Westmincom report: 128 ASG, 182 BIFF members killed in 2017 operations by 6 military joint TFs

From  News5/InterAksyon (Dec 31): Westmincom report: 128 ASG, 182 BIFF members killed in 2017 operations by 6 military joint TFs


Westmincom chief Lt Gen Carlito Galvez. (PNA FILE)

Intensified operations in 2017 by all six Joint Task Forces under the Western Mindanao Command against the different threat groups in their respective areas of operation led to significant results in the all-out campaign of the command, a yearend report said Sunday.

A total of 352 members of the Abu Sayyaf were neutralized since January 1, 2017 through offensives launched by these Joint Task Forces: Sulu, under Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana; Basilan, under Brigadier General Juvymax Uy; Tawi-Tawi, under Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, Jr.; and Zamboanga, under Colonel Leonel Nicolas, said the report from the Westmincom’s headquarters.

The Westmincom report added that from January 2017, at least 144 Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to government forces (70 in Basilan, 53 in Sulu, and 21 in Tawi-Tawi).

This represents 41% of the neutralized bandits this year.

The combat operations with ASG involved a total of 53 encounters (20 in Basilan, 29 in Sulu, 3 in Tawi-Tawi, and 1 in Zamboanga.

“With our intensified combat and law enforcement support operations, 128 Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and 80 were apprehended in Western Mindanao”, said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Westmincom commander.

“A total of 223 firearms of the Abu Sayyaf were recovered, seized, and surrendered by/to the Joint Task Forces.”

Against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the sustained operations of the Joint Task Force Central under Major General Arnel Dela Vega resulted in the neutralization of 243 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Central Mindanao since January 1, 2017.

At least 182 of the neutralized BIFF members were killed during armed confrontations, 24 were apprehended, and three yielded to the government forces.

At least 26 soldiers were killed in action in fighting the Abu Sayyaf, and seven in their operations against the BIFF, added Galvez.

Meanwhile, since January 1, 2017, there were a total of 44 armed confrontations with the BIFF.

Thirty-eight firearms were recovered and seized by the troops from the group.

Westmincom noted that “the joint security operation and strategic alliance with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front contributed to our success in our operations.”

“Ultimately, our efforts will continue to sustain our development support operations in Mindanao, through our interagency and stakeholders’ engagements and our commitment in supporting the law enforcement operations of different agencies.”

http://www.interaksyon.com/westmincom-report-128-asg-182-biff-members-killed-in-2017-operations-by-6-military-joint-tfs/

Army, Muslim community cooperate for peace, security

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 31): Army, Muslim community cooperate for peace, security



Army Commander MGen. Jon Aying of 3ID (center, seated) with Tate Sultan (seated to his left) and Imam Uztad Maula (seated to his right) and other Muslim leaders in the province in a meeting held recently in Dumaguete City. (PIA7-NegOr)

Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, recently met the Muslim leaders in the province to tackle important issues on the prevention of any criminality, illegal drugs, and terrorism.

In their meeting, Muslim leader Sultan Tate raised some concerns that call for the army official’s facilitation to address the issues.

MGen. Aying disclosed some issues raised by Tate which both agreed to iron out.

Issues cited include the security of Muslim leaders subjected to harassment by terrorist leaders from Mindanao.

While Mindanao is still under Martial Law, the movement of goods of some Muslim businessmen hampers the delivery of products from Mindanao to Negros Oriental or vice-versa.

Moreover, MGen. Aying said that Tate also asked to reduce incidents of possible harassment of Muslim brothers at checkpoints and on-the-spot inspections in their residences.

With this, MGen. Aying said measures will be done to immediately address the issues.

“Our immediate action here is to come up with an initial meeting with the core group between the PNP and the military and after that we can go to the next step which is to expand the meeting with the stakeholders including the local government and NGOs and Muslim communities,” said Aying.

After the initial meeting, Aying said they will create a Technical Working Group to come up with specific programs and projects so that these three agenda will be addressed with focus programs that can be implemented effectively and sustainably.

“This is to improve the relationship between the local government with Muslim communities and with law enforcers that include the PNP and the military,” he added.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1003573

Duterte leads commemoration of 121st Rizal Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30): Duterte leads commemoration of 121st Rizal Day



President Rodrigo Duterte greets Vice President Leni Robredo upon his arrival at the Rizal Park in Manila for his attendance to the 121st anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal's martyrdom on Dec. 30, 2017. Also in the photo is former president and incumbent Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada. (Photo by Rey Baniquet/Presidential Photo)
President Rodrigo Duterte led the national commemoration of the 121st anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila on Saturday, Dec. 30.

Held simultaneously at the Rizal Park, the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City, Laguna, and the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, the event was spearheaded by the President starting with an early morning flag-raising rites as well as wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Park.

The President, who was accorded with full military honors upon his arrival, also met the descendants of Rizal after the event.

In his official message for the annual celebration, President Duterte called on the nation to reflect on the patriotism of the country’s national hero.

“More than a century ago, Rizal inspired a movement that gave rise to the Filipino national identity. During that dark chapter in our nation’s history, his writings served as the light that guided our forebears in the fight for genuine equality and independence,” he recalled.

“As an author and as a scholar, he denounced the corruption, greed, and other social ills that up to this day continue to plague our society. Even in death, he imparted upon us his aspirations for a nation that is free from the scourge of injustice, tyranny, and suffering,” he added.

“May we take this occasion as an opportunity to recognize Rizal’s ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our country. Let us reflect on his patriotism as we strive to continue his work of building a more united, peaceful and prosperous Philippines,” he further said.

Other officials who joined the President during the ceremony were Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Rene Escalante, Acting Exec. Dir. Ludovico D. Badoy, and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and other officials from various government agencies were also present.

This year’s theme is “Rizal 2017: Mabuting Kaisipan, Susi sa Kaunlaran.”

Born in Calamba, Laguna, on June 19, 1861, Rizal was part of a group of Filipino Ilustrados who called for peaceful reform of Spain's colonial rule in the Philippines.

While in Europe, Rizal wrote about the discrimination that accompanied Spain's colonial rule of his country.

He returned to the Philippines in 1892, but was exiled to Dapitan by Spanish authorities. He was convicted of sedition and was eventually executed on December 30, 1896, at age 35.

Rizal became an icon for the nationalist movement in the Philippines after his execution in 1896.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020174

AFP to uphold New Year SOMO vs Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): AFP to uphold New Year SOMO vs Reds



Despite repeated attacks by members of the New People's Army (NPA) during Christmas truce, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday said it is still very much committed to uphold the suspension of military operation (SOMO) during the New Year.

In a message, AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said the AFP "is committed to uphold the SOMO scheduled on Dec. 30, 2017 to Jan. 2, 2018."

As a matter of "policy and principle", Arevalo said the military will continue to follow orders and guidelines under the ceasefire declaration.

He added that the AFP remains steadfast in protecting the public and all vulnerable communities from treacherous attacks of the NPA.

“The public (is) rest assured that as they celebrate New Year, our soldiers will be there to guard peace as our units on the ground maintain their active defense posture to prevent NPA atrocities against our communities," Arevalo said.

The New Year's SOMO started on 6 p.m. of Dec. 30 and will end 6 p.m. on Jan. 2.

“Our soldiers, all year-round commit to foil the evil plans of the CPP-NPA-NDF. The AFP will be together with the people," Arevalo said.

Arevalo also urged all Filipinos to unite against the anti-people NPA extortion gang disguised as "fake revolution," and called on the remaining members of the NPA to surrender and take the road of peace for the betterment of the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020191

30 percent of Marawi City cleared of explosives: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): 30 percent of Marawi City cleared of explosives: AFP

Some 30 percent of Marawi City's war-torn areas have been cleared of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices left by ISIS-inspired terrorist groups, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Saturday.

In a statement, Joint Task Force Marawi deputy commander and spokesperson, Col. Romeo Brawner, said the clearing operations are being conducted by the military's Joint Engineer Task Group (JETG).

“The JETG continues its main mission of clearing explosives completing around 30 percent of the whole most affected area,” said JETG head Major Gen. Arnold Rafael Depakakibo.

As of Dec. 15, a total of 2,853 assorted unexploded ordnance and 415 improvised explosive devices were recovered and disarmed by the JETG, with the support of the Explosives and Ordnance Disposal Company and K-9 Teams from the Philippine Army and the Philippines Air Force.

Depakakibo said the JETG also completed the clearing of around 20 kilometers of roads, three major bridges, a school, and three places of worship immediately after the liberation of Marawi.

This has resulted in the timely conduct of post-conflict needs assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“We also continue our limited construction support to government agencies involved in supporting the maintenance of evacuation centers,” Depakakibo said.

Aside from construction support, the JETG also assisted the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) in the construction of 500 temporary shelters for the evacuees.

Of the number, 250 units were already given last week, while the other 250 will be provided next month.

More than 500 military engineers are currently deployed in Marawi City as part of the JETG. The task group is supporting the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi which is led by Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Aside from manpower, the AFP has utilized its construction vehicles and equipment to clear-off rubbles and debris as well as in the demolition of buildings in the city.

Over the course of the Marawi conflict, military engineers provided support to operating troops in the area which included route reconnaissance and surveys, road and site clearing operations, wall breaching and timber cutting operations, and constructions of ramps and platforms for mechanized assets.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020192

2017: Forging greater security ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): 2017: Forging greater security ties

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Saturday touted the improvement of the country's security ties with its foreign counterparts in addressing issues on terrorism and radicalism as one of the agency's major achievements this year.

"On international defense and security engagements, the Department of National Defense successfully hosted various activities in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana chaired the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and 4th ADMM-Plus on 23-24 October 2017 in Clark, Pampanga where defense ministers of ASEAN member countries exchanged views on regional and international defense and security issues," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Last October, defense officials of the ASEAN member-states signed the “Joint Declaration on Partnering for Change, Engaging the World” as well as documents on ADMM and ADMM Plus initiatives, and issued a joint statement on countering extremism, radicalism, and terrorism.

Andolong said the defense department conducted the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials Meeting (ADSOM) and Working Group and ADSOM Plus WG meetings in Manila and Cebu during the first quarter of 2017, and discussed proposals for cooperation between ADMM and ADMM Plus, which was followed by the ADSOM and ADSOM-Plus meeting proper.

The DND also participated in the 14th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Security Policy Conference where leaders, including North Korea, exchanged views on regional and international defense and security issues, reserve forces, and regional security.

In line with improving security ties with its ASEAN partners, the Philippines also signed the terms of reference on the Joint Committee on Military Cooperation and the launch of the Trilateral Air Patrol (TAP) in Subang, Malaysia last Oct. 12.

Last June, Andolong said the Trilateral Maritime Patrol (TMP) was launched in Tarakan, Indonesia.

Defense ministers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia witnessed the launching of the Maritime Command Centers facilitating trilateral cooperation among the three countries in addressing security challenges in the region.

Lorenzana also had multilateral engagements including the Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) in Moscow, Russia and the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, Canada in April and November, respectively.

He also paid an official visit to Singapore to meet with his counterpart and deliver a special address on ASEAN cooperation at the 5th Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting, which is the first time a special dinner address was held in the said forum, said Andolong.

Lorenzana also led the department in engaging more countries to support the Philippines’ peace and security agenda in the region.

Among the defense cooperation agreements entered into by the DND this year were those with Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Russia, and UK.

Logistics and defense industry arrangements were also signed with China.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020193

BIFF kills 2 kidnapped farmers, burns villages in Maguindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 30): BIFF kills 2 kidnapped farmers, burns villages in Maguindanao

Combatants of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have kidnapped Teduray farmers, allegedly executing two of them and burning houses in two remote Maguindanao towns in a rampage meant to avenge heavy losses in continuing government pursuit operations.

These atrocities happened as government forces in Mindanao are engaged in operations to thwart the increased rebel attacks on troops and policemen in Central Mindanao province, such as the kidnapping of a deputy police chief in Cotabato City.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), which leads the multi-sector Joint Task Force Central (FTFC) based here, on Friday said they “vehemently condemn” the BIFF “terror attacks” on civilian villages in Datu Unsay and Datu Hofer towns since Christmas Day.

Maj. Gen. Arnel Del Vega, 6ID commander and JTFC chair, said four BIFF combatants were killed and five others were wounded in military airstrikes that came shortly after they burned two makeshift houses at a Teduray village in barangay Iganagampong in Datu Unsay town on Dec. 25.

Last Wednesday, furious BIFF guerrillas abducted six Teduray farmers at barangay Lipongo and made them human shields against pursuing troops, military and police reports said.

The six tribesmen – Kannie, Mael and Elvin, all surnamed Minggil; Uzik Labina, Alex Mintos and Hector Mintos – were snatched by BIFF gunmen while on the way to their farms in Barangay Limpongo, Datu Hoffer town, witnesses told authorities.

The abduction happened just as another BIFF group killed a Teduray farmer identified as Diego Met Dagadas, in a nearby village, the JTFC statement said.

Two of the BIFF captives – Alex and Hector Mintos – were executed, the JTFC said, citing information from village leaders who recovered the two victims’ cadavers Thursday.

The four other captives – the Mingils and Labina – escaped while their captors were resting in an open field after captivity. Their escape could have prompted the BIFF gunmen to execute the Mintos siblings, police investigators said.

Cotabato deputy police chief snatched
Meanwhile, New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas seized a municipal deputy chief of police in President Roxas town, in North Cotabato on Thursday night, according to police and local media reports.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, spokesman of the North Cotabato provincial police office, confirmed Friday the abduction of Chief Inspector Menardo Cui Sr., deputy chief of President Roxas town police station.

Reports on the case of the police officer however did not have much information as Tayong, spokesman of the North Cotabato provincial police office, said the issue on Cui’s adbduction was “sensitive” and concerned parties might be able to negotiate his prompt freedom.

Tayong instead gave the mobile phone number of Chief Inspector Andres Sumugat, Pres. Roxas town police chief, for reporters to inquire about the details on the abduction of his deputy.

However, text messages and calls made by this reporter to that number did not get a response.

Cui’s abduction was the latest in a string of sporadic abductions of police officials and enlisted men in North Cotabato and this city.

Last December 4, the NPA Guerilla Front 53 set free PO1 Bristol Catalan after 105 days of captivity.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/12/30/biff-kills-2-kidnapped-farmers-burns-villages-in-maguindanao/

Philippines acquiring 3 more attack crafts

From Update Philippines (Dec 30): Philippines acquiring 3 more attack crafts


The Philippine government is acquiring a fourth batch of Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPACs) for the Philippine Navy. These MPACs will be the 10th, 11th, and 12th.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the said acquisition with an amount of PHP270,160,000.00.

MaxDefense Philippines said that Propmech Corporation and Lung Teh Shipbuilding would be at the forefront again, considering they supplied the last 3 batches of earlier MPACs.

“It is also expected that this batch of MPACs will be armed with missiles, most probably Rafael’s Spike-ER similar to those to be armed on the MPAC Mk.3, and would be funded and acquired separately from the MPACs itself,” MaxDefense said.

The 7th, 8th, 9th MPACs which are Mark IIIs were built by the joint venture of Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese builder Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. in Propmech’s facilities in Subic.

These MPACs – BA-488, BA-489, and BA-490 – were activated in Navy service in May 2017.

MPAC Mark IIIs will be armed with the Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd’s Spike ER (extended range) in anti-ship mode capable of penetrating 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and has a maximum range of five miles.

https://www.update.ph/2017/12/philippines-acquiring-3-more-attack-crafts/23615

330 CAAs graduated

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 29): 330 CAAs graduated

MORE than 300 Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) recruits graduated from their basic military training in a ceremony held at Camp Brig. Gen. Agaab, the 1002nd Brigade Headquarters in Malungon, Sarangani, on Wednesday.

 

Capt. Jerry Lamoasao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said the 330 individuals finished the training that started in November.

Each province of North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Davao Occidental sent 110 participants that included tribesmen such as Manobo, Kaulo, B’laan, Bagobo and T’boli, aside from Ilonggo and Bisaya.

 

Lamoasao said the recruits underwent weapons training to equip them with the basic knowledge and skills in operation and maintenance of armaments used in security operations.

“Subjects on Civil-Military Operations were also taught during the training to include the very foundation and methods of Community Support Program (CSP),” Lamosao said.

The lectures also included Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law.

“They are the communities’ first line of defense. Educating and training them with the basics of home defense strategies is very important specially that we are still facing different security challenges,” said Col. Roberto Ancan, the 1002nd Brigade Commander, in his speech.

Ancan said one of the basic roles of the recruits “is to protect their communities from armed NPA terrorists.”

Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, 10ID commander, said: “May their sense of patriotism be an example not only to the tribe where they belong but also to the communities where they will also serve as defenders.”

“These CAAs will be part in spearheading our CSP and anti and counter terrorism efforts. Their mandate is also to protect the people and secure their communities,” Clement added.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/330-caas-graduated/

AFP: Visayas getting another battalion soon

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 30): AFP: Visayas getting another battalion soon

CAMP MACARIO PERALTA, Capiz – The Armed Forces of the Philippines is creating another Army battalion in the Visayas.

Brig. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, newly-designated commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, confirmed yesterday that the new battalion to be created will be under the supervision of the 3ID.

One Army battalion is composed of 500 soldiers, including officers.

Dolina also said that he is hopeful that one of the three Army battalions of 3ID presently assigned in Mindanao, will be returned to them next year.

The 15th Infantry Battalion was expected to return to Negros, after almost 10 years of assignment in Mindanao. But it was again re-assigned from Lanao del Norte to North Cotabato, and placed under the supervision of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, headed by Negrense Col. Roberto Ancan.

Dolina said Mindanao has been prioritized in the deployment of government security forces.

Three years ago, the 82nd Infantry Battalion was organized in Panay. But it was later moved to Marawi City. Meanwhile, the 11th Infantry Battalion from Negros Oriental is presently deployed in Zamboanga.

Despite the pull-out of 3ID troops from Negros and Panay, Dolina said the remaining forces in Western and Central Visayas still managed to contain the threats of lawless groups in the two regions.

But he said the creation of another infantry battalion, as well as the return of another Army battalion from Mindanao, that he expects next year, will “for sure a force multiplier in the peace and development efforts here”.

There are now two infantry battalions deployed in Negros, and one each in Panay and Bohol. In the case of Negros, it is the 3ID organized 1st and 2nd Negros Island Geographical Battalions, which are composed of Army reservists and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit members.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/30/topstory6.htm

Army not giving up on local peace talks

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 30): Army not giving up on local peace talks

Despite repeated rejections from the National Democratic Front, the military in Visayas is not giving up onlocalized peace talks, as it continues to urge local government units to pursue it.

Brig. Gen. DinohDolina, newly-installed commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, said yesterday that he is not only encouraging, but is even more than willing to facilitate the localized peace talks.

The peace talks between the national government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines collapsed for the nth time, as President Rodrigo Duterte declared the CPP-NPA a “terrorist organization”.

“I believe LGUs should pursue it, and we will facilitate,” Dolina, who replaced yesterday Maj. Gen. Jon Aying as 3ID commander, in a change of command ceremony presided over by Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista at Camp Macario Peralta here.

Aying bows out from the military service, two days before his mandatory age retirement of 56 on Dec. 31. He has served the Armed Forces of the Philippines for more than 37 years.

Dolina who said he shares the sentiments of Maj. Gen. Aying that every body wants peace. “We can do it without shedding of blood”, he said.

NDF-Negros spokesman Frank Fernandez has repeatedly opposed the localized peace talks, dismissing it in issued statements, as part of the “divide and rule tactics” of the AFP and Philippine government.

Aying, an adopted Negrense, meanwhile,was conferred yesterday with the Distinguished Service Star by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in recognition of his peace and development efforts in Western and Central Visayas, especially in Negros Island, where he had served as commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion and 303rd Infantry Brigade, respectively.

Lt. Gen. Bautista enjoined Dolina to continue the peace and development programs of Aying, that should be emulated.

Aying expressed his gratitude tothe all-out cooperation of local government officials in the 10 provinces of Visayas, where the 3ID infantry units are assigned to maintain peace and order in the countryside.

In his stint as 3ID commander for more than 13 months, Aying managed to bring closer the relationship between the military and church authorities in two Visayas regions, and was also able to harness the help of peace advocates and other stakeholders in bringing the desired security and basic services to the people, the military said.

Six of the 10 provinces in Western and Central Visayas were declared insurgency-free, while four others were declared as peaceful and ready for further development, military records show.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/30/topstory5.htm

Boy hurt in Cotabato grenade blast

From GMA News Online (Dec 30): Boy hurt in Cotabato grenade blast

A 12-year-old boy was injured in a predawn grenade blast in Cotabato on Saturday.

Citing initial police information, GMA News stringer Garry Fuerzas identified the victim as Datu Esmael Guialel, a resident of Barangay Poblacion in Pikit town.
An initial police investigation showed that at about 1:40 a.m., unidentified men lobbed a hand grenade into a store owned by the boy's family.

Pikit police said that the boy was sleeping when the suspects attacked the store.

The boy was rushed to the Cruzado Medical Hospital, and that he is now in stable condition, the report said.

Authorities are investigating the identities of the suspects and the motive for the crime.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/638104/boy-hurt-in-cotabato-grenade-blast/story/

Palace on CPP’s 2018 goal to oust Duterte: They’re really enemies of the state

From the Philippine Star (Dec 30): Palace on CPP’s 2018 goal to oust Duterte: They’re really enemies of the state

The Communist Party of the Philippines, during the celebration of the communist movement’s 49th anniversary, ordered its armed wing, the New People’s army, to intensify guerilla attacks on the entire archipelago next year while building “the broadest united front” to overthrow President Rodrigo Duterte. AP/Aaron Favila, File

Malacañang on Saturday slammed the Communist Party of the Philippines for setting the downfall of President Rodrigo Duterte as the Left’s goal for 2018 following the collapse of peace talks.

CPP, during the celebration of the communist movement’s 49th anniversary, ordered its armed wing, the New People’s army, to intensify guerilla attacks across the entire archipelago next year while building “the broadest united front” to overthrow Duterte.

Responding to the underground Left’s threat, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar slammed the CPP and said communist rebels just proved that they’re “enemies of the state” for planning to topple a duly-elected president.

 

“Kung gustong pabagsakin ng CPP-NPA-NDF ang ating Pangulo, pinapabagsak din nila ang gobyerno (If the CPP-NPA-NDF wants to oust our president, then they’re overthrowing the government as well),” Andanar told state-run DZRP radio.

“Ibig sabihin (It only means that) they are really enemies of the state and they are enemies of the people,” he added.

The communists have been waging a guerilla war for almost five decades in a bid to topple a “bureaucrat” capitalist system that has caused one of Asia’s widest rich-poor gaps despite the Philippines being rich in natural resources.

Communist fighters are known for collecting “revolutionary taxes” from local businesses in rural areas—an activity that authorities qualified as plain extortion. They are also recognized for their deadly attacks on police and military outposts.

In 2002, the US Department of State designated the CPP-NPA as foreign terrorist organizations.

Amid continued hostilities, Duterte, a self-styled socialist, unilaterally scrapped last month the reactivated peace talks between the government and Maoist rebels. Both sides have been in on-off negotiations since 1986.

He said peace talks were called off because of the Left’s “pure nonsense” demand for a coalition government, and the rebels’ supposed lack of sincerity.

He later declared the CPP and its armed-unit as terrorist groups, raising concerns among activists in the national democratic movement that legitimate organizations could be targeted as supporters of terrorism.

EXPLAINER: Why Duterte's 'red-baiting' of activists is dangerous

In their 49th anniversary message, the CPP warned of a "growing peasant movement" in the country under Duterte's rule, and urged its members to stage more demonstrations in 2018.

“We are looking forward to mark the Party’s 50th anniversary next year with even bigger and more momentous victories in the ideological, political and organizational fields,” they said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/30/1773101/palace-cpps-2018-goal-oust-duterte-theyre-really-enemies-state

AFP to observe Dec. 30 to Jan. 2 ceasefire with Reds

From the Philippine Star (Dec 30): AFP to observe Dec. 30 to Jan. 2 ceasefire with Reds

“The AFP is committed to uphold the SOMO scheduled on 30 December 2017 to 2 January 2018,” the military said in a statement. File

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday said it will observe the suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) against communist insurgents that was set in time for New Year.

 

“The AFP is committed to uphold the SOMO scheduled on 30 December 2017 to 2 January 2018,” the military said in a statement.

As a matter of “policy and principle,” the AFP said that while security forces will follow the temporary ceasefire, troops are still on alert for “treacherous attacks” of the New People’s Army — the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“The public can be rest assured that as they celebrate New Year, our soldiers will be there to guard the place as our units on the ground maintain their active defense posture,” the AFP said.

“We call on the remaining red fighters to rethink their position and take peaceful path to change for their families and for the betterment of the country,” it added.

Malacañang earlier said the ceasefire would only be in effect from 6 p.m. of December 23 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26, and from 6 p.m. of December 30 until 11:59 p.m. of January 2.

The Christmas ceasefire has been a customary move by both sides since the launch of formal talks in the late 1980s under the first Aquino administration.

The communists have been waging a guerilla war for almost five decades in a bid to topple a “bureaucrat” capitalist system that has caused one of Asia’s widest rich-poor gaps despite the Philippines’ rich natural resources.

Communist fighters are known for collecting “revolutionary taxes” from local businesses in rural areas—an activity that authorities qualified as plain extortion. They are also recognized for their deadly attacks on police and military outposts.

In 2002, the US Department of State designated the CPP-NPA as foreign terrorist organizations.

Amid continued hostilities, Duterte, a self-styled socialist, unilaterally scrapped last month the reactivated peace talks between the government and Maoist rebels. Both sides have been in on-off negotiations since 1986.

He said peace talks were called off because of the Left’s “pure nonsense” demand for a coalition government, and the rebels’ supposed lack of sincerity.

He later declared the CPP and its armed-unit as terrorist groups, raising concerns among activists in the national democratic movement that legitimate organizations could be targeted as supporters of terrorism.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/30/1773106/afp-observe-dec.-30-jan.-2-ceasefire-reds

Troops, NPA clash hours before start of New Year ceasefire

From GMA News (Dec 30): Troops, NPA clash hours before start of New Year ceasefire

Two soldiers were hurt after troops encountered members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Tarragona, Davao Oriental hours before the ceasefires declared by the communists and government took effect on Saturday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said teams from the 6th Scout Ranger Battalion were sent to Barangay Tubaon to reports of an NPA harassment.

As the troops were advancing to the village, the NPA members allegedly fired at them and detonated a landmine.

The AFP said the communist guerillas withdrew after a 30-minute firefight.

The military said some members of the NPA could have been wounded in the firefight based on bloodstains seen in the encounter site.

The clash took place at around 6:25 a.m., nearly 10 hours before the unilateral ceasefires declared by the communist group and the government took effect.

President Duterte has declared a ceasefire from 6 p.m. of December 30 until 11:59 p.m. of January 2. The Communist Party of the Philippines' ceasefire will also take effect at 6 p.m. December 30 until 6 p.m. of January 2.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/638123/troops-npa-clash-hours-before-start-of-new-year-ceasefire/story/