Reds to presidential bets: Study roots of armed conflict

From the Philippine Star (Oct 18, 2021): Reds to presidential bets: Study roots of armed conflict (By Artemio Dumlao)

The CPP came out with the statement following remarks from Vice Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno about their views on solving the country’s insurgency problem.
The STAR / KJ Rosales

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is reminding presidential aspirants to equip themselves with a “deeper understanding of the roots of the armed conflict” if they endeavor to attain a just and lasting peace.

The CPP came out with the statement following remarks from Vice Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno about their views on solving the country’s insurgency problem.

Robredo, whose presidential bid is backed by the Liberal Party (LP), reportedly said she believes there is a need for “localized peace talks” as a way of addressing the “roots of the problem,” which she identified as poverty and inequality.

For his part, Moreno, who is running for president under Aksyon Demokratiko, was quoted as having described members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as people “who may have lost their way” and must be convinced to “return to the fold” of the law because “there is only one government.”

In response, the CPP said that both Robredo and Moreno “must go beyond the superficial and myopic view that the raging civil war across the country is a result merely of ‘local’ conditions and not borne by systemic problems broadly affecting the masses of peasants, workers and middle classes – especially the absence of land reform and national industrialization, which past governments have refused to undertake as a program to attain social justice and economic self-reliance and progress.”

Marco Valbuena, spokesman for the CPP Central Committee, said “other presidential candidates have yet to share their plans on how to carry forward peace negotiations with the revolutionary armed movement.”

Valbuena also reminded Robredo that President Duterte himself has been promoting “local peace negotiations.”

It has also long been promoted by Sara Duterte-Carpio as Davao mayor even if it has been proven to be a complete failure, he said.

Instead of promoting peace, “local peace negotiations” have been equated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s “surrender drive” where local residents arbitrarily accused of being NPA members are forced to “pledge loyalty” to the AFP, the CPP spokesman said.

He said this approach has also been “accompanied by widespread human rights violations where the peasant masses have been subjected to relentless surveillance and intelligence operations, intimidation, unlawful arrests based on trumped up charges and extrajudicial killings.”

Valbuena said that Robredo – being a former rights lawyer – must look into the rampant military and police abuses perpetrated under the “local peace negotiations” strategy.

Posing a challenge to all those aspiring to be the next president, the CPP spokesman asked: “Are these candidates willing to reverese Duterte’s anti-peace talks policy by rescinding Proclmations 370 and 374, dismantling the National Task Force-ELCAC and doing away with the Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL) which are all giant barriers to the resumption of peace negotiations?”

According also to the CPP, “local peace negotiations” have supposedly served as veil to conceal widespread corruption involving hundreds of millions of pesos in funds for ‘livelihood’ and ‘balik-baril’ programs, where people gathered to receive “subsidies” are made to sign blank papers, later used as evidence of their so-called surrender.

“These views on peace negotiations are known to have been promoted by the US and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their zealous effort to impede peace negotiations,” he added.

Valbuena said it is still to be seen whether the presidential candidates will firmly stand against the Duterte regime’s “kill, kill, kill” policy and make a stand that will reflect the aspirations of peace advocates.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/10/18/2134832/reds-presidential-bets-study-roots-armed-conflict

NPA fall seen in Davao, Cotabato

From the Manila Times (Oct 18, 2021): NPA fall seen in Davao, Cotabato

A senior military official said over the weekend the whole-of-nation (WoN) approach to resolve issues and address concerns of communities was rendering the communist New People's Army (NPA) ineffective in the boundaries of Davao and Cotabato, causing the rebels' mass base there to face imminent collapse.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, the commander of the 39th Infantry Battalion, based in Davao del Sur, cited the robust and proactive program implementation of different agencies under the Task Force Ending Local Armed Conflict or ELAC of various municipalities employing the WoN.

This approach to the more than 50-year communist insurgency in the country was implemented nationwide under Executive Order 70.

It was credited by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the recent surrender of nine NPA members, operating at the boundaries of the two provinces.

The WoN addresses the root causes of the communist rebellion, the internal disturbances and the tensions and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social-development packages by the government, facilitating societal inclusivity and ensuring the active participation of all sectors of society in pursuit of the country's peace agenda.

On October 6, a rebel couple — Paypay and his wife, who was eight-months pregnant —surrendered to government troops in Makilala town in North Cotabato.

On October 14, an NPA cadre that also surrendered was identified by Balagtey as Gawits, 49 years old and a resident of Sitio Bulwan, Barangay San Melilla, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur.

The AFP official said Gawits was the former vice commander and demolition expert of the NPA Guerrilla Front ALIP, Far South Mindanao Region.

READ: NPA rebel killed in Davao del Norte clash

On October 16, six members of this guerrilla front also surrendered and were identified as Bongcayaw, Boyet, Sonnyboy, Kadz, Sa and Maica.

According to Balagtey, all the surrenderers left the NPA because of the loss of the mass base of the communist group in the Davao-Cotabao areas.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/18/news/regions/npa-fall-seen-in-davao-cotabato/1818742

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagbagsak ng “pag-iral ng batas” sa Pilipinas, ikinababahala ng mga abugado

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 17, 2021): Pagbagsak ng “pag-iral ng batas” sa Pilipinas, ikinababahala ng mga abugado

Tinawag ng National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) na “nakababahala at nakahihiya” ang pagbagsak ng “rule of law” o pag-iral ng batas sa Pilipinas. Alinsunod ito sa inilabas na listahan noong Oktubre 14 ng World Justice Project, isang grupong nagtatasa sa pag-iral ng batas sa 139 bansa o hurisdiksyon.

Sa listahan ng grupo, nasa ika-102 sa 139 bansa sa buong mundo at ika-13 sa 15 bansa sa rehiyon ng Asia sa listahan ng mga nagtaguyod ng batas mula nang magsimula ang pandemya noong 2020.

Bumagsak ang grado ng Pilpinas nang 2.9% ngayong taon, katumbas ng pagbagsak nang tatlong pwesto sa listahan ng grupo.

Pinakamababa ang grado ng Pilipinas sa larangan ng “Order and Security” (ika-15 sa 15 bansa sa Asia), “Criminal Justice” o pagpapanagot sa mga kriminal (13 sa 15 bansa), “Fundamental Rights” o pagtatanggol sa batayang mga karapatan at Civil Justice kung saan ika-12 ito sa 15 bansa. Mababa rin ang grado nito sa pagpapatupad ng mga regulasyon at pagiging bukas ng paggugubyerno. Mababa ang natanggap nitong grado sa pagtitiyak na hindi naaabuso ang kapangyarihan ng gubyerno (constraints on government powers) at kawalan ng korapsyon.

Ayon sa NUPL, “nakababahala at nakahihiya na muli na namang nasa dulo ang Pilipinas sa isa pang listahan na sumusubaybay sa mga importanteng sukatan ng paggugubyerno tulad ng tugon sa pandemya, korapsyon, kapayapaan at kaayusan at ngayon, sa “pagpapairal ng batas.”

Anito, pinabubulaanan ng ulat ang mga pahayag ng rehimeng Duterte na “gumagana” ang sistemang ligal at hudisyal ng bansa.

Ang pagbagsak ng katayuan ng Pilipinas sa WJP mula nang maupo si Rodrigo Duterte sa poder ay “repleksyon kung gaano kalalim ang ibinagsak ng bansa” sa usapin ng pagtataguyod sa mga karapatang-tao, ayon pa sa NUPL.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pagbagsak-ng-pag-iral-ng-batas-sa-pilipinas-ikinababahala-ng-mga-abugado/

CPP/CIO: People demand candidates to have deeper understanding of roots of armed conflict

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 17, 2021): People demand candidates to have deeper understanding of roots of armed conflict

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

October 17, 2021

Vice president Leni Robredo, the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate, was reported yesterday to have said that she believes there is a need for “localized peace talks” as a way of addressing the “roots of the problem” which she identified as poverty and inequality. A few days ago, Aksyon Demokratiko presidential bet Isko Moreno was quoted as having described members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as people “who may have lost their way” (“naligaw ng landas”) and must be convinced to “return to the fold” because “there is only one government.”

Other presidential candidates have yet to share their plans on how to carry forward peace negotiations with the revolutionary armed movement. At this time, however, we must remind both Robredo and Moreno that attaining a just and lasting peace requires a deeper understanding of the roots of the armed conflict, as well as the history and process of peace negotiations.

They must go beyond the superficial and myopic view that the raging civil war across the country is a result merely of “local” conditions and not borne by systemic problems broadly affecting the masses of peasants, workers and middle classes–especially the absence of land reform and national industrialization, which past governments have refused to undertake as a program to attain social justice and economic self-reliance and progress.

Robredo must be reminded that Duterte himself has been promoting “local peace negotiations.” It has also long been promoted by Sara Duterte as Davao mayor where it has been proven a complete failure. Instead of promoting peace, “local peace negotiations” has been equated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s “surrender drive” where local residents arbitrarily accused of being NPA members are forced to “pledge loyalty” to the AFP.

This campaign has been accompanied by widespread human rights violations where the peasant masses have been subjected to relentless surveillance and intelligence operations, intimidation, unlawful arrests based on trumped up charges and extrajudicial killings. Martial law methods of rule prevail where the military dictate policies and programs in the name of counterinsurgency. As a former rights lawyer, Robredo must look into the rampant military and police abuses perpetrated under “local peace negotiations.”

“Local peace negotiations” has also served as veil to conceal widespread corruption involving hundreds of millions of pesos in funds for “livelihood” and “balik-baril” programs, where people called to gather to receive “subsidies” are made to sign blank papers, later used as evidence of their “surrender.”

Given these views expressed by Robredo and Moreno, people wonder how much different would peace negotiations be under a post-Duterte regime compared to how the tyrant used it simply as a means to bamboozle the revolutionary forces to inveigle them to surrender?

Are these candidates willing to reverse Duterte’s anti-peace talks policy by rescinding Proclamations 370 and 374, dismantling the National Task Force-ELCAC and doing away with the Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL) which are all giant barriers to the resumption of peace negotiations?

We also wish to remind Robredo, Moreno and other candidates that these views on peace negotiations are known to have been promoted by the US and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in their zealous effort to impede peace negotiations.

It is still to be seen whether the presidential candidates will firmly stand against the Duterte regime’s “kill, kill, kill” policy and make a stand that will reflect the aspirations of peace advocates and people who want peace negotiations to prosper beyond the ceremonies that come with every new regime.

https://cpp.ph/statements/people-demand-candidates-to-have-deeper-understanding-of-roots-of-armed-conflict/

CPP/NDF-KM: Isulong ang digmang bayan para sa ganap na panlipunang paglaya!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 17, 2021): Isulong ang digmang bayan para sa ganap na panlipunang paglaya!

Maria Laya Guerrero

Spokesperson

Kabataang Makabayan (KM)

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

October 17, 2021

Habang papalapit ang Halalan 2022, lalo ring lumulubha ang awayan sa pagitan ng mga miyembro ng naghaharing uri. Sa kabila nito, malinaw sa buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan at lahat ng demokratikong mamamayan na ang ganitong mukha ng pampulitikang krisis ay isang manipestasyon lamang ng higit na pagkalugmok ng sistemang malakolonyal at malapyudal na ating iniiralan.

Sukang suka na ang masa sa pasismo, pagpapahirap, at kurapsyong dinanas nito sa 6 na taon sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Handa itong kumilos upang siguraduhing magwawakas na ang kapangyarihan ng administrasyong ito. Gayundin, hindi ito papayag na maluklok sa pwesto ang kaparehong kurap, pasista, ang magnanakaw na tulad ng mga Marcos.

Gayunpaman, kasaysayan ang nagtuturo sa masang Pilipino na walang sinumang idolo ang makapag-aahon ng bayan sa krisis. Patuloy na mananaig ang sistemang mapagsamantala at mapang-api hangga’t hindi natutugunan ang mga pangunahing hinaing ng taumbayan.

Habang ang isang bahagi ng bansa ay nakatutok sa personal na girian ng mga pulitikong nag-aasam ng kapangyarihan sa darating na halalan, patuloy ang pag-agas ng pawis, luha, at dugo ng masang magsasaka, manggagawa, maralita, pambansang minorya, at lahat ng grupo at sektor sa lipunang walang ibang hangad kung hindi ang makamit ang kanilang demokratikong karapatan.

Para sa bawat magsasakang patuloy na nagbibilad sa init ng araw sa mga sakahan, patuloy na nagtitiis sa isang baso ng kape at kakarampot na kanin at de lata, patuloy na binabarat sa presyo ng kanilang mga produkto, at patuloy na ninanakawan ng lupa, isa lamang kanilang tanong: “Makaaahon ba sa gutom ang aming mga anak?”

Para sa bawat manggagawang patuloy na nagbabanat ng buto sa mga pagawaang tilda selda, patuloy na pinagkakaitan ng nakabubuhay na sahod, at patuloy na ginigipit ng kontraktwalisasyon, malinaw ang kanilang pangarap: “Magkakaroon ba ng magandang buhay ang aming pamilya?”

Para sa bawat kabataan-estudyanteng patuloy na nagtitiis sa palpak na moda ng pag-aaral, patuloy na isinasadlak sa komersyalisado at maka-imperyalistang balangkas ng edukasyon, patuloy na tinatanggalan ng espasyo para sa malayang pagkatuto, at patuloy na nililinlang na diploma at pag-gradweyt ang susi sa magandang kinabukasan, wala ibang hangarin sa kanilang mga isip: “Makararaos ba kami sa siklo ng pagpapa-alipin sa naghahari’t nasa kapangyarihan?”

Habang isang dumadagundong na “hindi” ang sagot sa lahat ng mga tanong na ito, hindi titigil ang masang Pilipino sa pakikibaka para sa kanilang makauring paglaya!

Malaking hamon ngayon sa lahat ng demokratiko at patriyotikong kabataan at mamamayan na walang pag-aalinlangang basagin ang ilusyon ng tunggalian ng iilang nasa kapangyarihan. Itaas ang pakikibaka sa antas ng panlipunang paglaya at pagsulong! Sumanib sa laksa-laksang pwersa ng magsasaka, pambansang minorya, at manggagawa nagpasyang humawak ng armas sa kanayunan para ipaglaban ang kanilang mga karapatan at kagalingan!

Kabataan, mamamayan, isulong ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon!
Wakasan ang siklo ng tiraniya at paghihirap ng sambayanan!
Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statements/isulong-ang-digmang-bayan-para-sa-ganap-na-panlipunang-paglaya/

Kalinaw News: Military holds fishermen’s forum, raises awareness on Maritime Safety And Security

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 17, 2021): Military holds fishermen’s forum, raises awareness on Maritime Safety And Security



Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) hosted a Fishermen’s Forum in Infanta, Pangasinan last Friday as part of their capacity-building efforts to raise maritime safety and security awareness amongst fishermen.

Forty fishermen from all over Pangasinan participated in the one-day event. Several subject matter experts from different government agencies were invited to discuss matters concerning the country’s maritime domain.

Lectures on the Northern Maritime Domain, Ship Identification, Reporting System, Security and Safety Protocols were thoroughly discussed for the whole duration of the forum.

Brigadier General Krishnamurti A Mortela, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade and the keynote speaker of the event encouraged the participants to make use of what they’ve learned from the forum to ensure their safety and well-being while they are fishing and at the same time assist in providing vital information to authorities of any significant activity on the country’s northern maritime territory when he said that “Kayong mga andito ngayon gamitin ninyo ng maayos yung mga natutunan ninyo, para sa inyong seguridad at kaligtasan habang kayo ay nasa laot. At para na rin kayo ay makatulong sa ating pamahalaan na bantayan ang ating karagatan.”

Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, the Commander of NOLCOM and the concurrent head of Area Task Force – North said that “The forum provides a venue for our local fishermen to acquire essential knowledge and skill which can help them in ensuring their safety while at sea. The forum paved the way for the security sector to engage the fishermen and encourage them to actively support NOLCOM in its efforts to secure the country’s sovereignty in its northern maritime territory.”

Lt Gen Burgos reassured that “We will remain committed and steadfast in ensuring the safety and well-being of our fisherfolks, for them to navigate freely on our territorial waters without threats or intimidations.”

The AFP’s Northern Luzon Command is responsible of safeguarding the sovereign rights and territorial integrity of the country’s northern maritime domain, which encompasses the vast, resource-rich maritime areas of the West Philippine Sea’s Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), the Philippine Rise (Benham Rise), and the Luzon Strait in Batanes.

[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/military-holds-fishermens-forum-raises-awareness-on-maritime-safety-and-security/

Kalinaw News: La Paz, Agusan del Sur MTF-ELCAC empowers former rebels through livelihood programs

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 17, 2021): La Paz, Agusan del Sur MTF-ELCAC empowers former rebels through livelihood programs



SAN LUIS, Agusan Del Sur – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of La Paz, Agusan del Sur in collaboration with the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion and other partner agencies empowered its Former Rebels (FRs) to be more economically-resilient through a program orientation to the various People’s Organization (POs) from the different barangays of the said municipality on October 15, 2021.

The program orientation was conducted with social distancing and proper wearing of facemask in accordance with the COVID-19 health protocol. It was attended and participated by eleven (11) POs that consisted of FRs and local members of the community who were organized by the previously deployed Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the Philippine Army. It was aimed to empower the members of the POs to be more economically-resilient by identifying projects that are appropriate in the community in order to motivate the members in achieving their objectives as prescribed by their own constitution and by-laws which will improve and develop their capacity towards sustainable livelihood development.

As mandated by the Executive Order No. 70 (EO70), the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of La Paz headed by Hon. Michael D. Lim, Municipal Mayor, strongly implemented the Whole-of-Nation Approach to prioritize the delivery of government programs and basic services to its intended beneficiaries, the former rebels. “It is our duty to provide support and services for our former rebels as they continue their reintegration to the society because they are now our peace partners in building a better community.”, Hon. Lim said.

The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) of AgSur together with other partner agencies such as Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Municipal Local Government Office (MLGO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Philippine National Police (PNP) were also present and strengthened their support during the said orientation. “Our goal is to provide appropriate livelihood and skills training for our Former Rebels and also to the over-all constituents
for them to be equipped with the right knowledge and proper techniques as they venture to start their chosen livelihood programs.”, Ms. Novilita A. Dispo, TESDA Provincial Director, stated.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB commended the MTF-ELCAC along with partner agencies for their selfless support for the activity. “We are grateful to the entire members of the Task Force in helping our Former Rebels. It is indeed an over-all effort as a team and it is more convenient for the government to deliver sustainable livelihood development to the community by empowering our People’s Organizations.”, he said.

“Let us help our people to alleviate poverty through livelihood programs from the government. If we continue to work together, we will surely address the socio-economic issues that are used by the CPP-NPA in poisoning the hearts and minds of our people. Our strong will and intensified collaboration will surely bring hope, peace and development to the community.”, Lt. Col. Goce ended.

[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/la-paz-agusan-del-sur-mtf-elcac-empowers-former-rebels-through-livelihood-programs/

Kalinaw News: 48IB, NGAs join hands to empower People’s Organizations in Pantukan and Mabini

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 17, 2021): 48IB, NGAs join hands to empower People’s Organizations in Pantukan and Mabini



Pantukan Davao de Oro – It was April 2021 when the 48th Infantry (Guardian) Battalion took the challenge to its new area of operation in the areas of Pantukan and Mabini Davao de Oro. Leading change is no easy feat but this change opens the door of opportunity to serve the people in the area particularly the existing People’s Organization.

Through the convergence of different Government agencies in Davao de Oro, 28IB and 48th Infantry (Guardian) Battalion spearheaded by Lt. Col. Enrique Rafael who initiated the activity, the 1st General Assembly of People’s Organization Federation from the municipalities of Pantukan and Mabini, made successful today at 48IB Headquarters, Sitio Upper Lahi, Brgy Magnaga, Pantukan Davao de Oro.

With the Command’s aimed to establish peaceful and conflict-resilient communities, these POs who are a former underground mass organization (UGMO) members of the CPP-NPA-NDF have pledged to support the government with the hope of having a better future through productive and sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurial endeavors.

The activity was primarily conducted to activate the Federations and to check the status of their existing organization. Various government agencies have extended efforts and time to present their programs and services as well as their commitments to these POs to be empowered and become effective instruments to alleviate poverty and improve their lives. Issues and concerns were also culled out during the open forum.

The event was graced by the provincial and local government units from TESDA, DA, DOLE, DSWD, DTI, SB-IPMR, and MAO PO Coordinator in Mabini.

“These POs were once victims of terrorism of CPP-NPA-NDF and they now chose to return to the folds of the law. They need you. Let us help one another to develop and sustain them through livelihood projects.” Maj. Jumalon, battalion executive officer said.

Lt. Col. Rafael. expressed his deepest appreciation to the overwhelming response and support from different government agencies who showcased the true spirit of “BAYANIHAN” in extending their benevolent time and hearts to these POs. “The 48IB is one with you in this Whole-of-Nation Approach towards peace-building and development initiatives in the ground.”

Our office is always ready and willing to provide reformed industry-based training so that you will become an efficient and effective player in improving the lives of your community. Ms. Jasmin Neri, Provincial Director of TESDA, added.

Through this activity, the heads and representatives of provincial government offices witnessed and learned that the role of these communities must be attended, capacitated, and empowered to become resilient actors in and contribute in creating more economic and livelihood opportunities not just to alleviate poverty situation but to establish peaceful and conflict-resilient communities.

2Lt Yu, highlighted the importance of helping and assisting these POs to stand on their own individual role and purpose when it comes to engagement with the different government agencies. “People come and go. Our unit will not always be here in your area. It is our very purpose to empower you so that challenges may come, you can stand on your own.” Lt. Yu of 48IB, said.

[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/48ib-ngas-join-hands-to-empower-peoples-organizations-in-pantukan-and-mabini/

Robredo eyes localized peace talks, an old proposal rejected by NDF

Posted to Rappler (Oct 17, 2021): Robredo eyes localized peace talks, an old proposal rejected by NDF (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

Leni Robredo says the proposed localized peace talks form part of her road-to-peace program

Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo on Saturday, October 16, renewed calls for localized peace talks with communist rebels throughout the country as a step to forging an agreement with the National Democratic Front (NDF).

“Tingin ko kailangan may localized na paguusap. Mas maa-attain ang kapayapaan kung ang pinaka-root ng problema ma address (The way I see it, there is a need for localized peace talks. We can attain peace if we address the roots of the problem),” Robredo said.

The root problems, she said, were poverty and inequality.

But the thing with such a proposal is, it has been made before and the NDF has rejected it, said Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Felixberto Calang, co-convenor of the independent peace observer Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform.

Robredo told reporters in Cagayan de Oro that the proposed localized peace talks form part of her road-to-peace program.

She arrived in Cagayan de Oro on Saturday morning to spearhead her Vaccine Express program at the PHINMA-Cagayan de Oro College in Barangay Carmen.

Robredo also met with Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma and Archbishop Jose Cabantan.

Bishop Calang said the NDF has maintained that the peace talks between the government and communist rebels should resume from where it was left off before it collapsed in 2017.

“For a peace initiative to proceed, both parties should come to an initial agreement. The challenge that the next administration would face is how to resume the stalled peace talks,” he said.

Calang said it was not the first time that the idea of holding localized peace talks was presented, and flatly rejected by the NDF.

He said presidential daughter Davao Mayor Sara Duterte also made the same proposal in 2017, and failed because the NDF found it unacceptable.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/robredo-eyes-localized-peace-talks-old-proposal-rejected-ndf

MILF vows to help make 2022 polls peaceful in Bangsamoro region

From MindaNews (Oct 16, 2021): MILF vows to help make 2022 polls peaceful in Bangsamoro region (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews /16 October) — The former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will help the military in securing and ensuring a peaceful and orderly 2022 national and local elections in the Bangsamoro region, Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said Friday.

Ebrahim, concurrent MILF chair, and Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) chief, met at the Bangsamoro government center in Cotabato City over the weekend to discuss the peace and order situation in the Bangsamoro region, including the holding of next year’s elections.

“We will help make the elections peaceful and non-violent,” Ebrahim said in a video report produced by the Bangsamoro Information Office.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair Murad Ebrahim, using his real name Ahod “Murad” Balawag Ebrahim, votes for the first time in his life on 21 January 2019 during the plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law at the Simuay Junction Central Elementary School in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

He noted that the MILF had earlier established the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), a political party that is advocating, according to him, peaceful, honest and orderly elections.

The UBJP has fielded candidates for several local positions in some parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The region comprises Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato and the 63 villages in North Cotabato that voted for inclusion in the BARMM during the 2019 plebiscite.

Congress has approved the postponement of parliamentary elections in the BARMM from 2022 to 2025 but local elections in the region will push through along with the national polls.

The Senate ratified last September 27 the bicameral conference committee report postponing the 2022 parliamentary elections, effectively extending the term of the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim body governing the Bangsamoro government, for three years.

Under the reconciled version of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the 80-member BTA shall continue as the interim government in the Bangsamoro region. The President may appoint the 80 new interim members of the BTA who shall serve up to June 30, 2025 or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier expressed support to the extension of the transition period, has not yet signed the bill into law. Under the legislative process, if the President does not act on a proposed law submitted by Congress, it will lapse into law 30 days from receipt.

The creation of the Bangsamoro region is a key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace deal signed by the government and the MILF in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

The CAB’s Annex on Normalization mandates the decommissioning of the 40,000-strong MILF and their weapons, which is still ongoing.

As of Friday, Ebrahim said the Bangsamoro government has not monitored any challenging security situation that could jeopardize the holding of the 2022 elections in the region.

He noted that many candidates running for various local positions in the Bangsamoro region are related by blood or affinity with each other.

Ebrahim appealed to the contending parties to refrain from resorting to violence to push their bid.

For his part, Rosario assured that the military in the area will remain non-partisan during the elections.

He said the governors and the military commanders in various parts of the region have been in close contact and that there’s no big problem that emerged so far related to next year’s elections.

“We hope and pray that this will be more peaceful compared to the 2019 elections,” Rosario said. But the military, he assured, is prepared for any eventuality.

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2021/10/milf-vows-to-help-make-2022-polls-peaceful-in-bangsamoro-region/

Robredo to resume peace talks with NDF if elected President but

From MindaNews (Oct 17, 2021): Robredo to resume peace talks with NDF if elected President but (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 16 October) –For Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo, the only road to peace with the communist rebels is to resume negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF) which represents the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) in the peace talks.

“Tingin ko kailangan may localized na pag-uusap. Mas ma-attain ang kapayapaan kung ang pinaka root ng problema ma address” (There is a need for localized talks. We can achieve peace if we address the roots of the problem), Robredo told reporters here.

Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo in Cagayan de Oro on Saturday, October 16 to spearhead her “Vaccine Express” program at the PHINMA-Cagayan de Oro College in Barangay Carmen. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Robredo said peace talks will always be a part of her “road to peace” program in her administration if she will be elected President.

But no details were made available as to what Robredo meant by “localized na pag-uusap.” But she stressed the talks should address the root problems of poverty and inequality.

The Vice President arrived here Saturday morning to spearhead her “Vaccine Express” program at the PHINMA-Cagayan de Oro College in Barangay Carmen.

Bishop Felixberto Calang, co-convenor of the independent peace observer Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform reminded Robredo that the idea of holding “a localized peace talk” had earlier been proposed by government but rejected by the NDF.

Calang said presidential daughter and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte also proposed localized peace talks with the reds in 2017.

He said the communist rebels through the NDF, rejected the idea.

“For a peace agreement to proceed, both parties should come to an agreement,” the bishop said.

Calang said the NDF would insist that the talks would resume from where it left off .

The Duterte administration cancelled the November 25 to 27, 2017 peace talks between government and the NDF through President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation 360 for alleged “lack of sincerity,” following an NPA ambush on November 9, 2017 that killed a four-month old Walysha Manchorao, and similar incidents.

In early December that same year, Duterte signed Proclamation 374, designating the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations.

“The challenge of the new administration is how to resume the stalled peace talks,” Calang said.

Norway was the third party facilitator of the peace talks.

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2021/10/robredo-to-resume-peace-talks-with-ndf-if-elected-president-but/

‘Eyes in the Sky’

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 17, 2021): ‘Eyes in the Sky’

WASHINGTON HAS delivered to the Philippines four ScanEagle unmanned aerial system worth $4 million with officials saying these platforms will provide additional capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and in support of counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gestures while U.S. Embassy Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava looks on during the turnover of four ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles to the Philippines on October 13, 2021.

The Philippines is by far the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region. Since 2015, the United States has delivered more than $1.06 billion worth of planes, ships, armored vehicles, small arms, and other military equipment to the Philippines, while training side-by-side with Filipinos.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava and the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Aquilino and representatives from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group turned over the four ScanEagle long-endurance unmanned aerial system to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City in Pampanga province on October 13.

“We remain committed to our promises on helping modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and we hope this will further strengthen our combined capabilities in working together towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Variava told the Filipino officials.

The ScanEagle has the ability to launch without a runway and can operate at 19,000 feet for 24 hours. The unmanned aerial system delivers persistent imagery on land or at sea for a variety of commercial and defense missions.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/10/eyes-in-sky.html

4 BDP infra projects in Zambo Sur underway

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 16, 2021): 4 BDP infra projects in Zambo Sur underway (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

GROUNDBREAKING. Government and military officials grace the groundbreaking of one of four Barangay Development Program projects in Zamboanga del Sur on Friday (Oct. 15, 2021). The road concreting works worth PHP20 million each are funded by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo courtesy of 53IB)

Zamboanga del Sur has four Barangay Development Program (BDP) projects, which are funded by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The BDP is the flagship program of NTF-ELCAC, which was created under Executive Order No. 70 in December 2018 to finally address insurgency by employing a whole-of-nation approach to institute peace-building initiatives.

The province’s four BDP projects worth PHP20 million each are the construction and concreting of a 1.4 kilometer-road in Purok 1, Barangay San Jose, Lapuyan; concreting of the 1.3-kilometer local access road from Purok 2 to Purok 4 in Barangay Concepcion, San Miguel; concreting of a 1.6-kilometer road in Barangay Datagan, Guipos; and concreting of 1.2 kilometers from Purok 2 to Purok 4 in Barangay Gasa, Lakewood.

“Where there is road, there is progress. The people are now happy that after a very long time, the government is now finally here addressing the concerns of the community,” Governor Victor Yu, the Provincial Task Force-ELCAC chairperson, said in a statement on Saturday.

Yu led a groundbreaking on Friday that signaled the start of the four projects.

He was joined by other government and military officials.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said BDP projects will sustain peace initiatives in Zamboanga del Sur.

Once completed, Herrera said the roads will translate to the delivery of basic services to the community such as health, education, job opportunities, and increased income.

“Knowing that the government is here, these BDP projects will sustain the peace and development efforts of the government,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156884

100K Maranaos excited to return to their homes at MAA

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17, 2021): 100K Maranaos excited to return to their homes at MAA (By Nef Luczon)

DEVELOPMENT. A diorama shows the map of Marawi City where current projects of Task Force Bangon Marawi are located. On Saturday (Oct. 16, 2021), the National Housing Authority showed the map to President Rodrigo Duterte, who attended the fourth anniversary of the city's liberation from Maute terrorists. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

After President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Marawi City on Saturday, affected residents of the siege four years ago are hoping they will be able to return to the Most Affected Area (MAA).

In an interview Sunday, Moro Consensus Group chair Drieza Lininding said there are still about 100,000 residents who are eager to return to their properties at MAA, where most projects are being developed through Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM).

"After residents are returned (to their places in MAA) after four years (since the siege), hopefully the Marawi Compensation Bill will be certified urgent," he said.

Last month, legislation for the compensation of residents of the war-torn city inched closer to approval in the Senate, with Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation Chair Senator Ronald Dela Rosa assuring they will expedite it.

“We will work double time to pass this measure for the people of Marawi,” dela Rosa said during a hearing by the special committee.

The lower house passed its version, House Bill No. 9925, on September 6.

Under the bill, private property owners shall be compensated for loss or destruction based on the current market value.

President's visit

On Saturday, Duterte led the unveiling of the marker of the recently finished Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamie Masjid, otherwise known as the Grand Mosque.

The President then went to Rizal Park to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Marawi City's liberation from the siege perpetrated by the Maute terrorists.

“Let me take this opportunity to reassure the people of Marawi that the government is doing its best to expedite the completion of rehabilitation projects at the soonest possible time,” Duterte said in his speech.

TFBM-private organization projects

Some families affected by the five-month siege received permanent shelters from the partnership between private organizations and TFBM.

Most of these were distributed prior to Duterte's visit and later presented in a symbolic ceremony at Rizal Park.

Under the Rebuilding Marawi Project of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), in partnership with National Housing Authority (NHA), 250 families were awarded with permanent house and lot units on Friday.

One of the beneficiaries, 46-year-old Norjannah Amerol, said it is an opportunity to rebuild part of what they lost in the war.

“This house is a blessing, a symbol that if a person patiently waits Allah will provide His blessings," she said in a statement from UN-Habitat.

Amerol recalled how she feared for the lives of her two sons who chose to stay behind to take care of the family’s belongings, thinking that the gunfight will last for just three days at the most.

One of her sons was hit in one leg by a bullet as he and his brother made their way to the boat by the lake that brought them to safety.

"Four years! Whatever hardships my family went through, those assuaged by this house. I will not let my children be separated from me again. That kind of fear as a mother is something that I do not want to experience again. This is where we will rebuild our lives, together," she said in the vernacular.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156920

Housing units turnover signals Marawi victims return to normalcy

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17, 2021): Housing units turnover signals Marawi victims return to normalcy (By Divina Suson)

One of the permanent shelter sites for displaced families in Marawi City (PNA photo by Divina M. Suson)

MARAWI CITY – For more than four years, Norhaima Ditucalan's family was at her grandparents’ house in Ditsaan Ramain, Lanao del Sur, some 10 kilometers away from Marawi City where they lived for decades.

Ditucalan used to live with her three other siblings and their families at a three-story house in Barangay Datu Naga inside the most affected area (MAA) of the 2017 siege.

Their source of income was a small store on the ground floor.

When the siege broke out on May 23, 2017, Ditucalan’s household fled to Ditsaan Ramain and took shelter with their grandparents.

On Friday, Ditucalan's family was seen cleaning a housing unit in Barangay Gadongan, site of one of the 250 permanent shelters that the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) constructed for them.

The 150 units were built by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), using funds from the Japanese government, while 100 units were constructed by the NHA, which procured and developed the land.

New start

Ditucalan said their new 90-square meter house is small compared to their old one but at least they have freed their grandparents of the burden of taking them in.

"I have six children and it is not good to give my grandparents a noisy environment. I wanted to continue my small store here in my new house using the PHP73,000 cash assistance from the government," Ditucalan said. "Me and my husband will work together."

Her siblings are categorized as sharers and the government has no housing program for them yet, according to Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chair and Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario.

"With regards to housing, walang para sa mga (there is none yet for) sharers but they were provided with financial assistance (worth) PHP35,000 per family, including those vendors who rented their stalls inside the MAA but lost their business during the siege," del Rosario said during the press briefing after the turnover ceremony on Friday.

The government declared as "no-dwell zone" the areas within the three to six-meter easement of the Lake Lanao, at the river banks, and within the reclamation area where the government is doing infrastructure projects.

The UN-Habitat had previously awarded permanent shelters to displaced families in Hadiya Village Phase 1 in Barangay Dulay West (109 units), at Phase 2 in the same location (120 units), and at the Pamayandeg Ranao Residences (50 units) in Barangay Mipantao-Gadongan.

The UN agency said 910 permanent houses are slated to be completed by December 2021 in five resettlement sites.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156925

Completed road projects crucial in Marawi recovery

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17, 2021): Completed road projects crucial in Marawi recovery

FINISHED. The 18.97-kilometer Marawi Transcentral Road Phase 1 in Lanao Del Sur was completed on Sept. 29, 2021. The project was financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency for 2 billion yen or PHP970.97. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)

The Department of Public Works and Highways Unified Project Management Office has finished the 18.97-kilometer Marawi Transcentral Road phases 1 and 2 in time for the fourth-year commemoration of the liberation of the Lanao del Sur City from ISIS-linked terrorist groups.

The project was financed for 2 billion yen or approximately PHP970 million by the Japan government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Program for the Support to Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Marawi City and Its surrounding Areas.

As a member agency of the Task Force Bangon Marawi created under Administrative Order No. 3 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 28, 2017, DPWH spearheads the implementation of national roads.

“The newly paved Marawi Transcentral Road has improved the mobility of people and for better access to goods and services,” DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain said in a news release on Sunday.

DPWH Acting Secretary Roger Mercado and Sadain attended the commemoration activity, graced by President Rodrigo Duterte, at the city’s Rizal Park on Saturday.

Mercado, Sadain, and project managers Francisco Sawali and John Dominique Pulido also inspected the ongoing civil works under phase 3 of the transcentral road project.

“The main thrust of the project visit is to gauge the contractors’ level of performance and progress made so far in the implementation of the projects,” Mercado said.

Phase 3 project is an 18.78-kilometer road rehabilitation in four contract packages (CP), also funded by JICA under the official development assistance loan financing for Road Network Development Project, and is targeted for completion by May 2022.

The other ongoing phase 3 components are the 4.87 kilometer road covering Cabingan-MSU Campus-Amai Pakpak Avenue (Road 6), MSU Campus-Matampay-Marantao Road (Road 7), and Rapasa-Bayaba Road (Road 20); 4.92 kilometers along Emie-Sagonsongan-Linao-Lantian Road (Road 9-1), MSU-Bubo Road (Road 13), and Rantian-Paling Road (Road 14); 4.34 kilometers composed of Linao-Alinan Road (Road 15), Emie-Sagunsungan-Linao-Rantian Road (Road 9-2), Rorogagus-Mipaga Road (Road 25), and Bito-Mipaga-Marawi Road (Road 26); and 4.65 kilometers that covers Bacong-Poona-Marantao-Marawi Road (Road 2-3), Bito-Rorogagus-Guimba Road (Road 11), and Tampilong Road (Road 28).

Under the Asian Development Bank financing, the DPWH will also implement the construction of a 21.87-kilometer project that includes the 1.6-kilometer Malabang Viaduct, construction of three bridges along Rorogagus Road, and five other projects under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan.

Marawi was flattened by the five-month war but government rebuilding efforts allowed the city to rise again.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156919

Go says gov’t committed to lasting peace, progress in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17, 2021): Go says gov’t committed to lasting peace, progress in Mindanao

UNDER CONSTRUCTION. The progress of the Pamayandeg Ranaw Residences Dansalan Phases 1 and 2 housing project in Barangay Kilala, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur as of September 2021. The construction is being implemented by the United Nations-Habitat, Marawi local government, and National Housing Authority using funds from the Japan government. (Photo courtesy of TFBM)

The government is dedicated to sustaining President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision of long-lasting peace and development in the country.

On Saturday, the President reiterated that commitment during the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Marawi from the Islamic State-linked terrorists who attacked the city in 2017.

“We, in government, are strongly committed to bring back the city’s glory. And we will continue to foster cooperation among concerned stakeholders so that Marawi will be able to build back better and stronger,” the President said in his speech.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go joined the President and other officials at the city’s Rizal Park in honoring state security forces and the people of Marawi City for their sacrifice and courage.

They also witnessed the distribution of certificates of title for permanent housing units to internally displaced persons by the National Housing Authority and the turnover of a PHP76-million assistance from the Cooperative Development Authority.

“Importante sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kapayapaan, lalo na sa Mindanao. Wala na po dapat na patayan. Sino ba namang gustong magpatayan Pilipino laban sa kapwa Pilipino? Masakit ‘yun (The President and I value peace, especially in Mindanao. Killings must stop. No Filipino wants to kill a fellow Filipino. That will be sad),” Go said in a statement on Sunday. “The government’s efforts in achieving sustainable peace and development across the country must be continuously pursued.”

Go, as a member of Senate Special Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation, also asked community members for continuous cooperation in ensuring that Marawi City remains supported even amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the government will continue its efforts to address threats of terrorism and provide economic opportunities in Mindanao and address poverty, which becomes a root cause of conflicts.

“Talaga pong magulo noon. Pero nakita naman natin matapos maresolba ni dating Davao Mayor Duterte ang kriminalidad, naging mapayapa na ang lugar at malaki na ang pag-asenso ng negosyo at kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan (It used to be chaotic there. But after former Davao Mayor Duterte addressed criminality, peace was achieved and business and livelihood improved),” Go said, referring to how the President turned Davao around during his tenure as mayor.

“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao upang tuluyang makamit ang inaasam na kapayapaan at kaunlaran hindi lamang para sa mga kababayan nating Muslim kundi para sa buong Pilipinas (I will continue to serve our countrymen in Mindanao toward lasting peace and progress, not only for the Muslim community but for the entire country),” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156922