Photo: NPA’s landmines

From the Sun Star (Apr 10): Photo: NPA’s landmines



DAVAO. Major Jake Obligado of the 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, arranges the fragments and parts of the landmines, including chunks of metal, used by the New People’s Army to maim and kill. (King Rodriguez)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/media/2013/04/10/npa-s-landmines-276855

MILF: UNYPAD-Zamboanga City Chapter initiates community organizing

From the MILF Website (Apr 9): UNYPAD-Zamboanga City Chapter initiates community organizing

Zamboanga City -The United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) –Zamboanga City Chapter initiated sorts of meetings and organizing of new members geared to strengthen its organization and widen its services.

The organization actively engages on intervention, participation and advocacy in productive programs and viewed necessary in promoting peace and development in Mindanao particularly in the core provinces and areas in the ARMM activities in line with its primordial mandates and commitment to peace.

On April 4, 1013, the group undertook organizing of new members and chapter at a Mosque vicinity in Barangay Recodo, a village in the western coastal area of the city, in addition to its established set up in this town. The activity was attended by regular and newly-sworn members of UNYPAD

Mr. Tirso Tahir, a member of the Steering Committee of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) graced the affair and imparted inspirational message. He pointed out the crucial roles of the youth, parents and elders in matters of decision-making through active involvement and participation in socio-economic and political activities in societies and communities.

Tahir stressed that the youth should share their valuable time and knowledge to help in disseminating the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) reaching every Moro and non-Moro communities particularly in the proposed Bangsamoro territory and explaining its substantial points and doable objectives.

“Youth is supposedly in the front line in every endeavor particularly in questing and upholding the peace and development in Mindanao specifically in the covered areas because you are imparted with current cyber-knowledge and energy compared to the old ones,” he stressed.

Among the problems faced by Muslim Youth in Zamboanga City is the difficulty to be admitted to work in local commercial malls and industrial factories unlike with their contemporary youth who came from Davao, Northern Mindanao and from Zamboanga Peninsula region.

Discrimination in matter of identity & religion are among the depriving factors in such employment opportunity and system of work admittance.

On the other hand, any successful Muslim businessmen, traders, professionals and politicians in Zamboanga City must be in full cooperation and attachment to local non-Muslim Politicians and even to the extent of compromising their stance and principles as Muslim and Moro in order to prolong their presence, temporal grandeur and status in Zamboanga City.

Mostly of the Moro youth who did not finish their study opted to work in Sabah, Malaysia despite of some reported maltreatment to undocumented Filipino workers and was recently aggravated by the Sultanate armed men’s intrusion in Sabah. Most Muslim professionals and skilled Moros are also working in Middle Eastern countries where they are preferred because of their being Muslims.

These are how the flow and images of living condition and living status of Muslim Moros in Zamboanga City, a City which was once upon a time belonged, inhabited and centre of Moro Trading in Mindanao after Jolo Sulu.

UNYPAD Zamboanga City Chapter was organized last 2009 by the national officers of UNYPAD based in Cotabato City. Thereafter, UNYPAD Zamboanga City chapter actively participates and collaborates with other civil society organization operating in the city. The said organization are calling the Moro youth to become more productive in their field of expertise especially in terms of political, social, and religious undertakings.

Julfhikar L. Samsaraji, UNYPAD Zamboanga City Chapter President said, “We encourage our fellow youth of this generation to become more participatory in decision –making and get involve in advancing their knowledge to shape brighter future of Mindanao.”

He added, “Therefore we say let us respect our differences towards common goal and unite on the same ground.”

The next community organizing will soon be conducted within the Zamboanga peninsula to promote harmonious relationship among Moro youth and serve as partners in nation building towards the creation of new Bangsamoro political entity.

Recodo is populated by Moro residents and almost all of the inhabitants are relying in fishing and selling of local fruits and other local products as their source of legitimate livelihood.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/302-unypad-zamboanga-city-chapter-initiates-community-organizing

CPP: Video Ang Bayan, April 7

Video posted to the PRWC Website (Apr 7): Video Ang Bayan, April 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc-unZeLqcE&feature=youtu.be

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/04/video-ang-bayan-7-april-2013.html

CPP: AFP's berserk posturing claims high civilian casualties

Posted to the CPP Website (Apr 9): AFP's berserk posturing claims high civilian casualties

Simon Santiago
Political Director
NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Political Department (Merardo Arce Command)

Members of the 10th Infantry Division-AFP were responsible for the spate of civilian killings in April, in the areas of Mabini, Comval; Baguio District, Davao City; and Dalisay, Panabo City. To cover up its culpability for these recent gross human rights abuses, the AFP has not only accused the New People’s Army for these criminal acts; it lambasts, time and again, the NPA for using command-detonated explosives against its troops.

On April 6, at 9:30 pm, Nomer Ogaw, a vigilante Blackfighter and member of the military intelligence battalion shot and injured a civilian, Gary Rautraut, 32, and other unnamed civilian, near the packing house of Dole Philippines banana plantation in Brgy. Baguio, Baguio District, Davao City. Ogaw was with the 84th Infantry Battalion Special Operations Team.]

In a separate incident, the 69th Infantry Battalion-AFP shot to death Elias Acero, a civilian, and wounded an unnamed other civilian on 7:20 am, April 8 in Brgy. Dalisay, Panabo City. Despite killing Acero in full view of the masses in the area, the Army was quick to heap the blame on the NPA by alleging that the latter injured and killed the civilians following a supposed NPA action. For the time being, Red fighters have held back from conducting any attritive action against the 69th IB troops currently deployed in the civilian-populated villages. Thus, it could not accused of hitting the civilians.

The AFP’s barbaric acts this month started with the earlier reported killing by the 71st IB of 8-year old Roque Antivo and wounding of two other boys in Sitio Kidaraan, Brgy. Anitapan, Mabini town, Compostela Valley on April 3.

No matter how the 10th ID attempts to deflect attention from these civilian killings, the crimes occur as part of the AFP’s conduct of TRIAD operations under the Oplan Bayanihan. Not only are civilians killed by the AFP’s combat forces, as in the killing of the child Antivo, civilians are also killed by intelligence and psychological warfare units and by Peace and Development Teams under Civil Military Operations.

The AFP is fascist, barbaric through and through in every aspect of its TRIAD operations under the Oplan Bayanihan. Its pretext of dispersing human rights conscious troops in peasant villages falls flat in the face of mounting atrocities. Failing to put a leash against its own fascist fangs, Army’s spin doctors and propaganda machine concoct wild stories as cover-up and occasion to depict the NPA as criminals. When it fails to stem the tide of increasing NPA strength, it cries foul as command-detonated explosives hit its troops. When it fails to frustrate the rising discontent and anger of the masses, it goes berserk in anger and brands civilians as enemies and legitimate targets.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130409_afp-s-berserk-posturing-claims-high-civilian-casualties

Sulu official denies 32 sultanate supporters nabbed in Sabah

From the Philippine Star (Apr 9): Sulu official denies 32 sultanate supporters nabbed in Sabah

A senior leader in Sulu belied reports that Malaysian authorities arrested 32 armed Filipinos entering Lahad Datu, Sabah to reinforce the Royal Sultanate Force (RSF) on Monday.

 

Malaysian state media Bernama, quoting the police commissioner in Sabah, reported that Filipinos from Mindanao armed with firearms and machetes arrested 12 nautical miles from the east coast of Lahad Datu.

 

“Hindi totoo yan na may nahuli sila doon sa mga nag-reinforce sa Sabah,” the Sulu-based source, who asked not to be named because he is currently occupying a sensitive government position.

 

He described Bernama’s news report as plain propaganda being dished out by Malaysian officials to make it appear that they are in total control of the security situation on the ground.

Closely monitoring the development in Sabah, the source pointed out that the current security situation in the area remains highly fragile as several groups of heavily armed men from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan have been able to enter Sabah tgo reinforce the group of Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram.

“But a full-blown conflict in Sabah can still be reversed through peaceful dialogues between the Malaysian government and the Sulu Sultanate. Kung walang pag-uusap na mangyayari dyan, sasakit ang ulo ng Malaysian leadership dyan,” he said.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) alswo said that not a single member of the group that sailed to Sabah without prior clearance to their leadership, has been arrested by Malaysian military and police authorities.

MNLF political bureau chief, Haji Gapul Hajirul stressed that it is not in the nature of Tausugs to just surrender. He said Tausugs would rather die fighting than allow themselves to be arrrested.

“Walang report na ganyan dito sa amin,” Hajirul said referring to the supposed arrest of their fighters, who have already sailed to Sabah to join the fighting.

MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari himself has formed a 5,000-strong rescue force, all of them under going retraining in Sulu prior to their deployment any time this month to Sabah, to assist and defend ordinary Filipinos being maltreated by Malaysian security forces.

The Sulu-based source, however, described Misuari’s posturing simply as a publicity stunt. The official said that only a handful MNLF members remain loyal to the chieftain.

“Wala na syang pwersa, papano niya gagawin 'yun? Gusto lang niyang magpapansin siguro,” the source said.

 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/09/928760/sulu-official-denies-32-sultanate-supporters-nabbed-sabah

(UPDATE) Civilian killed as clashes between soldiers, leftist rebels continue in Davao

From the Philippine Star (Apr 9): (UPDATE) Civilian killed as clashes between soldiers, leftist rebels continue in Davao

A man was killed as leftist rebels attacked an army outpost in the southern Philippines yesterday as violence caused by one of Asia's longest leftist insurgencies continue to rise this month, a military official said today.

Elias Acero was riding a dump truck when hit by bullets fired by alleged New People's Army rebels in Dalisay village, Panabo City in Mindanao's Davao del Norte province, according to Buenaventura Pascual, commander of the army's 103rd Infantry Brigade based in the said province.

An undetermined number of leftist guerrillas opened fire at the command post of the army's 69th Infantry Battalion as the vehicle the victim was riding in passed by in an adjacent road around 8:30 a.m., Pascual said.

The victim died to gunshot wounds upon arrival at a local hospital.

Yesterday's incident brought to ten the number of people killed in a series of clashes between government troops and leftist rebels in less than a week.

Last Wednesday, nine people that included three soldiers, five rebels and a 9-year old child, died during fighting in the towns of Mabini and Monkayo in the neighboring minerals-rich Compostela Valley province.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/09/928855/update-civilian-killed-clashes-between-soldiers-leftist-rebels-continue

Farmer shot dead in San Jose brgy

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 9): Farmer shot dead in San Jose brgy

The Philippine Army has accused the New People's Army rebels of killing a farmer in Brgy. Siapo, San Jose, in Negros Oriental at around 4 p.m. Saturday.

1Lt. Lito Orbita of the 79 th Infantry Battalion, said Cirilo Sienes, 40, of Sitio Guinlungsuran in Brgy. Siapo was shot in the head by an undetermined number of suspected rebels in his farm.

Two spent shells of a .45 caliber revolver and a computerized letter purportedly from the NPA “Rachelle Mae Palang Command South East Negros” were found at the crime scene, Orbita said.

He also said that, the letter states that the NPA killed Sienes for his noncooperation and support to the ideology and struggle of the rebels.

The killing of Sienes could be part of the NPA post-anniversary offensives that target peace-loving civilians who refuse to support the rebels, Orbita added. He said the South Eastern Front Komiteng Rehiyon Sentral Bisayas of the NPA, operating in southern Negros Oriental, have committed several atrocities, among them two deaths, since the start of 2013.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/09/negor3.htm

NDF consultant's arrest and detention inspires daughter's activism

From InterAksyon (Apr 9): NDF consultant's arrest and detention inspires daughter's activism



The arrest and detention of a Bayan Muna campaigner who is also a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines has inspired his daughter to become a human rights activist campaigning for the release of political prisoners.

Nicolette, 23, youngest child and only daughter of Renante Gamara, who was arrested in Quezon province on April 4, 2012 for what his family and supporters describe as trumped up charges of kidnapping with murder, said she grew up often joining her father at trade union rallies and meetings and became sympathetic to the workers’ struggles.

But her father's arrest, she said, prodded her to working full time in the mass movement.

Now spokesperson of the Free Renante Gamara and all Political Prisoners Movement, Nicolette said she yearned for her father, who authorities say is a ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

According to records of Karapatan, there are 430 political prisoners in the country as of December 2012, 14 of them, including Renante, NDFP consultants who communist rebels say are covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, which grants protection from arrest and detention to peace negotiators and to their staff and security personnel.

Nicolette said her father was illegally arrested, his name not even included in the original warrant but merely “inserted” by authorities.

"Our government has only proven that there is something wrong with the system and those critical of the system are harassed," Nicolette said.

On Tuesday, as the nation observed Araw ng Kagitingan, which marks the Fall of Bataan and the subsequent Death March of World War II, over 30 members of the FRGM held a protest outside Camp Crame to call for the immediate release of political prisoners.

"Just like the heroes of the Bataan Deaath March, they are being made to suffer because of their love for our country and people," Nicolette said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59000/ndf-consultants-arrest-and-detention-inspires-daughters-activism

REALITY CHECK | Another grounding at Tubbataha shows PH Navy's incapacity to guard borders

From InterAksyon (Apr 9): REALITY CHECK | Another grounding at Tubbataha shows PH Navy's incapacity to guard borders

The latest grounding of a foreign vessel at the protected marine sanctuary of Tubbataha Reef has exposed the weakness of the country's territorial and maritime defenses, Philippine Navy officers acknowledge.

Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman on the West Philippine Sea issue, admitted on Tuesday that the Philippine Navy "cannot guard every nook and cranny of our maritime domain," owing to the country's porous borders and vast coastlines, as well as the Navy's own lack of resources.

The latest grounding of a Chinese fishing vessel comes barely three months since the grounding of a US minesweeper, the USS Guardian, on January 17. It took authorities over two months to completely remove the wreckage of the US ship.

Arevalo said that not only does the military have few ships and aircraft to patrol territorial waters, many of the ships are also performing other missions and "therefore do not and cannot stay on guard in a particular area all the time."

Despite these weaknesses, the Philippine Navy continues to exert all efforts to protect the country's territorial domains, Arevalo said.

"We are also hopeful that the procurement and delivery of additional ships and airplanes that are already in the pipeline will be realized soon to augment our extant capabilities," he added.

As of presss time, the Navy has yet to conduct an aerial surveillance of the grounded Chinese vessel due to poor weather. The 12 crew members of the ship are now in the custody of the Philippine Coast Guard.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59005/reality-check--another-grounding-at-tubbataha-shows-ph-navys-incapacity-to-guard-borders

77 NPA rebels surrender in the first quarter, up from zero last year, AFP says

From InterAksyon (Apr 9): 77 NPA rebels surrender in the first quarter, up from zero last year, AFP says

Seventy-seven New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the government in the first quarter this year, a significant improvement from zero during the same period last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday.

This proves that "more rebels are veering away from the injustices and criminal activities of the communist group as documented in numerous human rights violations and atrocities against innocent civilians, which are in contrast to their pro-people and pro-human rights claims," AFP spokesperson Colonel Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.

He added that the number of surrenderees is based on reports gathered from various field units of the AFP.

Citing a recent study, the armed forces also said that the communist rebel group used landmines and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in 107 incidents for the past ten years, killing 113 and hurting 262 others.

The rebel group used landmines the most number of times in Region 11 with 38 incidents, specifically in Davao del Sur, followed by Caraga with 20 recorded incidents in Surigao del sur.

Burgos said the NPA utilizes landmines due to their "declining capability to engage government troops."

Landmines are also used by the NPA to harass business owners and private individuals to give in to extortion demands.

In 2012, the NPA collected up to P25-million in extortion money from civilians, a "significant decrease" from the P300-million reported in 2011, the AFP said.

Burgos said the AFP has further stepped up its intelligence monitoring to thwart NPA activities in the country.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59016/77-npa-rebels-surrender-in-the-first-quarter-up-from-zero-last-year-afp-says

With 'reinforcements,' Sultanate force in Sabah now at 400 – Idjirani

From InterAksyon (Apr 9): With 'reinforcements,' Sultanate force in Sabah now at 400 – Idjirani



Idjirani: sultanate's spokesman claims Filipinos from Sulu went to Lahad Datu on their own to augment the beleaguered forces there.

Members of the Royal Security Force of the Sulu sultanate who remain holed up in Lahad Datu, Sabah despite continuous Malaysian assault have received additional reinforcements from sympathizers in the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi areas.

Abraham Idjirani, sultanate spokesman and secretary general, said in a phone interview that as of this time, Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram and his Royal Security Force are already numbered at over 400, after dwindling to just over 160 following heavy Malaysian assault.

Idjirani said more Filipinos went to Sabah on March 29 and April 5 on board boats, able to slip past the naval blockade set up by both the Philippines and Malaysia. He said "70 to 80 percent" of those who went there were reportedly armed.

He said these Filipinos went there on their own due to "accumulated anger" after their loved ones in Sabah were either allegedly killed or harassed by Malaysians.

Idjirani urged the Philippine government to intervene to stop supposed Malaysian abuses in Sabah to prevent more supporters from going there.

On April 6 and 7, clashes reportedly erupted between Malaysian forces and Filipino fighters in Tanjung Batu. But Idjirani said the sultanate's stand of unilateral cease-fire remains. The raja muda is also reportedly safe and in hiding.

Meanwhile, Idjirani also said that they are studying seeking China's help in their claim to Sabah, citing historic ties between the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo with China. He said the sultanate's Royal Council will hold a meeting to discuss this option.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59040/with-reinforcements-sultanate-force-in-sabah-now-at-400--idjirani

EXCLUSIVE | MNLF 'training camp' preps 'rescue ops' for Filipinos in Sabah

From InterAksyon (Apr 9): EXCLUSIVE | MNLF 'training camp' preps 'rescue ops' for Filipinos in Sabah



File photo of an MNLF fighter. Photo by Guillermo Santi

JOLO, Sulu - In a camp set up by the Moro National Liberation Front in this part of southern Philippines, recruits are being trained by veteran combat fighters "to rescue" thousands of Filipinos allegedly being abused by Malaysian security forces in Sabah.

MNLF Chman Nur Misuari gave News5 an exclusive peek into the ongoing training for members of "Operation Rescue"" as he claimed they were ready to "sustain a war for a hundred years" if necessary.

Misuari, founder of the original Moro insurgent force in the 1960s, claimed 1,000 of their men have already snuck into Sabah where a standoff began February 12 between Mlaysian forces and followers of the Sulu sultanate ouit to "reclaim" ancient territory.

Misuari stressed that their troops are not allied with the Royal Sultanate Army but have as their main mision the "rescue" of Filipinos allegedly being "abused" by Malaysia. Over 60 Filipinos have died in the standoff, and thousands others are feared caught in the crackdown.

[Video: AKSYON - EXCLUSIVE: MNLF TRAINING CAMP APRIL 8, 2013 (Erwin Tulfo's exclusive report on the MNLF army that are training to rescue trapped Pinoys in Sabah.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7nuz-Z364uc]

Separate from Misuari's statements, members of the self-styled "Royal Security Force of the Sulu Sultanate" who remain holed up in Lahad Datu, Sabah, claim to have received additional reinforcements from sympathizers in the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi areas.

Abraham Idjirani, sultanate spokesman and secretary general, claimed in a phone interview that as of Tuesday, Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram and his Royal Security Force are 400-strong, after dwindling to just over 160 in the face of heavy Malaysian assault.

Idjirani said more Filipinos went to Sabah on March 29 and April 5 on board boats, able to slip past the naval blockade set up by both the Philippines and Malaysia. He said "70 to 80 percent" of those who went there were reportedly armed. He said these Filipinos went there on their own due to "accumulated anger" after their loved ones in Sabah were either allegedly killed or harassed by Malaysians.

Idjirani's claims could not be independently verified, and Philippine military officials have said that naval forces are in place to block any such attempts to reinforce the sultanate's followers in Sabah.

At the MNLF camp, trainees were being instructed on the use of machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. Sulu Gov. Abdulsakur Tan cautioned Misuari against any rash actions, while a military spokesman warned that the supposed rescue plans, if carried out, would go against Philippine policies on the Sabah standoff.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59044/exclusive--mnlf-training-camp-preps-rescue-ops-for-filipinos-in-sabah

Coast guard wants to refloat Chinese vessel in Tubbataha

From Rappler (Apr 9): Coast guard wants to refloat Chinese vessel in Tubbataha

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Lt Cmdr Armand Balilo said that, "if possible," the Coast Guard wants to refloat the Chinese vessel that ran aground on Tubbataha reef so that it may be taken to Puerto Princesa, where it can be brought under the custody of the Provincial Committee for Illegal Entrants.

Should authorities failt to float the 500-gross ton vessel with bow number 63168, the Coast Guard will transport the fishermen to Puerto Princesa City for the filing of charges against them, the Tubbataha Management Office said in a statement.

 

The Coast Guard vessel, BRP Romblon, arrived in the area at around 10:55 am Tuesday, April 9, Balilo said, but park rangers were not able to question the individuals on board the boat due to language barrier.

An inventory of fish and other marine life inside the boat was conducted. There were fishing nets were onboard the 48-meter vessel, according to Tubbataha park rangers, but no fish or marine life were found.

 

In a statement, the Tubbataha Management also said the fishermen tried to bribe their way out of the incident. Park rangers now have custody of the US$2,400 allegedy used to bribe them.

 

To determine the extent of the damage, the coast guard and Tubbataha park rangers also intend to conduct diving operations.

 

Under Republic Act No. 10067, or the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act of 2009, anyone who fishes or gathers corals and/or marine life, shall face imprisonment of between 6 years and 1 day to 12 years and a fine of between P100,000 to P250,000, as well as an additional administrative fine of P100,000 to P250,000.

The Tubbataha management will also confiscate the offender's equipment, gears and vessels.

The incident occurred more than a week after salvage teams removed from Tubbataha the USS Guardian, which was stuck in the area for more than 10 weeks. A fine of P58-M was imposed on the US Navy for coral damage.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/25848-coast-guard-wants-refloat-chinese-vessel-tubbataha

Chinese fishers tried to bribe rangers

From Rappler (Apr 9): Chinese fishers tried to bribe rangers

Chinese fishermen on board a vessel that ran aground on the Tubbataha Reefs Monday night, April 8 tried to bribe Tubbataha park rangers, the Tubbataha Management Office said in a statement on Tuesday, April 9.

"Marine park rangers now have custody of the US$2,400 (about P99,000) with which the fishers reportedly attempted to bribe them," a statement issued by the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park on Tuesday said.

The Tubbataha management said they will file charges against the 12 fishermen for violation of Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code, which punishes acts of corrupting public officials.

 

The Tubbataha Management Office, along with Palawan's Provincial Committee on Illegal Entrants, are also set to file other administrative and criminal charges against the Chinese fishermen on board the 48-meter vessel with bow number 63168 for unauthorized entry, damage to the reef and poaching.

The boat is the 7th Chinese fishing vessel caught inside the Tubbataha Reefs since 2002.

 

The Chinese fishers could face imprisonment of between one year to 12 years and fines of between P100,000 to $100,000 (P4.1-M) depending on the violations.

 

What makes the situation different from the case of the US navy ship that ran aground on Tubbataha in January this year?

 

Compared to the USS Guardian, the Chinese boat is a commercial fishing vessel, which faces stiffer penalties under the law.

 

"Not only have they violated the same rules as the Guardian, more than that, it is also a commercial fishing boat. They should not even be there. There's no fishing allowed in the Tubbataha," said Lory Tan, CEO of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Philippines, one of the groups involved in the assessment of the total damages incurred by the USS Guardian due to the accident.

 

Charges to be filed

 

In a statement, the Tubbataha management said they will file cases against the 12 fishermen for violating Sections 19, 20, 26 and 27 of Republic Act 10067, or the Tubbataha Act of 2009.

 

Commercial fishers found to be in violation of Section 19 (Unauthorized entry, enjoyment or use of the Tubbataha reef) face stiffer penalties than regular entities -- an imprisonment of between one year to 3 years and a fine of P500,000.

 

Section 26 of RA 10067 states that anyone who fishes or gathers corals shall face imprisonment of between 6 years and 1 day to 12 years and a fine of between P100,000 to P250,000, plus an additional administrative fine of P100,000 to P250,000.

 

Section 27 stipulates even heavier penalties if the individuals or group caught poaching are foreigners. If found guily, the Chinese fishers could face imprisonment of between 6 years and 1 day to 12 years and a fine of $100,000. The offender's catch, fishing equipment and fishing vessel will also be confiscated.

 

Tubbataha park rangers said fishing nets were on board the boat but no fish or marine life were found.

 

The Philippine Coast Guard wants to refloat the 500-gross ton boat. Should the plan fail, the Coast Guard will transport the fishermen to Puerto Prinsesa City in Palawan, where the necessary charges will be filed against them.

 

Wrong timing

 

In 2006, Chinese fishing vessel Hoi Wan was caught carrying endangered species from the Tubbataha Reef. At least 30 Chinese men on board the ship were detained but they were released after an appeal made by Chinese Ambassador Li Jinjun to then Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.

 

Given the recent USS Guardian incident, Tan said the offenders might not find an easy way out this time around. "There's such a high awareness. They know what we went through to solve the USS Guardian incident through a legal resolution. An aware public makes all the difference," he said.

 

A "rapid-response" Philippine Navy ship, a WWF boat carrying the Department of Science and Technology monitoring team, as well as the Coast Guard's BRP Romblon were dispatched to the site.

 

American troops, who are part of the USS Guardian salvage team, are also still in the area. They were supposed to leave Tuesday.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/25833-chinese-fishers-tried-to-bribe-rangers

'400 armed sultanate supporters arrive in Sabah'

From Rappler (Apr 9): '400 armed sultanate supporters arrive in Sabah'



ARMED. A captain of the Royal Security Force displays his bladed weapon inside their camp in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. File photo by Karlos Manlupig

DAVAO CITY, Philippines- At least 400 armed men from Mindanao arrived in Sabah to help the Royal Security Force (RSF) of the sultanate of Sulu who are faced with a full military offensive by Malaysian authorities, a member of the sultanate said on Tuesday, April 9.

 

Princess Jacel Kiram, daughter of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, said these men volunteered to pursue the fight not just for the Sabah claim but also for Filipinos who allegedly continue to suffer from human rights abuses there.

 

“These are not members of the RSF. They volunteered to fight,” Kiram said.

 

Kiram said the reinforcements reached Lahad Datu in two batches -- on March 20 and April 5.

Kiram's claim could not be independently confirmed at this time.

 

There have been no reports from Malaysian media about this arrival - a contingent that is twice the number of RSF members, estimated to be about 200, that first sailed to Lahad Datu in February.

 

On April 1, Malaysia activated the Eastern Sabah Security Command, a body tasked to watch the 1,400-km coastline of Sabah villages Lahad Datu, Kudat, Tawau, Kunak, and Sandakan.

 

After violence erupted between the Sabah claimants and Malaysian authorities in Lahad Datu, Malaysian security forces launched a crackdown on RSF members in Sabah -- setting up checkpoints and arresting those without proper documents. This caused a mass evacuation of Filipinos over fears of getting caught in between the conflict.

 

Sabah evacuees recounted stories of human rights abuses against Filipinos, especially against Tausugs.

 

At least 70 people have been killed since violence erupted in Lahad Datu, according to Malaysian authorities. As of April 7, a total of 135 individuals have been arrested under the Security Offences Act of 2012, state news agency Bernama reported.

 

Over 6,600 Filipinos have fled Sabah as of April 6.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/25857-400-armed-sultanate-supporters-arrive-in-sabah

DOJ to re-investigate Kiram's alleged followers

From Rappler (Apr 9): DOJ to re-investigate Kiram's alleged followers

The Department of Justice said on Tuesday, April 9 that a new panel will re-investigate the 38 alleged followers of Sulu sultanate Jamalul Kiram III who were arrested in Tawi-tawi in March.

The panel was created after Tawi-Tawi branch 5 acting Judge Peter Eisma granted the motion of the 38 requesting for a formal investigation conducted on the charges filed against them. The 38 face charges of violating the election gun ban, illegal possession of firearms and inciting to war.

Out of the 38, Kiram spokesman Abraham Idjirani confirmed that 22 are members of the Royal Security Force, who sailed to Sabah in February to assert Kiram's territorial claim over the Malaysian-controlled state.

Prosecutor general Claro Arellano told Rappler they will remain under detention in Panglima Sugala in Tawi-tawi even as the re-investigation is ongoing.

He clarified that the DOJ found there was probable cause to charge the 38 after conducting inquest proceedings in March. A motion for reinvestigation will determine if there are irregularities in the findings or in the preliminary investigation.

Arellano said the new panel chaired by Soccsksargen Regional Prosecutor Al Calica and composed of Acting Regional Prosecutor Pete Medalle and Asst. Regional Prosecutor Dennis Araojo will "evaluate the pieces of evidence" against the 38.

The re-investigation will start on April 17 and will be terminated after 60 days.

The 38 alleged followers intercepted in Tawi-tawi in 3 separate incidents in March could not be released unless they post bail. The 38 could not afford the P82,000-bail each, reduced from P164,000 per person.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/25865-doj-to-re-investigate-kiram-s-followers

U.S. combat ship in Manila for port visit

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 9): U.S. combat ship in Manila for port visit

The United States Ship (USS) Freedom (LCS 1) is now in Manila for its first port visit in Southeast Asia.

In a statement, the visit will highlight the strong historic, community, and military relations between the United States and the Philippines.

The 91 crew of the Freedom will have an opportunity to refuel and receive supplies for the next period of its eight-month deployment.

Some of its Filipino-American crew will also have time off to visit their relatives in Manila and in the provinces of Quezon, Tarlac and Zambales.

The U.S. Embassy, meanwhile, emphasized that the combat ship’s visit to Manila is not related to the ongoing Balikatan Exercises.

From Manila, the ship will proceed to Singapore, where it is scheduled to participate in the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference.

It is also expected to take part in select phases of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise series in Southeast Asia.

Commissioned in 2008, Freedom’s maiden overseas deployment began with a departure from its homeport San Diego on March 1. The first in its class ship has since transited the Pacific Ocean and made port visits in Hawaii and Guam.

 http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241365467965

AFP’s Centcom has new chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): AFP’s Centcom has new chief

Maj. Gen. Roy O. Deveraturda on Monday assumed as chief of the Central Command (Centcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

Deveraturda, the commander of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) 2nd Air Division at Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, replaced Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado.

Abogado, who served as Centcom chief for less than three months, will head the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City.

Abogado will assume as PMA superintendent on April 11.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514609

Police arrest ranking NPA leader in Saranggani

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): Police arrest ranking NPA leader in Saranggani

A New People's Army (NPA) leader in Sarangani province was arrested Monday after a month-long surveillance by a joint police and military group.

Ronnie Nayre, who uses the pseudonym "Ka Joy-Joy," was a known NPA leader operating in Kiamba, Sarangani province and involved in various crimes.

Senior Supt. Edwin Minon, Sarangani provincial police chief, said Ka Joy-Joy is the leader of NPA Front Committee 73 and figured in various clashes with government forces.

He was cornered by lawmen in his hideout in Barangay Nalus, with his wife Khads and two companions identified by police only as Mac-Mac and Henry. The wife and two other companions were later released as they were not included in the warrant of arrest.

Supt. Romeo Ver, South Cotabato police provincial director, lauded the arrest of Commander Joy-Joy who was also wanted in South Cotabato due to string of criminal cases like murder, robbery in band, extortion, among others.

With his arrest, Ver said the NPA has suffered a major blow and led to the reduced security threat in the coastal villages of Sarangani and South Cotabato.

While Ver was elated with the arrest, he reiterated his call for communist guerillas to return to the mainstream and live normal lives than staying in the mountains fighting for a lost cause.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514696