3 kidnapped Malaysians rescued in Sulu

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 27): 3 kidnapped Malaysians rescued in Sulu

The Philippines military said authorities have rescued three more Malaysian tugboat crewmen held hostage by Abu Sayyaf bandits for eight months in Mindanao.

 

A brief military report Monday, March 27, said troops rescued Zulkipli Bin Ali, Mohammad Ridzuan Bin Ismail and Fandy Bin Bakran late Sunday in Sulu province. They were taken to a hospital for check-ups.

 

Two other Malaysian crewmen from the same group, who were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits in July off Malaysia's Sabah state near Mindanao, were rescued last week when they were abandoned by their captors as a naval patrol closed in.

 

Abu Sayyaf bandits survive mostly on ransom kidnappings, extortion and other acts of banditry by targeting tugboats in the seas bordering the southern Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

 

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/03/27/3-kidnapped-malaysians-rescued-sulu-533264

Land dispute involving Moro clans in North Cotabato leaves 6 people dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Land dispute involving Moro clans in North Cotabato leaves 6 people dead

The clan war involving Moro armed men contesting a vast track of lands in a village here has already claimed the lives of six persons, the military said Monday.

Major Calvin Macatangay, speaking for the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade, said the "rido" (family feud) between the Matalam and Cua clans in Barangay Gen. Luna, Carmen, North Cotabato was triggered by dispute over vast farmlands.

Both groups are claiming ownership of lands planted to corn and oil palm.

Macatangay said the Army did not intervene with the conflict to allow local leaders, including Moro fronts, to mediate.

Citing intelligence information, the Army said both sides have supporters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front.

Macatangay identified those involved in the clan war as Arlin Matalam, son of former Rep. Jimmy Matalam and the Cua clan getting help from the Kalawan and Akmad armed group.
Macatangay identified the slain protagonists as Ustadz Odin Bala, Mesi Bala and King Kambambalan, all from the side of Cua and Kalawan and Kusain Akmad group.

Killed on the side of the Matalam clan were Zukarno Maguid, Lawan Lakman and Makungan Lakman.

Soldiers and police have set up checkpoints along the Sayre highway that connects North Cotabato and Bukidnon as well as entry and exit routes toward Barangay Gen. Luna to prevent additional reinforcements for both warring clans.

An undetermined number of families from Gen. Luna have moved to nearby communities to avoid getting caught in the cross fire.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=975207

PN formally accepts 2 Japanese TC-90s in Sangley Point ceremony

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): PN formally accepts 2 Japanese TC-90s in Sangley Point ceremony

The Philippine Navy (PN)'s humanitarian and patrol capability got a big boost the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) formally transferred two units of the Beechcraft TC-90 training aircraft Monday morning.

Transfer ceremonies took place at the Naval Air Group headquarters, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.

The two aircraft landed at the said facility around 10 a.m.

Present during the transfer ceremony was Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his JSMOD counterpart Kenji Wakamiya.

PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said these aircraft were leased from the JMOD as part of the Navy's efforts to enhance its capability in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, limited transport, and maritime domain awareness including maritime air surveillance and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance.

The whole project involves five units of TC-90s. The remaining three units are expected to arrive by mid-2018.

Last November, two PN pilots and six air crews left for Japan to start their TC-90 flight training.

The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier announced that the Philippines will be re-equipping the TC-90s as Japan have stripped of some its equipment, including its surveillance systems.

The country will pay Japan USD7,000 each for the first four aircraft yearly and only USD200 for the fifth, or total of USD28,200 as stipulated in its lease agreement.

The DND added it is also looking at the possibility of using the TC-90 for 20 years while the military is upgrading its equipment.

The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29, 2016.

The TC-90's patrol range is double those of small Philippine aircraft which only has a maximum range of 300 kilometers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=975229

Authorities, MILF vow to thwart spread of extremism, illegal drugs in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Authorities, MILF vow to thwart spread of extremism, illegal drugs in Maguindanao 

Military, police, local officials and rebel leaders have forged an agreement to prevent the spread of Islamic extremism and illegal drugs in Maguindanao province.

The agreement was signed by Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, Mayor Midpantao Midtimbang Jr of Guindulungan, Ghadzali Jaafar, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) political affairs chief, and other local and police officials.

Also present during Sunday's summit against terrorism and lawlessness were Western Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. and Abuhuraira Udasan, a foreign-trained Islamic theologian and grand “mufti” (cleric) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Dela Vega said the summit was meant to unite efforts of local leaders, the police, the military and leaders of the local communities in preventing the entry of religious extremism

Before the signing of the covenant, Udasan shared the "correct interpretation" of Quran, stressing it promotes life.

Guindulungan town in Maguindanao is part of the area of operation of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which expressed loyalty and sympathy to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Galvez earlier said there are a dozen ISIS-inspired terrorist cells in Mindanao, mainly in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, both Muslim-dominated communities.

The multi-party cooperation was also aimed at helping the national government’s anti-drug campaign, with local leaders vowing to be in the forefront to eradicate illegal drugs in the province.

Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, PNP-ARMM deputy director, represented Chief Supt. Reuben Sindac, ARMM police regional director.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=975225

Manhunt for Maute Group terrorists

From the Business Mirror (Mar 25): Manhunt for Maute Group terrorists

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is hunting down members of the Maute Group, three of whom have been identified, following the earlier arrest of their colleague during an operation by a combined police and military team in Quezon City.

The three—Isnadie Ibrahim, a certain Najib and Yusof Macoto—were reported members of the group’s terror cell based in Metro Manila, although the Armed Forces is still yet to categorically admit the existence of the Islamic State (IS)-allied group in Metro Manila.

Police Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa said members of the Lanao del Sur-based Maute Group are currently the subjects of continuing operations by the police, although he did not discount the possibility that they could have already slipped back to Mindanao.

Jihad ‘teacher’
Ibrahim, a subleader of the Maute Group, supposedly planned the foiled bombing on the US Embassy in Manila, while Macoto was the mastermind of the attempted attack. Macoto is an imam at the Tejeros Mosque in Tanza, Cavite.

According to a report prepared by the Quezon City Police District, under Chief Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar, Macoto has been facilitating the teachings of jihad at the mosque.

The presence of the terrorist group in Metro Manila, or at least the existence of a plot to attack, was first confirmed by dela Rosa immediately after the foiled embassy bombing on November 28 last year, which subsequently led to the arrest of four suspects who are members of the Ansar al Khilafa Philippines (AKP).

The AKP and the Maute are two groups allied with the IS. Lately, however, all local terrorist groups in Mindanao have already joined together under the banner of ASG Basilan Commander Isnilon Hapilon as the ISIS-recognized leader in Mindanao.

The existence of a terror cell in Metro Manila was further confirmed by the arrest on Monday of Nasip Ibrahim, 35, a native of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and resident of 31-A Libyan Street, Salaam compound, Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.

Eleazar said a joint police and military team took in Ibrahim after his house yielded three firearms and a homemade bomb fashioned out of a 60mm mortar shell with a detonating device.

Plot to bomb US Embassy

The Quezon City police director said the operating team was actually attempting to serve a warrant of arrest against Jamil Baja Tawil for illegal possession of firearms.

“Tawil is a suspected ally of the Maute terrorist group believed being coddled by Nasip Ibrahim y Sarip and sheltered in his residence,” the report prepared by the Quezon City Police said.

The arrest of Ibrahim, who was presented to dela Rosa by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Director Oscar Albayalde and Eleazar, completed the picture on the failed US Embassy bombing.

Ibrahim, Eleazar’s report said, was the driver of the blue Toyota Revo with plate number XKT-424 that was used in the attempted bombing. It was reportedly driven all the way to Manila from Mindanao.

The report added that a few days before the foiled bombing, Ibrahim met with Najib, Rashid Kilala and his uncle, Isnadie Ibrahim, alias Bro Akh a.k.a. Inspire near SM department store in Marilao, Bulacan.
Ibrahim also facilitated the accommodation of the three at the Park Villa on Quezon Avenue, where they stayed for two nights.

After the failed bombing, the PNP arrested Kilala and three others, identified as Jiaher Guinar, Mohammad Jumao-as and Elmer Romero.

Dela Rosa said the arrest of Ibrahim prevented any other possible attack by the terrorist group in Metro Manila.

ISIS-inspired
“The PNP has foiled another sinister attempt by the ISIS-inspired Maute group to launch terrorist activities. I am glad that alert operatives of the NCRPO discovered and intercepted in time an improvised explosive device being prepared by the suspects even before it can be delivered to its possible target or used elsewhere,” the PNP chief said.

“We are yet to uncover the circumstances surrounding this incident involving the Lanao-based Maute Group, but this discovery leads us to believe that the Maute Group has already established presence in Metro Manila, as to what extent, that is the subject of our follow-up investigation and operations,” he added.

In disclosing the presence of the Maute in the nation’s capital, dela Rosa said he does not want to create an alarm, but wanted Metro residents to be vigilant.

“I do not want to sound alarmist or cause panic, but prudence, it has been said, is the better part of valor. I, therefore, urge our people to remain calm, yet alert and vigilant of the presence of threat groups in our midst,” the PNP chief said.

The military is working with the PNP to validate the reported presence of a terror cell in Metro Manila, saying it does not still have the data on the report, while belying it was contradicting the police stand.

“There is no contradiction with the PNP headquarters on that account because, at that time of the media event of the PNP headquarters, the Armed Forces did not possess the information and the data that were necessary to make a more extensive statement…so, we could not link anything, or conclude anything until we have the information,” military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto C. Padilla Jr. said.

Padilla added that whether there is a threat, what is important is the readiness of security forces, including the police, to deal with it.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/manhunt-for-maute-group-terrorists/

Iloilo courts order arrest of NDFP negotiator

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 27): Iloilo courts order arrest of NDFP negotiator

Judge says ‘Ka Concha’ no longer protected from arrest after 1st round of talks

Alleged rebel leader and peace consultant Ma. Concepcion Araneta-Bocala is still facing arrest even as peace negotiations are set to resume early next month.

Two branches of the Iloilo Regional Trial Court (RTC) have issued warrants for the arrest of Bocala, known by her nom de guerre “Ka Concha,” last month due to the termination of the previous round of talks held in Oslo, Norway.

Judge Ma. Therese Enriquez-Gaspar, presiding judge of RTC Branch 33, set a P30,000 bail for a rebellion charge against Bocala.

Gaspar denied an omnibus motion filed by Bocala’s lawyers for a reinvestigation, judicial determination of probable cause and lifting of the arrest warrant.

Vain attempt

Gaspar said in her two-page order that the case was filed in 1988 and the motions should have been filed at that time.

She said the recent motions were a “vain attempt” of the accused to evade the legal processes.

Gaspar, who is also acting presiding judge of RTC Branch 23, also issued a warrant for the arrest of Bocala for alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and for another case of illegal possession of firearms.

In her Branch 23 order, Gaspar said the P100,000 cash bond posted by Bocala for her release to attend the peace negotiations on Oct. 6 to 10 was deemed canceled after termination of the talks.

Lawyer Rene Estocapio, of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, said counsels for Bocala would file motions for reconsideration at the courts.

Bocala, 66, is expected to be among the consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in the fourth round of peace negotiations with the government set on April 2 to 6 in The Netherlands.

She was arrested on Aug. 1, 2015, in Iloilo and was believed to be the head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in Panay.

She was released on Aug. 16, 2016, after she was allowed to post bail totaling P400,000 in courts in Iloilo City, Aklan and Antique.

Other charges
Bocala is also facing a 1975 murder charge at the Kalibo, Aklan RTC Branch. She has also been charged with rebellion at the Culasi, Antique RTC Branch 13.

She had denied the allegations saying these were “trumped-up” charges to justify her prolonged detention.

The CPP had announced that it would issue a unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire not later than March 31 as part of goodwill measures in support of the resumption of the peace talks.

In an ambush interview in Malaybalay City on Saturday, President Duterte said he did not decide alone on the peace process with communist rebels.

Mr. Duterte said he had yet to consult other officials on the CPP’s plan to declare a unilateral ceasefire and whether the government needed to reciprocate.

“The presidency is not controlled by me at all, there is no such thing as absolute decision if it involves the interest of the country,” Mr. Duterte said.

“I have to consult the Speaker, I have to consult the Senate President, I have to convene the National Security Council and I have to ask the generals of the Army and the police,” he said.

Duterte’s honor

The President expressed doubt the rebels would heed the ceasefire declaration, citing previous cases of New People’s Army attacks at the height of ceasefire declarations.

He said he ended the government ceasefire declaration in February because of a rebel attack that took place even before the rebels ended their ceasefire declaration.

Citing unconfirmed reports, Mr. Duterte said the attack on soldiers in Bukidnon before the rebels even declared an end to their ceasefire was a display of brutality.

“One Army guy had 74 bullet wounds,” he said. “We fight as warriors but we do not kill people like animals.”

Mr. Duterte said the war with rebels had been going on for the past 50 years already and he did not mind if it dragged for another 50 years. “You honor what you pledge,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/884023/iloilo-courts-order-arrest-of-ndfp-negotiator

LOOK: PH Air Force, as 'Star Wars' stormtroopers, wins marching band contest

From ABS-CBN (Mar 26): LOOK: PH Air Force, as 'Star Wars' stormtroopers, wins marching band contest



Members of the Philippines Air Force band go about a performance that helped them win the Ihudyat! competition for best marching band, a contest that took place at UP Diliman Amphitheater on Saturday. Angie De Silva, ABS-CBN News

 It's an homage that would certainly make Darth Sidious proud.

The Philippine Air Force bagged 1st place in Ihudyat!, a competition that gathered the best marching bands at UP Diliman Amphitheater on Saturday night.

Members of the PAF band wore Imperial stormtrooper masks inspired by the "Star Wars" movie franchise, as they went about playing brass instruments. (The glow-in-the-dark tops were a functionally appropriate touch, too, given the time of the event.)



Members of the Philippines Air Force band go about a performance that helped them win the Ihudyat! competition for best marching band, a contest that took place at UP Diliman Amphitheater on Saturday. Angie De Silva, ABS-CBN News

 To complete the ensemble, the band leader was all decked out in a Darth Vader costume, red lightsaber in hand. To say it was the most awesome sight to behold is selling short the band's performance and sense of creativity.

Second place was awarded to the Philippine Army for performing Michael Jackson music, while third went to the Philippine Coast Guard for playing a mishmash of classical music.



Members of the Philippines Air Force band go about a performance that helped them win the Ihudyat! competition for best marching band, a contest that took place at UP Diliman Amphitheater on Saturday. Angie De Silva, ABS-CBN News

 http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/25/17/look-ph-air-force-as-star-wars-stormtroopers-wins-marching-band-contest

CPP to release 4 more captives, urges gov't troops in 3 Mindanao provinces to 'stand down'

From GMA News (Mar 26): CPP to release 4 more captives, urges gov't troops in 3 Mindanao provinces to 'stand down'

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has asked police and military units in three provinces in Mindanao to "stand down" for the release of four "prisoners of war."

The CPP made the call in its statement released on Saturday, where it announced that it will revive its unilateral ceasefire "not later than March 31."

The communist party said the four captives are set to be released by the New People's Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Bukidnon.

"Their releases are being impeded by ongoing military and police operations in the area. The CPP urges the local commands of the AFP and PNP to stand down and coordinate with third-party facilitators to pave the way for the releases," it said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said they will await instructions from President Rodrigo Duterte before heeding the CPP's request.

"We will await instructions from the Commander-in-Chief," Padilla told GMA News Online.

For his part, Philippine National Police spokesperson Sr. Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the police force welcomes “the efforts of the NPA to release of the hostages as a gesture to move forward the peace process.”

The military and the police resumed operations against the NPA after Duterte lifted the government's ceasefire declaration and suspended the peace talks last February.

Earlier this month, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced from that the government's talks with the communist rebels are "back on track again."

Dureza made the announcement after a meeting with representatives from the National Democratic Front in Utrecht in The Netherlands last March 11.

On Saturday, the NPA said it released two members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) on Friday.

The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division confirmed the release of CAFGU Active Auxiliary personnel Rene Doller, 34, and Carl Mark Nucos, 24. The two CAFGU members were brought to the 701st Infantry Brigade in Mati City.

Batchar said the Army "welcomes the safe return" of Doller and Nucos. Batchar said the two were abducted by about 30 NPA rebels last February 14 in Barangay Don Mariano in Lupon town following an armed encounter in Barangay New Visayas with the 28th Infantry Battalion.

The NPA rebels flagged down the kidnap victims who were separately riding motorcycles and wearing civilian clothes. The rebels burned the motorcycle of Doller before fleeing. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/604687/news/regions/cpp-to-release-4-more-captives-urges-gov-t-troops-in-3-mindanao-provinces-to-stand-down

Army debunks food blockade in Abra

From the Sun Star-Baguio (Mar 26): Army debunks food blockade in Abra 

A CALL for surrender has been made by the government amidst three weeks of ongoing military operations in Malibcong, Abra.

 

24th Infantry Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Baluga said feelers for surrender have been made by rebel emissaries after a female New People’s Army member yielded to authorities, Friday.

 

Baluga said the female surrendered and has been brought to the battalion for her safety “We are calling on them to surrender and assure them no one will get hurt.”

 

Baluga said there are over 500 combined forces of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police in the thick of operations in the hinterlands aiming to rid the mountains of rebels.

 

Baluga said a rebel camp has been secured between barangays Mataragan and Lat-ey where documents were confiscated without artillery or rebels owing to early detection of groups in the area.

 

Meanwhile Cordillera youth, Anakbayan hits the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on allegations of a food blockade marring entry of supplies in Malibcong.

 

Anakbayan demanded the government to stop the blockade in war-affected areas in as they claim food scarcity is rising among civilians in the area.

 

Reports from Anakbayan Abra reported army checkpoints were up since March 16, prohibiting the entry of food. The group cited that violations of the international humanitarian laws in the conduct of war, saying civilians are being deprived of their right to aid.

 

Baluga denied the allegations of a food blockade and said supplies for civilians have been freely coming into the area citing deliveries from the provincial government by the governor has reached the villages.

 

Baluga said it is the supply of food of rebels which is fast depleting with three weeks of fighting ongoing, sources from civilians are now hard to come by with the military and police sprawled in the areas.

 

 “The elders have told us there are rebels want to surrender and we will welcome them.”

 

 Abra is still on full alert after an ambush wounded five policemen three weeks ago, sparking the full battle against the NPA.

 

 In the area, a series of bombings was reported by residents with forest fires, allegedly done by the Army, to which they have since denied.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2017/03/26/army-debunks-food-blockade-abra-533163

DWDD: Army Hits NPA Terrorists in Agusan, 2 Dead, scores wounded and 2 Firearms Recovered

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 24): Army Hits NPA Terrorists in Agusan, 2 Dead, scores wounded and 2 Firearms Recovered




CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City– Troops under the 26th Infantry Battalion encountered an NPA terror group in the outskirts of Sitio Mandanao, Brgy Bunucayan, Loreto town of Agusan del Sur at around 1:30pm yesterday, March 23, 2017, resulting in the death of 2 NPAs and the wounding of several others while troops recovered 2 firearms.

“We acted upon the reported NPA extortion activities in the said community.” As explained by Ltc Rommel Pagayon, 26IB Commanding Officer.

Ltc Pagayon pointed out the total disregard of the NPAs to human rights. He said, “I sent troops to address the situation. However, these NPAs really do not care about the welfare of the civilians nearby when they indiscriminately opened fire on my soldiers.”

The troops managed to position to a vantage position and were able to push the NPAs away from the said community after a 30-minute firefight.

Tracks of blood and flesh from the severely wounded NPA members were seen in their (NPA) escape route. Troops also recovered 2 high-powered firearms (AK47 and an Akkar Shot gun), personal belongings, and subversive documents left by the beleaguered NPAs. Furthermore, civilians also saw the NPAs carrying their wounded and dead. Civilians also confirmed the two (male and female) NPA fatalities that were accordingly left in the outskirt area. Unfortunately, one CAFGU member ( a name is withheld prior notification of kin) also died after suffering a gunshot wound on his inguinal area.

It is very unfortunate that this tragedy has to happen. Our hearts are grieving for the death of our three fellow Filipinos. To those NPAs who died during the clash, they should have been alive by now if only their leaders did not deceive them to join their terror group. We urge the leader of the said NPA group to bring his wounded comrades to the hospital. We shall not let them suffer so much pain in the mountains. We are also offering our medical assistance to help your wounded comrades.” Ltc Pagayon stressed.

 

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/03/24/army-hits-npa-terrorists-in-agusan-2-dead-scores-wounded-and-2-firearms-recovered/

DWDD: 237 Families Flee To Avoid NPA Forced Recruitment In North Cotabato

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 24): 237 Families Flee To Avoid NPA Forced Recruitment In North Cotabato



MAWAB, COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE – To avoid being forced by the NPA to join the communist movement, 237 families evacuated their homes in Brgy Camutan, Antipas, North Cotabato in the early morning of Thursday, March 23.

Antipas Mayor Egidio Cadungon convened the Local Crisis Management Committee to facilitate the immediate care of the 237 families who temporarily stayed in Antipas Municipal Gym in Brgy Poblacion. Reports from Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) revealed that around 30 families who were earlier held hostage by the NPA in Sitio Embangan have managed to leave the said area in the afternoon of the same day.

“As of 4:00 p.m., Sitios Patot, Datu Agod and Embangan of the said barangay are totally vacated by the residents,” the report added.

The report further stated that the arrival of the NPA in Brgy Camutan caused fear and panic among the residents, forcing them to flee to Poblacion Antipas. Additionally, per report from Antipas MDRRMO, the elementary schools in Barangays Canaan, Embangan and Camutan have also suspended their classes until Friday, March 24 to ensure the safety of the children.

A joint Army-PNP team composed of troops of 39IB and the Cotabato Police Public Safety Company (CPPSC) immediately responded to the reported NPA presence and engaged the NPA belonging to Guerrilla Front 53 in a 10-minute firefight at Sitio Malapange of the said barangay around 7:20 in the evening. No soldier or police were hurt in the said encounter.

As of Friday morning, the local government of Antipas, 39IB, and CPPO through the Crisis Management Committee are closely working together to facilitate the safe return of the evacuees to their communities.

Major General Rafael Valencia, 10ID commander condemned the NPA rebels for spreading fear and panic among the peaceful people of Antipas, North Cotabato.

“This incident clearly shows the anti-people character of the nuisance propaganda army (NPA) of the communists, he added.  “It is now high time that the people voice their desire for peace and call on the communists to abandon their armed struggle, which for the last 50 years have only brought miseries to the Filipino people,” MGen Valencia concluded.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/03/24/237-families-flee-to-avoid-npa-forced-recruitment-in-north-cotabato/

MNLF-IIO: MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari soon to be president of the BMR Bangsamoro government...Duterte approved

Posted to the Moro National Liberation Front-International Information Office (Mar 25): MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari soon to be president of the BMR Bangsamoro government...Duterte approved



https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/photos/a.1014067655330137.1073741829.404979842905591/1420501981353367/?type=3&theater

MILF: CHD to launch New Training manual to promote peaceful conflict resolution

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 26): CHD to launch New Training manual to promote peaceful conflict resolution



The Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) is set to launch a new Training Manual on Mediation and Conflict Resolution at 3PM on March 27, 2017 at Pagana Kutawato Restaurant, Cotabato City. More than a hundred personalities were invited including representatives from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and representative of non-government organizations.

CHD considers Mediation and dialogue remain the most cost effective and sustainable tools for addressing conflicts, and they are increasingly being recognized as methods for creating durable peace.

As a private diplomacy organisation, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) not only works to prevent, mitigate and resolve armed conflicts through dialogue and mediation, it also seeks to promote mediation as an effective method for addressing conflict and one which can be applied at all levels of society.

HD is consequently pleased to announce it is releasing a Trainer’s Manual on Conflict Resolution: A Foundation Course – Understanding, Negotiating and Mediating Conflicts which provides the basis for setting up courses in the subject and inspiring individuals and local communities to use mediation skills to settle their disputes.

Published with support from the European Union, the Trainer’s Manual offers comprehensive information to help people understand conflict, while seeking to equip them with essential conflict negotiation and mediation skills. It also provides trainers who wish to build local mediation capacity in their communities with a useful guide for facilitating a course on conflict resolution. The manual is structured around three modules and outlines how conflicts are conventionally negotiated by the parties involved in them. It also includes suggested mediation techniques and approaches as well as simulation exercises.

The manual captures the essential features of a series of training courses organised by HD with local women, young people and groups involved in building peace in Mindanao in the Philippines. The training courses, supported by the European Union, took place in 2016 and early 2017, and were arranged as part of HD’s efforts to promote mediation as a viable tool for resolving conflicts and establishing peaceful communities.

“We hope that this manual will equip people and institutions with fundamental tools to be able to understand and resolve conflict through the principles of mediation and dialogue.” said Michael Vatikiotis, HD’s Regional Director for Asia. “In whatever small way, we hope that this can make a difference for those facing situations of conflict in their communities both in Mindanao and elsewhere.” he added.

The first launch was officially launched at the Discovery Pimea in Makati City. In all, around 120 representatives from the media, civil society, national and local government agencies, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front, as well as the international community, are expected to attend. (CHD Official Website)

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1120-chd-to-launch-new-training-manual-to-promote-peaceful-conflict-resolution

CPP/NPA-Abra: Bigo at walang saysay ang operasyong kombat ng AFP-PNP sa Abra!

New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Mar 26): Bigo at walang saysay ang operasyong kombat ng AFP-PNP sa Abra! (Frustrated and futile combat operations of the AFP-PNP in Abra!)



Ka Diego Wadagan, Spokesperson
NPA-Abra (Agustin Begnalen Command)

26 March 2017

Bigo ang combat operation ng 24th IB-PRO Cor-Abra PNP. Pinatunayan na palso ang mga pahayag nila Lt. Col. Baluga at PD Tagum na nasukol na nila ang yunit ng NPA sa Malibcong. Mahigit dalawang linggo ang nakalipas walang ni isang NPA ang nasukol pero maraming insidente ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao ang naitala sa iba’t ibang bayan ng Abra dahil sa masaklaw na militarisasyon kabilang na ang pag-aresto, food blockade, pagpapahinto ng eskwela, pagbabawal na pumunta sa kaingin at gubat, panggigipit sa mga cause oriented group at maging sa mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan.

Dahil sa kahihiyan at walang napalang combat operation naglabas muli ng gawa-gawang balita si Lt. Col. Baluga na di umano ay may nahuli silang isang amasona noong March 23. Inililinaw ng ABC-NPA Abra na walang ni isang NPA ang nahuli o nagsurender. Ang pagkabigo ng operasyong militar ay hindi mapagtatakpan sa pamamagitan ng mga hibang na saywar.

Dapat pagbayaran ni Lt. Col. Baluga at PD Tagum ang karahasan sa mamamayan ng Abra. Dapat magsagawa ng imbistigasyon ang mga institusyong nangangalaga sa karapatang pantao. Dapat magsilbing boses ng sambayanan ang mga taong media upang ipaalam sa madla ang tunay na mga kaganapan sa Malibcong at buong probinsya.

Nakikiisa ang Agustin Begnalen Command sa muling pagpapatuloy ng peacetalk at sa naunang pahayag ng pambansang command ng New People’s Army sa Unilateral Ceasefire bilang pagseryoso sa usapang pangkapayapaan. Ngunit habang nananalasa ang mga pwersang militar at pulis sa mga komunidad at kabundukan na saklaw ng rebolusyonaryong kapangyarihan mananatiling aktibong depensa ang moda ng lahat ng yunit sa ilalim ng Agustin Begnalen Command.

Mamamayan ng Abra manindigan, lumaban at biguin ang pasismo ng estado. Maramihang sumampa sa New People’s Army at lumahok sa makatarungang digmang bayan.
Palaganapin sa buong probinsya ang digmang bayan. Marapat lang na pagbayadin ang mga utak at pasimuno ng pagyurak sa karapatang pantao sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng masa walang iba kundi ang armadong pakikibaka.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170326-bigo-at-walang-saysay-ang-operasyong-kombat-ng-afp-pnp-sa-abra

Duterte recalls time as NPA hostage

From the Business World (Mar 25): Duterte recalls time as NPA hostage
before fresh batch of police force

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte, speaking before a fresh batch of the police force on Friday, claimed he was once held “hostage” by the New People’s Army (NPA) -- the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) -- for prosecuting communist fighters.

In his speech during the 38^th commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) class of 2017, Mr. Duterte recalled how he was nabbed by the NPA’s “kangaroo court,” the underground justice system known for sentencing to death many members they had suspected as government spies.

“I was once upon a time a hostage ng NPA at tinutukan ako ng baril na M-14 sa ulo (and I was held at gunpoint),” Mr. Duterte, a former prosecutor, said.

The communists, which projects itself as a sovereign entity, refers to its hostages as “prisoners of war.”

“Pero (But) let the world know...That you killed me because I was doing the prosecution work against your comrades,” the President then recalled telling the armed rebels.

He added to his audience of new police officers: “Hindi tinuloy ng mga gago. Eh di ngayon, magpunta ako doon, sila pa magluto, sila pa mag-guwardiya sa akin. Eh ganon lang ang buhay.” (The fools did not carry out my sentence. So now, when I go there, they even cook for me and provide security. That’s life.)

Also attending the PNPA ceremony was Vice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo. Ismael D. Sueño, Mr. Duterte’s interior secretary, was supposed to be seated between her and Mr. Duterte, but offered his seat to Ms. Robredo who exchanged pleasantries with Mr. Duterte.

Early this month, the Philippine government and communist rebels have agreed to return to the negotiating table in April and reinstate their respective unilateral cease-fire.

Mr. Duterte, who describes himself as a socialist, launched the peace process soon after he took office in June last year in a bid to end nearly five decades of insurgency. He appointed three leftists to his Cabinet.

But the talks have been stalled time and again. This time, Mr. Duterte had imposed some tough conditions for the continuation of the talks, including an end to the collection of the revolutionary tax.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=duterte-recalls-time-as-npa-hostagebr-before-fresh-batch-of-police-force&id=142726