Army says alleged Christmas truce violations ‘fabricated’

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31, 2019): Army says alleged Christmas truce violations ‘fabricated’  (By Alexander Lopez)

FABRICATED. Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade, accuses the New People’s Army in Caraga Region of fabricating stories after the rebels claimed that the Army violated the 16-day holiday truce. Licudine says the NPA is fabricating stories in a desperate move to stay relevant. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 402nd Brigade)
BUTUAN CITY -- The communist rebels' claim of truce violations by the Army in Caraga Region is nothing but "a cock-and-bull" story being spread by the communist movement to discredit the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“No attack transpired and no personnel from our battalion were involved in the alleged violations,” said Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, commander of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB) in a statement on Tuesday, December 31.

Jimenea was reacting to the claim of the New People’s Army (NPA) through a certain Nicolas Mariano alleging that the 26IB violated the Christmas truce on December 23 by attacking NPA members in San Vicente, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

The 26IB is under the operational jurisdiction of the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Army.

Jimenea said their forces are intact and accounted for.

"This is an outright fabrication of the NPA to undermine the Army's sincerity in adhering to the ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte, the AFP's commander-in-chief,” Jimenea said.

He said the allegation could be a ploy by the NPA to redeem itself from the "blunders" committed in Labo, Camarines Norte that killed a soldier and wounded six others, including the rebels' attack in Tubungan, Iloilo that injured two policemen.

Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, also criticized the NPA for "fabricating stories."

"Your soldiers are disciplined, responsible and professionals,” Licudine said, adding the Army in Caraga Region has always complied with Christmas truce declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte, which began on December 23 and is set to expire on January 7 next year.

“We shall not let these terrorists fool us. We call on every Caraganons to be on alert and stay on guard,” he added.

Licudine accused the NPA of "doing everything to sabotage" the prospect of lasting peace in Caraga, with "the purpose of making themselves and their movement relevant to the people and communities."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089784

Army reminds Agusan residents of NPA’s ‘hideous’ practices

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31, 2019): Army reminds Agusan residents of NPA’s ‘hideous’ practices (By Alexander Lopez)

CONDOLENCES. Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, extends his condolences to Erlinda Cabatchete (center) the mother of Bertoldo Cabatchete Jr. and Bertoldo’s brother Roberto (right) on Sunday (Dec. 29, 2019). Cabatchete died of pneumonia and was abandoned by his New People's Army comrades in the hinterlands of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija last year. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte -- An Army official reminded Agusan del Norte residents of the “ugly practices” of the New People’s Army (NPA) on their recruits, combatants, and communities.

Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., commander of Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), recalled the instances in Caraga Region where the NPA abandoned their wounded and dead combatants after armed encounters, a practice that he said reflects the NPA's disregard of human rights

Molina joined the family of Bertoldo Cabatchete Jr., a member of the NPA whose remains arrived home in Barangay Punta here on Sunday.

Cabatchete, fondly called "Junjun" by his kin and known as alias “LJ” in the NPA, died of pneumonia and was abandoned by his comrades in the hinterlands of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija last year -- based on the accounts of a rebel returnee who knew Cabatchete.

The military exhumed Cabatchete's remains sometime this month and had them airlifted on Sunday from Villamor Air Base to Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.

“The NPA utilizes only those who are able. As long as their combatants are able-bodied and in good health, they are continually manipulated to carry out missions and tasks to destroy our government. But when they are already disabled, the NPA would eventually abandon them,” Molina said.

He added the case of Cabatchete was a classic example of the NPA's mistreatment of its own combatants.

“According to those who surrendered and led the Army to LJ’s grave, he was abandoned by his comrades because he could no longer be utilized by the movement. He was given no medication and he eventually died, his dead body was wrapped with a sack and buried in a knee-deep grave,” Molina said.

He also recalled the case of Litboy Binungcasan, the 16-year-old NPA combatant killed last December 2 in an encounter in the hinterlands of Butuan City.

“The cases of Litboy and LJ are the same. Both their parents were not aware that they were recruited and eventually joined the NPA in fighting against the government. All their parents knew was that they were somewhere else working,” Molina said.

He added that during an encounter with government troopers in Santiago, Agusan del Norte on November 2, a 19-year-old NPA combatant was also wounded and abandoned by his comrades.

Molina said parents and communities must be made aware "of such dreadful practices of the NPA."

“Parents must be aware of these to protect their children from being recruited by the NPA,” he added.

He said the 23IB is presently working with local government units, school officials, and other stakeholders in the area in an information drive to save the youth from the influence of the NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089779

SoCot town village chief gunned down

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31, 2019): SoCot town village chief gunned down (By Richelyn Gubalani)

CRIME SCENE. Onlookers crowd a portion of Miranda Street in Barangay Poblacion, Polomolok town, South Cotabato following the daring killing of Barangay Lapu chairman Abdullah Nilong II on Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 31, 2019). The victim had just come out of a pharmacy when he was shot several times by a lone gunman. (Photo courtesy of the Polomolok municipal police station)

A barangay chairman in Polomolok town, South Cotabato province was gunned down by an unidentified suspect near the municipal public market on Tuesday afternoon.

Capt. Brandie Rasos, officer-in-charge of the Polomolok municipal police station, said Barangay Lapu chairman Abdullah Amponilla Nilong II was walking along Miranda Street in Barangay Poblacion around 1:15 p.m. when he was shot several times by a lone gunman.

Rasos said the victim reportedly just came out of pharmacy in the area when an unidentified male suspect wearing a black helmet and jacket approached and suddenly shot Nilong.

He said the suspect, who was believed to have other cohorts, immediately fled on foot to an unknown direction after the shooting.

The police official said the victim sustained gunshot wounds on the head and body, and was declared dead upon arrival at the nearby Bontuyan Hospital.

Scene-of-the-crime operatives recovered at the scene three fired cartridges of a suspected .45-caliber handgun.

“The follow-up investigation and pursuit operations are ongoing for the possible identification and arrest of the suspect,” Rasos said in a report.

He said they submitted the recovered slugs to the Police Regional Office-12’s crime laboratory for ballistic and cross-matching examination.

The Nilong family decided to forego with the post-mortem examination on the victim’s body to facilitate the latter’s immediate burial based on Islamic tradition, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089792

2nd sea trial of BRP Jose Rizal satisfactory: PH Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31, 2019): 2nd sea trial of BRP Jose Rizal satisfactory: PH Navy (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BRP Jose Rizal. (File photo)

BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the country's first missile frigate, performed well during its second sea trials, which took place last December 15 to 18.

"The second sea trials (were conducted) with satisfactory results," said Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

During the testing period, Roxas said systems like the ship's propulsion console, freshwater generator, and steering gear were tested. Also, the frigate's propulsion system was tested and checked for vibration.

Likewise, the ship's turning circle when at the maximum design speed of 25 knots and rudders being shifted to "hard left and hard right progressive speed" was determined, the PN official added.

Roxas said the BRP Jose Rizal was made to undergo zigzag and spiral maneuvers along with crash stop ahead (full astern to full ahead) and crash stop astern (full ahead to full astern) along with another vibration measurement test.

The ship's S and X band radars, which are for surveillance and targeting applications, were also tested along with the frigate's fuel consumption at 85 percent of "maximum continuous rating" or maximum speed.

BRP Jose Rizal has a maximum designed speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles. The first sea trials, which were conducted in the waters of Ulsan, Busan, and Mokpo last November 23 to 27, had the frigate performing well even at Sea State Condition 4 where waves are known to reach between four to eight feet.

It was conducted to check the ship's performance and general seaworthiness. "(Present during the 2nd sea trials) are PN representatives, (ship-builder) Hyundai Heavy Industries QM (quality management) technicians, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) engineers and Lloyd's Register of Shipping inspector," Roxas earlier said.

For the third and fourth sea trials, which are still to be scheduled, this will be more on testing the ship's various weapons systems, she added.

The sea trials are the last phase of construction before the frigate’s delivery to the Philippines scheduled tentatively in April or May 2020. This took place six months after the vessel was launched at the HHI shipyard for the first time in Ulsan last May 23.

"The PHP8 billion warship is a big-ticket acquisition of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that is poised to be the benchmark of PN’s transformation journey," Roxas earlier said.

Incidentally, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the sistership of BRP Jose Rizal, was launched in the same facility last November 8.

The contract for the two ships is placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

These ships are capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Electronic Warfare (EW) Operations and it is fully equipped with Surface-to-Air and Surface-to-Surface Missiles, torpedoes, launchers, and weapon systems.

The activity signifies that the PN is inching closer to its dream of acquiring highly capable warships.

Its crew and maintenance personnel are currently undergoing training in South Korea.

Roxas said the BRP Jose Rizal provides leverage for the Navy’s bid of becoming a stronger and more credible force that the Philippines as a maritime nation can be proud of.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089768

Neutralization of rebellion achieved by Martial Law: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31, 2019): Neutralization of rebellion achieved by Martial Law: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (PNA File photo)

The goal of the security sector, which is to stop the rebellion in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur, and other areas in Mindanao, has been achieved as the Martial Law expired on the island effective midnight of December 31.

This, according to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a message to reporters Tuesday night.

"At midnight 31 December 2019, the Martial Law in Mindanao will end after two years and seven months or 953 days of effectivity," he added.

Martial law in Mindanao was first declared on May 23, 2017, a day after the ISIS-affiliated Maute Group attacked Marawi with the objective of establishing a caliphate in Mindanao.

It was extended from 24 July to 31 December 2017. Two other extensions were granted by Congress for the entire years of 2018 and 2019.

"Upon the recommendation of the security sector, the President has decided to allow martial law to lapse and not ask for another extension anymore," Lorenzana said.

This is because the security sector, which the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are part of, believes that their objective of stopping the rebellion in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur and other areas in Mindanao have been effectively stopped, he added.

He said security forces are very confident that they can maintain the current peace and order in Mindanao and that an attack similar to the scale of Marawi siege cannot be waged by remnants of the Mautes or any other terrorist groups in the future.

Lorenzana also expressed his gratitude to Congress for approving the extension of martial law three times.

"I would also like to thank the people of Mindanao for their whole-hearted support for martial law and their full cooperation during its implementation," he added.

Assurance

Lorenzana assured those who have openly issued statements of support for the extension of martial law, that the AFP will continue to safeguard the hard-earned peace and stability in the region.

The present number of troops, he said, will remain as is wherever they are and will continue to collaborate with the local government units to sustain peace and stability.

"Lastly, I would like to commend the DOJ (Department of Justice), DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) as well as members of the AFP, PNP (Philippine National Police), NBI, PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) and other law enforcement agencies for their professional and excellent implementation of martial law in Mindanao," he said.

He also lauded the Solicitor General for defending the declaration and extensions of martial law before the Supreme Court, which upheld the same.

Improved security climate

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, is confident of an improved security climate in Mindanao that will work for the benefit of fellow Filipinos.

"Specifically, where ML (martial law) was an issue, it is expected to boost economic activities due to added investors’ confidence," Arevalo said in a message to PNA Tuesday night.

While the Daesh-inspired local terrorist groups continue to decline, Arevalo said the AFP urged local chief executives (LCEs) and their constituents to press on and build from the gains of Martial Law to maintain the strong security posture now in place.

"We encourage LCEs to continue their robust partnership with government security agencies. In the event that isolated incidents of violence and lawlessness erupt in Mindanao after martial law has lapsed, there still is Proclamation 55 in effect," he added.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, he said, has placed the entire Mindanao under a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence.

"Our people can then be assured that the AFP will deploy to suppress any and all forms of lawless violence to prevent them from spreading and escalating not only in Mindanao but elsewhere in the Philippines," he added.

Filipinos, he said, can expect that the AFP will continue to push for the amendment of the Human Security Act especially with Senate President Vicente Sotto III assuring the passage of the new Anti-Terrorism Law to combat these threats.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089799

AFP-CRS: 7ID presents 12 former rebels, 26 CCSR firearms in a Press Briefing

Posted to the Armed Forces of Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Dec 27, 2019): 7ID presents 12 former rebels, 26 CCSR firearms in a Press Briefing

Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija –Twelve former rebels (FRs) and 26 captured, confiscated, surrendered or recovered (CCSR) firearms were presented to the Army & PNP leadership and the media during a Press Briefing held at the Kaugnay Multi-Purpose Hall, Officer’s Club House of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, at 10:20 a.m. today, December 21.

The FRs presented were alias Alex, alias Roel, alias Ninoy, alias Megan, alias Junrey, alias Charlie, alias Dave, alias Coco, alias Yong, alias Sam, alias Kevin and alias Olili who all surrendered to the 7ID’s 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade.

Of the CCSR firearms, 23 are light weapon, while 3 are small arms. The firearms were gained thru the surrender of the aforementioned FRs.

Prior to the presentation, a christening of the daughter of alias Megan and alias Ninoy was held at the St. John the Worker Chapel of 7ID. The Christening was hosted by the 7ID as a sign of goodwill to the former rebels who are now cooperating with the government, are eager to give their daughter a peaceful life, away from the hardships and dangers of being a rebel.

Standing as benevolent godfathers to the seven-month old child of the FR couple were Lieutenant General Ramiro Manuel A. Rey, Commander of Northern Luzon Command, together with Major General Lenard T. Agustin, Commander, 7ID; Police Brigadier General Rhodel Orden Sermonia, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Regional Director; Colonel Andrew D. Costelo, Commander, 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, 7ID, PA; Police Colonel Leon Victor Zamora Rosete, Provincial Director, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office; Lieutenant Colonel Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II, Commanding Officer, 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7ID, PA; Police Lieutenant Dennis C. Wenceslao, Battalion Commander, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company; Police Colonel Raul C. Siriban, Provincial Director, Police Provincial Office, Aurora; and, Police Senior Master Sargeant Ryan C. Brillantes, Platoon Executive Senior Police Officer (ESPO), 1st Platoon Mobile Force Company, NEPPO.

The same set of officers mentioned above were likewise the resource persons during the Press Conference that followed right after the christening.

During the Press Conference, Lt. Gen. Rey conveyed that he is glad that the FRs chose to surrender and start a new life. He said that he would rather see them alive and working hard to live peacefully than discover them in a cold, unmarked grave, with nothing to identify them with. He encouraged the FRs to communicate with their active comrades and convince them to surrender.

Near the end of the conference, Maj. Gen. Agustin said, “Truly, what we have is a working government…we understand your strength, so kindly help us (addressing the media)…tell our people that we are doing our best so that we can finally end this local armed conflict.” He further goes on to say that they (the Army) are not happy when an enemy dies, for at the end of the day, they still are fellow Filipinos.

https://afpcrs.wordpress.com/2019/12/27/7id-presents-12-former-rebels-26-ccsr-firearms-in-a-press-briefing-2/?fbclid=IwAR0tFpsI1FvNCPkw9H0ov_SoZ1oq1hfffRRDSqVGy5_Vx7C4L8-6dHRewEw

NDF/Sison: ITANONG MO KAY PROF: Peace Talks sa 2020

Interview with Jose Maria Sison posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Dec 29, 2019): ITANONG MO KAY PROF: Peace Talks sa 2020



Panayam ni Prop. Sarah Raymundo, KODAO Productions

Paunang pagbati para sa pagsasara ng taon

Isang mapagpalayang pagati sa ating mga tagapakinig. Sa pagtatapos ng taon, hayaan ninyo akong taos-pusong magpasalamat sa inyo para sa inyong masigagsig na pag-unawa sa malalaking pwersa sa lipunang humuhubog sa ating mga personal at pang-araw-araw na buhay. Sinalanta po tayo ng mga sakuna dulot ng mga kalamidad at gayundin ng gobyernong walang planong gawing tahimik at masaya ang buhay ng mga Pilipino at sa halip ay walang habas na extra judicial killings na dala ng war on drugs, arbitraryong panghuhuli, crackdown sa mga progresibong organisasyon, masaker ng mga magsasaka, pagpatay sa mga lider aktibista at mga tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang pantao.

Sa lahat ng ito, nakasama namin kayo sa pagpupunyaging makapagbigay linaw, pag-asa, at pagbati sa inyo, mga kasama naming nagsisikhay sa pakikibaka para sa mapayapa, maunlad at masayang buhay. Batid din naming dama niyo ang ligayang dala ng ating sama-samang pakikisangkot. Naway maging mas matibay at malalim ang ting pakikitungo sa mga kasama at ating mga organisasyon sa darating na taon. Maligayang bagong taon!

Sarah: Ano pa nga ba ang mas naaayon na pag-usapan sa pagsasara ng taon kundi ang pinakaasam-asam nating kapayapaan? Napakahalaga para sa nakararaming Pilipino ang tahimik at payak na buhay, kasama ang kanilang pamilya, may disenteng tahanan at trabahong nakapagsusustena sa kanilang batayang pangangailangan.

Ang armadong rebolusyon na isisnusulong ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan o New Peoples Army (NPA) sa gabay ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) ay rebolusyonaryong tugon ng masang anakpawis sa ligalig at dilim na dala ng walang kapantay na pang-aapi, pandarambong, at pangwawasak na dulot ng mga makapangyarihan na nakapanghahari sa kasalukuyang sistema.

Marahil marami sa inyo ang nagtatanong: Totoo ba na nilapitan muli ng rehimeng Duterte si Prop. Sison at ang NDFP para sa Usapang kapayapaan? Paano ito nangyari, kailan at saan? Totoo bang uuwi ang tagapagtatag na pangulo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na si Prop. Sison para sa Peace Talks? Ano ang mga nakasalalay na usapin sa posibilidad na ito? Kapag hindi na naman sumulong ang Usapang Pangkapayapaan, sa pagkakataong ito ano ang mangyayayari?

Walang iba kung hindi ang founding chair ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, isa sa mga mayor na negosyador sa usapang pangkapayapaan at Chair Emeritus ng International League of Peoples’ Struggle upang ibahagi ang kanyang pagtingin sa gobyerno ni Duterte at sa Usapang pangkapayapaan, Magandang Araw , Prof. Joma at happy holidays!

JMS: Magandang araw sa iyo, Prop. Sarah Raymundo. At binabati ko ang lahat ng ating tagapakinig, Maligaya at matagumpay na bagong taon sa lahat ng inyong pagsisikap para sa pamilya at para sa bayan!

Mga Tanong:

1. Prof Sison, maaari po ba ninyong maipaliwanag sa ating mga tagapakinig ang sinasabing magkakaroon daw po ng usapang pangkapayapaan o peace talks sa pagitan ng Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) at National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) sa taong 2020.

JMS: Nagkaroon ng back channel talks kami ni Secretary Bello na pumarito sa Netherlands alinsunod sa utos sa kanya ni Presidente Duterte noong Disyembre 5. Linubos ang pag-uusap namin sa pamamagitan ng exploratory teams ng GRP at NDFP na pinamunuan nina Nani Braganza at Fidel Agcaoili.

Napagkasunduan na magkaroon ng reciprocal ceasefire agreement mula Disyembre 23 hanggang Enero 7 bilang goodwill and confidence building measure para buksan ang daan tungo sa pormal na miting ng muling pagbubukas ng peace negotiations sa ikalawa o ikatlong linggo ng Enero ng 2020.

2. Mayroon po bang mga kondisyon na inilatag sa pagitan ng GRP at NDFP para matuloy ang nasabing peace talks?

JMS: Napagkasunduan na ng exploratory teams na itaguyod muli ang mga dating kasunduan na ginawa ng GRP at NDFP magmula pa sa The Hague Joint Declaration ng 1992 at igpawan o alisin ang mga balakid sa negosasyon, tulad ng Proclamation 360 and 374, Executive Order No. 70 at iba pa.

Napagkasunduan din na sa muling pagbubukas ng negosasyon na itakda ang agenda ng negosasyon at isama sa adyenda ang tinatawag na Interim Peace Agreement na kinabibilangan ng tatlong kasunduan: una, general amnesty and pagpapalaya sa mga political prisoner; ikalawa, pag-apruba sa mga mayor na artikulo tungkol sa repormang agraryo at pambansang industriyalisasyon sa Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER); at ikatlo, coordinated unilateral ceasefire.

3. May ilang nagsasabi Prof Sison, na para daw po matuloy ang peace talks ay kailangang ninyong umuwi at dito ganapin ang usapang pangkapayapaan. Ano po ang inyong masasabi tungkol dito?

JMS: Sa tamang panahon, matapos ang pag-apruba ng magkabilang panig sa CASER, puede akong makipagtagpo kay Presidente Duterte sa Manila at pag-usapan namin kung paano mapahusay at mapabilis pa ang negosasyon, ang implementasyon ng CASER at kung sa Pilipinas ba isasagawa ang pag-uusap tungkol sa political and constitutional reforms, end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

Bago kami magtagpo sa Manila, puede kaming magkita ni Presidente Duterte nang mas maaga sa isang bansang malapit sa Pilipinas matapos maaprubahan ng dalawang panig ang tinawag na Interim Peace Agreement. Sa tulong ng Royal Norwegian Government, madaling ayusin ang mga rekisitong legal, pampulitika at sa seguridad para sa aking pagbiyahe sa Asya.

Hindi tamang basta na lang uuwi ako sa Manila sa kasalukukuyang panahon. Kung gawin ko ito, ibig sabihin na tinatanggap ko at sumusuko ako sa status quo at sa kasalukuyang katangian ng rehimeng Duterte na tiranikal, traydor, berdugo, korap at manggagantso. Hindi ko nais at hindi ko kayang ipagkanulo ang mga ipinaglalaban ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan at sambayanang Pilipino.

Bukod pa riyan, mapanganib ang sinumang magbigay tiwala sa mga death squad ng rehimen. May mga babala sa akin mula sa ilang kaibigan ko sa loob ng AFP at PNP mismo tungkol sa mga panganib. Pero maliit na bagay ang personal kong kaligtasan. Pinakamalaking bagay ang pagtitiyak na hindi mabitag sa kamay ng rehimen ang interes ng sambayanang Pilipino, pati kaligtasan ng mismong proseso ng peace negotiations at negotiating panel ng NDFP.

Alam naman ng lahat ng tao sa daigdig na pumapaslang at arbitraryong nang-aaresto ang mga militar na alipures ni Duterte sa mga tauhan ng NDF sa peace negotiations. Paulit ulit nang linabag nila ang Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees at CARHRIHL. Tandaan ang pagpaslang kay Randy Malayao at pag-aresto kina Vic Ladlad, Rey Casambre, Rafael Baylosis, Adel Silva, Reynante Gamara at iba pa.

4. Hindi na rin daw po ieextend ang martial law sa Mindanao. Ano po ang inyong pagtingin dito, Prof Sison?

JMS: Mabuti kung totoong hindi i-extend ang martial law sa Mindanao. Hindi makatwiran at masama ang pagproklama ng martial law sa buong Mindanao mula sa umpisa. Ginamit lamang ito na lisensiya ng rehimen, mga militar at pulis para labagin ang mga karapatang tao.

Kabilang sa paglabag ang maramihang pamamaslang, pagkidnap, pagbomba sa mga komunidad. pag-agaw ng lupa at likas yaman mula sa mga lumad at mga mahirap na magsasaka, pangingikil sa mga checkpoint at raket ng mga opisyal ng militar sa mga pekeng proyekto, pekeng pasurender at pekeng engkwento. Ginamit pa ng rehimen ang martial law sa Mindanao para dayain ang proseso at resulta ng eleksyon noong Mayo.

5. Sa panghuli Prof Sison, ano po ang inyong pabaon sa ating mga tagapakinig na umaasa ng malaki sa usapang pangkapayapan.
JMS: Sisikapin ng National Democratic Front ng magkaroon muli ng peace negotiations, alinsunod sa interes at kagustuhan ng sambayanang Pilipino at mga organisasyon at institusyon na nagtataguyod ng makatarungang kapayaaan. Subalit maaga pa, may prekondisyon na ang rehimeng Duterte na sa Pilipinas isagawa ang peace negotiations. Hindi papasok ang NDF sa ganitong maliwanag na bitag.

Kung hindi matuloy ang peace negotiations. Ibig lang sabihin na ipagpatatuloy ng sambayanang Pilipino ang lahat ng anyo ng pakikibaka laban sa rehimeng Duterte. At kahit na may peace negotiations, hindi mawawala ang karapatan ng sambayanang ipaglaban sa ibat ibang anyo ng pakikibaka ang pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya, hustisya sosyal at lahatang-panig na pag-unlad. Lagi nating itinataguyod at ipinaglalaban ang makatarungang kapayapaan!

Sarah: Lubos na pasasalamat at masayang bagong taon sa inyo Prop. Sison! Napakahalaga ng naibahagi ninyong perspektiba hinggil sa Usapang Kapayapaan. Nararapat lang nating suportahan ang pagtatagumpay nito at laging sumandig, may peace talks man o wala, sa tibay ng hanay ng batayang masa at ng ating pakikibaka.

JMS: Nagpapaalam ako kay Prop. Sarah Raymundo at sa lahat ng kababayan! Maraming salamat sa inyo at sa lahat ng ating tagapakinig. At inuulit ko ang aking pagbati, Maligaya at matagumpay na bagong taon sa lahat ng inyong pagsisikap para sa pamilya at para sa bayan! Hanggang sa susunod na panayam.

Sarah: Ang Usapang Pangkapayapaan o Peace Talks ay patunay na ang masang api ay mayroon ding sistematiko at organisadong lunduyan ng kapangyarihan na kayang makaengkwentro ang estado at dalhin ito sa isang platapormang makapagtutulak ng mga tunay na reporma para sa kapakanan ng mga nakararaming magsasaka, pamalakaya, manggagawa, mala-mangggawa, pambansang minorya maralitang lungsod, kababaihan, LGBTQ, kabataan.

Mahalagang ituring natin ang Usapang Pangkapayapaan o Pistok sa katawagan ng ordinaryong mamamayan, bilang isang porma ng kapangyarihan ng sambayanan na kinikilala ng estado.

Manigong bagong taon, kapayapaan at mas maraming tagumpay para ating lahat. Dito nagtatapos ang Itanong Mo kay Prop para sa taong 2019. Hanggang sa muli!

https://ndfp.org/itanong-mo-kay-prof-peace-talks-sa-2020/

CPP/NPA-Bicol: Kasinungalingan ng AFP, inilantad ng mapagmatyag at mapanuring mga Bikolano

NPA-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 30, 2019): Kasinungalingan ng AFP, inilantad ng mapagmatyag at mapanuring mga Bikolano

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

NPA-BICOL REGION

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 30, 2019

Nagkakamot sa ulo ngayon ang pambansang kumand ng AFP para isalba ang kanilang imahe matapos kahiya-hiyang malantad sa social media ang kapalpakan ng 2nd IB ng Masbate sa pagpaparada ng niretokeng larawan ng mga pekeng surrenderee. Binaha ito ng pagbatikos ng sa iba’t ibang daluyan.

Nakabatay sa kasinungalingan ang naratibong nais ipinta ng buong sibilyang junta. Nauutal ngayon ang mga tagapasalita’t upisyal sa iba’t ibang antas ng kumand ng AFP sa paglalabas ng iba’t ibang dahilan para iligtas ang kanilang imahe. Sa huli, ibinagsak ni Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ang sisi sa kainutilan ng kumand ng 2nd IB.

Desperado ang mga batalyon na kamtin ang kota na itinakda ng pambansang kumand ng AFP sa mga pekeng surrenderee bago magtapos ang taon. Hindi lang sa Masbate at sa buong rehiyon ng Bikol laganap ang pagmamanupaktura ng mga estadistikang nagpapalobo sa pagpapatupad ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Isa itong pambansang kampanya sa ilalim ng National Peace Framework ng EO 70. Isang pambansang kahihiyan!

Isinuko na ni Duterte ang manibela sa pamumuno ng bansa sa mga lasing sa kapangyarihan na paksyong militar. Walang kapasidad ang pangkating militar na pagkunutan ng noo ang pagsasalba ng sambayanang Pilipino mula sa krisis sa pulitika at ekonomya. Sinabaw na ng dekadang pasismo at terorismo ng estado, paninibasib para sa sariling interes at pangangayupapa sa dayuhan ang kanilang lohika.

Pinupuri ng RJC-BHB-Bikol ang kapasyahan ng mamamayang Bikolano at buong sambayanang Pilipino sa kanilang mapanuring tindig sa mga pekeng balita. Ang kanilang karanasan ang mismong patunay ng tunay na naratibo ng bayang pinapasakitan ng pangingibabaw ng estratehiyang militar sa pamamahala ng isang gubyerno.

Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!

Lumaban at lumaya!

https://cpp.ph/statement/kasinungalingan-ng-afp-inilantad-ng-mapagmatyag-at-mapanuring-mga-bikolano/

CPP/NPA-Southern Mindanao: Despite own ceasefire, AFP troops courting disaster in combat operations around Southern Mindanao

NPA-Southern Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 30, 2019): Despite own ceasefire, AFP troops courting disaster in combat operations around Southern Mindanao

RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ

NPA-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

MERARDO ARCE COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 30, 2019

Since December 23, AFP troops have launched combat operations in at least 5 provinces around Southern Mindanao region, in direct violation of the GRP’s unilateral ceasefire declaration, actively seeking armed engagement with NPA units and terrorizing peasants and Lumad in their wake.

Most definitely, these forward deployments are offensive in nature, and in no way able to downplay the AFP’s abhorrent posturing of abiding by their own ceasefire order. To be sure, in the event of an armed encounter with Red fighters as a result of these incursions into hinterland areas, the AFP will feign guiltlessness and condemn the NPA for “attacking their troops who are pulling out of the area in observance of their ceasefire order.”

Between 23 December to 28 December 2019, the following troop movements of the AFP in Southern Mindanao have been reported and confirmed:

Bukidnon:

1.1 December 24 – Sitio Salumayag, Brgy. Digongan, Kitaotao – 30 members of the 89th Infantry Battalion
1.2. December 24 – Sitio Gatungon, Brgy. Sta. Fe, Quezon – 18 members of the 89thIB
1.3. December 25 – Brgy. Balokbokan, Kitaotao – at least 1 squad of the 3rd IB
1.4. December 24- Brgy. Metebagao, Kitaotao – at least 1 squad of the 3rd IB
1.5. December 24 – Brgy. Kalapaton, Kibawe – at least 1 squad of the 3rd IB
1.6. December 24 – Sitio Salalayan, Brgy. Sinuda, Kitaotao – 1 platoon of the 57th IB

Davao del Norte:

2.1. December 23 – Sitio Lambid, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod. – 1 platoon of the 56thIB
2.2. December 23 – Sitio Migsulok-sulok, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod – 1 platoon of the 56thIB

Davao deo Oro:

3.1. December 23 – Brgy. Manurigao, New Bataan – 66th IB
3.2. December 23 – Sitio Mascareg, Brgy. Anitapan, Mabini – 71st IB
3.3. December 23 – Sitio Manasa, Anitapan, Mabini – 71st IB
3.4. December 23 – Sitio Candinuyan, Brgy. Golden Valley, Mabini – 71st IB

Davao Oriental:

4.1. December 23 – Baganga – 67th IB

North Cotabato:

5.1. December 23 – Arakan – 19th IB and its paramilitary Bagani

Aside from these specific instances of troop movements in hinterland areas, AFP units have likewise intensified patrol base operations in Laak, Asuncion and New Corella in Davao del Norte and in Montevista, Davao de Oro.

Meanwhile, NPA units in the region are conscientiously observing the CPP’s ceasefire order, adhering to the directive of active defense mode while holding off offensive actions against enemy units in their areas of operations. However, in light of the current situation on the ground, NPA units are also ready to give battle to the AFP’s operating troops in order to defend the masses and their ranks.

In the midst of these AFP combat operations, however, NPA units and revolutionary mass organizations were able to successfully celebrate the CPP’s 51st anniversary in guerilla bases and zones around the region. Despite the treacherous marauding of AFP troops in the countryside, NPA units were able to mobilize the network of organizations, supporters and allies within their respective areas of operation to ensure that the celebrations were safely held.

The Regional Operations Command of the NPA in Southern Mindanao reiterates its commitment to the formal resumption of the peace negotiation, even as we continue to be vigilant against the orchestrations of the warmongers and peace spoilers within the US-Duterte regime that have always seen the peace process as a threat to the perpetuation of the exploitative semi-colonial and semi-feudal system.

https://cpp.ph/statement/despite-own-ceasefire-afp-troops-courting-disaster-in-combat-operations-around-southern-mindanao/

Joma Sison: Reds won’t pull out of talks due to aborted plenum

From MindaNews (Dec 30, 2019): Joma Sison: Reds won’t pull out of talks due to aborted plenum (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews / 30 December) — Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison assured Monday that they will not pull out from the negotiating table merely because the Army spoiled the scheduled communist plenum in Surigao del Norte.

“There was no exchange of gunfire and there was no bloody incident. This is too small (of an) issue to warrant a pull out from the negotiations,” said Sison, also the chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Sison, who is on self-exile in Utrecht, The Netherlands, spoke to reporters Monday morning via Skype after the Army spoiled the planned plenum and mass wedding ceremony of their supporters in Bacuag town.

He said the NPA units and top leaders of the communist party have already pulled out from Bacuag Monday morning.

Sison, however, did not discount the possibility that the NPA Front 16 would file a protest for the provocation allegedly committed by the Army.

He said that the NPA unit could raise their protest to the NDFP negotiating panel, which will in turn discuss it with the government panel headed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

Major General Nemecio Gacal, Jr., chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said on Monday that the communist rebels violated ceasefire conditions with their attempt to hold their plenum and mass wedding of their members near a community.

Gacal stressed that the ceasefire agreement was “clear that the rebels should not have ventured out from their camps.”

But they have chosen to hold their activity near Sitio Bay-ang, Barangay Lahi in Gigaquit town, which is a “clear violation of the ceasefire,” Gacal said.

“It would take only a complaint from a resident and I will send in the troops,” he said.

The Army deployed soldiers and 105mm howitzers in Barangay Lahi ready to assault the rebels’ position.

Gacal revealed they got wind of the events being planned by the rebels from village officials.

“There were feelers from officials asking us what if the rebels hold a plenum in their village. What would happen?” he said.

Gacal said they confirmed the information after police officers and soldiers arrested two communist rebels and two other supporters bringing a big quantity of supply to their waiting comrades in Barangay Lahi.

The rebels have invited journalists from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Davao to cover the event.

By late Sunday afternoon, the rebels monitored the build-up of troops in Gigaguit town.

Ka Oto, spokesperson of NPA Front 16, advised reporters who were about to cover the event not to proceed anymore.

The reporters were staying in a hotel in Butuan City and would have travelled to nearby Bacuag town, venue of the plenum and mass wedding.

“Its no longer safe for you to come here,” Ka Oto said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/joma-sison-reds-wont-pull-out-of-talks-due-to-aborted-plenum/

Duterte renews calls for NPA rebels to surrender

From MindaNews (Dec 30, 2019): Duterte renews calls for NPA rebels to surrender (By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 December) – President Rodrigo Duterte renewed Monday his call for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender, weeks after giving peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) another shot.

In a speech during his visit to the earthquake-affected families in M’lang, Cotabato, Duterte said members of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), could become “useful” if they surrender and contribute to the development of the country, particularly in the booming construction industry.

He said that many skilled workers, such as electricians, plumbers and construction workers, have been leaving the country to work in the Middle East because of higher salary, leaving the local construction industry with insufficient manpower to complete private and government projects.

“Kailangan ko kayong mga NPA. Hindi sa patayan, wala akong makuha kung patayin kita, may mas silbi kayo sa bayan kung magtulungan tayo (I need you NPA. But not in killing, I will get nothing if I kill you. You will be useful to the country if we help each other),” he said.

Duterte claimed a number of NPA rebels had surrendered since he assumed the presidency on June 30, 2016.

The President promised to provide those who will surrender with a house and lot, employment and free education at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Maraming nag susurrender, marami talaga ang bumababa. Magsama na lang tayo, may pera ang gobyerno. Pagdating ninyo dito sa baba, pagawaan ko kayo ng mga condo, tapos mag aral kayo sa TESDA (Many have surrendered, many have come down. Let’s join together, the government has money. When you get down here, I will build you a condo, and then you study at TESDA),” he said.

Early this month, Duterte, during a visit to typhoon-hit Legaspi City in Albay, revealed that he ordered Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the chief government negotiator in talks with the communists, to talk with Jose Maria Sison, CPP founding chair and NDFP chief political consultant, regarding the possible resumption of peace negotiations.

Duterte cancelled peace talks with the NDFP, the CPP’s political arm, then slated on November 25 to 27, 2017 through Proclamation 360. He cited their “lack of sincerity” due to their continuing offensives against government troops.

The President subsequently signed Proclamation 374, designating the CPP and the NPA as terrorist organizations.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/duterte-renews-calls-for-npa-rebels-to-surrender/

Rebels’ plenum in Surigao called off as soldiers swarm venue

From MindaNews (Dec 30, 2019): Rebels’ plenum in Surigao called off as soldiers swarm venue
(By FROILAN GALLARDO)

BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews / 29 December) – Communist rebels called off Sunday a plenum and mass wedding of their supporters in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte on Monday, December 30, as soldiers swarmed the venue.

The arrest of two rebels and two other supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) led the Army to suspect that something big was going to happen in Bacuag.

Police arrested two motorcycle drivers carrying 18 packs of black fatigue pants; 37 packs of poncho tents; and 1,000 bottles of softdrinks last Saturday.

Members of the New People’s Army of Northern Mindanao Guerilla Front 68 in formation during a ceremony in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag town in Bukidnon in this file photo taken last April 17, 2017 when the NPA released a police officer it earlier held captive. MIndaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Col. Maurito Licudine, commander of the Army 401stInfantry Brigade, said they also arrested two communist rebels with warrants of arrests near Bacuag town on Sunday.

“This led us to suspect the rebels are planning something big near Bacuag town,” Licudine said.

President Rodrigo Duterte and the CPP’s Central Committee on December 22 each declared a unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire from December 23, 2019 to 11:59 p.m. on January 7, 2020.

Surigao has been the usual venue for the December 26 anniversary celebrations of the CPP.

Police Regional 13 Director Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., said the drivers, under intense questioning by the police, told investigators they were instructed to deliver the supplies to the communist rebels waiting in Sitio Bay-ang, Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte

“We also monitored the coming and going of known rebels in Barangay Lahi,” Licudine said, adding he immediately dispatched soldiers to take up positions in Barangay Lahi.

He also deployed four 105mm howitzers ready to assault rebel positions but Licudine said “what held us was our concern that the communist rebels will withdraw from the negotiating table.”

The rebels monitored the build-up of soldiers in Gigaguit town.

At about 7 p.m. on Sunday, Ka Oto, spokesperson of the New People’s Army (NPA) Front 16, informed reporters invited to cover the plenum not to proceed anymore.

The reporters were staying in a hotel in Butuan City and would have travelled to nearby Bacuag town, venue of the plenum and mass wedding.

Ka Oto advised reporters who were about to cover the event not to proceed anymore or turn back

“It’s no longer safe for you to come here,” Ka Oto said. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/rebels-plenum-in-surigao-called-off-as-soldiers-swarm-venue/

‘Ex-rebels’ photo genuine, not fake’

From the Manila Standard (Dec 31, 2019): ‘Ex-rebels’ photo genuine, not fake’ (By MJ Blancaflor)

The Palace on Sunday defended the “photoshopped” photo of supposed rebel surrenderees distributed by the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, saying it had not been manipulated since it was merely a “collage.”

PHOTOSHOPPED? The original photo released by the Army’s 9th infantry division, 2nd IB, which came under fire from eagle-eyed netizens.Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo claimed that the edited photo, which was supposedly taken on Dec. 26, were two photos that were combined in one collage.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and I were talking. The explanation to him was those were two photos that were combined. So it was just collaged. In other words, those were authentic,’’ Panelo said in a radio interview.

So that’s not manipulation. It would be different if the photo was fake to make it appear that many people surrendered.”

Malacañang warned communist rebels to refrain from attacking government forces in the wake of the purported violations of the holiday ceasefire that will last until Jan. 7 next year.

This came after military forces cried foul at the New People’s Army for detonating an improvised explosive device in Iloilo and Camarines Norte on Dec. 23, the first day of the truce.

Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte remained open to resuming the talks with the rebels despite the recent incidents.

The President gave them another chance so they should avoid the repeat of attacks against government forces,’’ Panelo said.

And amid the plan to revive the peace negotiations, Malacañang on Sunday appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing, the New People’s Army, to honor the ceasefire deal with the government troops.

Panelo said President Duterte had decided to ignore the recent attacks waged by the NPA rebels despite the implementation of the holiday truce for the sake of the planned resumption of the talks between the state peace negotiators and the members of the CPP’s political arm, the National Democratic Front.

Whatever the reason is, the President gave them another chance, so they should avoid the repeat of attacks against government forces,” Panelo said in an interview with dzIQ.

The photo, sent to reporters with a press release, showed a group of people in Masbate lining up in front of a row of rifles placed on top of a desk.

Lorenzana earlier said he had directed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Noel Clement to conduct an inquiry and ensure that sanctions were out against those responsible for the manipulated photos.

This is very serious because it undermines the efforts of the whole Organization, the AFP,’’ he was quoted in a report.

The wrongdoing, Lorenzana said, was unacceptable while the military was enjoying an unprecedented high trust rating from the people.

The Philippine Army unit involved, through its spokesman Major Ricky Aguilar, has owned up to the mistake and apologized, saying they edited the picture to ensure the safety of former rebels and their families.

But the group stood by its claim that there were rebel surrenderees.

There were indeed 306 surrenderers in Masbate where negotiations began sometime in October 2019. The actual surrender was done Dec. 26, 2019,” Aguilar said.

In our ardent desire to release timely information, we were not able to double-check the pictures we attached in our press release.” With PNA

https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/313674/-ex-rebels-photo-genuine-not-fake-.html

Arrest of 4 suspected rebels led Army to CPP plenum venue in Surigao

From Cebu Daily News (Dec 30, 2019): Arrest of 4 suspected rebels led Army to CPP plenum venue in Surigao (By Froilan Gallardo)

CPP in Mindanao aborts plenum in Surigao town amid heavy presence of soldiers, policemen

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — The arrest of two communist rebels and two other supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines led the Army to suspect that something big was going to happen in Bacuag town, Surigao del Norte by today, Monday, December 30, 2019.

On Saturday, police arrested two suspected CPP supporters, both motorcycle drivers carrying 18 packs of black fatigue pants, 37 packs of poncho tents, and 1,000 bottles of soda.

Colonel Maurito Licudine, commander of the Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade, said they also arrested two communist rebels with pending arrest warrants near Bacuag town on Sunday.

“This lead us to suspect the rebels are planning something big near Bacuag town,” Licudine in an interview on Sunday night.

Under intense questioning by the police, the drivers told investigators they were instructed to deliver the supplies to the communist rebels waiting in Sitio Bay-ang, Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, revealed Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 director General Joselito Esquivel Jr. in a separate interview.

“We also monitored the coming and going of known rebels in Barangay Lahi,” Licudine said.

Licudine said he immediately dispatched soldiers to take up positions in Barangay Lahi. He also deployed four 105mm howitzers ready to assault the rebel positions.

However, he said, they decided to hold back any offensive action because it could derail ongoing peace negotiations.

“What held us was our concern that the communist rebels will withdraw from the negotiating table,” Licudine said.

The rebels, who had planned the plenum amid an existing holiday ceasefire, have monitored the build-up of soldiers in Gicaguit town in Surigao del Norte.

Key leaders of the CPP in Mindanao, along with its military arm, the New People’s Army, were planning to hold a plenum and mass wedding of its supporters in Barangay Lahi this Monday. They have invited a number of journalists in Mindanao to cover the plenum.

At about 7 p.m. on Sunday, however, Ka Oto, spokesperson of NPA Front 16, informed reporters invited to cover the plenum that they could no longer proceed since Army soldiers have swarmed the town.

The reporters had by then left the hotel they were staying in Butuan City and were en route to nearby Bacuag town where the rebels said they would be holding the plenum and mass wedding.

Ka Oto advised reporters who were about to cover the event not to proceed and turn back.

“Its no longer safe for you to come here,” Ka Oto said in a message to reporters gathered outside of the town./elb

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/278084/arrest-of-4-suspected-rebels-led-army-to-cpp-plenum-venue-in-surigao

Sison offers to meet Duterte 'in any country' near PH

From ABS-CBN (Dec 30, 2019): Sison offers to meet Duterte 'in any country' near PH

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MANILA (UPDATE) - Exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison refused calls
by Malacanang for him to come home for the peace negotiations, but emphasized
he was "willing to meet the President in any country near the Philippines."

Should the government and communist rebels concur on an interim peace
agreement, Sison said he can meet with President Rodrigo Duterte in a nearby
nation.

"It’s not yet time for me to go to the Philippines because (that would be) putting
at risk the peace process but we can go further after the interim peace agreement
to completing CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms),"
Sison told ANC's Early Edition.

"After that I can go to Manila and meet the President there."

The Philippine Army, however, assured Sison of his security.

"The President has guaranteed his safety and the Armed Forces will guarantee
his safety. If him coming home is a solution for us to end this 50-year-old insurgency
then we welcome it," Philippine Army public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala
told ANC's Headstart.

"He should also be sincere of coming home. I think 50 years, he seemed
disconnected already."

Sison believes the formal resumption of peace negotiations between government
and communist rebels may be achieved within January or February next year
of 2020.

Peace talks with Reds may resume in January: Bello

Sison, however, said both camps must first reaffirm deals made since 1992,
terminate President Rodrigo Duterte's order last March cancelling the peace talks,
and negotiate  the interim peace agreement.

The agreement is composed of general amnesty and the release of all political
prisoners, the mutual approval of the articles on land reform and national
industrialization on social economic reforms, and the creation of a coordinated
unilateral ceasefire-monitoring committee, according to Sison.

"The reforms must be put forward, they must be agreed upon first up to a
certain point to show that the Duterte regime is really changing for the better and
not trying to get NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) into a trap
in Manila," he said.

Sison, meantime, welcomed the appointment of Executive Secretary Salvador
Medialdea to the government's peace panel.

"If you have the Executive Secretary there, who is the alter ego and sometimes
called the 'Little President' then things that need to be done by the President can
be facilitated," he said.

"It's a good sign that President Duterte is inclined to have peace negotiations
even if there’s a counter-manifestation from military hawks."

Sison added that the unilateral ceasefire would hold and may be extended if
there are "clear assurances that the negotiations will be resumed."

The military earlier accused the left's armed wing, the New People's Army, of
violatingthe ceasefire, which was set from 12 a.m., Dec. 23 until 11:59 p.m.
of Jan. 7, 2020.

Palace declares ceasefire with communist rebels, eyes resumption of peace talks

"There's nothing systematic and deliberate about the incidents. They happen to
be the responsibility of military and police forces involved," Sison said, adding
that the NPA had not yet received a copy of the ceasefire orders.

But the soldiers involved were on their way back to camp to "conduct active
defense," Zagala said.

"That’s not a reason. Both parties signed that the ceasefire starts midnight,"
he said.

"If that’s the case then we can see Mr. Joma Sison has no control over his
rebel forces, the more that we should be talking locally," Zagala added.

Government had pushed for local peace negotiations with communist rebels
following the formal termination of national peace efforts.

Palace: Local peace efforts in Davao can continue

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/30/19/sison-offers-to-meet-duterte-in-any-country-near-ph