Saturday, December 15, 2012

NPA atrocities complicate AFP’s Humanitarian Efforts

Posted to  the anti-communist KABARANGAY Blog (Dec 14): NPA atrocities complicate AFP’s Humanitarian Efforts

The Organized Crime Group New People’s Army attack the Peace and Development Team of 60th Infantry Battalion on humanitarian mission Thursday morning a day after it announced ceasefire to give way for the victims of typhoon Pablo. The 10th Infantry Division disclosed that at 5:45 a.m., army troops augmented to assist and deliver relief goods to distressed and stricken residents in Sitio Banoog, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, however, they were waylaid by NPA fighters.

“Members of 60th IB were fired upon at the outreach station in said village”, 10th ID spokesman Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza said. He then slams the notorious group adding that perpetrating atrocity “is contrary to their promise of a 29-day ceasefire” that started on December 5, 2012 to January 3, 2013. “We all know that their promise of truce is nothing but a sugar coated lie to make them look like Good Samaritans. It is a mere façade to cloak their real identity as criminals”, Paniza said. He added that the rebel group is exploiting the distraught situation of the victims as propaganda and nothing else. “This incident only manifests their insincerity in helping the people especially those badly affected residents. If we are on relief mission mode, then they are on ‘business as usual’ mode without considering that the assault hampered our relief efforts”, he added.

 To recall on Sunday, four days after the National Democratic Front started ceasefire and a day before the 64th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the NPAs also committed another crime by attempting to kill Pfc. Lito Mansalo-on and by abducting his two minor daughters, aged 14 and 12, in the remote village of Sitio Danao, Brgy Gupitan, San Isidro, Davao del Norte. Paniza cited the said attack adding that the criminal group did not spare the said soldier and his family who was also a victim of Pablo’s wrath after their house was washed out during the onslaught of the typhoon. Paniza assured though that the atrocities of the NPAs will not hamper their relief efforts nor stop them to access remote areas to aid assistance and help the victims to start anew.

http://kadreporras.blogspot.com/2012/12/npa-atrocities-complicate-afps.html

PH-US ties reach new level

From the Manila Stardard Today (Dec 16): PH-US ties reach new level

United States Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Saturday that the decades-old bilateral relations between Washington and Manila have reached a new level. Campbell said Washington and Manila had agreed to focus its ties through partnerships for economic growth, reform, science, trade and investments. He said that previously, US-Philippines relations were focused on defense and security and hardly tackled cooperation on the economic front. “We’ve done a lot behind the scenes, with the remarkable support from the Department of Defense, the number of efforts with respect to Mindanao, and other elements on the security side,” Campbell said in a recent press briefing. “But at the highest level, we have not worked closely in recent years during the period of 1950’s 60’s or 1970’s. We want to enhance our high level engagement but we want to do it in a different way than we did in the past,” he said.

This may mean that the U.S. Government would focus more on the economy rather than enhancing further Manila’s defense capabilities, despite the fact that the Philippines is currently embroiled in an ongoing dispute with China over claims in the waters and islands of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said that while Washington appeared to have shifted its focus to economy and trade, the United States remained committed in building a “minimum credible defense” for the country’s armed forces. He said that Washington has committed to provide Manila with a combination of troops, equipment and military training and exercises. Batino, however, said Washington’s plan to strengthen Manila’s defense capability was a key component in the implementation of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement, as he explained that there was really no new agreement when it comes to security and defense.

Foreign Affairs outgoing Undersecretary on policy Erlinda Basilio, meanwhile, said that Washington had been pushing for new agreements on economic growth, particularly for the Millennium Challenge Corporation through bilateral agreements on science and technology cooperation, trade and investments.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/12/16/ph-us-ties-reach-new-level/

Terror suspect slain

From  the Manila Standard Today (Dec 16): Terror suspect slain



The suspected bomber lies dead (top) while SWAT operatives inspect the scene of the crime and his backpack. Police photo
 
A suspected Malaysian terrorist who belonged to the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group was killed on Friday by the police in front of a hotel in Davao City after he allegedly threatened to detonate a bomb hidden in his black knapsack, the police chief Senior Supt. Ronald dela Rosa said. The suspected terrorist, Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abud Kahar, was shot dead by police late Friday following a scuffle inside a hotel where he and his Filipino wife had checked in, de la Rosa said. His wife, Annabelle Nieva Lee, was arrested by the police.

As the couple was checking out, the man tried to grab a backpack that the woman was holding containing a homemade bomb. Officers, meanwhile, tried to seize the man, who broke free and threatened to detonate the device. “You want the bomb? You want the bomb? Shoot me! Shoot me! I will explode the bomb,” de la Rosa quoted the man as saying. This prompted officers and people in the hotel lobby to scamper out for safety, the police chief said.

The man and his wife then ran into the street, where they hugged each other as the man raised a cellphone, threatening to use it to trigger the bomb, de la Rosa said. The man grabbed the backpack from his wife and ran toward a park full of Friday night revelers, leaving the woman, who was taken into custody by police, he said.

Guards locked the park’s gate, and the man, still raising his hand that held the cellphone, ran into a packed restaurant, where a sniper shot him twice in the chest. The man did not immediately fall, so other officers fired at him and killed him, de la Rosa said. The bomb was fashioned from a 60 mm mortar shell that was subsequently defused by SWAT’s ordnance team, he said.

The suspect was trained by Umar Patek, a terror leader who figured in the Jakarta attack on Christmas eve 2000 where 19 people were killed, and the October 2002 Bali attacks that had 202 people dead. Patek last November was sentenced by an Indonesian court to 20 years in prison. Police said intelligence reports indicated terrorists planned to explode a bomb in Davao, a port city and a commercial hub on Mindanao.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/12/16/terror-suspect-slain/

‘Bomber casually walked towards the bar’

From Rappler (Dec 15): ‘Bomber casually walked towards the bar’

THE BAR. A security guard of the bar and restaurant where Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar was shot dead by local police forces points to the spot where the bomber died. Photo by Karlos Manlupig

THE BAR. A security guard of the bar and restaurant where Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar was shot dead by local police forces points to the spot where the bomber died. Photo by Karlos Manlupig

Despite being chased by local security forces, suspected Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah bomber Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar and his Filipina wife Anabelle Lee, casually walked toward a crowded bar and restaurant on Friday evening, December 14, witnesses said. An employee of SoundBox bar where Kahar attempted to detonate the bomb said he saw the couple walking without giving any hint of alarm or threat. “Kahar directly went to the entrance of the bar. We saw nothing alarming,” the employee, who asked not to be named, said.

“Suddenly one of the guards stationed outside shouted to the female guard who was at the entrance of the bar. He told the female guard not to let Kahar enter the crowded bar. There were more than a hundred people inside the bar that time,” the employee narrated. The employee added they later learned the guard outside was asked by police forces to warn the people inside the bar that they were chasing Kahar. “Fortunately, the lady guard was able to close the door and at the same time the police forces immediately shot Kahar,” the employee said. “His wife was later caught hiding inside the kitchen,” the employee added.

The chase ensued after responding state security forces failed to arrest the couple at the hotel lobby when Kahar threatened to detonate the bomb. Senior Supt Ronald dela Rosa, chief of the Davao City Police Office, said combined forces from the local police, Task Force Davao, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency responded to arrest the suspects after an intelligence report from “very reliable sources” confirmed the couple was in the city for a bombing operation. Dela Rosa said the objective of the couple was to sow terror in crowded places. “I do not want to speculate but the target is most likely on places where people converge,” the police chief said. Dela Rosa also appealed to Jemaah Islamiyah and other terrorist organizations to stop inflicting damage and suffering on civilians.

EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. SPOI Marcial Aplasca, ordnance specialist of the Davao City Police Office, shows the construct of the improvised explosive device recovered from a suspected Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah member who was shot dead by local security forces in Davao City on Friday evening. Photo by Karlos Manlupig

EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. SPOI Marcial Aplasca, ordnance specialist of the Davao City Police Office, shows the construct of the improvised explosive device recovered from a suspected Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah member who was shot dead by local security forces in Davao City on Friday evening. Photo by Karlos

DANGER. What it's made of. Photo by Karlos Manlupig

Danger. What it's made of. Photos by Karlos Manlupig
 

Four barangays in Looc get nod for aid

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 15): Four barangays in Looc get nod for aid

Four barangay representatives here were able to convince key officials of the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an American foreign aid agency, to prioritize programs for their communities.These barangays are Balatucan, Tuguis, Manhac, and Pili. The barangays proposed for health centers, water system, and the development of the farm-to-market roads.

The MCC grant for the municipality is P5.4 million. The municipal local government unit allocated P810,000 as their local counterpart contribution for the project. Earlier, all 12 barangays of the municipality were represented at the covered court to join the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum-Participatory Resource Allocation (MIBF-PRA), under the Kalahi-CIDSS program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).  Each barangay prepared a mini-gallery showing their barangay’s sub-project proposal, complete with pictures and other creative stuff. Other barangays’ community members tried to convince the others to vote for their own sub-project proposal by engaging in role-playing as they present their sub-project proposal.

The MIBF is a strategy for community empowerment through localized decision-making. It is a venue for the Barangay Representation Teams (BRTs), who are volunteers of KALAHI-CIDSS, to present their sub-project proposals and choose which among the community projects will be prioritized. The forum participants will choose what they think is the most viable and feasible based on the criteria set by the KALAHI-CIDSS volunteers themselves.

The activity was graced by the key staff of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P). MCC Washington Associate Director from the Department of Compact Operations Michelle Inkley said she was thrilled to know what sub-projects the barangays have proposed. Ernesto Panes, the Acting Mayor, said that he was honored that the guests graced the event. “Malaki ang pasasalamat namin dahil bahagi kami ng Kalahi-CIDSS. Napakalaking tulong ito sa amin dito sa Looc,” he said. (We are truly grateful for being part of Kalahi-CIDSS, this is truly a big help here in Looc).

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1851355553730

PHL history replete with instances of factionalism

Feature article posted to the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15): PHL history replete with instances of factionalism

[Might be of interest to those who often wonder why there are so many different groups/factions in the Philippines]

Philippine history is replete with instances of factionalism where groups are polarized into pros vs. antis. Name it. And you can find divisions within a group, be it politics, religion, sports, showbiz, whatever.

The break-up of the Katipunan into the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions was one of the factors that led to the failure of the Philippine revolution in 1896. Andres Bonifacio left the group and formed the Magdiwang faction after his election as Director of Interior was questioned by Daniel Tirona. The latter claimed the position for which Bonifacio was elected should go to a lawyer. Tirona was an ally of Emilio Aguinaldo who was earlier elected as President. The schism between the revolutionaries worsened when Bonifacio was killed by the Magdalo group. This event would be debated later by historians -- that Aguinaldo was responsible for the death of Bonifacio.

The same allegation against Aguinaldo would be repeated later with the killing of Gen. Antonio Luna in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. Luna did not conform with many of the policies of Aguinaldo. To address what was perceived as recalcitrance of Luna, a meeting was arranged between him and emissaries of Aguinaldo, according to historical papers. Alone, the Ilocano general -- Luna was from Badoc, Ilocos Norte -- went to the agreed on rendezvous where he was repeatedly stabbed and shot dead, according to some historical accounts.

Political parties in the Philippines started in 1907 when the Partido Nacionalista dominated the Philippine Assembly. Stalwarts of the party who became presidents of the country were Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña. Manuel Roxas, originally a Nacionalista, was elected head of state under the Partido Liberal which he founded in 1945 after the war. The two opposing parties had differences in ideologies. The Nacionalistas were associated with conservatism and the Liberalistas, liberalism. But leaders of the two parties had one thing in common. Aside from being well-schooled, they all came from wealthy families.

Student activism in the Philippines flourished in the mid-60s when Ferdinand E. Marcos, a former Liberal who turned Nacionalista, was President. Activists then branded politicians as "naghaharing uri" (the ruling class). In 1964, Jose Ma. Sison, a faculty member of the University of the Philippines organized the Kabataang Makabayan. An ally of KM, the Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan, would emerge later. Sison had been a member of the Provisional Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines under Jesus Lava and Pedro Taruc. Sison resigned from the CPP, but Lava claimed that Joma was expelled from the party. The KM-SDK both embraced the teachings of Mao Tse Tung -- e.g. “political power grows out of the barrel of the gun!” Meaning, reform in the government can only be achieved through armed struggle.

Another leftist with Marxist-Leninist orientation, the Malayang Pagkakaisa ng Kabataang Pilipino, was also active during the early 70s. But the KM-SDK shunned this group for being a “Soviet revisionist.”  Meanwhile, the alliance of student groups like National Union of Students of the Philippines which opposed the so-called “national democracy” of the KM-SDK were branded as rightists, anti-revolutionary, reactionaries, pseudo-nationalists, and lackeys of the government.

In 1969, Nur Misuari, another UP instructor, organized the Moro National Liberation Front which sought to establish a separate Islamic state in Mindanao. A Samal-Tausug, Misuari formed this group with other Filipino Muslims from other cultural communities in Mindanao, among them Hashim Salamat, a Maguindanaoan. But despite their commonality in faith, the MNLF was split. Misuari expelled Salamat in 1977 after he refused to accept the signing of the Tripoli Agreement by the MNLF and the Philippine government. In 1984, Salamat organized the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Flashback to 1898. Bernardino Nozaleda, the last Spanish Archbishop of Manila, asked Filipino Catholic priest Gregorio Aglipay to talk with the leaders of the revolutionaries and offer them a level of autonomy for the Philippines. But Aglipay, who set up his Sandataan guerrilla headquarters in Pinili, Ilocos Norte at the turn of the 20th century, was overtaken by the Philippine-American war. He joined the revolution and was appointed Military Vicar General of the revolutionaries. In this capacity, Aglipay sent a letter to various clergy enjoining them to ask the Pope to appoint Filipino priests in all local church positions. Because of this, Nozaleda excommunicated Aglipay. This would lead to the establishment of the Philippine Independent Church in 1902. More than a decade later, Felix Y. Manalo founded the Iglesia ni Cristo on July 27, 1914.

During this period, too, the Americans had introduced to the natives the Protestant religion. In the early 80s, few observers perceived that many Catholics dissociated themselves from the Church and turned born-again Christians because of the meddling of then Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin in government affairs.  To oppose one another in terms of ethnicity, religion and political beliefs are not a monopoly of Filipinos. There is, for instance, the decades-old feud between the Protestants and Catholics in Ireland; the war in the Middle East between and among members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (formerly Conference); the sporadic fighting between South and North Korea; and the intransigence of Taiwan towards Mainland China.

The Filipino, according to anthropologist Eric Casiño, has a multi-layered identity. From being a plain tao, a Filipino is first identified through his place of origin. Hence, he is a Visayan, Ilokano, Kampampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, etc. The archipelagic configuration of the Philippines made this so. This is also the reason why Filipinos are clannish and regionalistic; and could be the reason Filipinos were easily subjugated by foreigners. They easily fell prey to the so-called “divide and conquer rule.”

Next to ethnicity, a Filipino has a religious identity which makes him a Catholic, Muslim, Iglesia ni Cristo, a Baptist, Adventist, or a born-again Christian. A Filipino is further categorized through his ideological orientation or inclination, hence, the leftist and rightist tags.

In Malacañang today, there is a so-called Samar group composed of people identified with Vice President Jejomar Binay and the Balay Group identified with Secretary Mar Roxas.

There is also a division from the ranks of workers, farmers and transport groups, e.g. the Kilusang Mayo Uno vs the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas vs National Farmers Supreme Union, and the PISTON vs the Pasang Masda, respectively. Just recently, the two militant party-lists representing the “underprivileged and underrepresented” sought each other’s delisting from the roster of the Comelec.

In showbiz during the 60s, movie fans were either a Susan Roces diehard or an Amalia Fuentes fanatic; in the 70s, it was Vilmanians vs Noranians. In sports, well-known rivalries in basketball are the Blue Eagles vs Green Archers; Crispa vs Toyota, etc.

Other identities may be based upon a person’s affiliation. A joke is oft repeated, with a boy asking his mother: “Mama, how do lions make love?” After a brief pause, she answered: “I don’t know, son, your father is a Rotarian.”

To achieve national unity, Dr. Casiño said, Filipinos have to transcend their individual, ethnic, religious and other identities and think as a Filipino. He did not elaborate.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=480101

4 wounded soldiers recognized for bravery

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15): 4 wounded soldiers recognized for bravery

Four Army soldiers who were wounded in Friday's encounter with a group of heavily- armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a central Negros Occidental town were given recognition for bravery Saturday. Maj. Enrico Gil Ileto, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division based in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz, said no less than the 3ID commanding general, Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, awarded the Armed Forces of the Philippines Wounded Personnel Medal to 1Lt. Shamon Pamitan, Sgt. Romeo B. Castillano, Pfc. Justino Esquibel Jr. and Pfc. Nesty Deniega at their hospital bed at the Riverside Hospital in Bacolod City.

Ileto said the AFP Wounded Personnel Medal is granted to soldiers wounded in action against the country's enemy or as a direct result of an act of the enemy. Apart from the medal, the wounded soldiers also received P20,000 cash benefit. “Our soldiers' morale and welfare is our primary concern, and we are instituting means and ways, together with the nearest civilian medical facility in Western Visayas, to immediately assist wounded soldiers in the battlefield,” Mabanta said.

The four wounded soldiers were among the members of the 11th Infantry Battalion’s Alpha Company who clashed with more than 30 NPA rebels at around 8 a.m. Friday in Sitio Mahopato, Barangay San Agustin, Isabela, Negros Occidental. Two soldiers and two rebels were killed in the firefight. Apart from the rebel fatalities, the government soldiers captured 19 suspected rebels in the encounter site. The soldiers also recovered eight combat packs containing a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines loaded with live ammunition and magazines of M14 and M16 Armalite rifles, subversive documents and personal belongings left behind by the rebels as they abandoned their encampment in the area.

1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, who led the soldiers in the conduct of internal security patrol operation in the area, said he believed that the fleeing enemy also suffered several wounded cadres. Meanwhile, the captured rebels have been turned over to the custody of the Isabela Philippine National Police for investigation, military authorities are determined to file murder charges against them for the death of two soldiers and wounding of four others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=480209

Soldier’s family escapes Pablo but falls prey to NPA bandits

From the Faces, Places & Voices (Ranger Cabunzky) Blog (Dec 14): Soldier’s family escapes Pablo but falls prey to NPA bandits



Lito Mansaluon shared to me his unforgettable experience during my visit in Davao City on December 11, 2012. His 12 year old daughter (left) and 14 year old niece (right) were abducted by the NPA rebels in a hinterland village in Kapalong, Davao del Norte on December 9, 2012. (10th CMO Bn photo)

After the devastation brought about by typhoon Pablo, another tragedy befell Army Private First Class Lito Mansaluon, a tragic event that became a dark chapter in his life as a soldier. Masaluon, 44, is the Assistant Patrol Base Commander of Kimataan Patrol Base under the 72nd Infantry Battalion, 10thInfantry Division. A member of the Ata tribe, he is a former NPA rebel who surrendered to the government and later on joined the Philippine Army.

At about 9 a.m. on December 9, Masaluon was on his way back to his camp on board a motorcycle with two minors when he spotted heavily armed NPA rebels blocking the narrow pathway near Gupitan village, Kapalong town in Davao del Norte. “I was with my 12-year old daughter, 14-year old niece and another friend during that time. We were transporting a sack of rice for our food provisions inside camp when the incident happened,” said Mansaluon. Alarmed by the presence of NPA rebels, he was already calculating his chances to survive.

“As a former rebel, I knew the identities of some of the rebels. I am also aware that they will kill me if they will recognize me,” he said. Aware of the harm that might be brought upon his companions especially his daughter; he decided to leave them for their own safety. He brought the motorcycle to a screeching halt and ran away, leaving behind his stunned family members. However, before he could get away, two of the rebels chased him while firing indiscriminately at his direction.  Amidst the whizzing bullets, he was able to seek for cover. When opportunity struck, he fought back, killing one rebel and wounding another.

Again, he escaped and disappeared in the bushes. His companions were apprehended and were held against their will. “I was able to ask help from a friend who later disclosed that my family members were being held hostage by the NPA rebels. I reported the incident to my superiors,” he added.

Children in captivity

In her account Ashley (not her real name), the 14-year old niece of Mansaluon, said that the leader of Front 34, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, refused to release them because his father killed one of their members. While in captivity, she recognized one of the female members of the group to be their former neighbor who left their village a few years before. “She kept looking at me as if she is trying to tell me something. I felt that she wanted to protect me,” Ashley said.  All throughout her ordeal, she was trembling in fear trying to understand why they had to be detained against their will. Through the efforts of the village chieftain who negotiated for their release, they were finally freed at about 6 p.m. on that day.

Escaping Pablo’s wrath

Masaluon’s family was thankful that despite losing their house and other properties to typhoon Pablo, they survived the heavy flooding. With his home swept away by the raging floodwaters, the family took temporary shelter at the detachment. “I cannot leave them alone with no roof under their heads; I also have a duty to perform at the detachment, especially during this time of disaster relief and rescue operations. In order to look after my family without compromising my duties as a soldier, my family moved in with me at the detachment,” said Masaluon. Mansaluon and his men are also directed to help in the ongoing disaster response operations in the areas devastated by the typhoon ‘Pablo’.

NPAs disrespect for human rights

The NPA's series of attacks against non-combatants like young children are punishable under Republic Act 9851 or An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, Organizing Jurisdiction, Designating Special Courts, and for Related Purposes.

Under Chapter III, Section 4(b) of said Act, “1) violence to life and person, in particular willful killings, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture; 2) committing outrages upon personal dignity, in particular, humiliating and degrading treatment; 3) taking of hostages; and 4) the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court, affording all judicial guarantees which are generally recognized as indispensable,” are considered war crimes and is punishable under this law.

It is also a violation to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) that was signed by both the GRP and the CPP-NPA-NDF. Just last month, three unarmed soldiers onboard three motorcycles on their way back to camp were ambushed by more or less 10 NPA rebels in Brgy. Mapula, Paquibato District . Three of the soldiers died instantly, while the other one was dragged by the bandits, and shot at close range.  It can also be recalled that 48 residents, 18 of them children, were wounded when NPA rebels lobbed a grenade at a local circus show in the hinterland village of Paquibato District, Davao City last September 1.

http://rangercabunzky.blogspot.com/

Gov't hails MILF for prohibiting its members from bringing firearms in public

From the Sun Star (Dec 15): Gov't hails MILF for prohibiting its members from bringing firearms in public

The Philippine government lauded Saturday the move of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in prohibiting its members from wearing military fatigue uniforms and bearing firearms in public. "We are glad that the chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) has issued this protocol. This will definitely allay the fears of our people and communities," chief of the government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities General Gilberto Roa said.

The order banning the display of firearms and the wearing of military uniforms issued by Sammy Almanzur, chief of staff of the MILF-BIAF was handed down amid reports that MILF members were often seen roaming around Shariff Aguak, the capital town of Maguindanao province, and nearby Mamasapano town with firearms and full military uniform complete with MILF patches and insignia. Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanual Bautista said that the MILF order to dissuade its field members from carrying firearms and using military fatigue uniforms in public places "will surely advance the cause and the spirit of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement."

According to Roa, the government intends to reciprocate the move of the MILF "by strengthening our ceasefire mechanisms in order to keep the peace and to protect our people from those taking advantage and using the peace process for personal gains." "There have been rumors of people recruiting for the police force for the Bangsamoro in exchange for money. We caution our communities not to be fooled by these unscrupulous people," Roa said.

Currently, the government and the MILF are holding their 34th round of Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two parties continue to discuss the annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/12/15/govt-hails-milf-prohibiting-its-members-bringing-firearms-public-258493

Video: Suspected JI member shot dead in Davao (English)

From ABS-CBN (Dec 15): Video: Suspected JI member shot dead in Davao
 
Posted at 12/15/2012 1:54 PM
 


MANILA, Philippines -- A suspected member of the terror group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) was killed by authorities in Davao Friday evening. The suspect, identified as Malaysian national Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar, was shot dead by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team after he refused to turn over the cellphone believed to be the triggering device of the bomb he was carrying. More details from Danjo Revilla.  ANC Dateline Philippines, December 15, 2012

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/12/15/12/suspected-ji-member-shot-dead-davao

Video: Suspected JI bomber dead after police shootout (Tagalog)

Posted to ABS-CBN (Dec 15): Video: Hinihinalang JI bomber, patay matapos mabaril ng pulis (Suspected JI bomber dead after police shootout)

Suspected Jemaah Islamiya bomber

Sa Davao City, patay ang isang hinihinalang myembro ng Jemaah Islamiya matapos mabaril ng mga rumespondeng pulis kagabi. Bitbit mismo ng suspek ang isang bomba nang tangkang arestuhin ng mga pulis. (In Davao City, a suspected member of Jemaah Islamiya is dead following a shootout with police last night. The police attempted to arrest the suspect who was carrying a bomb.)  Nagpa-Patrol, Danjo Revilla. TV Patrol, Disyembre 15, 2012, Sabado

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/12/15/12/suspected-ji-bomber-killed-davao-shootout

Soldiers aid Pablo victims

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 15): Soldiers aids Pablo victims

Soldiers of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade are also donating their one-day subsistence allowance for the victims of typhoon Pablo in Mindanao, their commander, Col Oscar Lactao, said yesterday. The 303rd Infantry Brigade supervises the security operations of three Army infantry battalions, excluding CAFGU members, in Negros Occidental alone. The subsistence allowance set aside by the 80,000-strong Philippine Army will generate funds for communities affected by the typhoon. The food allowance of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is P90 per day.

Negrense Col. Ademar Tomaro yesterday said his unit, 602nd Infantry Brigade, is also raising funds to purchase relief goods for typhoon victims in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Tomaro, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said thousands of residents in the two affected provinces in Mindanao are in dire need of support and assistance, in the form of food and clothing. The 7th, 40th and 57th Infantry Battalions are under the operational control of the 602nd Infantry Brigade with headquarters in Carmen, North Cotabato. Tomaro thanked local chief executives in Mindanao who responded to his call for help.

The National Democratic Front in Mindanao has declared a 29-day unilateral ceasefire -- from December 5 to January 3 -- in areas devastated by typhoon “Pablo” and has ordered units of the New People’s Army and other groups of the communist rebel movement to mount rescue and relief operations for the victims.

Among the fatalities in Compostela Valley was Army Sgt. Maximo Olivarez of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.  Olivarez, a member of the 66th Infantry Battalion, was among those alerted for search and rescue operations in the New Bataan town of Compostela Valley.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/15/negor3.htm

Army readying charges versus 19 alleged rebels

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 15): Army readying charges versus 19 alleged rebels

The Philippine Army was slammed yesterday by Karapatan for the arrest of 19 they claim to be innocent civilians in Isabela, Negros Occidental, who allegedly participated in the encounter, that resulted in the death of two soldiers, and injuries to four others.

Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, however, said they will pursue the filing of criminal charges against the 19 alleged rebels, who were arrested Thursday at the encounter site in Sitio Mahopaho, Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela. The Isabela encounter claimed the lives of PFCs Dennis Acosta and Oliver Grecia. Three of the four injured soldiers were identified as 2Lt. Shannon Pamitan, Sgt. Romeo Castellano and PFC Justin Esquibel, all assigned at the Alpha Company of the 11th Infantry Battalion.

Karapatan-Negros secretary general, Fred Cana, yesterday claimed that Army soldiers committed human rights violations, by arresting civilians they are supposed to protect. Cana said they will conduct a fact-finding mission today in Isabela town, on the alleged human rights violations by Army soldiers against civilians, and invited the media to witness it.

“Why were they in the encounter site”? Patrimonio asked, referring to the suspects arrested there.

The running gunbattle between 11th IB soldiers led by ILt. Von Ryan Gomez and about 40 armed rebels, led to the seizure of the NPA camp in the area, that could accommodate about 50 persons. The 19 individuals, including the three who claimed they were minors, were turned over Thursday night by the Philippine Army to the Isabela police, for further investigation. Patrimonio said they could be held liable for the murder of the two soldiers, and the attempt to kill four other government troopers.

Inspector Jason Manguilimutan, Isabela police chief, yesterday said the 19 persons endorsed to them, were subjected to paraffin tests by the PNP Crime Laboratory personnel to determine if they have fired guns. The items recovered by soldiers from the encounter site, which included combat packs, caliber .45 pistol with ammunition, magazines of M14 and M16 assault rifles, subversive documents and a CPP-NPA flag, among others, were also turned over by the Philippine Army to the police. Manguilimutan said they will only assist the Philippine Army in filing charges against the arrested individuals.

Gomez, who led his men in attacking the rebel camp, said the camp has several bunkers and running trenches, and is surrounded by five makeshift huts. He said the presence of armed rebels in the area was reported to them by civilians, and prompted them to conduct security operations that led to the encounter. Bloodstains were also discovered at the withdrawal routes of the rebels, bolstering reports that the NPA also suffered casualties in the gunbattle, he added. The latest armed engagement in Isabela brought to eight the number of government fatalities in 17 encounters with rebels in Negros Occidental since January, with eight soldiers injured, military records show.

Col. Oscar Lactao, who supervises the security operations in Negros Occidental, said the alleged involvement if any, of the arrested persons, could be determined through the accounts of soldiers, who had participated in the gunbattle.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/15/topstory2.htm

Govt declares 18-day Xmas truce

From InterAksyon (Dec 15): Govt declares 18-day Xmas truce

The government on Saturday declared an 18-day suspension of offensive military operations, or SOMO, against communist rebels. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced today (Saturday) its Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) that will last from December 16 to January 2, as declared by AFP commander-in-chief and President Benigno Aquino III,” General Jessie Dellosa, AFP chief of staff, said. He said the SOMO is meant to demonstrate the military’s commitment, sincerity and resolve for peace in the face of the continuing armed conflict.

The Communist Party of the Philippines has yet to declare its own nationwide ceasefire for the holidays, although the National Democratic Front in Mindanao had earlier declared a truce from December 5 to January 3 in areas devastated by typhoon “Pablo” and ordered the New People’s Army in these places to help victims of the deadly storm, which has left more than 900 dead and about as many still missing.

AFP spokesman Colonel Arnuflo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said military activities in support of “peace, development and humanitarian programs” are not covered by the SOMO. At the same time, he said, “the AFP will maintain its security patrols aimed at protecting civilian communities, government and private establishments, and military camps and detachments; route security and checkpoint operations for protection of civilian movements and preemption of firearms proliferation; Bayanihan Teams’ conduct of peace and development activities; and other civil military operations.” He added that military units are under orders to guard against the rebels’ exploiting the SOMO to mount attacks.

Last year, the military accused the NPA of killing five soldiers during the holiday truce.“We hope that the past transgressions and violations committed by the rebels that stained the holidays with violence will not happen again this year. We know fully well the importance of ceasefires in the quest for peace as proven by the successful signing of the Bangsamoro Peace Framework Agreement,” Dellosa said.

Earlier, the military claimed the Mindanao rebels violated their own truce by attacking troops on a humanitarian mission in Davao del Norte. The NPA was also accused of attempting to kill Private First Class Lito Mansaluon and kidnapping his two daughters in Sitio Danao, Barangay Gupitan in San Isidro town last Sunday. The military said Mansaluon had lost his home in the typhoon and was headed to his detachment with his daughters when allegedly waylaid by rebels.

However, the NPA’s Davao-Agusan Command denied the accusation. A statement from the rebel command said members of Guerrilla Front 34 Operations Command were helping repair houses damaged in the storm when a motorcycle with a man, a woman and two children passed by. “The driver suddenly stopped, alighted, and left the two children and the woman as he ran away,” prompting the guerrillas to chase him “for about two to three kilometers.”The statement said the pursuing rebels realized the man was a soldier when he hurled a grenade at them. “In defense, the Red fighters fired three shots. The man threw them a grenade the second time, hitting and seriously injuring one Red fighter,” the statement said. Other guerrillas “attended to the three civilians who were left behind” and turned them over to the wife of the purok chairman four hours later,” it added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50497/govt-declares-18-day-xmas-truce

Alleged JI bomber shot and killed in Davao city

From InterAksyon (Dec 15): Alleged JI bomber shot and killed in Davao city



The components of an improvised explosive device, including a tape-wrapped 60mm mortar shell (bottom left), recovered from alleged Jemaah Islamiyah bomber Mohammad Noor Fikrie, who was killed by police in Davao City. (photo courtesy of Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa)

Police in Davao City on Friday evening shot and killed a suspected member of the extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah, and arrested his wife. Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, city police chief, said they initially received information that alleged JI bomber Malaysian Mohammad Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar and his Filipina wife checked in at the Sampaguita Hotel at the corner of Camus and Quirino Streets at 7 p.m. The couple reportedly was in possession of an improvised explosive device that was to be used in a planned attack in the city. Dela Rosa immediately alerted his personnel and negotiated with the hotel management for the arrest of the suspects.



Passport page showing the picture of Malaysian Mohammad Noor Fikrie, an alleged member of Jemaah Islamiyah, who was killed by police in Davao City (photo courtesy of Sr Supt Ronald dela Rosa)

At 10:30 p.m. the couple checked out of their room. While at the hotel lobby, elements of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) accosted Fikrie and his wife, identified as Sorsogon native Anabelle Nieva Lee, who was wearing a black backpack containing the suspected bomb. But instead of yielding, Fikrie held up a cellphone and declared: "If you arrest or shoot me, I have a bomb, I will explode it!" This prompted everyone to scamper for safety while the couple, embracing each other, walked out the hotel. Fikrie was still holding the cellphone threatening to detonate the bomb.

"Take down orders were given to SWAT snipers but could not be implemented since the area was overcrowded with pedestrians and motorists," dela Rosa said. When Fikrie got the backpack from his wife and ran towards People's Park, he was chased by authorities until he was cornered in front of the Apo View Hotel where he was shot and killed by SWAT team. The bomb, composed of a 60mm mortar round, was successfully disabled.



Passport page showing immigration stamps indicating the date of departure from Malaysia of alleged JI member Malaysian Mohammad Noor Fikrie and his arrival in Manila as well as his allowable stay in the country (photo courtesy of Sr Supt Ronald dela Rosa)

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50482/alleged-ji-bomber-shot-and-killed-in-davao-city

Philippines says rebels violating typhoon truce

From Rappler (Dec 15): Philippines says rebels violating typhoon truce

The Philippine government on Saturday, December 15, accused Maoist rebels of violating a self-imposed truce in typhoon-hit areas with attacks on government forces involved in rescue and relief work. The New People's Army guerrilla group began a 29-day unilateral ceasefire on December 5 to allow what it said would be unhampered rescue and relief work for victims of Typhoon Bopha that had struck the previous day. However, the government said the rebels had launched three attacks in typhoon-devastated areas within four days of the supposed truce.

An NPA raid on a police station in Rizal town on the western island of Palawan on Wednesday left one police officer dead and another wounded, said a Philippine government panel involved in stalled peace talks with the rebels. "We denounce this clear violation of their self-imposed ceasefire," it said in a statement.

In a second episode two female children of a soldier who had lost his home in the typhoon were abducted, but were freed unharmed a day later, said Lieutenant-Colonel Lyndon Paniza, military spokesman for the area. NPA guerrillas stopped the family on December 9 as the soldier evacuated his daughters, aged 14 and 12, after a flood washed away their home in San Isidro town on the southern island of Mindanao, he said.

A third attack came when an army unit delivering relief goods to Mindanao typhoon victims was ambushed by the NPA near the town of Talaingod on December 6. There were no casualties, Paniza said. "It seems that this (truce announcement) is just for publicity purposes," he told AFP.

The communists have been waging an armed rebellion since 1969, and more than 30,000 people have died in the conflict, according to the government. The government suspended peace negotiations with the rebels in November last year due to rebel demands for the release of jailed comrades. The military estimates the NPA's current strength at about 4,000 fighters, significantly down from more than 26,000 at its peak in the 1980s.

The armed forces are at the forefront of rescue and relief efforts following the typhoon -- the country's worst natural disaster this year -- which left 955 people dead and 841 others missing, according to the civil defence office.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/18021-philippines-says-rebels-violating-typhoon-truce

4ID strengthens Human Rights Advocacy

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 15): 4ID strengthens Human Rights Advocacy

The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division conducted a Human Rights Symposium at the Division Club House here, Friday. The activity is part of the observance of the “Human Rights Week” which started on December 10. This year, the focus is on the rights of all people to make their voices be heard in public, under the slogan "My Voice Counts."

The symposium was done in order to instill awareness to every soldier the human rights values and principles that are needed to be adhered to by various sectors of the society. All personnel from the post and tenant units including the General and Special Staffs of the division participated in the symposium.

Lieutenant Colonel Rolando C. Dumawa, Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations (CMO), welcomed the participants, delivered his message, and subsequently introduced the guest lecturer. Dr Edwin P. Solis, LLM-HR, Ph; D, Information Officer, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), region 10, gave a series of lectures anchored on the theme: “My Voice Counts in Ending Impunity: I Work for Human Rights Based Governance.”

Major General Nestor A. Añonuevo AFP, Commander 4ID said, “Your Army will continue to advocate our responsibility of respecting and protecting the rights of every individual regardless of race, religion, creed, belief, culture and social status.”  “I’m very thankful to the Commission on Human Rights for giving 4ID soldiers the opportunity to enhance our knowledge on the basic principles of respect for human rights that should be inherent to every soldier. Your soldiers can better serve the Filipinos especially now that we follow the people-centered approach in all our operations,” Añonuevo added. (4CMO/4ID/PIA10)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461355470769

9ID enlists former NPA rebel

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15): 9ID enlists former NPA rebel

Lamberto “Nonoy” Niebla, a former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, took his oath on Friday as a new member of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, the organization he fought for almost 10 years. Army Maj. Angelo Guzman, 9th ID spokesperson said Niebla, is among the 94 new soldiers of the division that finished the five-month Candidate Soldier Course class 300-12. Niebla was a former active NPA member operating in the island province of Catanduanes. He was 16 years old when he joined the communist movement, Guzman said.

Niebla was trained by the rebel group to become a "propagandist" and recruiter for the NPA before he voluntarily surrendered to the 83rd Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division. “I was made to believe about the barbaric acts of the soldiers. They are really very good in giving beautiful and inspiring messages. I was young then, and I was easily influenced,” he said. Niebla said that his negative views about the soldiers changed when he met and befriended a soldier. “The soldiers are not the violent people I was made to believe,” he said.

As a newly enlisted soldier now of the 9th ID, Niebla wants to help others who were misled like him. “I want to help in countering the recruitment of the rebels of students and young teenagers,” Niebla said. He wants to be an example for those who are still in the rebel organization that there is still hope of a better life if they join the mainstream of society.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=480159

Army soldiers intercept delivery of firearms and explosives in Negros Oriental

From the Phlippine News Agency (Dec 15): Army soldiers intercept delivery of firearms and explosives in Negros Oriental

Army soldiers have recovered a cache of high-powered firearms, C4 plastic explosive, explosives components and food stuffs from a clearing in Mayaposi, Mabinay,Negros Oriental on Friday. Operatives of the 302nd Brigade, the 79th Infantry Battalion and the Alpha Company of the 12th Infantry Battalion found the following: two Cal. 5.56 mm M16 assault rifles, five alloy magazines for M16 rifle with 20 rounds capacity, 112 pieces of M16 ammunition, six pieces of 40mm ammunition for grenade launchers, two rifle grenades, 35 meters of detonating cord, six pounds supply charge TNT (Trinitrotoluene), 1.5 pounds of C-4 explosives, one sack of rice, 100 cans of 555 sardines, three boxes of Payless noodles, four reams of Fortune cigarettes, three packs of Skyflakes crackers and four packs of 3-in1 Nescafe instant coffee.

According to Capt. Roberto F. Salvador of the Alpha Company of the 12th IB, the residents tipped off the operative of the presence of a cargo left in the clearing. Initial reports said a cargo truck without plate number loaded with sugar cane from Negros Oriental arrived in the area early Friday morning and dropped the items. There were no witnesses who could identify the bearer and recipient of the confiscated cargoes.

Army authorities believed the stash of high-powered firearms, explosives and explosive components were intended for the Sangay sa partido sa Platoon, Central Komiteng Rehiyon Negros of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City and Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental and Tayasan town in Negros Oriental. The delivery could be part of a large tactical offensive by the NPA against government troops, to include soldiers and policemen, as part of the upcoming 43rd anniversary of the NPA on December 29, Salvador said. Capt. Salvador said it was not unusual that the NPA insurgents employ strategies similar to terrorists in setting up land mines using C-4 plastic explosive and TNT chemicals in tactical operations launched by the NPA against government forces. Army officials still have to determine the source of the C-4 and TNT chemical explosive materials as civilians do not and cannot ordinarily acquire these. The Army captain also said that it appeared the chemical explosive materials could be used to rig land mines along the Bais-Mabinay-Kabankalan road, a route normally taken by Army and police officials on their way to Negros Occidental.

Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Brigade Commander, lauded the concern and support of civilians in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. “The NPA unit was responsible for the extortion and terroristic activities in the hinterland communities”, he said. Meanwhile, Army authorities are also looking at possibilities that the high powered assault rifles, rifle grenades, 40 mm grenades and M16 ammunition belong to the government. The serial numbers of the firearms were defaced but bore markings that appear to be intended for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.


http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=480202

AFP announces SOMO from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2, 2013

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15): AFP announces SOMO from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2, 2013

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday announced that this Yuletide season's suspension of military operation (SOMO) will start this Dec. 16. Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., AFP spokesperson, said that the SOMO against the New People's Army (NPA) will last until Jan. 2, 2013. "The SOMO will include the deliberate offensive operations against the NPA but will maintain activities supporting government and civil authorities' peace and development and humanitarian assistance programs," he pointed out. Burgos said the objective of the unilateral implementation of the Yuletide SOMO is to demonstrate the AFP's commitment, sincerity and resolve for peace. "(This is) in spite of conflict with the insurgent group," he said. The AFP spokesperson added the SOMO will give opportunity to soldiers and villagers in conflict areas to celebrate the Christmas holidays peacefully.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=480168

Security patrols to continue despite SOMO - AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15): Security patrols to continue despite SOMO - AFP chief

 Despite the implementation of the suspension of military operations (SOMO) starting this Sunday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa on Saturday said that the military will maintain its security patrols aimed at protecting civilian communities, government and private establishments, and military camps and detachments. SOMO against the New People's Army (NPA) rebels runs from Dec. 16, 2012 to Jan. 2, 2013.

Dellosa said that the SOMO also included route security and checkpoint operations for protection of civilian movements and preemption of firearms proliferation; "Bayanihan" teams’ conduct of peace and development activities; and other civil military operations. "Moreover, taking into consideration the transgressions of the NPA in the past that took advantage of the ceasefire of the AFP, the military will continue with its proactive defense countermeasures to prevent imminent NPA attacks," Dellosa added.

Last year, the New People's Army took advantage of the 18-day SOMO and harassed a community-organizing peace and development team and killed five enlisted personnel. “We hope that the past transgressions and violations committed by the rebels that stained the holidays with violence will not happen again this year. We know fully well the importance of ceasefires in the quest for peace as proven by the successful signing of the Bangsamoro Peace Framework Agreement,” Dellosa said. Also in time with the AFP’s 77th anniversary celebrations this coming Dec. 21, the SOMO will allow soldiers to celebrate peacefully the decades of heroic acts and sacrifices in service of the Filipino people.

“As a nation that nurtures its free and democratic institutions, the AFP takes its time to recognize and acknowledge the collective and selfless efforts of its soldiers that were instrumental in maintaining peace and security in our communities, especially now that many of our men and women are working round the clock conducting search, rescue and relief operations in disaster-stricken areas in Mindanao. Our adherence to the SOMO is but a small part of our commitment to achieving that lifetime of peace, security, and development our people deserve,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=480170

CPP/NPA: Davao region-wide NPA ceasefire to address the State of Acute Crisis in Comval, Dav Or, Caraga boundaries

Posted to the CPP Website (Dec 15): Davao region-wide NPA ceasefire to address the State of Acute Crisis in Comval, Dav Or, Caraga boundaries

Rigoberto Sanchez
Spokesperson
NPA Southern Mindanao (Merardo Arce Command)

In the light of the National Democratic Front Mindanao’s decision to declare a 29-day unilateral ceasefire in the aftermath of typhoon Pablo, the Merardo Arce Command-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command New People’s Army will undertake a suspension of offensive military operations against the AFP/PNP/Paramilitary forces covering the provinces of Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Lingig in Surigao del Sur, and the towns of Trento, Veruela, Loreto, and Sta. Josefa in Agusan del Sur. The NPA Southern Mindanao’s ceasefire coverage is extended to other parts of the region not directly hit by the December 4 tragedy to enable its NPA units to muster all efforts in addressing the State of Acute Crisis afflicting the peasants, Lumads, workers and poor residents of affected areas.

Over the last 11 days, NPA units operating in the affected areas have shifted from their various assignments to immediately respond to the needs of the masses. As winds raged fiercely striking houses and timbers, NPA members were with the masses trying to survive from the devastation. A number of Red fighters were hurt, few seriously harmed but no fatalities were reported from the field. Six hours after the typhoon, NPA members surveyed their immediate vicinities, attended to the grieving revolutionary forces who were widowed or orphaned, helped in the rescue efforts, and shared the unit’s foodstuffs supply to the masses. For several days, NPA medics made makeshift clinics and attended to the health needs of the affected masses. Other NPA members repaired the houses and schools and salvaged scraps from the debris to rebuild wrecked roofs and ruined walls. NPA women conducted psychosocial therapy to children who were traumatized; they also comforted the elderly who expressed shock after having gone through a disaster that have not occurred in their midst for as long as they can remember. Families of many Red fighters were also affected, their homes destroyed, their farms ravaged.

The NPA Southern Mindanao is cognizant of the grave crisis occurring in at least 24 towns of its regional jurisdiction, in more than a third of its revolutionary forces, in more than a million of peasants, workers, Lumads, and ordinary poor in the two hardest hit provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.....

.....And there is no immediate resolution in sight. In the last 11 days, the US-Aquino regime has mainly positioned its fascist AFP to lead in the relief and retrieval operations under Oplan Bayanihan. It has increased the number of AFP/PNP troops with more reinforcements in the affected areas, which were already heavily militarized long before typhoon Pablo occurred. It is appalling that while the AFP played a key role in the big logging and mining operations in the last decades—by being private armies of these firms responsible for the forced clearing operations of Lumad and peasant communities— it is now trying to reinvent itself as the disaster czar and people’s heroes. It is clearly attempting to monopolize all relief and rehabilitation efforts by acting as escorts and implementers of relief assistance from both GPH and private organizations. It is collaborating with the US military troops to participate in assisting Pablo victims, in defiance of our national sovereignty.

The US-Aquino regime is taking great pains in trying to assuage the condemnation and the rising discontent of the victims and their families by showcasing the release of some paltry funds. The resources are only fit for a few days of relief goods and insufficient to feed the millions who were devastated by Pablo nationwide. The regime has failed to reach out to the majority of hungry people in the hinterland and far-flung villages......

.....Meantime, the NPA assures the safety and security of all well-meaning individuals and private entities that wish to assist Pablo victims; thus there is no need for them to ask the military and the police to be their bodyguard or defense convoy. As the NPA is on unilateral ceasefire, the NPA enjoins the AFP units participating in relief and rehabilitation activities in the affected areas to be unarmed, not combat-ready and to desist from conducting intelligence activities. While the NPA will temporarily stop launching tactical offensives against its legitimate military targets, it will remain active in defending itself from the enemy’s overt and covert operations.

As the impact of typhoon Pablo will be felt for a long time and recovery nowhere in sight, the NPA urges the people to struggle to make the forest plunderers and inept LGU officials be held accountable for the tragedy. Now, more than ever, the people’s war for social justice and emancipation from capitalist/landlord exploitation is advancing in the face of extreme crisis and state neglect. Recovery of damaged farmlands, regeneration of denuded mountains, and rebuilding of social infrastructures are pressing tasks that the people must endeavor. The answer to the cries of the masses lies in the genuine land reform and state subsidy. The NPA and the people’s democratic government will persevere in serving the people in the guerilla bases and affected communities and implement its agrarian revolution program in applicable areas.###

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/davao-region-wide-npa-ceasefire-to-address-the-state-of-acute-crisis-in-comval-dav-or-caraga-boundaries