From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2019): Army, IS-linked armed men clash in Lanao Sur
Heavy firefight erupted Thursday morning at the border of two upland towns in Lanao del Sur between the military and remnants of Maute terrorist group, police said.
Senior Supt. Madzgani Mukaram, Lanao del Sur police director, said soldiers belonging to the Army’s 49th and 55th Infantry Battalions engaged about 30 suspected members of the Maute terrorist group under Commander Abu Dar in the area.
Dar survived the government’s assault during the retaking of Marawi City following a five-month siege by terrorists in 2017 and assumed leadership of the Islamic State-linked gunmen in Lanao Sur.
“No casualty was reported on the government side, we are not sure on the enemy side,” Mukaram said in a phone interview, adding that the military had to use artillery to hit the terrorists hiding in the borders of Barangay Sumalindaw, Sultan Dumalundong town, and Barangay Piangulugan in Marogong town.
“The Army is requesting reinforcements to prevent the terrorists from fleeing to civilian areas, we are sending our police combat units,” Mukaram said.
The town of Sultan Dumalundong is adjacent to the town of Butig where the Maute group first hoisted its black flag after they overran the town hall in 2016.
Mukaram said fighting is still going on as of posting time.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059906
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Trader shot dead in N. Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2019): Trader shot dead in N. Cotabato
Gunmen on board a motorbike shot dead a businessman in front of his home in the North Cotabato town of Pikit on Wednesday afternoon, police said.
It was the 15th shooting incident in the town in the past three months despite the presence of police and soldiers from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion in the area.
Senior Insp. Mauti Pangandigan, Pikit town police chief, identified the slain trader as Kamarudin Tutol, 50, of Barangay Poblacion in Pikit.
“At about 4:30 p.m., two men riding in tandem on a motorbike arrived and pumped bullets on Tutol without provocation,” Pangandigan said.
The victim succumbed to gunshot wounds in the chest and stomach. After the shooting, witnesses said the killers sped off towards an unknown direction.
Tutol was rushed to the Cruzado Medical Clinic but was declared dead on arrival.
Pangandigan said personal grudge could have motivated the murder.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059909
Gunmen on board a motorbike shot dead a businessman in front of his home in the North Cotabato town of Pikit on Wednesday afternoon, police said.
It was the 15th shooting incident in the town in the past three months despite the presence of police and soldiers from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion in the area.
Senior Insp. Mauti Pangandigan, Pikit town police chief, identified the slain trader as Kamarudin Tutol, 50, of Barangay Poblacion in Pikit.
“At about 4:30 p.m., two men riding in tandem on a motorbike arrived and pumped bullets on Tutol without provocation,” Pangandigan said.
The victim succumbed to gunshot wounds in the chest and stomach. After the shooting, witnesses said the killers sped off towards an unknown direction.
Tutol was rushed to the Cruzado Medical Clinic but was declared dead on arrival.
Pangandigan said personal grudge could have motivated the murder.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059909
Blame rebels for evacuation in Samar village -- Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2019): Blame rebels for evacuation in Samar village -- Army
A structure in an abandoned New People's Army hideout discovered by soldiers in Bay-ang village in San Jorge, Samar in recent operations. (File photo courtersy of Philippine Army)
The New People’s Army (NPA) should take the blame why several families in San Jorge, Samar have been displaced due to ongoing hot pursuit operations, the Philippine Army said in a statement issued Thursday.
Capt. Cherry Junia, acting public affairs office chief of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said government troops have been in Bay-ang village in San Jorge town to pursue communist rebels who attacked the soldiers of 63rd Infantry Battalion two weeks ago. The ambush slightly injured nine soldiers.
“The presence of troops in San Jorge is to help track down rebels and to safeguard the people from the resurgence of the NPA terrorists,” Junia said.
In a social media post, the communist rebels claimed that 37 residents in Bay-ang village moved to the town health center for fear of being caught in the crossfire between government troops and rebels.
The rebels also asked the military to pull out its troops from the village to allow people to return to their normal economic activities.
The recent discovery of the rebels' lair in Bay-ang "merely shows that the military was not the first one who created threat among the localities, it is the terrorists New People’s Army." Junia said.
The discovery of the hideout "signifies that they have stayed long in the area to conduct extortion, recruitment and other illegal activities that made the people of Bay-ang suffer every single day,” he added.
The military found four multi-purpose halls, one big mess hall, one classroom with medical facilities, one training ground, four caves with one supply room, restrooms, and five kitchens. Recovered inside the camp were 13 posts, laminated sacks, one C type claymore mine, oil container with gas, 122 bunkers, two generators, two M16 magazines, one .45-caliber magazine, assorted wires, 10 water containers, one command switch for bomb, eight assorted light bulbs and subversive documents.
“In fact, the NPA terrorists should be the one to leave the people of Bay-ang not the military, because the presence of the military is to secure and protect the well-being of the people.”
The military will continue its pursuit operation until these terrorists stop their illegal activities, Junia said.
Earlier, the Philippine Army said the Jan. 12 encounter between government troops and rebels in San Jorge town has derailed the planned attacks of the group in Eastern Visayas. The troops discovered the encampment after two days.
The military said rebels have been planning to launch tactical offensives in Leyte and Samar provinces, prompting the brigade to step up their combat operations in northern part of Samar Island, considered as NPA’s stronghold in the region.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union. The communist rebels have been battling government forces for 50 years. The communist rebellion in the Philippines is one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059951
A structure in an abandoned New People's Army hideout discovered by soldiers in Bay-ang village in San Jorge, Samar in recent operations. (File photo courtersy of Philippine Army)
The New People’s Army (NPA) should take the blame why several families in San Jorge, Samar have been displaced due to ongoing hot pursuit operations, the Philippine Army said in a statement issued Thursday.
Capt. Cherry Junia, acting public affairs office chief of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said government troops have been in Bay-ang village in San Jorge town to pursue communist rebels who attacked the soldiers of 63rd Infantry Battalion two weeks ago. The ambush slightly injured nine soldiers.
“The presence of troops in San Jorge is to help track down rebels and to safeguard the people from the resurgence of the NPA terrorists,” Junia said.
In a social media post, the communist rebels claimed that 37 residents in Bay-ang village moved to the town health center for fear of being caught in the crossfire between government troops and rebels.
The rebels also asked the military to pull out its troops from the village to allow people to return to their normal economic activities.
The recent discovery of the rebels' lair in Bay-ang "merely shows that the military was not the first one who created threat among the localities, it is the terrorists New People’s Army." Junia said.
The discovery of the hideout "signifies that they have stayed long in the area to conduct extortion, recruitment and other illegal activities that made the people of Bay-ang suffer every single day,” he added.
The military found four multi-purpose halls, one big mess hall, one classroom with medical facilities, one training ground, four caves with one supply room, restrooms, and five kitchens. Recovered inside the camp were 13 posts, laminated sacks, one C type claymore mine, oil container with gas, 122 bunkers, two generators, two M16 magazines, one .45-caliber magazine, assorted wires, 10 water containers, one command switch for bomb, eight assorted light bulbs and subversive documents.
“In fact, the NPA terrorists should be the one to leave the people of Bay-ang not the military, because the presence of the military is to secure and protect the well-being of the people.”
The military will continue its pursuit operation until these terrorists stop their illegal activities, Junia said.
Earlier, the Philippine Army said the Jan. 12 encounter between government troops and rebels in San Jorge town has derailed the planned attacks of the group in Eastern Visayas. The troops discovered the encampment after two days.
The military said rebels have been planning to launch tactical offensives in Leyte and Samar provinces, prompting the brigade to step up their combat operations in northern part of Samar Island, considered as NPA’s stronghold in the region.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union. The communist rebels have been battling government forces for 50 years. The communist rebellion in the Philippines is one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059951
Ex-NPA rebel reunites with 4 children in DavOr
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2019): Ex-NPA rebel reunites with 4 children in DavOr
Former New People's Army (NPA) rebel Mylene (in gray shirt) reunites with her four children on Wednesday at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City. (PNA photo by Lilian C Mellejor)
DAVAO CITY -- A 28-year-old mother who abandoned the New People’s Army (NPA) over the weekend was finally reunited with her four children on Wednesday at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, this city.
Mylene, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, cried when she saw her children and her mother-in-law who hugged her.
Mylene surrendered to the Army's 67th Infantry Battalion (67IB) on Sunday (January 20) following an encounter with government troops in the Davao Oriental town of Cateel.
Abandoned by her comrades, she sought the help of village officials and turned herself in to the 67IB, headed by Lt. Col. Jake Obligado.
Mylene said her journey with the communist rebellion started in 2011 when she joined her husband Michael as a medic for the NPA's Guerrilla Front 25 operating between the boundaries of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental provinces.
She said she became inactive from the rebel movement in 2015 so that she could raise her children. When her husband died in an encounter sometime last year, Mylene said she was again recruited to the rebel group and left her children to the care of her mother-in-law.
“I was not sure who killed him. The NPA told me the government soldiers,” she said.
“It was difficult. I was only a housewife and my husband only earned little from odd jobs,” she added, insisting that she and her husband joined the NPA because of the promised financial support.
However, Mylene said the financial assistance only lasted for a while, and the family was soon starving in the mountains -- sometimes moving around for days with no food.
Mylene said she regretted the day she left her children, saying she did not expect her children to understand her decisions.
Mylene was also reunited with three other comrades, 19-year-old Rex, 18-year-old Loloy and 16-year-old Cindy -- the three were NPA regulars who surrendered separately to the 67IB recently.
Obligado said their surrender -- especially of Mylene and Cindy who were medics -- was a big loss to the NPA, which he said has been weakened with the steady stream of departures of its members in recent months.
Obligado attributed the surrender of many NPA members and supporters to the government's approach to addressing poverty in far-flung communities.
“Kung military solution lang hindi namin magawa (A military solution can't simply do it. A good whole-of-nation approach will solve the insurgency,” the Army official said in an interview on Wednesday.
Obligado said Davao Oriental, for instance, has a good community support program initiated by the local government units.
The provincial government, he said, has programs for health, infrastructure, disaster preparedness, education, and livelihood for rebel returnees.
Davao Oriental also has a Happy Home, a facility where former rebels can access training for livelihood and other services.
Since February 2017 to January 2019, Obligado said the 67IB has already received about 150 NPA surrenderers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059983
DAVAO CITY -- A 28-year-old mother who abandoned the New People’s Army (NPA) over the weekend was finally reunited with her four children on Wednesday at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, this city.
Mylene, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, cried when she saw her children and her mother-in-law who hugged her.
Mylene surrendered to the Army's 67th Infantry Battalion (67IB) on Sunday (January 20) following an encounter with government troops in the Davao Oriental town of Cateel.
Abandoned by her comrades, she sought the help of village officials and turned herself in to the 67IB, headed by Lt. Col. Jake Obligado.
Mylene said her journey with the communist rebellion started in 2011 when she joined her husband Michael as a medic for the NPA's Guerrilla Front 25 operating between the boundaries of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental provinces.
She said she became inactive from the rebel movement in 2015 so that she could raise her children. When her husband died in an encounter sometime last year, Mylene said she was again recruited to the rebel group and left her children to the care of her mother-in-law.
“I was not sure who killed him. The NPA told me the government soldiers,” she said.
“It was difficult. I was only a housewife and my husband only earned little from odd jobs,” she added, insisting that she and her husband joined the NPA because of the promised financial support.
However, Mylene said the financial assistance only lasted for a while, and the family was soon starving in the mountains -- sometimes moving around for days with no food.
Mylene said she regretted the day she left her children, saying she did not expect her children to understand her decisions.
Mylene was also reunited with three other comrades, 19-year-old Rex, 18-year-old Loloy and 16-year-old Cindy -- the three were NPA regulars who surrendered separately to the 67IB recently.
Obligado said their surrender -- especially of Mylene and Cindy who were medics -- was a big loss to the NPA, which he said has been weakened with the steady stream of departures of its members in recent months.
Obligado attributed the surrender of many NPA members and supporters to the government's approach to addressing poverty in far-flung communities.
“Kung military solution lang hindi namin magawa (A military solution can't simply do it. A good whole-of-nation approach will solve the insurgency,” the Army official said in an interview on Wednesday.
Obligado said Davao Oriental, for instance, has a good community support program initiated by the local government units.
The provincial government, he said, has programs for health, infrastructure, disaster preparedness, education, and livelihood for rebel returnees.
Davao Oriental also has a Happy Home, a facility where former rebels can access training for livelihood and other services.
Since February 2017 to January 2019, Obligado said the 67IB has already received about 150 NPA surrenderers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059983
3 soldiers hurt as troops, Maute remnants clash in Lanao Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2019): 3 soldiers hurt as troops, Maute remnants clash in Lanao Sur
A fresh firefight erupted between government forces and remnants of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Lanao del Sur on Thursday, wounding three soldiers.
Col. Romeo Brawner, the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the clash broke out in Sultan Dumalondong town at about 8:10 a.m., when the troops chanced upon a group of 24 followers of Owaida Benito Marohombsar alias Abu Dar.
Brawner said that the Maute remnants were believed to have also suffered casualties. He did not elaborate.
Brawner was unable to release the names of the wounded soldiers except to say two of them belong to the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion and one to the 82nd Infantry Battalion.
The wounded soldiers "were immediately extricated from the encounter site for medical treatment."
"We are calling on the public not to panic and not to evacuate because we have everything under control," he added.
Major Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander said, “The armed encounter is the result of our relentless campaign against Maute IS remnants and the Abu Dar group."
Murillo assured that the wounded soldiers will be provided the best medical facilities and treatment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059958
A fresh firefight erupted between government forces and remnants of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Lanao del Sur on Thursday, wounding three soldiers.
Col. Romeo Brawner, the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the clash broke out in Sultan Dumalondong town at about 8:10 a.m., when the troops chanced upon a group of 24 followers of Owaida Benito Marohombsar alias Abu Dar.
Brawner said that the Maute remnants were believed to have also suffered casualties. He did not elaborate.
Brawner was unable to release the names of the wounded soldiers except to say two of them belong to the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion and one to the 82nd Infantry Battalion.
The wounded soldiers "were immediately extricated from the encounter site for medical treatment."
"We are calling on the public not to panic and not to evacuate because we have everything under control," he added.
Major Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander said, “The armed encounter is the result of our relentless campaign against Maute IS remnants and the Abu Dar group."
Murillo assured that the wounded soldiers will be provided the best medical facilities and treatment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059958
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
DWDD: Donning of New SOLCOM Seal
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Jan 22, 2019): Donning of New SOLCOM Seal
CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City, Quezon (DWDD) - Sa pamumuno ni Major General Gilbert Gapay, pinuno ng SOLCOM, ang bagong Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) seal ay maaari nang maisuot ng ating kasundaluhan na nasa ilalim ng SOLCOM. SOLCOM / MCAG
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CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City, Quezon (DWDD) - Sa pamumuno ni Major General Gilbert Gapay, pinuno ng SOLCOM, ang bagong Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) seal ay maaari nang maisuot ng ating kasundaluhan na nasa ilalim ng SOLCOM. SOLCOM / MCAG
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DWDD: ACTIVATION CEREMONY | 61IB activates additional Rifle Company
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Jan 23, 2019): ACTIVATION CEREMONY | 61IB activates additional Rifle Company
CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao, Iloilo (DWDD) – The Army’s 61st Infantry “Hunter” Battalion activated an additional Rifle Company in a simple ceremony held at PFC Bayot Hall, Camp Monteclaro, Igtuba, Miagao,Iloilo, last January 22, 2019.
...
CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao, Iloilo (DWDD) – The Army’s 61st Infantry “Hunter” Battalion activated an additional Rifle Company in a simple ceremony held at PFC Bayot Hall, Camp Monteclaro, Igtuba, Miagao,Iloilo, last January 22, 2019.
...
LTC Sisenando A Magbalot Jr., Commanding Officer of the 6IB, led the activation ceremony of the Delta “Cougar” Company and witnessed by the officers and enlisted personnel of the unit
The Delta Company personnel was composed of additional forces assigned with the battalion to sustain its gain to its previous year's campaign.
1lt James Santos was designated as Company Commander of the Delta Company.
In his message, LTC Magbalot emphasized, “The trust that i have for your company commander is the same trust i have for all of you as the new members of 61IB. You have been chosen to be part of this unit because you were the best. I expect you to perform your duty, follow your seniors, and your officers." In closing, he inspired the troops with the famous line of Napoleon Bonaparte, " If you build an army of 100 lions and their leader is a dog, in any fight, the lions will die like a dog. But if you build an army of 100 dogs and their leader is a lion, all dogs will fight like a lion." 61IB / MCAG
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The Delta Company personnel was composed of additional forces assigned with the battalion to sustain its gain to its previous year's campaign.
1lt James Santos was designated as Company Commander of the Delta Company.
In his message, LTC Magbalot emphasized, “The trust that i have for your company commander is the same trust i have for all of you as the new members of 61IB. You have been chosen to be part of this unit because you were the best. I expect you to perform your duty, follow your seniors, and your officers." In closing, he inspired the troops with the famous line of Napoleon Bonaparte, " If you build an army of 100 lions and their leader is a dog, in any fight, the lions will die like a dog. But if you build an army of 100 dogs and their leader is a lion, all dogs will fight like a lion." 61IB / MCAG
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DWDD: CONSISTENT VIOLATORS | NPAs violates CARHRIHL anew with abduction of troops in ADS
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Jan 23, 2019): CONSISTENT VIOLATORS | NPAs violates CARHRIHL anew with abduction of troops in ADS
SIBAGAT, Agusan Del Sur (DWDD) - The Terrorist New People’s Army (NPA0 has again blatantly violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and IHL (CARHRIHL) with their abduction of two soldiers and 14 CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) a...t Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last December 19, 2018.
According to Brigadier General Andres C. Centino, Commander, 401st Infantry Brigade, based on earlier call by the NPAs North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), they demanded for the implementation of a ceasefire before they would release their victims. These actions are proof of the CPP-NPAs blatant violation of the CARHRIHL as they are using the soldiers and CAAs as hostages in gaining advantage in their losing cause.
The Local Government of Sibagat, led by Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista and the members of the Municipal Legislative Council as representatives of the people, has already declared the CPP-NPA as “Persona Non-Grata” through a Municipal Resolution No. 137-18 dated 21 December 2018. It condemned the atrocious acts of the terrorist CPP-NPA which is a manifestation of betrayal in achieving peace.
Under the provisions of the CARHRIHL, “persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of Armed Forces who have laid down their arms and those placed ‘hors de combat’ by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria”.
Also stated is that: “persons who do not participate anymore in hostilities shall not be used as hostages by any party.”
The CARHRIHL also protects the victims against “violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture. 401IBde / MCAG
SIBAGAT, Agusan Del Sur (DWDD) - The Terrorist New People’s Army (NPA0 has again blatantly violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and IHL (CARHRIHL) with their abduction of two soldiers and 14 CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) a...t Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last December 19, 2018.
According to Brigadier General Andres C. Centino, Commander, 401st Infantry Brigade, based on earlier call by the NPAs North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), they demanded for the implementation of a ceasefire before they would release their victims. These actions are proof of the CPP-NPAs blatant violation of the CARHRIHL as they are using the soldiers and CAAs as hostages in gaining advantage in their losing cause.
The Local Government of Sibagat, led by Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista and the members of the Municipal Legislative Council as representatives of the people, has already declared the CPP-NPA as “Persona Non-Grata” through a Municipal Resolution No. 137-18 dated 21 December 2018. It condemned the atrocious acts of the terrorist CPP-NPA which is a manifestation of betrayal in achieving peace.
Under the provisions of the CARHRIHL, “persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of Armed Forces who have laid down their arms and those placed ‘hors de combat’ by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria”.
Also stated is that: “persons who do not participate anymore in hostilities shall not be used as hostages by any party.”
The CARHRIHL also protects the victims against “violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture. 401IBde / MCAG
DWDD: FEAR FOR LIVES | 2 NPA surrenders to 22IB in Masbate
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Jan 23, 2019): FEAR FOR LIVES | 2 NPA surrenders to 22IB in Masbate
BRGY LANAG, Aroroy, Masbate (DWDD) – Two members of the terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 2nd Infantry “Second to None” Battalion and Alpha Company of the 22nd Infantry “Valor” Battalion at the Lanang Patrol Base in Barangay Lanang, Aroroy, Masbate last January 21, 2019.
…
The surrendees were identified as alias Renz, 36 years old, and alias Maya, 39 years old,(names withheld for security easons) and are now undergoing debriefing.
They brought along with them an M16 rifle, a magazine, and 17 ammuntion for M16.
According to alias Renz and alias Maya, they decidd to return to the fold of the law because of fear for their security. They have also witnessed how the lives of their former comrades, who surrendered, were changed with the help of our government.
It can be recalled that last January 9, a Presentation of Former Rebels Ceremony was held for 189 former members of the NPA from Masbate that was even presided by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
In connection with this, Major General Fernando T. Trinidad AFP, head of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, has repeatedly called on the remainin members of the CPP-NPA to join their brothers and sisters who have earlier surrendered and has left the life of violence and has opted to have a life of change and prosperity.
The remaining rebels must also take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start changing their lives, their family and the community. 22IB / MCAG
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BRGY LANAG, Aroroy, Masbate (DWDD) – Two members of the terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 2nd Infantry “Second to None” Battalion and Alpha Company of the 22nd Infantry “Valor” Battalion at the Lanang Patrol Base in Barangay Lanang, Aroroy, Masbate last January 21, 2019.
…
The surrendees were identified as alias Renz, 36 years old, and alias Maya, 39 years old,(names withheld for security easons) and are now undergoing debriefing.
They brought along with them an M16 rifle, a magazine, and 17 ammuntion for M16.
According to alias Renz and alias Maya, they decidd to return to the fold of the law because of fear for their security. They have also witnessed how the lives of their former comrades, who surrendered, were changed with the help of our government.
It can be recalled that last January 9, a Presentation of Former Rebels Ceremony was held for 189 former members of the NPA from Masbate that was even presided by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
In connection with this, Major General Fernando T. Trinidad AFP, head of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, has repeatedly called on the remainin members of the CPP-NPA to join their brothers and sisters who have earlier surrendered and has left the life of violence and has opted to have a life of change and prosperity.
The remaining rebels must also take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start changing their lives, their family and the community. 22IB / MCAG
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Detained Red leader 'Ka Joker' dies
From ABS-CBN (Jan 23, 2019): Detained Red leader 'Ka Joker' dies
This undated photo shows alleged NPA leader Ricardo Manili. BUTUAN - Ricardo Manili alias Ka Joker, a detained leader of the communist guerilla force, died due to a heart attack Tuesday night.
Manili, 64, allegedly headed the New People's Army's Caraga command and was the region's fourth most wanted criminal before he was arrested at an Agusan Del Sur checkpoint in 2016.
The rebel leader was detained at the Agusan del Norte provincial jail before he was hospitalized last Jan. 12.
Manili, who faced murder and arson charges, had a bounty of P4.9 million on his head when he was captured.
Manili, 64, allegedly headed the New People's Army's Caraga command and was the region's fourth most wanted criminal before he was arrested at an Agusan Del Sur checkpoint in 2016.
The rebel leader was detained at the Agusan del Norte provincial jail before he was hospitalized last Jan. 12.
Manili, who faced murder and arson charges, had a bounty of P4.9 million on his head when he was captured.
Malaysians in cahoots with Sayyaf?
From the Daily Express (Jan 22, 2019): Malaysians in cahoots with Sayyaf?
Seven foreign terrorists, including Malaysians, were spotted recently with an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader wanted by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in a Sulu village, a Philippine terrorism expert told Daily Express.
Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research Professor Rommel Banlaoi said the foreign fighters are waiting for financial support to make improvised bombs.
“The Abu Sayyaf faction headed by sub-leader Hatib Hajan @ Sawadjaan with seven suspected foreign terrorists, including Malaysians, were monitored in Barangay [village] Kabbon Takkas, Patikul, Sulu,” Rommel said.
“The said foreign militants were reportedly awaiting funding support from abroad for the purchase of explosive components for the manufacture of IEDs [improvised explosive devices],” said Rommel, citing information from an intelligence officer in the Philippine Government.
Hatib is one of 18 Filipinos wanted by Esscom for various transborder crimes such as piracy and kidnapping.
Rommel did not say where the other foreign militants were from but Indonesians made up the bulk of foreign militants during the 2017 Marawi war. Scores of Indonesians are reportedly still in southern Philippines.
The Philippine army’s Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, said the army had also got the information on the spotting of the Malaysians and Hatib.“We are in the process of having that information validated by other sources,” Besana told Daily Express, which has also contacted Bukit Aman’s counter-terrorism division for comment.
It cannot be immediately established whether the Malaysian militants are the six who were reported by a US news website as having assisted in the Philippines’ first suicide bombing in Basilan which took 10 lives.
The bombing was carried out on July 31 at a security checkpoint in Lamitan town and was claimed by the Islamic State terror group.ISIS identified the perpetrator as a Moroccan named as Abu Kathir Al-Maghribi and published his image on its propaganda outlet Amaq.According to that December 2018 report by this writer citing tips also from Rommel, the Abu Sayyaf masterminded the Basilan suicide bombing with help from the Moroccan and Malaysian foreign terrorist fighters.
“A government intelligence report indicated that as early as July 19, 2018, Abu Fati [nom de guerre of Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Mike Lijal] and four others were planning to conduct a bombing operation in Lamitan.“On June 30, 2018, six Malaysian nationals arrived in Tuburan, Basilan to assist in the terror plot in Lamitan,” Banlaoi said in that report.
Two days after the attack, the Philippine army arrested a Filipino ustaz or Islamic religious teacher in connection with the Lamitan bombing.
“Government operatives arrested the 58-year old ustaz because of tips coming from informants that he had full knowledge of the bombing,” said Banlaoi further in that report.
“The ustaz facilitated the entry of the aforementioned Malaysian foreign fighters who came to Basilan from Sabah. They arrived after the Marawi war.”
A lull in kidnappings for almost two years in eastern Sabah was broken in September last year when the Abu Sayyaf abducted two Indonesian fishermen from their boat in waters off Semporna and taken to Sulu.
One escaped in December while the other was released by the Abu Sayyaf this month.On Dec 6 last year, a day after the Indonesian fisherman escaped, suspected Abu Sayyaf abducted two Indonesian and one Malaysian fishermen from their trawler in waters off Kinabatangan and taken also to Sulu.
No ransom demand has been reported yet for their release.The worst kidnapping in eastern Sabah occurred in 2000 when 21 people, including 10 westerners, were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf, which is designated as a terror organisation by the US and Philippine governments.
http://dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=130681
Seven foreign terrorists, including Malaysians, were spotted recently with an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader wanted by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in a Sulu village, a Philippine terrorism expert told Daily Express.
Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research Professor Rommel Banlaoi said the foreign fighters are waiting for financial support to make improvised bombs.
“The Abu Sayyaf faction headed by sub-leader Hatib Hajan @ Sawadjaan with seven suspected foreign terrorists, including Malaysians, were monitored in Barangay [village] Kabbon Takkas, Patikul, Sulu,” Rommel said.
“The said foreign militants were reportedly awaiting funding support from abroad for the purchase of explosive components for the manufacture of IEDs [improvised explosive devices],” said Rommel, citing information from an intelligence officer in the Philippine Government.
Hatib is one of 18 Filipinos wanted by Esscom for various transborder crimes such as piracy and kidnapping.
Rommel did not say where the other foreign militants were from but Indonesians made up the bulk of foreign militants during the 2017 Marawi war. Scores of Indonesians are reportedly still in southern Philippines.
The Philippine army’s Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, said the army had also got the information on the spotting of the Malaysians and Hatib.“We are in the process of having that information validated by other sources,” Besana told Daily Express, which has also contacted Bukit Aman’s counter-terrorism division for comment.
It cannot be immediately established whether the Malaysian militants are the six who were reported by a US news website as having assisted in the Philippines’ first suicide bombing in Basilan which took 10 lives.
The bombing was carried out on July 31 at a security checkpoint in Lamitan town and was claimed by the Islamic State terror group.ISIS identified the perpetrator as a Moroccan named as Abu Kathir Al-Maghribi and published his image on its propaganda outlet Amaq.According to that December 2018 report by this writer citing tips also from Rommel, the Abu Sayyaf masterminded the Basilan suicide bombing with help from the Moroccan and Malaysian foreign terrorist fighters.
“A government intelligence report indicated that as early as July 19, 2018, Abu Fati [nom de guerre of Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Mike Lijal] and four others were planning to conduct a bombing operation in Lamitan.“On June 30, 2018, six Malaysian nationals arrived in Tuburan, Basilan to assist in the terror plot in Lamitan,” Banlaoi said in that report.
Two days after the attack, the Philippine army arrested a Filipino ustaz or Islamic religious teacher in connection with the Lamitan bombing.
“Government operatives arrested the 58-year old ustaz because of tips coming from informants that he had full knowledge of the bombing,” said Banlaoi further in that report.
“The ustaz facilitated the entry of the aforementioned Malaysian foreign fighters who came to Basilan from Sabah. They arrived after the Marawi war.”
A lull in kidnappings for almost two years in eastern Sabah was broken in September last year when the Abu Sayyaf abducted two Indonesian fishermen from their boat in waters off Semporna and taken to Sulu.
One escaped in December while the other was released by the Abu Sayyaf this month.On Dec 6 last year, a day after the Indonesian fisherman escaped, suspected Abu Sayyaf abducted two Indonesian and one Malaysian fishermen from their trawler in waters off Kinabatangan and taken also to Sulu.
No ransom demand has been reported yet for their release.The worst kidnapping in eastern Sabah occurred in 2000 when 21 people, including 10 westerners, were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf, which is designated as a terror organisation by the US and Philippine governments.
http://dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=130681
MILF: Bangsamoro plebiscite generally peaceful – BIAF
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jan 22, 2019): Bangsamoro plebiscite generally peaceful – BIAF
In Photo-MILF Central Committee Secretary Muhammad Ameen casts his vote at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindao during the January 21st Plebiscite
The plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic law on January 21, was generally peaceful, says Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
BIAF Spokesperson Von Al Haq said the plebiscite was generally peaceful since no major untoward incident happened.
“The massive fraud practiced before was, at least, lessened as both the intellectual and the ordinary voters were eager for peace to ultimately reign in this part of the region,” Al Haq said.
Samsodin Amella, Maguindanao Provincial Coordinator for the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), confirmed that he did not receive any report on irregularities or any untoward incident in the different towns in Maguindanao during the conduct of the plebiscite.
Amella said that only a minor problem was encountered by few voters in some areas such as they were initially hard up in looking for their names in the voters’ list posted outside the voting precincts especially the new registrants.
“But they eventually found their names,” Amella said.
The plebiscite was conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ratify the BOL and determine the actual territorial jurisdiction of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
Another plebiscite will be held in February 6 in the seven towns in North Cotabato and the province of Lanao del Norte except Iligan City.
The North Cotabato towns where a plebiscite will be conducted in February 6 are Tulunan, Kabacan, Carmen, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap and Pigkawayan.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1704/bangsamoro-plebiscite-generally-peaceful-----biaf
In Photo-MILF Central Committee Secretary Muhammad Ameen casts his vote at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindao during the January 21st Plebiscite
The plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic law on January 21, was generally peaceful, says Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
BIAF Spokesperson Von Al Haq said the plebiscite was generally peaceful since no major untoward incident happened.
“The massive fraud practiced before was, at least, lessened as both the intellectual and the ordinary voters were eager for peace to ultimately reign in this part of the region,” Al Haq said.
Samsodin Amella, Maguindanao Provincial Coordinator for the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), confirmed that he did not receive any report on irregularities or any untoward incident in the different towns in Maguindanao during the conduct of the plebiscite.
Amella said that only a minor problem was encountered by few voters in some areas such as they were initially hard up in looking for their names in the voters’ list posted outside the voting precincts especially the new registrants.
“But they eventually found their names,” Amella said.
The plebiscite was conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ratify the BOL and determine the actual territorial jurisdiction of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
Another plebiscite will be held in February 6 in the seven towns in North Cotabato and the province of Lanao del Norte except Iligan City.
The North Cotabato towns where a plebiscite will be conducted in February 6 are Tulunan, Kabacan, Carmen, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap and Pigkawayan.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1704/bangsamoro-plebiscite-generally-peaceful-----biaf
MILF: BOL gains massive support from North Cotabato Multi-Sectoral Groups, LGUs
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jan 22, 2019): BOL gains massive support from North Cotabato Multi-Sectoral Groups, LGUs
In photo-MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim with MajorGen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commanding General of the 6th ID, Philippine Army during his first and recent visit to the Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
“The Bangsamoro Organic Law is an instrument of genuine peace, progress, and prosperity”. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Central Committee (MILF-CC) said during the North Cotabato Multi-Sectoral and Local Government Units’ Assembly for the Ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL)-RA 11054 (Saturday) held at University of Southern Mindanao (USM) compound, Kabacan Cotabato on January 19, 2019.
He said that there will be major changes in the government structure of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“While the ARMM has a unitary form of government, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will have a parliamentary-democratic one. In the BARMM the legislative and executive bodies are more closely linked and empowered to enact its own laws. The residents will elect an 80-member parliament representing different parties, districts, and sectors, including indigenous peoples”, he added.
In the course of his speech, he emphasized the significance of joining the upcoming BOL plebiscite.
Al Haj Murad appealed to every registered voters in the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays mentioned under the articles of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to participate in the plebiscite.
Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair, and 1st Vice Chairman of the MILF Central Committee Ghadzali Jaafar centered his speech on the unique characteristics of the Bangsamoro leaders.
He said that, “Both the MILF and MNLF leaders were not political leaders rather they are revolutionary leaders, hence, they sacrificed for almost 50 years just to safeguard the interest of the people.”
Meanwhile, BTC Commissioner Mohagher Iqbal reminded the participants on the significance of having an educated decision. “We need to understand the meaning and at the same time the consequences of voting YES to BOL.
In photo- A huge tarp hangs at the stage of University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, North Cotabato
Your positive response will yield four important aspects such as peace, justice, progress, and development.”
He said, “Peace is not the absence of war rather it is all about justice. We assure that through the BOL all historical injustices will be addressed and the presence of independence, sovereignty, and internal development will be visible to all.”
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. described the BOL as a “Document of Peace”.
“We cannot go back to war anymore, therefore, do not waste this once in a lifetime opportunity, cast your vote, and say YES to BOL. Remember that your decision will change the course of your life because the BOL seeks to give back to the people what they truly deserve.”
The peace assembly was participated by more than 150,000 people.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1703/bol_gains_massive_support_from_north_cotabato_multi_sectoral_groups__lgus
In photo-MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim with MajorGen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commanding General of the 6th ID, Philippine Army during his first and recent visit to the Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
“The Bangsamoro Organic Law is an instrument of genuine peace, progress, and prosperity”. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Central Committee (MILF-CC) said during the North Cotabato Multi-Sectoral and Local Government Units’ Assembly for the Ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL)-RA 11054 (Saturday) held at University of Southern Mindanao (USM) compound, Kabacan Cotabato on January 19, 2019.
He said that there will be major changes in the government structure of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“While the ARMM has a unitary form of government, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will have a parliamentary-democratic one. In the BARMM the legislative and executive bodies are more closely linked and empowered to enact its own laws. The residents will elect an 80-member parliament representing different parties, districts, and sectors, including indigenous peoples”, he added.
In the course of his speech, he emphasized the significance of joining the upcoming BOL plebiscite.
Al Haj Murad appealed to every registered voters in the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays mentioned under the articles of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to participate in the plebiscite.
Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair, and 1st Vice Chairman of the MILF Central Committee Ghadzali Jaafar centered his speech on the unique characteristics of the Bangsamoro leaders.
He said that, “Both the MILF and MNLF leaders were not political leaders rather they are revolutionary leaders, hence, they sacrificed for almost 50 years just to safeguard the interest of the people.”
Meanwhile, BTC Commissioner Mohagher Iqbal reminded the participants on the significance of having an educated decision. “We need to understand the meaning and at the same time the consequences of voting YES to BOL.
In photo- A huge tarp hangs at the stage of University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, North Cotabato
Your positive response will yield four important aspects such as peace, justice, progress, and development.”
He said, “Peace is not the absence of war rather it is all about justice. We assure that through the BOL all historical injustices will be addressed and the presence of independence, sovereignty, and internal development will be visible to all.”
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. described the BOL as a “Document of Peace”.
“We cannot go back to war anymore, therefore, do not waste this once in a lifetime opportunity, cast your vote, and say YES to BOL. Remember that your decision will change the course of your life because the BOL seeks to give back to the people what they truly deserve.”
The peace assembly was participated by more than 150,000 people.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1703/bol_gains_massive_support_from_north_cotabato_multi_sectoral_groups__lgus
MILF: Vote Yes to BOL and be Part of the history in the making of Bangsamoro
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jan 22, 2019): Vote Yes to BOL and be Part of the history in the making of Bangsamoro
In Photo: Mr. Tirso S. Tahir-BLMI Officer delivers his message on BOL, UBJP Provincial Executive Officer Prof. Abdulla Ahang (with hat at the back) with other UBJP Officers at Ahaja Sport Complex Sitangkai Municipality
TANDUBAS TAWI-TAWI- Reshaping people’s ideas of different perspective and views were the most challenging in the current Bangsamoro struggle. This was what happened in our last stretch of Information-Drive Campaign on Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in the island municipality of Sitangkai, known as “The Venice of the South” and the last frontier in Southern Philippines.
Land and Sea dwellers were the targets of the BOL Campaign with the aim to properly enlighten them on the significance, and benefits of BOL.
Tahir and Mr. Saliakram Adduh from Tandubas Peace Advocates and UBJP Officers alternately explained the salient provisions of BOL to members of the academe, LGU’s and Laymen.
Another activity was held at Municipal sport of complex at Sitangkai Municipality proper on January 15. The Sub-Tribe of Sama, the Sama-Bajau were among the audience who were so keen to learn about the aspect of Bangsamoro Water since their only source of living are fishing and seaweed farming.
On January 16, another Information-Drive was held in Tong Gusung Elementary School at Barangay Tong Gusung, Sitangkai. It was followed by another Information-Drive at Barangay Larap in the afternoon of the same day. Teachers and Seaweed Farmers participated in the activity.
Racing against the tide…The UBJP Staff push the UBJP EXPRESS Pump-boat after it was grounded during low-tide in Sitangkai area on its way back to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on January 17, 2019
Back at mainland Tandubas were the last ditch of Information-Drive Campaign culminated at Corazon, Abubakar, Iran Memorial Central School (CAIMCS) on January 19.
In this activity, members of the 117th Base Command supported the peace advocates in their campaign.
Tahir and Mr. Adduh explained the significance of BOL with corresponding Bangsamoro Narratives and other related matters.
Other Heads of Committees of UBJP Tandubas Tawi-Tawi Chapter, and the religious sector also shared their respective inspirational messages to the participants and appealed to all qualified voters to cast their YES VOTE to BOL on January 21. 2019.
Chairman Ahang and his Officers expressed their profound gratitude to all sectors, and the LGUs for the warm reception and technical supports extended throughout their Information-drive Campaign. They were so happy that once in their lifetime they are part of the history in the making for the Bangsamoro Region.
These Series of Information-Drive campaign was organized and facilitated through corroborative efforts by UBJP Municipal Chapter in Tawi-Tawi and Municipal Political Committee of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) Social Welfare Committee (SWC) and its line agencies.
Back at mainland Tandubas were the last ditch of Information-Drive Campaign culminated at Corazon, Abubakar, Iran Memorial Central School (CAIMCS) on January 19.
In this activity, members of the 117th Base Command supported the peace advocates in their campaign.
Tahir and Mr. Adduh explained the significance of BOL with corresponding Bangsamoro Narratives and other related matters.
Other Heads of Committees of UBJP Tandubas Tawi-Tawi Chapter, and the religious sector also shared their respective inspirational messages to the participants and appealed to all qualified voters to cast their YES VOTE to BOL on January 21. 2019.
Chairman Ahang and his Officers expressed their profound gratitude to all sectors, and the LGUs for the warm reception and technical supports extended throughout their Information-drive Campaign. They were so happy that once in their lifetime they are part of the history in the making for the Bangsamoro Region.
These Series of Information-Drive campaign was organized and facilitated through corroborative efforts by UBJP Municipal Chapter in Tawi-Tawi and Municipal Political Committee of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) Social Welfare Committee (SWC) and its line agencies.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1702/vote-yes-to-bol-and-be-part-of-the-history-in-the-making-of-bangsamoro
In Photo: Mr. Tirso S. Tahir-BLMI Officer delivers his message on BOL, UBJP Provincial Executive Officer Prof. Abdulla Ahang (with hat at the back) with other UBJP Officers at Ahaja Sport Complex Sitangkai Municipality
TANDUBAS TAWI-TAWI- Reshaping people’s ideas of different perspective and views were the most challenging in the current Bangsamoro struggle. This was what happened in our last stretch of Information-Drive Campaign on Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in the island municipality of Sitangkai, known as “The Venice of the South” and the last frontier in Southern Philippines.
Land and Sea dwellers were the targets of the BOL Campaign with the aim to properly enlighten them on the significance, and benefits of BOL.
Tahir and Mr. Saliakram Adduh from Tandubas Peace Advocates and UBJP Officers alternately explained the salient provisions of BOL to members of the academe, LGU’s and Laymen.
Another activity was held at Municipal sport of complex at Sitangkai Municipality proper on January 15. The Sub-Tribe of Sama, the Sama-Bajau were among the audience who were so keen to learn about the aspect of Bangsamoro Water since their only source of living are fishing and seaweed farming.
On January 16, another Information-Drive was held in Tong Gusung Elementary School at Barangay Tong Gusung, Sitangkai. It was followed by another Information-Drive at Barangay Larap in the afternoon of the same day. Teachers and Seaweed Farmers participated in the activity.
Racing against the tide…The UBJP Staff push the UBJP EXPRESS Pump-boat after it was grounded during low-tide in Sitangkai area on its way back to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on January 17, 2019
Back at mainland Tandubas were the last ditch of Information-Drive Campaign culminated at Corazon, Abubakar, Iran Memorial Central School (CAIMCS) on January 19.
In this activity, members of the 117th Base Command supported the peace advocates in their campaign.
Tahir and Mr. Adduh explained the significance of BOL with corresponding Bangsamoro Narratives and other related matters.
Other Heads of Committees of UBJP Tandubas Tawi-Tawi Chapter, and the religious sector also shared their respective inspirational messages to the participants and appealed to all qualified voters to cast their YES VOTE to BOL on January 21. 2019.
Chairman Ahang and his Officers expressed their profound gratitude to all sectors, and the LGUs for the warm reception and technical supports extended throughout their Information-drive Campaign. They were so happy that once in their lifetime they are part of the history in the making for the Bangsamoro Region.
These Series of Information-Drive campaign was organized and facilitated through corroborative efforts by UBJP Municipal Chapter in Tawi-Tawi and Municipal Political Committee of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) Social Welfare Committee (SWC) and its line agencies.
Back at mainland Tandubas were the last ditch of Information-Drive Campaign culminated at Corazon, Abubakar, Iran Memorial Central School (CAIMCS) on January 19.
In this activity, members of the 117th Base Command supported the peace advocates in their campaign.
Tahir and Mr. Adduh explained the significance of BOL with corresponding Bangsamoro Narratives and other related matters.
Other Heads of Committees of UBJP Tandubas Tawi-Tawi Chapter, and the religious sector also shared their respective inspirational messages to the participants and appealed to all qualified voters to cast their YES VOTE to BOL on January 21. 2019.
Chairman Ahang and his Officers expressed their profound gratitude to all sectors, and the LGUs for the warm reception and technical supports extended throughout their Information-drive Campaign. They were so happy that once in their lifetime they are part of the history in the making for the Bangsamoro Region.
These Series of Information-Drive campaign was organized and facilitated through corroborative efforts by UBJP Municipal Chapter in Tawi-Tawi and Municipal Political Committee of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) Social Welfare Committee (SWC) and its line agencies.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1702/vote-yes-to-bol-and-be-part-of-the-history-in-the-making-of-bangsamoro
NDF Negotiating Panel: Rehashed amended petition to proscribe CPP-NPA is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people
NDFP Negotiating Panel propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jan 18, 2019): Rehashed amended petition to proscribe CPP-NPA is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people
Statement of the NDFP Negotiating Panel
18 January 2019
NDFP Panel Chair Fidel V. Agcaoili
The amended petition submitted by the Department of Justice of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) seeking to proscribe the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people.
The Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) which represents these allied organizations in peace negotiations views the amended petition as part of the GRP’s desperate moves to impose a full-blown fascist dictatorship, scrap the May 2019 elections, and establish a fake federal state with local dynasties beholden to the dictator in control of the so-called regional states.
The amended petition is groundless and merely a rehash of previously disproven charges in old cases, both in the Philippines and abroad, that have either been definitively resolved, dismissed with finality, and obviously prescribed or are already being contested in proceedings before GRP courts – against trumped up charges with the use of moving skeletons and manufactured witnesses as evidence.
Moreover, the link between the eight remaining individuals alleged to be officers of the CPP and NPA and the purported terrorist acts does not exist. Such legal hocus-focus completely disregards accepted international principles and practices on due process, double jeopardy, bill of attainder, freedom of thought, and the like.
Up to now there is still no acceptable definition of terrorism in the world. The United Nations (UN) has none. Even the GRP’s own Human Security Act tacks its meaning on a broad compilation of acts already deemed as offenses in its penal laws. The Act only serves to set aside and in effect nullify without any just basis the GRP’s long established jurisprudence on the Hernandez political offense doctrine.
The amended petition caps the all-out “legal offensive” by the GRP against the revolutionary forces, starting with Proclamations 360 (terminating peace negotiations) and 374 (declaring CPP and NPA as “terrorist organizations”), as well as Memorandum Order No. 32 (deployment of more security forces in selected areas to suppress “lawless violence and acts of terror”) and Executive Order 70 (creating national task force to end “local communist armed conflict”), coupled with an insidious arsenal of tools that have resulted in the illegal arrests of NDFP consultants that undermine the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and other binding bilateral agreements.
The petition is definitely against the interest of the Filipino people who desire a just and lasting peace through negotiations and agreements on social, economic and political reforms. For the GRP to attempt to proscribe the CPP and NPA makes returning to the negotiating table to address the roots of the armed conflict even more complicated if not altogether impossible.
On the principled basis that the CPP and NPA adhere to the people’s democratic government, which has its own judicial system, the CPP and NPA cannot and will not enter the GRP court to participate in the proceedings.
The NDFP, however, is gravely concerned of the dire and adverse impact and consequence of the amended petition to legal democratic organizations and activists due to the GRP’s policy of linking activists and government critics to the CPP and NPA and tagging them as “terrorists” or involved with “terrorist organizations and acts.” There is imminent danger that they will be subjected to the arbitrary measures allowed under the Human Security Act.
The CPP and NPA will continue to defend the national and democratic aspirations of the Filipino people to achieve thoroughgoing land reform, national industrialization, environmental protection, and genuine national sovereignty. Hence, any attempt of the GRP to proscribe and brand the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations will be futile.###
Reference:
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson
https://www.ndfp.org/rehashed-amended-petition-to-proscribe-cpp-npa-is-a-piece-of-legal-fiction-with-dire-consequences-for-the-people/
Statement of the NDFP Negotiating Panel
18 January 2019
NDFP Panel Chair Fidel V. Agcaoili
The amended petition submitted by the Department of Justice of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) seeking to proscribe the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people.
The Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) which represents these allied organizations in peace negotiations views the amended petition as part of the GRP’s desperate moves to impose a full-blown fascist dictatorship, scrap the May 2019 elections, and establish a fake federal state with local dynasties beholden to the dictator in control of the so-called regional states.
The amended petition is groundless and merely a rehash of previously disproven charges in old cases, both in the Philippines and abroad, that have either been definitively resolved, dismissed with finality, and obviously prescribed or are already being contested in proceedings before GRP courts – against trumped up charges with the use of moving skeletons and manufactured witnesses as evidence.
Moreover, the link between the eight remaining individuals alleged to be officers of the CPP and NPA and the purported terrorist acts does not exist. Such legal hocus-focus completely disregards accepted international principles and practices on due process, double jeopardy, bill of attainder, freedom of thought, and the like.
Up to now there is still no acceptable definition of terrorism in the world. The United Nations (UN) has none. Even the GRP’s own Human Security Act tacks its meaning on a broad compilation of acts already deemed as offenses in its penal laws. The Act only serves to set aside and in effect nullify without any just basis the GRP’s long established jurisprudence on the Hernandez political offense doctrine.
The amended petition caps the all-out “legal offensive” by the GRP against the revolutionary forces, starting with Proclamations 360 (terminating peace negotiations) and 374 (declaring CPP and NPA as “terrorist organizations”), as well as Memorandum Order No. 32 (deployment of more security forces in selected areas to suppress “lawless violence and acts of terror”) and Executive Order 70 (creating national task force to end “local communist armed conflict”), coupled with an insidious arsenal of tools that have resulted in the illegal arrests of NDFP consultants that undermine the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and other binding bilateral agreements.
The petition is definitely against the interest of the Filipino people who desire a just and lasting peace through negotiations and agreements on social, economic and political reforms. For the GRP to attempt to proscribe the CPP and NPA makes returning to the negotiating table to address the roots of the armed conflict even more complicated if not altogether impossible.
On the principled basis that the CPP and NPA adhere to the people’s democratic government, which has its own judicial system, the CPP and NPA cannot and will not enter the GRP court to participate in the proceedings.
The NDFP, however, is gravely concerned of the dire and adverse impact and consequence of the amended petition to legal democratic organizations and activists due to the GRP’s policy of linking activists and government critics to the CPP and NPA and tagging them as “terrorists” or involved with “terrorist organizations and acts.” There is imminent danger that they will be subjected to the arbitrary measures allowed under the Human Security Act.
The CPP and NPA will continue to defend the national and democratic aspirations of the Filipino people to achieve thoroughgoing land reform, national industrialization, environmental protection, and genuine national sovereignty. Hence, any attempt of the GRP to proscribe and brand the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations will be futile.###
Reference:
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson
https://www.ndfp.org/rehashed-amended-petition-to-proscribe-cpp-npa-is-a-piece-of-legal-fiction-with-dire-consequences-for-the-people/
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