Panay Reds say commander of rival faction slain 'resisting arrest'

From InterAksyon (Jan 1): Panay Reds say commander of rival faction slain 'resisting arrest'



Communist rebels on Panay Island said they had killed the commander of a rival faction when he “resisted arrest” by a New People’s Army unit on Monday.

The National Democratic Front’s Panay Provisional Regional Government, in a statement released on New Year’s Eve, said Demetrio Capilastique Jr., alias “Hugo,” the regional commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade on the island “met his death yesterday, December 30, 2013, around 4:30 pm, at Linayuan, Badiangan, Iloilo when he resisted against the arresting unit of the New People’s Army.”

The RPA-ABB broke away from the Communist Party of the Philippines in the early 1990s and reached a peace agreement with the government in 2000.

The mainstream revolutionary movement accuses the RPA-ABB of becoming an adjunct of the military and, through the years, armed clashes have intermittently broken out between the two factions.

On Negros Island, RPA-ABB units have been reported to have joined state security forces in operations against the NPA.

Capilastique assumed command of the RPA-ABB on Panay after the NPA killed his predecessor, Daniel Batoy, alias “Mokong,” on August 22, 2004.

The two “led a significant portion of the NPA in the south (of Panay) to split from the revolutionary movement and conspire with the (Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police) against the revolution,” the NDF Panay statement said.

According to the NDF Panay, Capilastique was “sentenced to death” in 2001 for crimes alleged committed by his faction in Iloilo, when he was RPA-ABB provincial commander.

Since then, the Panay rebels claimed, he had committed or ordered several more “heinous crimes” and incurred “blood debts” despite repeated warnings “to stop and desist from leading, commanding and taking direct hand in atrocious crimes against the common people.”

Among others, the NDF Panay claimed Capilastique, “in collaboration with Nilo dele Cruz … took part in planning the abduction of Luisa Posa and Nilo Arado at Oton in April 12, 2007.”

Dela Cruz of Manila was former commander of the RPA-ABB until he and the current leader of the faction, Stephen Paduano, alias “Carapali Lualhati,” of Negros had a falling out.

Posa and Arado led activist organizations on Panay and have remained missing since their abduction.

Among the other crimes the rebels accused Capilastique of were the 2004 killing of lawyer Edgar Calizo in Kalibo, Aklan; the 2003 kidnapping and murder of Manila mountaineer Leovic Gutierrez, also in Aklan; the 1998 murders of landowner Juanito Lutero and Barangay Quipot Captain Jerry Colaja of Janiuay town, Iloilo, ostensibly control quarry operations along the Suague River; and the 2002 kidnapping of Jefferson Tan, son of an Iloilo businessman.

Capilastique was also allegedly responsible for a March 29, 2008 ambush in Barangay Patong-patong, Janiuay, in which a policeman was killed and two others wounded.
However, the NDF Panay claimed, none of the RPA-ABB fighters responsible were arrested because “Capilastique’s mercenary gang (is) being coddled and protected by the AFP and the police in order to do paid and ‘dirty jobs’ for them.”

“The People’s Court had ordered the arrest of Demetrio Capilastique Jr. in order to face the charges against him,” the NDF Panay said.

“In carrying out the court’s order the NPA unit were reminded that they are about to arrest a fierce, armed and dangerous criminal,” it added. “The arresting NPA unit tried to arrest Capilastique but instead of submitting, he violently resisted. Thus the unit was forced to defend itself and neutralize him.”

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/77826/panay-reds-say-commander-of-rival-faction-slain-resisting-arrest

6 killed in Basilan New Year party

From Rappler (Jan 1): 6 killed in Basilan New Year party



A bomb exploded at a New Year party in the province of Basilan, killing 6 and injuring 6 others less than two hours before the stroke of midnight.

Initial military reports said at about 10:22 pm on Tuesday, December 31, a bomb exploded at the home of a certain Manuel Cisneros, who hosted a gathering after the local New Year's mass at his residence near Zone 6, Barangay (village) Tumahubong, Sumisip.

The town of Sumisip on Basilan is an island were Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants operate, local army spokesman Captain Jefferson Somera said. Casineros is a pro-government militiaman volunteer and driver for the church.

The civilians wounded in the attack received medical attention.

Police said the motive of the attack was not clear, although Casineros apparently had been helping authorities in protecting rubber plantation workers from extortion by armed gangs, including the Abu Sayyaf.

Last year, Abu Sayyaf gunmen ambushed a convoy carrying plantation workers, killing 6 and wounding 22 in the same area.

Founded in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden, the Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for the country's worst terrorist attacks, including kidnappings of foreigners and deadly bombings.

The government has said the group had degenerated into a crime gang with no clear ideology over the years, and its ranks falling to just over a few hundred.

Authorities said an Abu Sayyaf faction on a nearby island was believed to still hold a number of foreign as well as Filipino hostages, including two European birdwatchers and a Japanese treasure hunter.

In December, a Jordanian TV reporter held in captivity for 18 months claimed to have escaped from his captors

http://www.rappler.com/nation/46991-basilan-blast-new-year

6 killed, 6 wounded as suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb Basilan New Year's party

From InterAksyon (Jan 1): 6 killed, 6 wounded as suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb Basilan New Year's party



Six persons were killed and six others wounded when suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf detonated a bomb during New Year’s celebrations at the home of a militiaman in Basilan province.

Authorities are still to determine the motive for the 10:22 p.m. attack on the home of Manuel Cisneros in Zone 6, Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip.

The wounded were initially treated at the 64th Infantry Battalion headquarters then were airlifted by Air Force helicopters around 1 a.m. January 1 to a hospital in the province.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/77825/6-killed-6-wounded-as-suspected-abu-sayyaf-bomb-basilan-new-years-party

7 dead, 9 wounded in Basilan bomb explosion

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Jan 1): 7 dead, 9 wounded in Basilan bomb explosion

A powerful bomb explosion killed 7 people and wounded 9 more in the restive province of Basilan in the southern Philippines, the military said on Wednesday.

Captain Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the blast was caused by an improvised explosive planted outside the house of a pro-government militia Manuel Cisneros in the village of Tumahubong in Sumisip town.

He said the explosion occurred during the New Year party of Cisneros. “It was a powerful explosion and the blast killed seven people, including a child, and wounded nine others. We are investigating the attack and the group behind it,” Somera told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but rebel groups are actively operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

The explosion occurred despite a tight security being implemented by the police and military in the province for the yuletide season. Basilan has been previously bombed many times by rebels.

 http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/01/7-dead-9-wounded-in-basilan-bomb.html

Heighten attacks, seize more arms

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 1): Heighten attacks, seize more arms

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has ordered the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to heighten attacks against government forces and urged all guerilla units to seize more weapons this year.

“Under the direction of the CPP, the NPA will undertake more frequent tactical offensives in order to annihilate weak enemy units and seize more weapons… every NPA command must gun for a record increase in the number of weapons seized from the reactionary military, paramilitary and police forces,” the CPP said in a statement issued Tuesday (Dec 31).

On its 45th founding anniversary on Dec. 26, the CPP said they planned to increase the number of Red fighters to 25,000. The military place the current strength of the NPA rebels to around 4,000.

The CPP said it also wanted to raise the number of guerrilla fonts to 200, from 110 scattered in 71 of the 81 provinces of the country.

The party scoffed at the military’s “Oplan Bayanihan” for its failure to achieve its declared aim of reducing the armed strength of the communist rebels “to inconsequentiality” by the middle of 2013.

The NPA rebels, the CPP’s armed wing, have been waging war against the government for the past 44 years, considered as the world’s longest-running Maoist-inspired rebellion.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public information chief, defended the military’s counterinsurgency campaign called the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan.

 Zagala claimed “Oplan Bayanihan” has freed 29 provinces from communist influence.

The AFP spokesman said that instead of waging violence to make themselves relevant, the CPP-NPA should just surrender and commit themselves to the peace process without preconditions.

In Southern Luzon, more NPA rebels were surrendering to government security forces due to “hardships” and “failed promises” of the revolutionary movement, according to the military.

Before Christmas, five alleged NPA Army rebels operating in Quezon surrendered to the government forces.

Lt. General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, the head of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), said 25 rebels have already surrendered in Southern Tagalog region and 26 in Bicol.

The CPP predicted more powerful mass protests against the Aquino regime in 2014 due to perceived “widespread corruption, worsening economic conditions, unabated destruction of the environment, blind puppetry to the US imperialists and utter failure to address the urgent needs of the people amid natural and man-made disasters”.

“Aquino’s promises of clean government and reform have all fallen flat.

Aquino’s rhetoric of ‘hope’ is roundly repudiated and dismissed with
widespread cynicism among the working class and even the middle class of small professionals, teachers, government employees, students, media practitioners and small and middle businessmen,” the CPP said.

The party also noted that 2014 has started with another round of oil price hikes.
The big 3 oil firms – Petron, Shell and Chevron – have raised prices starting 6 a.m. of Dec. 31 by P1.15 per liter for gasoline, 75 centavos per liter for diesel and 60 centavos per liter for kerosene.

“A new hike in the taxes imposed on cigarettes and other commodities—a foreboding of greater hardships for the Filipino people in the coming year,” said the CPP.

In March 1969, the new and revitalized CPP founded by former University of the Philippines professor Jose Maria Sison established the NPA as the party armed wing.

The first rag-tag guerilla unit was armed with 9 automatic rifles and 26 inferior hand guns, according to Sison.

By carrying out tactical offensives through ambuscades and raids against remote police stations, the rebels were able to accumulate arms for its recruits mostly from among the ranks of farmers, workers and student activists.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/555799/heighten-attacks-seize-more-arms

6 killed in bomb blast

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 1): 6 killed in bomb blast



Six persons were killed -including a minor – while six others remain in critical condition following a bomb explosion inside a house in Tumahubong village in Sumisip, Basilan.

Lt. Col. Paulo Perez, commanding officer of the army’s 18th Infantry Battalion, said the motive of the attack that occurred near midnight Tuesday was unclear as of yet.

The blast also took place near a Globe telecom cellular site, he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/555785/6-killed-in-bomb-blast

Navy brings Christmas cheer to families of soldiers deployed away from home

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 31): Navy brings Christmas cheer to families of soldiers deployed away from home
The wife of a Marine sergeant deployed to the disputed Ayungin Shoal off Palawan thought the officers who had pulled up in front of her home over the holidays had come to bring the news every soldier’s wife and family dread.

Verginia Galvan, married to Marine Sgt. Edwin Galvan Sr., prayed she would not be handed a Philippine flag, a military gesture of final respects to the family of a soldier killed in action.

But a flag was the last thing Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Navy’s Civil Military Operations Group, and his team had in store for Galvan’s family when they visited them in their home in Signal Village, Taguig City, on Christmas Day.

Instead, the military men had brought with them a surprise—baskets of food and Christmas gifts for the family that had to spend the holidays without Galvan, who is stationed on Ayungin Shoal, one of territories in the South China Sea the Philippines claims to be part of its exclusive economic Zone. China claims the area too.

In a press statement, Arevalo said Christmas gift packs were also handed over to the families of the other soldiers assigned to Ayungin.

Arevalo said the money to buy the presents for the Galvans came from the savings of the civil military operations group from its “toned down” Christmas party.

Arevalo said the Philippine Navy visited “fatherless” or “brotherless” families this Christmas and New Year’s in a show of solidarity to those “manning our isolated and distant posts.”

Galvan spent Christmas and New Year’s with a handful of colleagues on board the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty Navy hospital ship intentionally run aground on the shoal.

It is their job to guard the country’s territorial waters, undermanned and underequipped as they may be.

Last May, the Marine soldiers then posted on Ayungin Shoal reported the encroachment of the Chinese on Philippine territory. The Philippines has filed an international protest against China’s territorial claims before a United Nations arbitral committee.

Arevalo said Verginia  told him she was “in near tears thinking something bad happened” to her husband. It didn’t help that she had to wait for Arevalo and his team for hours after they were held up in heavy traffic. It was “long and agonizing,” she said.

“What proceeded from the surprise visit was an exchange of pleasantries and cordial conversation where (Verginia)…confided, among other things, the difficulties of being a soldier’s wife,” Arevalo said. Particularly heartbreaking was when the Galvans’ youngest son, Junior, asked Verginia why they had not picked up his dad from the airport for Christmas.

The visit of the Navy’s civil military operations group to the Galvan family was one of the several efforts organized by the military, as well as private individuals, to bring cheer to soldiers and their families after a challenging 2013 that saw massive military mobilization.

These included guarding territorial waters amid growing tensions with China; responding to a daring revival of the Sulu sultanate’s claim to a portion of Sabah earlier this year; the response to the siege of Zamboanga City by Moro rebels; and relief and rescue operations in provinces that were hit by natural calamities.

Arevalo noted that Twitter user @PinkOliveDrab used social media to collect gifts for the soldiers and their families assigned in Ayungin Shoal and also those guarding the Philippine territory within the West Philippine Sea.

Marine 1st Lt. Cheryl Tindog of the Western Command Public Affairs Office also said that gifts were air dropped in the WPS Detachments before Christmas.

Army Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, chief of 7th Civil Relations Group, also sent donations from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to the sailors and Marines at the West Philippine Sea and  using money donated by private individuals, treated five soldiers who were wounded in the Zamboanga siege to a buffet lunch and a movie.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/95493/navy-brings-christmas-cheer-to-families-of-soldiers-deployed-away-from-home

MILF: Editorial -- 2014 crucial year in peace talks

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Jan 1): 2014 crucial year in peace talks

2014 is a crucial year as far as the success of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation is concerned. This is the year for the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to make hard and eventful decisions, which are political milestones in their talks that would ensure the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government in 2016. Failure to do so will make the future gloomy.
  

We have never been alarmist and will never be one. But dealing on the dark side of life when that is the real thing is not to alarm people. It is not really a negative attitude either. It is the good thing to do. Similarly, always thinking positive is negativist on the flip side. It can be as dangerous as when one thinks always negatively. Any over-stressing of either side is a negative attitude. Objectivism is always the right frame of mind that must be cultivated. Both sides of the equation are appreciated in their proper perspectives.

Within the first quarter of this year, the parties must sign the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) to enable the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to finish the final draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for submission to President Benigno Aquino III, who will certify it as urgent bill, in order to give just enough space and time for Congress to pass it into law. This should not be later than May this year. By 2015 the atmosphere will change radically; the fever of the 2016 presidential election will begin to spread its divisive and paralyzing effects. Expect switching of party affiliations and heightened bickering among politicians. Even a non-partisan issue like the Bangsamoro Question and its early resolution will be affected. And third, the BBL should be ratified by the people in the Bangsamoro territory preferably towards the end of this year or early 2015 to make way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

The GPH-MILF peace talks will resume this month after the parties signed the Annex on Power-sharing, which is so far the most difficult of the four annexes. Still on the pipeline for discussion and settlement are: Bangsamoro Waters, Annex on Normalization, and finally the CPA. The CPA is not just a piece of paper; it contains principles, most likely on the following: how the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is going to be abolished; the conduct of the plebiscite for the ratification of the BBL; and the manner of amending the Constitution, if necessary.

However, in spite of the still rough road ahead, we are still very hopeful and upbeat that the two parties will finally settle all the remaining issues in the negotiating table. Two sincere, willing, and committed partners, like the Aquino administration and the MILF, will always find ways to overcome any issue that stands on their way. This has been proved by them time and again.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/744-2014-crucial-year-in-peace-talks

MILF: Karen Ethnic Tribe delegates visit Maguindanao and North Cotabato

Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 1): Karen Ethnic Tribe delegates visit Maguindanao and North Cotabato



December 9, 2013, a delegation of Myanmar’s (formerly Burma) Karen Ethnic tribe comprising eleven (11) members came to Mindanao and visited Maguindanao and North Cotabato in order to be exposed to the situation in the region. The delegates belong to different civil society organization in Myanmar.
  

The immersion was facilitated by Sustainable Alternatives for the Advancement of Mindanao (SALAM Inc.) together with the GIA Sustainable Management Institute (GSMI) of Myanmar and members of the delegation.

The team was joined by the Bantay Ceasefire volunteers of Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) mostly from Maguindanao. They visited one of the evacuation centres in Datu Piang and the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army camp in Aleosan, North Coatbato.

Mahmod Tulino, Provincial Coordinator of Bantay Ceasefire in Maguindanao said that the exposure was a remarkable opportunity for the Bantay Ceasefire volunteers to be part of the activities engaged on by the delegates despite the existence of several civil society organizations (CSOs) in Central Mindanao.

“We are very lucky that the Myanmar delegates chose us to be part of their exposures so that we can share to them our experiences and knowledge in our ceasefire monitoring works.” he added.

The exposure seeks to visit the conflict-affected communities and interacts with the volunteers; learn the experiences, strategies and mechanisms that were employed or utilized by the Bantay Ceasefire volunteers in monitoring the ceasefire agreement between the Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF).

Ner Tar Lynn, Coordinator of the GIA Sustainable Management Institute (GSMI) of Myanmar describes the exposure as very enlightening and productive. They (delegates) feel and see the commitment of the Bantay Ceasefire volunteers in their advocacies by letting the people know all about the GPH-MILF peace agreement.

 “This is a chance to learn about peace process, about human rights and about Indigenous Peoples (IPs) rights.” said Lynn

He further stressed that their brief but productive exposures with the Bantay Ceasefire volunteers taught them a lot particularly in responding to conflicts, humanitarian assistance, civilian protection, women empowerment and in ceasefire monitoring that they can make use of when they return to their country.

“We can empower our people to volunteer in peace talks like what the Bantay Ceasefire is doing.” he added.

Ohnmar Shwe, Program Director of the GIA Sustainable Management Institute (GSMI) of Myanmar sees the significant role of the people or the community in the conflict affected areas.

“Community volunteers (Bantay Ceasefire) in the peace process are really inspiring for me because the volunteers were themselves victims of the conflict.” she said.
“Their commitments are really impressive.” she added.

The exposure is one way of understanding the nature of the conflict in Mindanao and   soliciting ideas based on the real and factual experiences of Bantay Ceasefire volunteers in their ceasefire monitoring works and conflict interventions.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/745-karen-ethnic-tribe-delegates-visit-maguindanao-and-north-cotabato

MILF: Annex on power sharing speed up works of BTC committees

From the MILF Website (Dec 31): Annex on power sharing speed up works of BTC committees



The signing of the Annex on Power Sharing on December 8 by the GPH and MILF Negotiating Panels is now hastening the pace of works in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), especially in the committee levels, as the third of four annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) brings with it the awaited “details on the particular competencies and authorities of the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government.”

BTC Commissioner Maulana Alonto, chairman of the Committee on Political Autonomy, admitted during the said committee’s First Crafting Workshop on December 27 and 28 that about 70 percent of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be within the scope of the committee he leads. The two-day activity heralded the initial crafting of the BBL.

Alonto clarified though that the workshop is not intended yet to “draft the draft” of the BBL since the other standing committees of the BTC have to complete their respective works first and thereafter be harmonized, incorporated and fused into what the Committee on Political Autonomy has initially started.

The month of December alone has seen the conduct of public consultation and sessions with experts by the other standing committees.

The Committee on Basic Rights, Culture, Social Justice and Indigenous Peoples’ Concern, being chaired by former Sulu Congressman Asani Tammang, held a public consultation on December 19 in Cotabato City which was attended largely by indigenous peoples belonging to the Teduray-Lambangian ethnic groups.

A week earlier in Ateneo de Davao University, the Committee on Transitory Provisions, Amendments, Revisions, & Miscellaneous Matters headed by Commissioner Johaira Wahab generated public opinions from a wide range of sectors. A session with experts who came from the academe and ARMM was also held a day before the said public consultation, the second one for that committee. Issues and concerns on the Bangsamoro Transition Authority was the subject of both the consultation and the engagement with selected experts.

In Marawi City on December 9 the Committee on Justice and Security also called for a public hearing wherein the venue proved too small for the more three hundred individuals who showed up for the consultation.

Two days before that, the Committee on Fiscal Autonomy held in Cotabato City its public consultation. The committee is headed by Commissioner Raissa Jajurie.

BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, who was able to drop by at the crafting workshop, reiterated Comm. Alonto’s remarks that majority of the contents of BBL would be coming from inputs of the Committee on Political Autonomy. He stressed that much work in a short timeline poses a difficult challenge for the said committee. By April 2014 the draft of the BBL must have been completed.

Iqbal expressed confidence that the “collective wisdom of both Houses of Congress” would lead them into passing the BBL as drafted by the BTC.


The BTC has 6 standing committees and a Coordination Committee. Aside from the plenary and committee sessions, the 15-man commission regularly engages the services of chosen experts in various fields and conducts public hearings or consultations to allow concerned sectors in expressing their sentiments and opinions. BTC upholds the principles of inclusivity and transparency in its works.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/742-annex-on-power-sharing-speed-up-works-of-btc-committees

MILF: BDA adopts online digital datashare to strengthen Management Information System

From the MILF Website (Dec 31): BDA adopts online digital datashare to strengthen Management Information System



The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) adopts an online digital data share system aimed to strengthen its Management Information System. This development will enhance data transfer and the monitoring and evaluation mechanism of the agency.
   

Through this advance data management system, any data from the communities like barangay profile, training reports, evaluation reports, rapid assessment activities, photo or video files or any other data in digital form can be shared quickly from the fields in different regions to the BDA Central Management Office.

In this undertaking, BDA will utilize tablet that have Android operating system, laptop and desktop computers.

BDA regional staff will provide inputs in the digital forms installed in the device and then share it quickly whenever Wifi or signal from telecom is available.

The system will utilize Google Drive, an online software provided by Google, for sharing data online. When one of the users will store the data online, it becomes accessible or shared to fellow group members within few seconds.

Around 56 BDA staff from central and regional management offices were trained on the data share system from November 25-December 15, 2013 at Cotabato City. The activity was sponsored by the European Union through the International Monitoring Team – Humanitarian Rehabilitation and Development Component.

Victor C. Sapar, an IT Specialist who facilitated the training said, “Using digital data share can save time and even lives like when you do rapid survey in a calamity stricken community that needs quick response.”

The facilitator pointed out that the system shall aid in prompt decision-making of the BDA considering the fast transfer of information within the organization.

Among the steps undertaken are setting of Google account for participants. This was important since the software requires use of Google Drive where all shared files are stored.

In developing the skills of the participants on file management and file storage, several activities were undertaken such as picture taking for photo storage, typing speed, video capturing, data gathering using online stored form, making of folders and sub-folders online, storage, editing and saving of files online using the system.

Sapar  also provided tips on data management and data storage such as file naming, two-hand typing, use of folder and sub-folders, others. He likewise gave tips on account safety and security.

According to Ustadz Mohammad Yacob, Executive Director of BDA, the system will be of great help for BDA to strengthen its data management system and also for capacity building for its staff.

“I expect from you to apply the learning you get from this training because BDA, your Regions chose you for this, and it is your responsibility now to make use of this for the development of BDA,” Ustadz Yacob said.

BDA has Central Management Office based in Cotabato City and seven Regional Management Offices namely Central Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, Davao, Ranaw (Lanao), Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga-Basilan, and Sulu - Tawi-tawi.

The agency is tasked to determine, lead and manage relief, rehabilitation and development projects in the conflict affected areas of Mindanao.

BDA is currently drafting the Bangsamoro Development Plan in support to the proposed establishment of the Bangsamoro Government, a new political entity that will replace the present Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao by 2016.

 http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/741-bda-adopts-online-digital-datashare-to-strengthen-management-information-system

Panay rebel leader killed in ambush; CPP-NPA eyed

From the Philippine Star (Jan 1): Panay rebel leader killed in ambush; CPP-NPA eyed

ILOILO, Philippines - – A ranking leader of one of the armed factions of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) on Panay Island was killed in an ambush in Badiangan town this province on Monday afternoon.

Three men on a motorcycle gunned down Demetrio Capilastique as he was cruising Barangay Linaywan on his motorbike, police said.

As Capilastique fell on the ground, the gunmen fired more bullets apparently to finish him off. Eight empty .45-caliber shells were recovered at the crime scene, just a few kilometers from his residence.

Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas, Iloilo police director, urged witnesses to surface and shed light on the killing.

Brigadier Gen. Arnold Quiapo, commanding officer of the Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, believes that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was behind Capilastique’s killing.

“There is an ongoing turf war between them as far as extortion activities are concerned,” Quiapo said.

Quarry firms, according to information reaching authorities, are giving “protection money” to Capilastique’s group.

In some parts of central Iloilo, it is believed that the RPA-ABB has the upper hand over the CPP-NPA.

Capilastique “has long been on their hit list because he was once an active NPA commander. In fact, he was considered one of the best NPA commanders in Panay before,” Quiapo said.

In 2012, two RPA-ABB leaders were also slain, and the NPA was believed responsible for the killings.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/01/01/1273881/panay-rebel-leader-killed-ambush-cpp-npa-eyed

Zambo cops on full alert for possible threat by Misuari supporters

From the Philippine Star (Dec 31): Zambo cops on full alert for possible threat by Misuari supporters

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed additional forces in this city in preparation for possible retaliatory threats from rebel forces sympathetic to fugitive Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari, an official said yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, Police Regional Office 9 (PRO) director, said the deployment is part of their security plan to address a possible threat.

Police officers from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) and those from the neighboring provinces in the Zamboanga peninsula were re-deployed in many strategic locations in this city.

“Zamboanga City can no longer take another one (attack),” Vaño said when asked by newsmen about any present threat from the rebel group under Misuari.

There has been talk that Misuari’s supporters plan to rescue detained MNLF rebels who participated in the bloody siege here in September. Vaño, however, said they have not received this kind of information but are seriously considering the threat.

He said no policeman deployed here would observe the rotational break during the New Year celebration. “All PNP personnel shall be all on the street and we are on full alert,” he said.

Task Force Zamboanga also doubled its security troops to complement the presence of the police forces, according to its commander Col. Andrelino Colina.

Both police and military officials said security forces would be deployed in vital installations and public places of convergence.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/31/1273541/zambo-cops-full-alert-possible-threat-misuari-supporters

Misuari still in the country, says De Lima

From the Philippine Star (Jan 1): Misuari still in the country, says De Lima

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari is still in the country.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said there is no truth to a report that Misuari fled to Guinea to attend a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

“Misuari is still here (in the country). That report was inaccurate,” she said in an interview.

De Lima earlier ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to check the report.
But after checking, NBI agents found no record or any indication that the MNLF leader had indeed left the country.

In a related development, the MNLF rebels arrested for the Zamboanga City siege last October have been transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

De Lima said at least 266 MNLF members from the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga arrived at their new detention center on Monday morning.

They will stay at Camp Bagong Diwa while standing trial for rebellion and other criminal charges.

“These are high-risk detainees,” De Lima said.

She said five women, two wounded and two minors were not included in the transfer since they “needed special arrangements before they can be transferred.”

A detained MNLF member died last October due to cardiac arrest.

Prosecutors would reportedly tapped two of the rebels as state witnesses.

Camp Bagong Diwa is also where the accused in high-profile cases like the Ampatuans and Abu Sayyaf bandits are detained.

But De Lima said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, which manages the facility, provided a separate facility for the MNLF members.

She said a Zamboanga regional trial court judge to whom the cases against the MNLF members were previously assigned, ordered the transfer, which the Department of Justice had sought due to security concerns.

She echoed Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabel Climaco’s belief that the city would not be the most suitable venue to detain and try the MNLF rebels.

“The National Prosecution Service agreed that Zamboanga is a dangerous venue (for the trial) because there are serious security concerns. The probability of the jailed rebels being rescued (by their fellow rebels) is higher in their local area,” she said.

Misuari and his men are facing charges of rebellion and violations of Republic Act 9851 (Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity).

Among those charged were Misuari’s commanders Habier Malik, Assamin Hussin and Bas Arki, who are all still at large.

The DOJ recommended no bail for Misuari and his commanders, while their men have to post P200,000 bail in the rebellion case.

On violations of RA 9851, no bail was recommended for all the accused. Last Oct. 9, the court issued arrest warrants for Misuari and his commanders.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/01/01/1273883/misuari-still-country-says-de-lima

AFP looking forward to a more productive 2014

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): AFP looking forward to a more productive 2014

With 2014 just a few hours away, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday announced that it is looking forward to post more significant achievements this coming year.

Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, AFP chief-of-staff, made this announcement after noting that the military had a banner year this 2013 due to its successful defense of Zamboanga City last September against rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters and its humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in the "Yolanda"-affected areas of Visayas.

“As we celebrate the holiday season and welcome 2014, may all the soldiers take pride in everything that we have accomplished in our pursuit of just and lasting peace for the Philippines, and in our transformation initiatives,” he added.

Bautista also expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for their display of courage during all the challenges that the AFP faced this year.

“I am proud of the courage that you have displayed, and for the commitment to give our fellow Filipinos a much brighter future. Please know that because of your hard work and dedication to service, our nation is more peaceful, and more secure,” he stressed.

It will be remembered that members of the Misuari MNLF elements (RMEs) arrived in Zamboanga City last Sept. 9 and planned to occupy the City Hall and manifest their independence, taking several civilian hostages in the process.

Although it suffered losses, the AFP was able to counter the RMEs through immediate containment operations followed by calibrated military response which ultimately resulted to the neutralization of the enemy (208 RMEs killed while 294 captured/apprehended).

Twenty soldiers and five Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel also lost their lives along with 177 soldiers and 17 police who were wounded. A total of 195 hostages were also rescued.

The year 2013 also marked two of the most devastating natural calamities that hit the country when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Central Visayas last October and "Yolanda" struck the region leaving massive destruction and crisis last November.

Despite difficulties, the AFP was able to proceed in its HADR efforts in Bohol and in "Yolanda"-affected Visayas deploying about 600 combined land, air and naval assets and more than 18,000 personnel.

The past year also posed great challenges for the armed forces.

Last March, 21 Filipino peacekeepers were held captive amid conflict between rebels and government forces in Syria and in May, four peacekeepers were once again held hostage by the rebels.

Through negotiations, the soldiers were released about five days after their capture.

Also in 2013, the AFP faced challenges such as the Sabah crisis and the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea but despite these, the AFP remained true to its mandate and effectively performed its duties.

With another year coming, Bautista said the AFP will continue to implement genuine reforms and programs aimed at improving and enhancing its organization.

Guided by its thrust on Territorial Defense, Internal Security Operations, Organizational Reform, and Support to Peace and Nation-Building, the AFP looks forward to finally achieving our common goal of a just and lasting peace and stability for our country in the coming year.

“May we build on our triumphs in the past to meet the challenges of the future. And through the true spirit of 'Bayanihan', let us further engage our people to join us in the accomplishment of our objectives,” Bautista said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=600885

5 hurt in North Cotabato blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 1): 5 hurt in North Cotabato blast

Five people were hurt after three unidentified men hurled a hand grenade at the United Church of Christ Philippines (UCCP) Church in Barangay Ugaligan, Carmen town, North Cotabato Tuesday evening.

Capt. Antonio Bulao, 602nd Infantry Brigade civil-military operations officer, said the incident took place around 8:20 p.m.

He said that the suspects, who were aboard two motorcycles, hurled the grenade at the people-packed church before fleeing at the direction of Kabacan town.

Hurt in the issuing blast were Amy Tropa, 56; Chabilita Tropa, 12; Ading Tropa, 16; Jhonloyd Tropa, 6; and Marielle Montayer, 16.

All the victims were immediately brought to Kabacan Medical Specialist Hospital in Kabacan town for treatment.

Bulao said that authorities are still determining the motive of the attack.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=600985

PCG retrieves body of drowned PAF personnel in Ilocos Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): PCG retrieves body of drowned PAF personnel in Ilocos Sur

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel have recovered the body of a junior officer of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) who reportedly drowned while swimming in the waters of Barangay Tarangotong, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur last Sunday.

Belated reports reaching the PCG headquarters in Manila identified the victim as a certain Lt. Alvin Lagria, 29, a resident of Barangay Libtong also in Tagudin town.

According to reports, the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Candon received a call from a retired Navy personnel later identified as Tarcleno Rosuena, of Barangay Libtong, informing them that Lagria went missing while having a dip at the waters of said barangay.

CGSS Candon immediately responded along with the victim’s relatives and neighbors and recovered Lagria more than a hour later.

The victim was brought to the nearest hospital in Tagudin but attending doctors declared him dead.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=600903

2 MNLF members to be state witnesses in rebellion raps

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): 2 MNLF members to be state witnesses in rebellion raps

Two members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will be made as state witnesses in the bloody attacks in Zamboanga City between the forces of the MNLF-Misuari Faction and government troops last September.

However, Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano on Monday refused to name the two state witnesses in consideration of their safety.

Arellano said that the two witnesses may also be placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

The two witnesses will stay in Zamboanga City and they will not be included in the transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa, in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Meanwhile, Arellano Arellano confirmed that the 266 MNLF members have been transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Monday.

The 266 MNLF members are facing rebellion charges and violation of Republic Act No. 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law.

The Supreme Court (SC) earlier approved the request of the National Prosecution Service (NPS) for the transfer of the accused to Taguig City, as well as the venue of the trial of the case from Zamboanga City in order to ensure the security in the proceedings of the case.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=600780

Mindanao Army commander warns soldiers vs. indiscriminate firing

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): Mindanao Army commander warns soldiers vs. indiscriminate firing
 
Administrative charges and possible dismissal await soldiers who will indiscriminately fire their guns to welcome the New Year.

Major General Romeo Gapuz, commander of the 6th Infantry Division based here, said he did not order the taping of muzzle of soldiers' firearms unlike the police because the Army leadership would know if guns are fired in the past 24 hours.

"The morning after the New Year revelry, we will have accounting of all firearms and bullets issued to all soldiers under the 6th ID," Gapuz said.

He assured the public that all soldiers and all other military units under his command will not fire their guns "unless the situation calls for it."

The Army policy on indiscriminate firing had been observed by the military whether there is celebration or not, Gapuz stressed.

"I assure the public that the 6th ID will continue to follow the chain of command and maintain civilian supremacy over the military," Gapuz said, adding that all battalion commanders have been under instruction to maintain law and order in their respective areas of assignment.

In areas where rebellion is still active and lawless elements operate, the Army had taken steps to prevent them from destroying tranquility in communities.

The 6th ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Since December 1, the Army brigades under the 6th ID - 601st, 602nd, 603rd, Army 2nd Mechanized Brigade and the 1st Marine Brigade have been placed on alert status to ensure the yuletide season is peaceful and solemn.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=600932

Significant developments, achievements in the military, defense sectors in 2013

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31): Significant developments, achievements in the military, defense sectors in 2013

With 2013 now coming to close, it is pleasing to report that significant progress have been made to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) greatly improving its capabilities to defend the nation against external and internal threats.

Aside from this, the military has been able to carry out its security, community development and disaster relief missions.

In the acquisition phase, the arrival of its Hamilton-class cutter, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) and three of the five AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters, and signing and bidding of major ship contracts, the modernization of the Philippine Navy (PN) is now going on a good clip.

Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said that they are very excited with the way things are going for the PN which for decades has sadly lagged behind its other Southeast Asian counterparts.

But with the arrival of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz last Aug. 6, after a two-month voyage from the United States, and commissioning last Nov. 22 and delivery of the three AW-109s last Dec. 8, Fabic said that the maritime domain awareness capability of the PN was greatly boosted.

Aside from this, another good thing that happened for the Navy this 2013, was that the contract for the PN's P4-billion "strategic sealift vessel" (SSVs) was finally awarded to PT PAL Indonesia (Persero) early this August.

The latter company won after offering a bid price offer of P3,863,999,520.

The two-ship project is expected to be completed within two years.

"The SSV is an integral part of the PN's Service Force (logistic) and is needed to accomplish the Navy's missions in different areas," Fabic earlier said.

The ships are estimated to weigh around 7,300 gross register tons and capable of transporting at least a battalion of troops (500 men) and their equipment.

The SSVs will be also used to improve the PN's transport and lift capabilities.

The ships are capable of acting as mini-helicopter carriers as it is capable of carrying two helicopters at it flight deck and another at its enclosed hangar area.

Another welcome development for the Navy this year is the bidding for its two-brand new frigates has finally gotten of the ground.

First stage bidding was conducted last Oct. 25 and of this posting, around four firms have qualified for the program which is worth P18 billion.

Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. and Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inc. hurdled the first stage of the bidding process, which involved the inspection of company documents.

The second stage of the bidding will involve the opening of financial proposals and technical documents. This phase will determine if the bidders’ offers are well within the approved budget of P18-billion and if their goods are in line with the specifications provided in the bid documents. The second phase of the bidding will be held this month.

The DND decided to conduct a two-stage competitive bidding due to the technical and detailed nature of the project.

The winning bidder is required to deliver the ships within four years from the opening of a letter of credit, a document that assures the supplier that the government will honor its financial obligations.

And should it come into fruitition, the two ships will be the most heavily armed vessels in PN service.

Aside from this, other items in the process of bidding for Navy include three more multi-purpose attack crafts of which six to nine are already in service and the so-called "Marines Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System Acquisition Project" (MITSS) for the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) which is worth P 684,230,000.

This aims to improve the surveillance, monitoring and targeting capability of three brigades that makes up the PMC.

Funds for the MITSS will be sourced through the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Interested bidders are required to supply one MITSS to each of the three brigade of the PMC.

Each MITSS consist of two small unmanned aerial vehicles, three target acquisition devices, and four kits of tactical sensor integration support system.

Aside from this, an integrated logistic support system and one training MITSS manual is needed.

Interested parties are required to complete a similar project within the last five years.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled on Dec. 16 at the DND bidding awards committee conference room, right wing, basement, DND building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Bid opening is on Jan. 6, 2014. Bid documents can be acquired for P 75,000.

Aside from getting new equipment to boost up its capabilities, plans are also afoot to upgrade the existing ships of the fleet.

The DND announced that it is allocating P216 million to modernize the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), one of the three Jacinto Class Patrol Vessels (JCPV), in its service.

The latter are the Peacock patrol ships acquired from the United Kingdom in Aug. 1, 1997.

The money will be used to update the marine engineering upgrade of the above-mentioned ship.

The latter refers to to the development, design, operation and maintenance of watercraft propulsion and on-board systems; e.g. power and propulsion plants, machinery, piping, automation and control systems for marine vehicles.

This is Phase of the JCPV upgrade with Phase 1 being the installation of the new Raytheon gyro compass, Sperry Marine Naval BridgeMaster E Series Surface Search Radar, GPS, anemometer, and EM logs.

These were integrated with the ship's existing systems. The Phase 1 upgrade was completed in 2005.

The DND said that interested parties must have completed a similar project within the last five years.

It added that winning bidders must be able to deliver the goods or required service within 180 calendar working days upon the opening of the letter of credit.

Winding down the acquisition is the announcement of DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin that announced that the decision to acquire South Korea's F/A-50 jet aircraft is still on go.

He made this statement after noting that the DND has submitted its report to the Office of the President which recommended approval of the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) request that the Philippines pay 52 percent of the P18.9 billion price of the 12 F/A-50 aircraft which the country is planning to acquire as it interim fighter planes.

Gazmin also said that should the Office of the President go ahead with their recommendation, along with the so-called progress billing, the planes will be delivered by June 2015.

The DND chief added that both parties have reached a compromise on the delivery of spare parts to 60 days.

DND undersecretary for finance, modernization, installations and munitions Fernando Manalo earlier admitted that some major issues need resolving before the country can push through with its acquisition of the F/A-50 jet aircraft.

These include the turnaround time for spare parts which the Philippines wants 30 to 45 days but which the Korea Aerospace Industries is insisting on 180 days, issue on advance payment with the DND is insisting only on 15 percent but KAI wants 52 percent.

On the national security role, the AFP, especially the Philippine Army (PA), was able to demonstrate it capabilities to defend the country during the unprovoked Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) attack on Zamboanga City last Sept. 9 to 21.

Fifteen Army soldiers, including three officers, died while defending and liberating Zamboanga City from this unprovoked assault.

"Though the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the PA in particular, successfully performed its mandate, it had to bear the loss caused by the death of these brave warriors. After almost three weeks of fighting, the rogue MNLF fighters under Nur Misuari surrendered. The calibrated response done by the Army to protect the non-combatants which further led to the rescue of 195 hostages was considered as one of the most successful rescue mission in (its) history," PA spokesperson Capt. Anthony Bacus said.

Another in the disaster response effort for Supertyphoon "Yolanda" which battered a large part of Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City, included last Nov. 8.

Bacus said the PA deployed 155 military vehicles and 4,000 soldiers to help in the humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in Tacloban and other typhoon-affected areas.

He added that major units coming from the 10th and 4th Infantry Divisions based in Mindanao had sent battalions of carpenter-soldiers to help rebuild wreck schools, hospitals and other government buildings severely damaged the supertyphoon.

Bacus added that water search and rescue (WASAR) – capable and collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) – capable teams from the 525th Engineering Battalion were also deployed to Tacloban City.

Troopers from the 48th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division; 80th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division and the 1st Special Forces Battalion were also sent as augmentation forces.

The PA spokesperson stated that medical teams from the Army General Hospital had also been deployed, as well as two squads from the Civil Military Operations with their loud speakers and communication electronics and information assets.

Aside from this units, Philippine Army Relief Center was also established at the PA Wellness Center (Army Gym in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City ) with Civic-Military Operations Group as the unit responsible for the collection and repacking of relief items.

Besides the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, the PA also conducted "Operation Linis/Costal Clean Up" and tree planting activities which is conducted with full multi-sector participation.

Bacus also said that PA is prepared to deploy an "brigade size formations of engineers" to Tacloban City, to help in the ongoing clearing operations, should it be required in the coming days.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=600852

CPP: Aquino regime is bound to be rocked by people’s anger in 2014—CPP

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 31): Aquino regime is bound to be rocked by people’s anger in 2014—CPP

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) predicted more powerful mass struggles against the Aquino regime in 2014 as the latter continues to fuel the people’s anger with its widespread corruption, worsening economic conditions, unabated destruction of the environment, blind puppetry to the US imperialists and utter failure to address the urgent needs of the people amid natural and man-made disasters.

“The Filipino people are increasingly restive with the Aquino regime’s economic priorities which serve primarily the interests of foreign companies and their local big business partners, big landlords such as the Aquino-Cojuangco clan and the parasitic bureaucrat capitalists,” said the CPP.

“While the ruling classes are shielded from the economic crisis, the majority of the people wallow in worsening unemployment, further depression of real wages, rising prices of food, medicine, fuel and other basic commodities, deteriorating health, education and other social services, and environmental degradation,” said the CPP.

“The new year is set to start with another round of increases in diesel and oil prices and a new hike in the taxes imposed on cigarettes and other commodities—a foreboding of greater hardships for the Filipino people in the coming year,” said the CPP.

“Aquino’s promises of clean government and reform have all fallen flat. Aquino’s rhetoric of ‘hope’ is roundly repudiated and dismissed with widespread cynicism among the working class and even the middle class of small professionals, teachers, government employees, students, media practitioners and small and middle businessmen.”

“There is an increasingly strong clamor for Aquino’s ouster especially after being exposed as the Pork Barrel King and his criminal failure to prepare for supertyphoon Yolanda and act swiftly to address the emergency needs of the people after the widespread devastation,” said the CPP.

“Aquino is set to become the narrowest target of mass protests as the people increasingly see through the thin veil of his media-centered PR gimmicks and outright lies perpetuated by the yellow army of media and survey manipulators,” added the CPP.

“In the past year, Aquino could not avoid being at the center of the storm of the people’s protests against the corrupt pork barrel system, as he insisted on defending Malacañang’s own pork barrel of several hundred billion pesos in lump sum appropriations,” pointed out the CPP. “While claiming to fight corruption, Aquino is defending the corrupt system of disbursing funds at his sole discretion, which he uses to line the pockets of bureacrat capitalists to buy their political loyalties.”

“The next three years will be characterized by the ruling clique’s desperate measures to hold on to power in the face of the increasingly strong clamor for Aquino’s removal from power,” said the CPP. “It is set on carrying out a flurry of political and military maneuvers to ensure the perpetuation in power of Aquino’s allies in the vain hope of being spared from criminal prosecution for the grave crimes of large-scale bribery and plunder, as well as crimes against humanity committed by his armed forces under his Oplan Bayanihan campaign of suppression.”

“The Filipino people remain vigilant against the maneuvers to amend the 1987 constitution to make it more compliant with the conditions set by the US imperialists for Philippine membership in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement,” added the CPP. “Aquino is silently supportive of chacha not only to comply with US dictates, but also to make it more pliable regarding pork barrel allocations recently declared unconstitutional by the reactionary Supreme Court, as well as to remove restrictions against successive terms.”

“The US is set to intensify efforts to build its military bases in the Philippines and further increase its military presence in the country, surpassing past years in terms of the number of dockings and entries of its troops, aircraft carriers, jetfighters and the rest of its war machinery.”

“With US backing, the Aquino regime will increasingly rely on military suppression to stop the people from rising up in their numbers in protest against its corruption, puppetry and anti-people economic policies,” said the CPP.

“Under the direction of the CPP, the New People’s Army (NPA) will undertake more frequent tactical offensives in order to annihilate weak enemy units and seize more weapons,” pointed out the CPP. “This year, every NPA command must gun for a record increase in the number of weapons seized from the reactionary military, paramilitary and police forces.”

“As 2013 ends, we can conclusively declare the defeat of the Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan which failed in its declared aim of reducing the armed strength of the New People’s Army to inconsequentiality by the middle of this year,” said the CPP.

“The CPP must direct the heightening of people’s war nationwide, leading the intensification of the revolutionary armed struggle while waging widespread land reform campaigns and strengthening its mass base and building the structures of the people’s democratic government.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131231_aquino-regime-is-bound-to-be-rocked-by-people-s-anger-in-2014-cpp

CPP/NDF: The Heinous Crimes of Demetrio “Hugo”Capilastique, Jr

Posted to the CPP Website (Dec 31): The Heinous Crimes of Demetrio “Hugo”Capilastique, Jr

NDFP Panay Regional Chapter

 

Demetrio (a.k.a. “Hugo”) Capilastique, Jr., Regional Commander of RPA-ABB in Panay met his death yesterday, December 30, 2013, around 4:30 pm, at Linayuan, Badiangan, Iloilo when he resisted against the arresting unit of the New People’s Army. The arresting officers of the NPA were obliged to defend themselves and neutralized Capilastique’s resistance being a dangerous criminal.

The NPA was carrying out a police action to arrest Capilastique and bring him to the People’s Court to face the charges against him. The order to arrest him was issued by the People’s Court-Panay under the authority of the People’s Provisional Government. There are parties who are interested to investigate Capilastique about the accusations against him, including cases of kidnapping and the whereabouts of those they have abducted who are still missing.

Records from the People’s Court-Panay, showed some of the heinous crimes which Capilastique had a direct hand in or were executed under his command.

1. He was one in the leadership of those who committed the crime of mutiny against the legitimate leadership of the Party and NPA in the Southern Front in 1994.

2. He took part in planning the abduction of Luisa Posa and Nilo Arado at Oton in April 12, 2007, both were open mass leaders of progressive organizations in Panay and are still missing.

3. The killing of Atty. Edgar Calizo in Kalibo, Aklan in 2004

4. The killing of Jessie Cabalfin, a businessman at Buga, Leon in 2005.

5. The killing of Antonio Camiring and son Hilbert of Pepe, Leon in December 23, 2006.

6. The killing of a civilian named Ruel Tamano of Isauan, Tigbauan in 1994.

7. The killing of Virgilio Tubellera of sityo Lomboy, Bagacay, Tigbauan, 1995.

8. The killing of Rogelio Tabion of barangay Hamog, Leon in 1996.

9. The killing of Hernani Templo at sityo Lomboy, Bagacay, 1998.

10. The killing of Manuel Tacan of Ayubo, Tubungan, 1998.

11. The killing of Fred Cayapa of Cansilayan, Tigbauan, 2001.

12. The killing of Jimmy Gilange of Binanwaan, Camangahan, Guimbal, 2002.

13. He took part in planning the kidnapping and killing of Leovic Gutierrez, a mountaineer from Metro Manila, in the mountains of Aklan in 2003.

14. The killing of Juanito Lutero (1998) and Barangay Captain Jerry Colaja of Barangay Quipot, Janiuay; and also Miao Aportadera in order to control the quarrying business and extortion racket long the Suage River.

15. He was involved in the 2002 kidnapping case of Jefferson Tan, son of a businessman in Iloilo.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131231_the-heinous-crimes-of-demetrio-hugo-capilastique-jr

CPP/NDF: Revolutionary Justice was Meted out to the Butcher, Hugo Capilastique Jr

Posted to the CPP Website (Dec 31): Revolutionary Justice was Meted out to the Butcher, Hugo Capilastique Jr

NDFP Panay Provisional People's Government
People's Court

 

Demetrio Capilastique Jr alias Hugo is the regional commander of RPA-ABB in Panay. Since 1994 he has been in the leadership of the traitorous counter- revolutionary RPA-ABB in the island.

There has been no end to the crimes and atrocities against the people committed by this ’special CAFGU’ and mercenary band of which Capilastique bears the primary responsibility being the highest military official of the RPA-ABB in the region eversince their leader Daniel Batoy alias Mokong was meted out the death penalty by the revolutionary movement on August 22, 2004.

The crimes and accusations against Demetrio Capilastique Jr alias Hugo have been piling up since 1994 to the present. He never stopped committing heinous crimes and bear blood debts. The Communist Party and New People’s Army in Panay have repeatedly warned Capilastique to stop and desist from leading, commanding and taking direct hand in atrocious crimes against the common people. These were not heeded by Capilastique and instead committed even worse criminal and traitorous acts. The following are some of the heinous crimes which Capilastique had a direct hand in or were executed under his command.

1. He is part of the leadership who committed the crime of mutiny against the legitimate leadership of the Party and NPA in the Southern Front in 1994. Together with Daniel Batoy, Capilastique led a significant portion of the NPA in the South to split from the revolutionary movement and conspire with the AFP and PNP against the revolution.

2. In collaboration with Nilo dela Cruz, Capilastique took part in planning the abduction of Luisa Posa and Nilo Arado at Oton in April 12, 2007. Luisa and Nilo were open mass leaders of progressive organizations in Panay.

3. The ambush and killing of Atty. Edgar Calizo in Kalibo, Aklan in 2004. The RPA-ABB was paid by Calizo’s adversary in a land dispute.

4. The ambush and killing of Jessie Cabalfin, a businessman at Buga, Leon in 2005.

5. The killing of Antonio Camiring and son Hilbert of Pepe, Leon in December 23, 2006.

6. The killing of a civilian named Ruel Tamano of Isauan, Tigbauan in 1994.

7. The killing of Virgilio Tubellera of sityo Lomboy, Bagacay, Tigbauan, 1995.

8. The killing of Rogelio Tabion of barangay Hamog, Leon in 1996.

9. The killing of Hernani Templo at sityo Lomboy, Bagacay, 1998.

10. The killing of Manuel Tacan of Ayubo, Tubungan, 1998.

11. The killing of Fred Cayapa of Cansilayan, Tigbauan, 2001.

12. The killing of Jimmy Gilange of Binanwaan, Camangahan, Guimbal, 2002.

13. With Daniel Batoy, Capilastique took part in planning the kidnapping and killing of Leovic Gutierrez, a mountaineer from Metro Manila, in the mountains of Aklan in 2003. They kidnapped and killed the victim. They asked for ransom money from the victim’s family as they denied any involvement of the crime.

14. To control the quarrying business along the Suague River in Janiuay and to extort money, the RPA-ABB led by Capilastique killed Juanito Lutero (1998) who owns large tracts of lands near the Suague River and Barangay Captain Jerry Colaja of Barangay Quipot, Janiuay. To take a double-crop from their extortion activities, the RPA-ABB also killed Miao Aportadera who designed and paid the RPA-ABB for the killing of Lutero.

15. Demetrio Capilastique, Jr was also involved in the 2002 kidnapping case of Jefferson Tan, son of a businessman in Iloilo. Capilastique’s mercenary gang are being coddled and protected by the AFP and the police in order to do paid and ”dirty jobs” for them. This is the reason why Capilastique’s gang was audacious enough to ambush even elements of the police of Janiuay in Brgy Patong-patong in March 29, 2008. A policeman was killed and two others were injured. But no one from the RPA-ABB was ever arrested and convicted of this crime. Aside from killings, Capilastique is also notorious in running a protection racket by extorting money from business people and barangay officials in different barrios under their control. Whoever refuses to submit would be punished by hold-up if not murder.

Since 1994 to the present Capilastique’s bandit gang has committed murder and extortion in the towns of Tigbauan, Leon, Tubungan, Guimbal, Janiuay, San Joaquin in the province of Iloilo; in the towns of Ibajay, Buruanga, Makato and Kalibo in Aklan and in Sibalom and Culasi in Antique.

The biggest racket of Capilastique is in controlling quarry operations at Suage River. The killing of Jerry Colaja of Quipot, Janiuay was over the control of quarry at the Suage. Capilastique extorts P10 per truck of sand from quarry concessionaires aside from having his own quarry business. Capilastique has never been arrested for extortion but rather does it brazenly. The collapse of Suage Bridge wrought by supertyphoon Yolanda last November 8 was in fact due to uncontrolled quarrying. Not a single municipal official of Janiuay nor any provincial official ever complained and proposed a law to put an end to this ruinous quarrying.

After a thorough and objective investigations of these accusations, the People’s Court had passed a judgment that these crimes were indeed heinous and Capilastique has blood debts.

Since 2001, Capilastique has already been sentenced to death on the series of crimes committed by RPA-ABB in Iloilo where Capilastique was its provincial commander. The People’s Court had ordered the arrest of Demetrio Capilastique Jr in order to face the charges against him. Aggrieved parties are interested to directly investigate Capilastique about his crimes and the whrereabouts of those they had abducted that are still missing.

In carrying out the court’s order the NPA unit were reminded that they are about to arrest a fierce, armed and dangerous criminal. The arresting NPA unit tried to arrest Capilastique but instead of submitting, he violently resisted. Thus the unit was forced to defend itself and neutralize him.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131230_revolutionary-justice-was-meted-out-to-the-butcher-hugo-capilastique-jr

Soldier nabbed for bus hold-up

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Dec 31): Soldier nabbed for bus hold-up

A MILITARY official is disappointed over the alleged involvement of a soldier in a robbery inside a bus in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon province Saturday.

Captain Christian Uy, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) spokesman, said Monday that whatever was the reason of Private First Class Leonil Rosqueda, he should not have tried carrying out the robbery.

Uy said Rosqueda, a resident of Villa Angela Subdivision in Barangay Balulang village is an active soldier assigned at the 85th Infantry Battalion in Gumaca, Quezon province.

He said Rosqueda, 25, was on leave for the holidays.

Rosqueda is currently detained at the Malaybalay City police office.

Authorities intercepted the bus that Rosqueda allegedly robbed in Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay on Saturday night.

Uy said Rosqueda is not a member of the 4ID as the latter is assigned in the Visayas islands and not under the jurisdiction of the division.

“Pero ngalan nga sundalo siya, daku siya ug kadaut sa imahe sa organization (But the fact that he is a soldier, what he has done can damage the image of the Philippine Army),” Uy said.

Uy said they have already informed Rosqueda’s unit and has committed to facilitate and assist the investigating authorities for the processing of the case that is possibly filed against him.

Uy said they will assure that there will be no whitewash on the investigation of the crime his fellow soldier allegedly committed.

Rosqueda was armed with a .45 caliber pistol when he allegedly held up passengers of a bus owned and operated by Rural Transit Mindanao Incorporated (RTMI).

He will be facing criminal and administrative cases in court.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/12/31/soldier-nabbed-bus-hold-321087

PH literacy rate jumps by 5% in 10 years

From the Manila Times (Dec 30): PH literacy rate jumps by 5% in 10 years

National Statistics Office (NSO) data showed that literacy rate of Filipinos increased by 5 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to the statistical body’s 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) data.

The CPH, released late Friday, stated that 97.5 percent or 69.8 million of the total 71.5 million persons aged 10 and above were literate in 2010, which was 5.2 percent higher than the 92.3 percent in 2000.

By NSO definition, a person is considered literate if he or she is “able to read and write a simple message in any language or dialect.”

The 71.5 million aged 10 years old and up comprised 77.7 percent of the country’s 92.1 million total population of the country to date.

In terms of gender, the NSO said that there are more literate females than males—higher by 0.2 percent, or 97.6 percent compared to 97.4-percent male literacy rate.

Geographically, the National Capital Region had the highest literacy rate with 99.7 percent while the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has the lowest literacy rate in regional terms with 82.5 percent.

Cavite had the highest literacy rate among provinces with 99.6 percent, while Sulu had the lowest at 76.6 percent.

The NSO said that in 2010, female outnumbered male attendance to school by 0.9 percent, referring to students aged five to 24.

“Females aged five to 24 who attended school during the school year 2009-2010 comprised 65 percent of all females in this age group. In comparison, [there are] 64.1 percent of males aged five to 24 [who] attended school in the same school year,” the state-run statistical body said.

“The country had a total of 38.5 million persons aged five to 24 years. This age group makes up the 41.8 percent of the 92.1-million household population. Of the total 5-24 population, 24.9 million persons, or 64.5 percent had attended school at anytime from June 2009 to March 2010,” they added.

In terms of school attendance, Cordillera Administrative Region had the highest school attendance among regions with 69.4 percent of its students aged five to 24 attending school regularly while ARMM had the lowest with 59.3 percent.

At the provincial level, Batanes had the highest attendance in school among its students with 82.7 percent, while Basilan had the lowest with 52.8 percent.

http://manilatimes.net/ph-literacy-rate-jumps-by-5-in-10-years/64167/

MILF: Two barangays of Talayan, Maguindanao declared as Zone of Peace

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 30): Two barangays of Talayan, Maguindanao declared as Zone of Peace



“After long years of sacrifice and perseverance of our team, including the parents and the community leaders, we have finally witnessed the declaration of Barangay  North Binangga and Katibpuan in Talayan, Maguindanao as Darussalam or Zone of Peace,” Norman Abbas said, the project officer of Kadtuntaya Foundation Inc. (KFI) in a community gathering held at Barangay Katibpuan on December 21.
  

Abbas explained before the huge crowd the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed and signed by community leaders of Talayan.

“Among the important contents of the MOU is, ‘whenever armed groups enter these barangays to conduct operations they must first coordinate with barangay officials or community leaders’,” Abbas disclosed.

“Showing of firearms in these two barangays is restricted,” he added.

“Selling, pushing and using illegal drugs or drinking liquor in the community as well as employing illegal fishing methods that would destroy and affect fauna, fries or fingerlings are also prohibited in these barangays,” he stressed.

According to Abbas, the copy of the MOU will be distributed to the security sector, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders in the area, concerned barangays, municipal and provincial local government units of Maguindanao, traditional keaders, Tiyakap Kalilintad, civil society groups and other peace partners.

Mr. Alex Virtanen of the Non-Violent Peace Force-Philippines (NPP), International Civilian Protection Monitor who witnessed the signing said, “The best way to achieve harmonious living is to declare peace.”

Virtanen, in his message expressed appreciation to the community’s effort for embarking on peace initiatives and sustaining economic development in these barangays.

Abdulnasser Binasing of the KFI, said, “Darussalam or ‘Abode of Peace’ based on the KFI definition and understanding, has twelve important descriptions and must have:

•    Social cohesion and unity among the member of the community;
•    Greater tolerance and respect to others culture;
•    Unity against any form of oppression and social injustice;
•    Promotion of what is good and prohibition of what is bad;
•    Continuing Islamic education and value formation;
•    Enhance equitable distribution of economic prosperity of justice;
•    Adequate distribution of basic social services;
•    Respect of gender rights;
•    Peaceful resolution of  community conflict;
•    Care of environment and ecosystem;
•    Respect human rights; and
•    Just, fair and quick trials and judgment).  

Teng Latip, Provincial Coordinator of Tiyakap Kalilintad, challenged the community members to strictly follow the contents of  the MOU. “This initiative have positive impact to the ongoing peace process between the government and the MILF, Our community is already advanced in the observance of soon-to-be implemented Shariah Justice System in the new Bangsamoro government,” Latip said.

The activity was a community and Tiyakap Kalilintad-led initiative with support from the barangay local government units (BLGU’s) of Municipality of Talayan, and the KFI.  

Representatives of international and local groups that witnessed the declaration of Darussalam were: NPP; Community and Family Services International (CFSI); Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission (RRUC), ARMM; KFI; United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD); B/LGU, and some members of MILF.

Tiyakap Kalilintad is a Maguindanaon vernacular for “Care for Peace”. It is composed of civilian local peacekeeping teams organized to help sustain the cessation of hostilities and strengthen grassroots peace building in the conflict-prone areas in Central and Southwestern Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/740-two-barangays-of-talayan-maguindanao-declared-as-zone-of-peace