giving more surveillance powers to the military and police in order to thwart individuals supposedly engaged in terrorism.

Some salient points of the measure include the imposition of 12 years of jail time to any person who shall threaten to commit any act of terrorism, propose any such acts or incite others to commit terroristic acts.

It likewise, imposes life imprisonment on those who will facilitate terrorist acts or recruit people to join terror organizations or groups.

To facilitate case building by the authorities against suspected terrorists, the bill also seeks to extend the number of days lawless elements can be detained without a warrant of arrest – from three days under the current law to up to 14 days. (PIA NCR)

DND supports suspension of VFA termination

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 3, 2020): DND supports suspension of VFA termination (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)


PIA NCR file photo

CALOOCAN CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- The Department of National Defense (DND) today said it stands behind government's decision to suspend the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which was officially communicated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to the United States Embassy in Manila on June 1.

"The Philippine defense establishment is ready to continue working closely with our US counterparts to find solutions to common concerns, such as the ongoing pandemic that has greatly affected both our countries," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement sent to the PIA NCR.

The defense chief said the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would consult with the Office of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces in order to clarify certain issues.

"In times of crises and global uncertainty, it is our belief that nations are only made stronger if we work together and focus our efforts on tackling the various challenges that confront us all," Lorenzana said.

To recall, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte earlier directed Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to send a formal notification to Washington DC regarding Manila's decision to revoke the VFA, which was signed in February 1998.

Locsin, then announced that the formal termination notice has already been received by the US government.

The VFA's effectivity will end 180 days from the day the US formally received the formal notice from the Philippines.

The agreement exempts American forces from passport and visa regulations and allows them to use their permits and licenses in the Philippines.

It also gives the US jurisdiction over its troops who committed unlawful acts in the Philippines, unless these crimes can be punished in the host country. (PIA NCR)

Sadanga dad calls on Cordillerans to make stand on issue of insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 3, 2020): Sadanga dad calls on Cordillerans to make stand on issue of insurgency  (By PIA CAR)

BAGUIO CITY, June 3(PIA) -- Mayor Gabino Ganggangan of Sadanga, Mountain Province called on Cordillerans especially the officials and leaders to make discernment and collective decision as a community on the issue of insurgency.

It is time to address the insurgency problem as it is inevitable that relatives would be caught in the fighting between the leftists groups and the government forces, Ganggangan said during the Laging Handa Network Briefing hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Officer Secretary Andanar on Monday.



“Let us not pretend as if there is no problem in the Cordillera. There is an ongoing war- the legitimate government force versus the New People’s Army- and to me it’s a senseless killing,” he said, adding that people should not wait to reach the point where it’s brothers versus brothers, relatives vs relatives simply because one is an Army or police while the one is on the side of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.

“We can not close our eyes that while we are sending our children na maging Army, maging pulis- when they go to the armed service of the government, it is with our blessings. On the other hand, mabibigla na lang tayo na some of our relatives also are secretly recruited and then later on join the NPA, “he stated.

“We we are all parents and as officials and leaders, we should start making a stand on this,” he added.

Gaggangan also called on Cordillerans to stop supporting leftist organizations. He explained that while they may have some issues with government, there are mechanisms that can be used to air their grievances but not to the extent of trying to topple the government using violence or of arms thru the CPP-NPA.

He also challenged leftist groups, whom he said keep on denying their involvement with the CPP-NPA, for them to face the public fair and square and make a stand.

Gaggangan is currently in argument over the social media with the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA), a front organization. This started when a CPA officer in a facebook post criticized the mayor for waiving the relief food packs from Department of Social Welfare and Development for his municipality, and linking him to supposed crimes in the past.

“They keep on denying that they are not linked with the CPP-NPA. Well, I am ready with all my evidences if they like. I can spill them all. I am once with them and I know it, ” he said. (JDP/PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1043697

VFA ending deferred, country looks forward to strong military partnership with US—Locsin

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 3, 2020): VFA ending deferred, country looks forward to strong military partnership with US—Locsin (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)


Photo courtesy of the DFA

CALOOCAN CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- The country’s top diplomat on Wednesday welcomed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s suspension of the abrogation of the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States and said military partnership with the superpower will continue.

In a press briefing at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Foreign Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippine government looks forward to the two nations’ continued defense and security cooperation.

“We look forward to continuing our strong military partnership with the United States even as we continue to reach out to our regional allies in building a common defense towards enduring stability and peace and continuing economic progress and prosperity in our part in the world,” Locsin said.

“Let me assure you that this action alarms no countries in Asia and the rest of the world. On the contrary it greatly reassures everyone,” he added.

He said the President’s decision to continue with the alliance amid "heightened super power tensions" and COVID-19 pandemic is for the “safety” of the Philippines and “peace of the world.”

“In the vast and swiftly changing circumstances of the world, the time of pandemic and heightened super power tensions, a world leader must be quick in mind and fast on his feet for the safety of our nation and the peace of the world,” the official added.

To recall, Duterte initially threatened to terminate the VFA after Washington revoked the US visa of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a staunch administration supporter and close ally to the President.

Per the agreement, however, official VFA cancellation does not take effect for 180 days upon termination receipt, meaning Manila and Washington has until Aug. 9, 2020 to scrap the accord. (PIA NCR)

Army lauds TF-ELCAC for surrender of NPA couple in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3, 2020): Army lauds TF-ELCAC for surrender of NPA couple in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



LOCAL SUPPORT. Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea (left), commander of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion, receives the three NPA surrenderers at the 26IB headquarters in Talacogon town, Agusan del Sur Monday (June 1, 2020). The Army official lauds the support of the local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for facilitating the surrender of communist rebels in the area. (Photo courtesy of 26IB)

The Philippine Army welcomed the efforts of the local Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) that resulted in the surrender of a New People’s Army (NPA) couple and another rebel in Agusan del Sur.

Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, commander of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), said the local TF-ELCAC of San Luis town — through its Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) cluster — facilitated the surrender of the three NPA rebels on Monday.

"With the support of our local government in the area through the TF-ELCAC, we are hoping that more NPA rebels will surrender and time will come that these long years of futile armed struggle will perish,” Jimenea told Philippine News Agency Wednesday.


He said the continuous efforts of the TF-ELCAC in reaching out to NPA members for their surrender paved the way to the couple’s reuniting with their families.

Jimenea only identified the NPA couple as “Mark” and “Mariane” and the other rebel as “Ariel” for security reasons.

He said the couple used to operate under the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, adding the three surrenderers handed over an M16 AR18 rifle, a 45-caliber pistol and one KG9 rifle, all with magazines and ammunition.

In a separate statement issued on Wednesday, the 26IB quoted Mariane as criticizing the NPA for deceptive practices.

“There is no fairness inside the NPA movement. They are only good at tricking the masses to gain sympathies and recruit to their ranks, especially the youth,” Mariane said.

Mark said special treatment is given to leaders and their family members while ordinary combatants "gained nothing" from the rebel movement.

Ariel, on the other hand, narrated the "wasted sacrifices" he made for the communist rebel movement.

“Lately, they accused me of being a spy and a traitor. The charges made me tremble as I noticed the leaders were planning to kill me. I thanked the people who facilitated and helped me go out of the NPA movement,” Ariel said.

The three surrenderers also acknowledged the "upright treatment" accorded to them by the government, especially the Army.

Jimenea said they are now processing the enrollment of the three surrenderers to the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“Just like the other former rebels, they will receive livelihood assistance from the government for them to start their new lives with their families and communities,” Jimenea said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104807

NPA using landmines to sow terror in Surigao Norte: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3, 2020): NPA using landmines to sow terror in Surigao Norte: Army (By Alexander Lopez)

The Philippine Army blasted anew the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for "terrorizing" the farming communities in Surigao del Norte by planting anti-personnel mines (APMs) in trails usually used even by civilians going to their farms.

1Lt. Wilfredo Quilang, the civil-military operations officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion, said the government troops
recovered an APM in a skirmish with NPA rebels Monday (June 1) in the hinterland of Barangay Biyadid in Sison, Surigao del Norte.

“Our troopers received an information from a concerned citizen in the area about the presence of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs),” Quilang told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday (June 3).

He said the NPA rebels were threatening the farmers while extorting money and food.


Quilang said the NPA rebels were "sowing terror" among the farmers in Biyadi and the neighboring villages, telling residents that landmines planted in their area and will be detonated once they refuse to give in to their demands.
Acting on the information fed by the civilians, Quilang said 30IB personnel conducted a combat patrol Monday in the area that resulted in a 30-minute clash.

“As the CNTs scampered away, government troops recovered one APM that was already laid along a trail frequently used by the local residents in the area,” Quilang said.

No one was hurt on the side of the government forces after the armed encounter, he added.

In a statement Wednesday, Lt. Col. Ryan Charles G. Callanta, 30th commander, condemned the continued use of APMs by the NPA.

“APMs endanger the lives of civilians and create an atmosphere of fear in their villages that disrupt their daily activities, especially in going to their farmlands for living,” Callanta said.

He pointed out that the use of APM is a violation of the Republic Act 9851 or “An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, Organizing Jurisdiction, Designating Special Courts, and for Related Purposes.”

Callanta also cited the support of the villagers that led to the recovery of the APM.

“This shows that our campaign against terrorism is significantly gaining headways and every effective,” Callanta said.

He also assured the people of Surigao del Norte that the Army will continue to secure and protect the peace-loving people of the province.

During the April 19 encounter, 30IB troopers also recovered two APMs laid by the NPA rebels in civilian trails after an encounter in Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104813

Anti-terrorism bill new tool for peace, security: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3, 2020): Anti-terrorism bill new tool for peace, security: Army (By Gail Momblan)



SUPPORTING THE BILL. The headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz. The 3rd ID on Wednesday (June 3, 2020) expressed support to the passage of House Bill 6875 or the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. (PNA file photo by Gail Momblan)

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has backed the passage of the House Bill 6875 or the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 as it is a “new tool to promote peace and security.”

The House of Representatives has approved the said bill on third reading Wednesday.

Maj. Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Army’s 3ID, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday that the security forces in Western and Central Visayas support the developments in Congress.

“This is a new tool to fight insurgency, to promote peace and security in our area and we welcome it,” he said.

Pancito said the bill effectively repeals the Human Security Act of 2007, giving clearer guidelines to the security forces in the anti-terrorism campaign.

“It guides us in winning the war, leads to who are the terrorists, and penalizing other acts that are leading to the eventual felony or crimes,” he said, as the bill carries provisions imposing life imprisonment without parole on those who will participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; possess objects connected with the preparation for the commission of terrorism; or collect or make documents connected with the preparation of terrorism.

The bill also calls for 12 years imprisonment to persons who shall threaten to commit terrorism and those who will propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism.

“This is for the people. This will promote more of peace and order situation in our area rather than curtail the rights and the freedom of some,” he said.

Although the act of terrorism in Central and Western Visayas is low, he said the 3ID also takes part in monitoring security threats.

The insurgency problems in this part of the country, he said, are brought about by the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“Our fight against NPA has not yet ended but in terms of terrorism, we also have efforts for that. We will also counter terrorism,” he said.

Despite the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the 3ID said passing the bill showed that the government is also paying attention to other important matters.

“The world cannot stop because we have Covid-19. We have to move forward along with our other tasks,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104814

Palace says fears over anti-terror bill 'unfounded'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3, 2020): Palace says fears over anti-terror bill 'unfounded' (By Azer Parrocha)



Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. (File photo)

The fear of using the anti-terrorism bill as an avenue for red-tagging the opposition and progressive groups is “unfounded”, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque emphasized that it was wrong for critics of the measure to make this conclusion since there still has to be a “judicial declaration” for a group to be considered as a communist organization.

“Red-tagging by just referring you as a communist group will not have any legal effect unless a court has declared you to be a terrorist organization,” Roque said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart.

Although courts can theoretically declare them as communist organizations, Roque said “there’s some kind of an impossibility” because it is not clear where the summons would be served.

“I guess it’s an unfounded fear because lawyers, at least those who know how the rules of court operate, know that even if we want to give the courts the power to declare a terrorist organization, there will be some difficulty particularly in acquiring jurisdiction over the persons of that alleged terrorist organization,” he said.

No warrantless arrests

Roque, a human rights advocate, dismissed the statement made by lawyer Chel Diokno, chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group, that the legislation would allow warrantless arrests based on mere suspicion.

“No. Don’t think the law can amend the rules of court which is the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts. That’s in the Constitution as well. I think we have to study the basics of constitutional law before we conclude. We need to distinguish between statements that politicians would make against the administration from the actual facts,” he said.

Roque said that if there were questions about the constitutionality of the law, critics can challenge them before the courts.

He belittled efforts done by the opposition to challenge acts done by the Duterte administration before the courts.

“Look at the track record of these people challenging acts done by the Duterte administration, zero. When I was at my prime, my peak, in challenging acts of other administrations, I went to court and got the judgments that I wanted. So we should focus on actually revisiting how to actually go about constitutional litigation if we feel that there are really unconstitutional provisions in the law,” he said.

Roque allayed fears that the act of terrorism could be determined by the police.

“That’s not accurate. In fact, I argued the case of David vs. Arroyo where we partially were successful in declaring an act of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as being unconstitutional because there was no definition of terrorism,” he said.

Roque was referring to the warrantless arrest and detention of columnist Randy David and Ronald Llamas, and the warrantless search of the Daily Tribune’s premises where the definition of terrorism was left to the law enforcement authorities.

“It is not accurate anymore that it is the police who will define. There’s sufficient definition now given in the statute as well as in the UN community itself because it has been an issue that the UN system grappled with for many, many years. And there’s now at least a compromise that if we can’t define it with precision then we know the effects that the states have the right to curtail,” he said.

Despite the lack of definition of terrorism, Roque said there is at least a consensus on what is the effect of terrorism that states can curtail and this is to instill fear or terror in the minds of the general public through overt acts by terrorists or terrorist groups.

Protected by Constitution

In case the proposed anti-terrorism law is misused, Roque said that there were “judicial remedies” such as filing a writ of Amparo which is a remedy available to “any person whose right to life, liberty, and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity”.

“The difference is when HSA (Human Security Act) was first passed, we did not have institutional safeguards initiated by the Supreme Court yet to protect the right to life which we do have now,” he said.

To allay concerns that persons posting anti-government sentiments on social media would be considered as a terrorist and could be arrested, Roque also explained the importance of the right to freedom of expression in the1987 Constitution.

“Despite the law, the Constitution remains as the fundamental guarantee of freedom of expression,” he said.

Protests and strikes, Roque said, are also protected by the Constitution.

“The right to strike is again protected by the Constitution. Remember that the operative definition of [terrorism] is to instill fear or terror in the minds of the general public. So unless they can show that this strike instills that kind of fear or terror which amounts to a clear and present danger, it cannot be suppressed,” Roque said.

Roque said that if arrests of persons posting on social media and joining rallies would infringe the minimum standards set by the bill of rights, it will be declared unconstitutional by the courts.

Timing not off
Amid questions raised on the timing of the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to certify the bill as urgent while the country grapples the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) health crisis, Roque explained that the measure would help put an end to the “never-ending” cycle of attacks launched by communist rebels against government troops and civilians.

“I don't think the timing is off because Marawi is still being rebuilt so the aftershocks of modern-day terrorism are still being felt in Marawi. And of course, the Sulu attack happened. You saw how gruesome that murder of our soldiers was. I don’t think it is something that just cropped out. It’s a problem that we have perennially faced,” he said.

Since the Marawi siege took place in 2017, Roque pointed out that there have only been two convictions under the Human Security Act but the threat of terrorism still remained.

“We saw that there was an attack again in Sulu perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf and that it's a never-ending cycle. So clearly what this has shown that with only two convictions under the Human Security Act, no complaints filed so far from the enforcement of the Human Security Act, we need to strengthen the anti-terrorism legislation,” he said.

Roque, a former law professor, also explained that compared to anti-terrorism laws in other countries such as the US, the UK, and Australia, the Philippines’ existing Human Security Act was “tame” and the “weakest link”.

“In fairness, as an academic, we have had the opportunity to compare our own Human Security Act with the different anti-terror legislation in countries such as the UK, Australia, and even the US and ours clearly lacked the teeth that are required given the current face of international terrorism,” he said.

Under the anti-terrorism bill, persons who voluntarily and knowingly join any organization, association, or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization, shall suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

Suspected persons can be detained for 14 days without a warrant of arrest with an allowable 10-day extension. A 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists can also be conducted by the police or the military, with an allowable 30-day extension.

The use of videoconferencing for the accused and witnesses will also be allowed under the measure.

The Commission on Human Rights will be notified in case of detention of a suspected terrorist.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104752

Grounds for suspension of VFA termination ‘explanatory’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3, 2020): Grounds for suspension of VFA termination ‘explanatory’ (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



The grounds for the suspension of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States (US) are “explanatory,” Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“The wordings of the communiqué sent to the US State Department, the words itself are explanatory,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, referring to the diplomatic note sent to Washington about the suspension of the VFA abrogation.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced on Tuesday night that his office, upon President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive, has notified the US about the Philippines’ decision to suspend the termination of the VFA.

In a diplomatic note dated June 1, Manila informed Washington that the suspension of VFA’s abrogation “shall start on even date and shall continue for six months, which period is extendible by the Philippines for six months”.

The revocation of the military pact between the two countries was suspended “in light of political and other developments in the region”.

Roque said only Locsin can elaborate on the reasons cited for the suspension of the VFA’s termination.

“I will defer to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs… He (Locsin) is the only one who will expound on it,” he said.

Duterte never mentioned with his Cabinet members his plan to suspend the abrogation of VFA, Roque said.

Roque, nevertheless, said he would ask Duterte on Thursday about the directive.

“It was not publicly brought up. I learned about it two weeks ago but it did not come from the mouth of the President himself. So I need to talk to him about it,” Roque said. “I will be meeting with the President tomorrow and that’s one of the issues that I will bring up with him”.

In a statement on Tuesday, Washington welcomed the government’s decision.

The US also expressed hope that it would continue to have “close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines.”

The VFA, inked between Manila and Washington in February 1998, authorizes US troops to visit the Philippines sans passport and visa to pave the way for their participation in joint military drills.

The VFA was originally scheduled to be revoked 180 days after Manila sent a formal notice of termination to the US on February 11.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier threatened to scrap the pact following the cancelation of the US visa of his ally, former national police chief and Senator Ronald dela Rosa and the criticism of some American senators against the Philippine government's anti-illegal drug campaign.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104755

DND: Beaching ramp means more supplies for Pag-asa Island repairs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3, 2020): DND: Beaching ramp means more supplies for Pag-asa Island repairs (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

With the completion of the beaching ramp in Pag-asa Island, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said more supplies can be brought for the repairs of the Rancudo Airfield.

"(The) completion of the beaching ramp means (is a) big thing to us and to the people of Pag-asa, it means that we can now bring in more supplies especially (for) the repair of the runway because the next project will be the repair (of the dirt) runway (of Rancudo Airfield)," he said in an interview with CNN Philippines Wednesday.

Rancudo Airfield measures 1.2 kilometers and is capable of medium-sized military aircraft and was constructed out of packed sand and coral debris during the 1970s.

With the beaching ramp soon to be operational, Lorenzana said the living quarters of military personnel stationed there along with those of the 200 civilian settlers will be further improved.

"We can now bring in materials, we can bring in heavy equipment, we can also bring in construction materials to improve the living quarters of our people there and also help the people there because there are about 200 civilian residents in Pag-asa who are all fishermen, I think we could improve their lives better because we can bring in generators because they don't have any electricity, those are the benefits there," he added.

Despite having the beaching ramp, Lorenzana said there are no plans to militarize the Philippine-held features in the Spratlys.

"We will not militarize our islands there, we will not bring in military equipment to defend it because I don't think there is any threat of attack (against) Pag-asa and (other Philippine-held) islands," Lorenzana said.

He earlier said the government is allocating PHP1.6 billion for improvement of the Pag-asa Island.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104763

House approves anti-terror bill on 3rd reading

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3, 2020): House approves anti-terror bill on 3rd reading (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)



A bill providing more teeth to the law against terrorism and effectively repealing the Human Security Act of 2007 is a step closer into becoming a law, after the House of Representatives approved it on third and final reading on Wednesday.

With 173 affirmative votes, 31 negative votes, and 29 abstentions, the lower chamber passed House Bill 6875, or the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which seeks to prevent, prohibit, and penalize terrorism.

The bill's third reading approval came a day after it was approved on second reading. Congress dispenses with the three-day rule for measures certified by President Rodrigo Duterte as urgent.

Duterte called for the immediate passage of the bill “to address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism in order to adequately and effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts for the preservation of national security and the promotion of general welfare.”

The House bill is similar to the Senate version that was approved in February to fast-track its approval and avoid convening a bicameral conference.

The bill introduced provisions imposing life imprisonment without parole on those who will participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; possess objects connected with the preparation for the commission of terrorism; or collect or make documents connected with the preparation of terrorism.

Under the bill, any person who shall threaten to commit terrorism shall suffer the penalty of 12 years. The same jail term will be meted against those who will propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism.

Any person who shall voluntarily and knowingly join any organization, association, or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization, shall suffer imprisonment of 12 years.

Meanwhile, those who shall recruit another to join, commit, or support any terrorist organization shall be punished with a penalty of life imprisonment without the benefit of parole.

The measure not only establishes Philippine jurisdiction over Filipinos who may join and fight with terrorist organizations outside the Philippines but also ensures that foreign terrorists do not use the country as a transit point, a safe haven to plan and train new recruits for terrorist attacks in other countries.

Under the bill, the number of days a suspected person can be detained without a warrant of arrest is 14 calendar days, extendible by 10 days.

A new provision, designating certain Regional Trial Courts as Anti-Terror Courts, was also introduced to ensure the speedy disposition of cases.

The use of videoconferencing for the accused and witnesses to remotely appear and testify will also be allowed under the measure.

The amendments also provide for the police or the military to conduct 60-day surveillance on suspected terrorists, which may be lengthened to another non-extendable period of 30 days, provided that they secure a judicial authorization from the Court of Appeals.

To allay concerns of possible excesses by the authorities, the Commission on Human Rights shall be notified in case of detention of a suspected terrorist.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104838

25 aspiring PMA cadets get coronavirus tests, quarantined

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (June 3, 2020): 25 aspiring PMA cadets get coronavirus tests, quarantined (By: Julie S. Alipala)

ZAMBOANGA CITY—At least 25 cadets aspiring to be part of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2024 were tested for SARS Cov2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and put on quarantine before being sent to the PMA campus in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the 25 aspiring cadets—23 males and two females—-came from the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga City.

They were made to report to the Westmincom for the coronavirus tests and quarantine.

Sobejana said only those who would test negative for coronavirus would be allowed to travel.

Those found to have the virus will remain in quarantine, he added.

The testing was handled by staffers of Westmincom’s Camp Navarro General Hospital and regional office of the Department of Health (DOH).

Sobejana, in a pep talk, said he hoped to see the aspiring cadets overcome challenges in the PMA and graduate to be part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“For you to survive, always believe you can and always maintain a positive mental attitude,” Sobejana said.

“Loving your service is one of the best motivation. Love your being a cadet. The more you love it, the more you survive,” said Sobejana, a medal of valor awardee.

Anxious and excited, Harry Van Nazareno Abaygar, 18, of Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province, said he wanted to further hone his leadership and critical thinking skills in the academy and be moulded “to be a better person, emotionally, spiritually.”


Jhonviel Jumawan Ochavo, a son of a security guard in Dapitan City, said entering the academy has been his dream.

Maria Kristine Ramos, 21, and Lyka Marie Falcasantos, 19, both of Zamboanga City, left their chosen college courses to enter the academy to be “soldiers and protectors of the Filipino people.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1285194/25-aspiring-pma-cadets-get-coronavirus-tests-quarantined

Philippine Military: Beefed Up Anti-Terror Law Won’t Trample on Human Rights

From BenarNews (Jun 3, 2020): Philippine Military: Beefed Up Anti-Terror Law Won’t Trample on Human Rights (By Basilio Sepe and Jeoffrey Maitem)


Jason Gutierrez/BenarNews. Philippine troops in an armored vehicle enter a ruined section of Marawi after government forces took that part of the southern city back from pro-Islamic State militants, Aug. 29, 2017.

The Philippine military on Tuesday sought to allay public fears that government security forces could use proposed changes to the country’s anti-terrorism law to crack down on dissent, saying there were enough safeguards in the bill.

Amendments to the country’s Human Security Act are meant only to boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the campaign against terrorism, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.

“The new proposed legislation gives more teeth to the existing law and eliminates some provisions that tend to curtail rather than aid security forces to defeat terrorism,” Arevalo said.

“The bill passes through the crucible of intense deliberations to ensure that it will not trample upon people’s rights, but rather defend their rights to life, liberty and property as well as the freedom from fear which the AFP seeks to uphold,” he said.

The bill’s provisions include a measure that would fine any government security unit 500,000 pesos (close to U.S. $10,000) for each day it keeps a terror suspect in custody, but who is later found not guilty of links to terrorism, he said. That should make authorities wary of carrying out arrests, Arevalo said.

While he noted that it may not end terrorism immediately, the proposed law makes it easier for the government to penalize acts that contribute to deadly attacks, the military spokesman said.

The Senate passed a version of the proposed legislation in February, while the House of Representatives is in the process of passing its own version.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who had struggled to end a five-month siege of the southern city of Marawi by pro-Islamic State (IS) militants three years ago, on Monday called on Congress to pass the bill urgently.

Among its provisions, the bill authorizes officials to carry out warrantless arrests and hold suspects for up to two weeks, as well as impose life imprisonment for anyone involved in the “planning, training, preparation and facilitation of terrorist acts.”

Rights groups have argued that the Duterte administration and government security forces may use the proposed law to go after critics of his drug war that has left thousands of people dead since mid-2016.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, a former human rights lawyer, emphasized that the existing Philippine anti-terrorism law was weak compared with legislation in other countries.

“There are no draconian provisions there. The provisions there were based on similar laws by other countries, which are more effective in dealing with terrorists,” Roque said on Tuesday.

“So the provisions in the amendments to the Human Security Act were also based on laws in [Britain], the United States, Europe and Australia, among others,” he said.

Samira Gutoc, a peace advocate from the southern Philippines, along with other Muslim religious leaders, meanwhile, urged Duterte to reconsider his stance and instead focus on battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

She alleged that certain provisions of the bill could be abused by security forces, who would be given sweeping powers under the law.

“We have seen how one incident of police brutality can instigate riots in the United States of America and are destroying the very fabric of the nation,” Gutoc said.

She was referring to demonstrations that began in Minnesota and have spread across the U.S. after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in a Minneapolis street while in police custody last week.

“We therefore ask you, Mr. President, to reconsider the passage of this measure into law,” said Gutoc, a Muslim leader whose ancestral home was also damaged during the 2017 IS siege of Marawi.

“And if its approval is urgent, then please make sure that safeguards are in place to protect the rights of the people, especially the Moro who may be targeted by this law,” she said.

Mark Navales in Cotabato City contributed to this report.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/terror-law-06022020161052.html

Israel donates medical supplies for AFP men on frontline in COVID-19 fight

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 3, 2020): Israel donates medical supplies for AFP men on frontline in COVID-19 fight (By: Frances Mangosing)



The Israeli government donates medical supplies to the Department of National Defense for military men on the frontline of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. DND

The Israeli government has donated medical supplies to the Department of National Defense (DND) for troops on the frontline of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana received the 50,000 pieces of medical gloves, 30,000 pieces of surgical masks and 3,000 pieces of N95 filtered masks on Tuesday (June 2) at the Philippine Air Force headquarters, the DND said in a statement.

The donation also included 4,500 medical gowns, 1,500 pieces of face shields and 100 non-contact thermometers.

Israel’s ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz handed over the donations to Lorenzana.

Also at the simple turnover ceremony was Defense Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD); Undersecretary Robert Eric Borje, Office of the President; Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief; Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, Air Force commanding general; Maj. Gen. Greg Almerol, deputy AFP chief for intelligence; Brig. Gen. Oliver R. Artuz, chief of AFP intelligence service and OCD Director Raffy Alejandro.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1285768/israel-donates-medical-supplies-for-afp-men-on-frontline-in-covid-19-fight

Activists, gov’t critics won’t be labeled as terrorists in anti-terrorism bill — Lorenzana

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 3, 2020): Activists, gov’t critics won’t be labeled as terrorists in anti-terrorism bill — Lorenzana

By Martin Sadongdong

Ahead of the looming passage of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured the public on Wednesday, June 3, that social activists and government critics who will organize or participate in mass protests will not be considered as terrorists.



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

“No, they are not terrorists. Anybody who makes a peaceful protest is not a terrorist. It is enshrined in our constitution that you can do peaceful protest, a peaceful assembly. Those are actually protected by the Bill of Rights,” said Lorenzana in a television interview over CNN Philippines.

Further, the Defense Chief stated that it would depend on the spontaneity of the moment if a protest becomes violent. “About things against the police, I don’t think these are terrorism. It’s only when it is done very deliberately [like] to manufacture weapons or bombs and to threaten people,” he said.

Concerns were raised as to the supposedly vague definition of terrorist acts under the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Under House Bill No. 6875, terrorism is described as any activity committed by any person who within or outside the Philippines, regardless of the stage of execution;
  1. Engages in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or endangers a person’s life;
  2. Engages in acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place or private property:
  3. Engages in acts intended to cause extensive interference with, damage or destruction to critical infrastructure;
  4. Develops, manufactures, possesses, acquires, transports, supplies or uses weapons, explosives or of biological, nuclear, radiological or chemical weapons; and
  5. Release of dangerous substances, or causing fire, floods or explosions.
Further, the bill described terrorist activities as acts that “intimidate the general public or a segment thereof, create an atmosphere or spread a message of fear, to provoke or influence by intimidation the government or any of its international organization, or seriously destabilize or destroy the fundamental political, economic, or social structures of the country, or create a public emergency or seriously undermine public safety.”

Two House committees adopted last week the Senate’s version of the bill, SB 1083, that seeks to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007.

Several lawmakers who opposed the Senate and House’s versions of the bill argued that the definition of terrorism was “vague” and can be used in “red-tagging” activists who dissent against the government.

Lorenzana insisted that there are enough safeguards in the bill to ensure it won’t be abused.

“There are enough or stringent sanctions to anybody who will commit abuses in implementing this law so the people should not worry about this,” he said.

He also defended the timing of the fast-tracking of the passage of the bill especially since the country is still dealing with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We need it now because the threat that the terrorist will also take advantage of the pandemic is very great. I think, this is just to me, it is high time that this bill is approved and passed into law,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed President Duterte’s decision to certify as urgent the bill, which would fast-track its passage.

“The new proposed legislation gives more teeth to the existing law and eliminates some provisions that tend to curtail rather than aid security forces to defeat terrorism,” said General Felimon Santos Jr., AFP Chief of Staff.

“It may not immediately wipe away the menace, but it shall provide big strides toward winning the war against it beginning from the definition as to who are terrorists to penalizing other acts or acts that are contributory or leading to the eventual commission of the felony,” Santos said.

Like Lorenzana, Santos called for calm among the public as he said only those who are law-breakers are afraid of the proposed bill.

“The bill passes through the crucible of intense deliberations to ensure that it will not trample upon people’s right but rather defend their rights to life, liberty, and property as well as the freedom from fear which the AFP seeks to uphold,” he said.

DND, AFP officials to meet with US counterparts amid suspension of VFA abrogation —Santos

From GMA News Online (Jun 3, 2020): DND, AFP officials to meet with US counterparts amid suspension of VFA abrogation —Santos (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)

Officials from the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines will meet with their American counterparts to talk about the outcome of the suspension of the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, AFP chief General Felimon Santos Jr. said on Wednesday.
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In a press statement, Santos said the AFP "upholds the decision to suspend the abrogation of the VFA."

"The AFP is committed to continue with our defense cooperation with our US counterparts on matters of shared security interests particularly in combatting terrorism and in addressing the pandemic brought about by COVID-19," Santos said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier said the Philippine government has suspended the termination of the VFA for six months "in light of political and other developments in the region."

In a note verbale dated June 1, the government stated that "the suspension shall start on even date and shall continue for six months, which period is extendable by the Philippines for another six months, after which the tolling of the initial period in Note Verbale No. 20-0463 dated 11 February 2020 shall resume."

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to suspend the termination because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

With this development, Lorenzana said the Philippines could expect more assistance from the US in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

For its part, the US government welcomed this development, saying that it "looks forward to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines."

On February 11, the Philippines formally sought the VFA's termination after the US revoked the visa of Duterte's ally, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.

In 1999, the VFA took effect after being ratified by the Philippine Senate. It allows American soldiers to train and advise the Philippine military in disaster response and in its fight against terrorists.

However, under the said agreement, US forces are not allowed to take part in combat operations.

The VFA would be deemed terminated upon a party's written notice of its intention to end the treaty, which becomes effective after 180 days.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/740989/dnd-afp-officials-to-meet-with-us-counterparts-amid-suspension-of-vfa-abrogation-santos/story/