CHR recommends charges vs Cudia's peers

From the Philippine Star (Apr 30): CHR recommends charges vs Cudia's peers



Philippine Military Academy Cadet 1st Class Jeff Aldrin Cudia. STAR file

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) defended dismissed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet 1st Class Jeff Aldrin Cudia as it recommended criminal and administrative charges against the school's Honor Committee.

In a radio report on Wednesday, CHR chairperson Loretta Ann "Etta" Rosales said that the high-performing cadet was "not guilty" of PMA honor violations as he did not intend to deceive his instructors in stating his reason for tardiness in class.

Cudia was accused of lying, a breach of the PMA Honor Code subjecting him to a penalty of dismissal. The decision was made by the academy's Honor Committee consisting of Cudia's co-cadets, who are now members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines after graduating last March.

Rosales, who presented the agency's final report to the media, said that members of the committee should be sued for perjury.

The human rights advocate also criticized PMA's handling of Cudia's case and subsequent discharging for compromising the cadet's future as well as failing to execute due process.

Cudia was similarly recommended to be declared an alumnus of the academy and be confirmed as graduate.

 

The case of Cudia, who ranked second in the PMA "Siklab Diwa" Class of 2014, broke out in social media after his sister posted his story on her Facebook timeline.

Anavee Cudia protested PMA's unfair treatment of her brother when it decided to force him out of the academy for being two minutes tardy in a class and purportedly "lying" about it.

Cudia's status of being "dismissed" was changed to being "on leave" after an appeal of CHR.

His family also filed a petition before the Supreme Court pleading for a status quo ante order to stop the PMA Honor Committee's resolution to kick out Cudia from the Baguio City-based institution.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/04/30/1317812/chr-recommends-charges-vs-cudias-peers

What does the new PH-US defense pact say?

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 30): What does the new PH-US defense pact say?
After being kept under wraps for weeks leading to its signing, a copy of the controversial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) has finally been released by the government.

A soft copy of the 10-page document was posted in the Official Gazette website on Tuesday afternoon.

EDCA grants the United States forces access to Philippine military facilities for the next 10 years.

It includes the following provisions:

1. It clearly states that the United States will not establish permanent military presence and bases in the Philippines.

 2. The agreement is meant to promote the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization while “helping maintain and develop additional maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.”

3. It gives US forces access to “agreed locations” on a rotational basis for “security cooperation exercises; joint and combined training activities; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.” The activities may include “training; transit; support and related activities; refueling of aircraft; bunkering of vessels; temporary maintenance of vehicles, vessels and aircraft; temporary accommodation of personnel; communications; prepositioning of equipment, supplies and materiel; deploying forces and materiel; and other such other activities.”

4. Agreed locations will be made available without rental or similar costs. However, payment for the use of water, electricity and other public utilities will be shared prorate.

 5. US is allowed to have “operational control” of agreed location “to make alterations and improvements.” But they shall consult with the other Party on the said issues.

 6. US is authorized to store defense equipment, supplies and prepositioned materiel at agreed locations. They shall notify the AFP in advance on the quantity and delivery schedules. US forces and US contractors “shall have unimpeded access to agreed locations for all matters relating to the prepositioning and storage” of defense equipment, etc.

 7. Prepositioned materiel will be for exclusive use of the US forces.

 8. The prepositioned materiel shall not include nuclear weapons.

 9. The Philippines shall retain ownership of Agreed Locations.

 10. US shall return agreed locations to the Philippines once no longer required. “The Parties of the Designated Authorities shall consult regarding the terms of return of any Agreed Locations, including possible compensation for improvements or construction. Permanent buildings constructed by US forces become property of the Philippines but shall be used by US “until no longer required by United States forces.” US will retain title to moveable properties imported or acquired by US in the Philippines.

 11. The Philippines will retain primary responsibility for security of agreed locations but US forces may exercise “all rights and authorities” in agreed locations for their operational control or defense.

 12. Resolution of disputes on the EDCA shall be resolved between the two countries. It “shall not be referred to any national or international court, tribunal, or other similar body, or to any third party for settlement, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/598326/what-does-the-new-ph-us-defense-pact-say

29th IBPA namakak na usab! Nagpatay og sibilyan, gipasangil nga membro sa BHB!

NDF NE Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Apr 29): 29th IBPA namakak na usab! Nagpatay og sibilyan, gipasangil nga membro sa BHB!

Maria Malaya
Spokesperson
NDFP Northeast Mindanao Chapter

 

Sa buntag sa April 28, 2014 namahayag sa radyo ang spokesperson sa army nga nakapatay na usab sila og membro sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). DAKUNG BAKAK KINI! Dili membro sa BHB, kundili usa ka sibilyan nga ginganlan og Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon ang gipusil-patay sa tropa sa nag-operisyon nga 29th IBPA didto sa bukid sa Butuan City.

Abril 27, dunay combat operation sa mga tropa sa 29th IBPA sa bukid sa Dogyaman, Brgy. Anticala, Butuan City. Sa mao nga adlaw ang mag-ama nga Ricardo ug Junior Tuazon uban ang usa ka Jesan Aparelya nangati o nangdakop og langgam alimokon sa bukid sa Nakabdong nga sakop sa Dogyaman, Brgy. Anticala, Butuan City. Naabtan ang tulo (3) sa may alas 3:00 kapin sa hapon, sa mga nag-operisyong militar nga gikan sa San Antonio, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. Sa walay pagsusi gipamusil sila ug igo-patay si Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon. Ang duha (2) niya nga kauban sa pagpangdakop og langgam nakadagan ug nakauli sa ilang sityo. Karong buntag giadtoan sa mga paryente ug mga silingan ang nahitaboan ug nakita nila ang patay’ng lawas ni Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon nga gibiyaan sa mga militar.

Ang mga paryente ug silingan magpamatuod nga dili membro sa BHB ang gipusil sa militar nga si Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon. Sibilyan kini nga walay ikasukol, nga igo lang nanakop ug langgam alimokon.

Sa laing paghitabo niadtong Abril 27, 2014, sa may alas 7:30 sa buntag, gi-isnayp/harass sa mga membro sa Platun Cabadbaran-BHB sa F21 ang mga militar nga sakop sa 3rd Special Forces (SF) Batallion ug 29th IBPA.

Napatyan og usa ka elemento sa SF nga nagduyan-duyan panahon sa pagbanat sa BHB. Ang maong mga pwersa dugay ng nagpondo sa Sityo Lusong, Puting Bato, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. Kining ilang operasyon militar sa kabukiran sa Agusan del Norte nagsugod pa niadtong Marso 30, 2014. Nagkampo ang mga nag-operisyong militar duol sa kabalayan sa Sityo Lusong, Ansili ug bukid sa Dagnasay.

Sa mao gihapon nga adlaw sa may alas 10:00 sa buntag, na-isnayp na usab sa mga BHB ang laing grupo sa army didto sa bukid sa Kamalig tabok sa Cabadbaran River ug atbang sa Sityo Lusong. Duha (2) ang nasamdan sa mga army.

Mahinumduman nga April 5 niini nga tuig nasilotan usab sa BHB ang minahan sa Asia Alston taliwala sa operisyong militar sa kabukiran sa Agusan del Norte nga nagsugod niadtong Marso 30, 2014. Ang pagsilot sa Asia Alston gikalipay sa mga tag-iya sa yuta ilabina ang mga nailogan sa ilang mga umahan sa abaka kay minahon sa langyaw’ng kompanya. Naguba sa mga kauban ang mosunod nga makinarya: duha (2) ka backhoe, duha (2) ka buldozer, tulo (3) ka dumptruck, usa ka motor ug naguba ang opisina. Nakompiska ang duha (2) ka .45 pistola, duha (2) ka 38 rebolber, usa (1) ka shotgun, duha (2) ka laptop computer ug desisayes (16) ka VHF radio. Kini nga kompanya gawas nga langyaw nga nagpahimulos ug maghakot sa atong mga minerales, isog kaayong nangilog sa mga yuta sa mga kabus nga Pilipinong mag-uuma. Magguba na usab kini nga minahan sa atong kabukiran ug kay langyaw man, wala kini hunahuna sa pag-amping sa kabukiran.

Padayon nga silotan sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa North Eastern Mindanao Region (BHB-NEMR) ang mga nagguba sa atong kabukiran ug kinaiyahan! Kini nga mga negosyo dili tinuod nga nakatabang sa panginabuhian sa katawhan kay barato kaayo ang sweldo sa mga mamumuo, lisod ang kahimtang sa panarbaho ug mga kontrakwal ang mga trabahante ug nagguba sa kinaiyahan nga tinubdan sa panginabuhian sa katawhan. Mamugnaon ug mapangahasong banatan usab sa BHB ang militar nga sustinidong naglunsad sa mga operasyon militar aron depensahan ang mga minahan ug uban pang langyawng negosyo ug plantasyon.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140429_29th-ibpa-namakak-na-usab-nagpatay-og-sibilyan-gipasangil-nga-membro-sa-bhb

CPP: Statement on the US-RP Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Apr 30): Statement on the US-RP Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) roundly condemns the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) by the officials of the US and Philippine governments last Monday. The signing of the agreement was an act of extreme servility by the puppet Aquino regime.
Aquino rushed the signing of the agreement in order to offer it as a gift to the visiting US imperialist chieftain Barack Obama, even if it had yet to show the Filipino people the final text of the document. Indeed, Aquino’s master, Obama, is very pleased with the agreement.

Officials of the US and Aquino regimes have gone the lengths to make it appear that the EDCA is neither a military bases agreement, nor does it violate the 1987 Philippine constitution. Their carefully worded statements, however, merely seek to deceive the Filipino people in order not to arouse their sense of patriotism and provoke resistance.

But no amount of deceptive propaganda can conceal the basic fact that the US military forces will have access to so-called “Agreed Locations” within the camps of the Philippine armed forces where they can build and make use of necessary facilities, dock their warships, land their jetfighters, operate their drones and preposition their war materiél.

The EDCA merely formalizes the military basing arrangement where US military forces under the 700-strong Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) have maintained their exclusive headquarters within Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City since 2003. While the JSOTF-P headquarters formally remain under the authority of the AFP, these have, in practice, been inaccessible to Philippine military officials. That the EDCA-specified “Agreed Locations” will remain under the jurisdiction of Philippine officials is mere tokenism.

The Aquino regime and the US embassy are engaging in a play of words when they claim that the EDCA will not pave the way for permanent US military presence, and that US soldiers in the Philippines are merely on rotation. The fact is, there has been an endless inflow and outflow of US soldiers and vessels “on rotation” for joint military exercises and so-called “routine port calls.”

It is estimated that as many as 3,000-4,000 US troops are being “rotated” in the Philippines, either on land or sailing within Philippine territorial waters. While US troops and their vessels are “on rotation,” the presence of the US military in the Philippines has been, in fact, permanent.

The Aquino regime hopes to generate support for the EDCA by claiming that it will help strengthen its claims in the maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The US government, however, has made it clear that it does not and will not take sides on the conflicting claims between the Philippines and China.

At this point of its strategic relations with China, the US has chosen to avoid antagonizing China and is more interested in pushing China to allow bigger freedom for US investors in that country. The US maintains its presence in the South China Sea, not so much to help the Philippines in its claims, but to ensure the passage of US surplus goods and project power in order to dissuade and contain China’s growth as a military power.

Aquino claims that the EDCA will help the Philippines assert its territorial claims. The EDCA claims it will help modernize the AFP. The fact is, the AFP will be “modernized” only to the extent that the US needs it to be upgraded in order to serve “interoperability” with the US military. The US needs upgraded AFP facilities to enable the latter to host large US aircraft carriers, Ospreys, drones and the like.

US national interests are completely different from those of the Philippines. The US military will act in accordance with, and in pursuit of, US national interests, not in defense of Philippine national interests.

In signing the agreement, the Aquino regime has practically surrendered Philippine national interests by further binding Philippine foreign policy to US foreign policy. The EDCA further reinforces the international status of the Philippines as a mere pawn of the US military. As such, it is less able to exercise independence in forging international diplomatic and economic relations in accordance with its national interests.

Because the Aquino regime has chosen to become a pawn of the US military, it is incable of expanding and enhancing its relations with countries which are not allied with the US imperialist camp. The potential for expanding Philippine economic relations with other countries has become further limited with the signing of the EDCA.

The claims by Aquino’s economic officials and local big business that military ties with the US are crucial to Philippine economic growth is a big lie. On the contrary, over a century of serving US military interests has perpetuated economic backwardness and dependence on foreign debt and capital and subjected the country to foreign economic plunder.

It is the US government and military that benefit from the EDCA. It serves the US government’s strategic “Asia pivot” plan declared in 2011 which involves the deployment of up to 60% of US overseas naval and other military forces to the Asia-Pacific region. The Obama government’s plan to increase US economic and military presence in the region is crucial in its effort to overcome the prolonged economic recession which started in 2008.
The Filipino people will not benefit from the EDCA. It is a further mockery of Philippine national independence and perpetuates the status of the Philippines as a US semicolony.

The Filipino people must stand up and raise high the banner of national freedom. They must vigorously oppose the EDCA and demand its abrogation. They must also demand the abrogation of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement and demand the pullout of all US troops from the Philippines.

The struggle against the EDCA must be carried out in line with the overall struggle to achieve national and social liberation. Only by overthrowing the US puppets that perpetuate US neocolonial rule can the Philippines effectively assert national independence, defend its land and sea territories, advance an independent foreign policy and achieve economic modernization, genuine democracy and social justice.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140430_statement-on-the-us-rp-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement-edca

Battalions hold change of command in DavOr

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 29): Battalions hold change of command in DavOr

Newly-installed battalion commanders of the 67th and 28th Infantry Battalion assigned here in the province vowed to continue the Philippine Army’s efforts in peace and development as their immediate predecessor passed the torch of command to them Friday, April 25.

Lt. Col. Micheal Banua and Lt. Col. Benjamin Daniel Tianco assumed command of the 67th and 28th IB respectively, vowing to preserve and uphold the peace and development in the province for which they were entrusted to protect.

Officiated by Major General Ariel Bernardo, the change of command ceremony relinquished outgoing commanders of the 67th and 28th Infantry Battalions, Lt. Col. Krishnamurti Mortela and Lt. Col. Francisco Lorenzo, Jr. respectively, culminating their stint as commanding officers for one year and nine months.

While saddened by the exit of the battalion commanders, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said she is also happy as the two commanders will step up the ladder of their professional careers and would embark on another challenging mission.

“Let us be consoled by the thought that we need to share leaders like them to benefit more. They have done their part for Davao Oriental, and now both have to move on to be of service to others,” she said.

Both outgoing commanders have exhibited excellence in their service, contributing a great deal to the welfare of the people as far as peace and order is concerned.

Major General Bernardo commended LTC Mortela, whose career highlights have included taking over command of the Incident Command Post in Baganga at the height of the emergency relief operations up to the rehabilitation after typhoon Pablo severely hit the three municipalities of the province.

“The most fulfilling part of my journey here [in the province] is my ‘Pablo’ experience,” he said saying it allowed him to rise in whatever way he can to help communities. He said his actions were prompted not only by his responsibility as a leader but also his moral obligations as a human being in serving another.

Aside from that, highlighting his stint as battalion commander is the clearing of all barangays under his watch from enemy influence along with the surrender of a number of rebels, which had helped led the province to be declared as insurgency-free.

“To me, I did my best to be there to where and when I was needed. I shall bring all these learning with me,” he said while vowed to continue supporting the province in to whatever way he can to preserve the peace in the province.

Meanwhile, LTC Francisco Lorenzo, Jr. thanked his troop in the 28th IB who helped him fulfill his duties at the time of his tenure as the battalion’s chief officer.

Like his counterpart in 67th infantry battalion, LTC Lorenzo is a staunch advocate of the Internal Peace and Security-Bayanihan Program of the Philippine Army locally implemented as the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP). Under his watch, the battalion successfully stopped many enemy operations as well as added more number to the list of rebel returnees.

Through the PDOP, the Philippine Army immerse into communities not only to guard them against enemy influences but to be part of these communities’ development through the implementation of different programs such as agriculture and livelihood, health, infrastructure, among many others.

Meanwhile, as Governor Malanyaon thanked the outgoing officers for their major contributions to the peace and development of her province, she also assured the new officials that the province will extend the same courtesy and support it had accorded their predecessor.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1591398746547

Duterte calls on Army to pull out from Talaingod hotspot

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 30): Duterte calls on Army to pull out from Talaingod hotspot

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte urged government troops to pull out from the hinterlands of Talaingod, Davao del Norte to give a semblance of normalcy for the indigenous peoples especially those who evacuated from the area to return to their homes.

He issued the call in an interaction with the affected communities in the presence of Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council 11and top military commanders in the area.

Duterte stressed that normalcy must be attained as soon as possible.

He said that in Talaingod, the soldiers must stay at a distance so that the evacuees can go back to their homes.

Duterte assured food and transportation to the 39 families of indigenous peoples who are returning back to Talaingod.

He also revealed that the rebels also asked him to intervene due to the evacuation of residents.

Duterte said he also prodded the rebels to also leave the hinterlands of Talaingod to ease the lives of the indigenous peoples and speed up the return to normalcy.

He said that in Paquibato District, the soldiers can stay but must avoid using schools and barangay halls as their quarters.

Duterte said it is improper for soldiers to use schools and barangay halls as their dwelling especially many houses are situated near public buildings and children and residents might be hit by the crossfire during encounters.

“Soldiers must stay at a safe distance.  It is common sense,” he said.

Duterte said he will a call a dialogue between the military and the barangay chairs in Paquibato District to come up with the modalities in handling the security situation in the area.

He explained that the soldiers are still needed in Paquibato District to prevent the entry of illegal activities like mining and logging.

However, Duterte discouraged the soldiers from conducting activities without the coordination with the barangay chairs to avoid suspicion and fear among the residents.

“Stop accosting people,” he said.

Duterte said that with the ongoing conflict in the countryside, soldiers are also present whenever the rebels are around.

He said the soldiers also have the mission to protect the people.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2381398825108

U.S. to help Philippines set up coast watch center to enhance maritime security

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 30): U.S. to help Philippines set up coast watch center to enhance maritime security

The US government will help the Philippines establish a coast watch center to enhance its maritime border security and maritime domain, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Tuesday.

Coloma, who was present during the bilateral meeting between President Benigno S. Aquino III and US President Barack Obama on Monday, said the US leader vowed to assist the Philippines in creating the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC).

The NCWC is an inter-agency mechanism which aims to enhance maritime border security, as well as in governing the country’s maritime domain, pursuant to Executive Order 57 issued in September 2011.

Coloma said Obama likewise expressed his desire to promote enhanced maritime information-sharing with its allies—the Philippines, Japan, and Australia -- to easily manage maritime conflicts and disputes.

Obama, who arrived in the Philippines for a two-day state visit, said the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the US will benefit the two countries, particularly on military readiness and response to calamities.

The goal of the agreement is to build Philippine capacity in training and in coordination, he said in a joint press conference with President Aquino in Malacanang on Monday.

He added that the EDCA not only concentrates on maritime security, but also on enhancing the two countries’ capabilities in responding to natural disasters.

Defense Minister Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg on Monday morning signed the 10-year  agreement that will  allow for the enhanced rotational presence of U.S. forces at agreed locations in the Philippines, subject to the mutual agreement of the parties.
.
Manila was the final leg of Obama’s Asian trip that also took him to Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1781398766990

Palace ready to defend constitutionality of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with U.S.

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Palace ready to defend constitutionality of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with U.S.

Malacanang is ready to defend the constitutionality of the recently signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the United States and the Philippine governments, a Palace official said Wednesday.

“If some people choose to avail of judicial processes to question the agreement’s constitutionality, the government is prepared to defend the EDCA,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a press briefing.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has criticized President Benigno S. Aquino III for allowing the signing of the agreement, saying the Senate and the Executive Branch are supposed to share the power to make treaties.

Santiago was also quoted by press reports as saying that the signing of EDCA will strain Philippine-Chinese relations.

According to news reports, former Senator Joker Arroyo said the Senate should have been consulted before the signing of the EDCA.

Arroyo further commented that the Philippines has nothing to gain from the agreement.

“We defer in the opinion with Senator Joker Arroyo,” Lacierda said, adding that the country stands to gain a lot from the EDCA.

He said among the benefits is the modernization of the military hardware of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“An enhanced feature of the EDCA is the emphasis on humanitarian assistance on disaster response, which we saw very, very clearly in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda,” explained Lacierda.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=639395

Negros Oriental prepares for declaration as 'conflict manageable and development ready

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Negros Oriental prepares for declaration as 'conflict manageable and development ready

The province of Negros Oriental is ready.

This was the shared statement of key officials of the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the provincial government during a press conference Wednesday at the Capitol, days ahead of the May 7 grand affair at which Negros Oriental shall be officially declared “conflict manageable and development ready.”

The term “conflict manageable and development ready” has been coined in reference to the reduction of the insurgency problem in the province to an insignificant level such that the civilian government will now take the lead in addressing issues and concerns related to it.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Sr. Supt. Mariano Natu-el, Jr., OIC PNP provincial commander, and Atty. Richard Enojo, provincial administrator and representing Governor Roel Degamo, were present at the press conference to enlighten the media on their respective roles once the resolution declaring the province as conflict manageable and development ready will take effect.

Brig. Gen. Patrimonio clarified that Negros Oriental is not insurgency-free although the number of members of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA), the armed component of the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is dwindling.

According to him, there are less than 100 NPA members now operating in the province and only five barangays, two in Guihulngan City and three in Guihulngan City, remain to be affected by insurgency.

Patrimonio went on to say that the AFP, more particularly the Philippine Army, will not pull out from Negros Oriental but will see a shift in their roles once the province becomes officially conflict manageable and development ready.

This means that Army troops will concentrate their deployment in insurgency-affected areas while the PNP will be gradually introduced to villages that are now safe for the non-combat oriented policemen to manage.

Also, there will be no turn-over of the internal peace and security operations from the AFP to the PNP except for changes in the operational structure, Patrimonio added.

Sr. Supt. Natuel admitted that it will be a big challenge on the part of the PNP to take on such responsibility, considering the organization’s limitations in terms of capability, logistics and other resources.

Natuel stressed that policemen are not as highly trained on combat operations and are more inclined towards crime fighting and maintaining peace and order. Other limitations include firearms and other weapons as well as transportation, to name a few.

But, Natuel said the PNP is ready to take over the areas to be assigned them by the military in what he describes as an additional task to the police personnel.

Natuel also placed emphasis on the role of the civilian sector and other stakeholders in attaining lasting peace that will usher in potential investors and boost the economic climate of the province.

On the part of the provincial government, Atty. Enojo announced that the provincial government is fully prepared to take on the responsibilities in addressing concerns and issues complementary to efforts to declare it conflict manageable and development ready.

Enojo said the declaration of the province as conflict manageable and development ready is a way of informing the people of the real score and status of the peace and order condition of Negros Oriental.

The lawyer said this is also a way of enticing tourists, guests, visitors and investors to come to the province.

A peaceful setting would now present an image of Negros Oriental as conducive for business, investments and social visits as well as give peace of mind to everybody, he added.

Governor Degamo, who has repeatedly said his administration is fully supportive of efforts towards lasting peace in the province, was unable to attend the press conference due to a pressing appointment, Enojo said.

On May 7, Sec. Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense, General Emmanuel T. Bautista, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Police Director General Alan L. Purisima, PNP Chief will lead other important guests in Dumaguete City for the signing of a resolution declaring Negros Oriental conflict manageable and development ready.

Another highlight of the day will be the signing of a joint letter directive for the implementation of the normalization process by officials representing the AFP, the PNP and the local government.

An array of activities has been lined up on May 7 to include sky-diving, biking, band drill exhibition, unity dance, dragon and lion dance, kite flying competition, “Magdula Ta” featuring Filipino games, a medical mission, and unveiling of the Bayanihan mural painting, among others.

The process includes the slow but continuous turn-over of the internal peace and security operations from the AFP to the PNP, Brig. Gen. Patrimonio explained.

Negros Oriental is the only province in Central Visayas or Region 7 which still faces the insurgency problem while Bohol, Cebu and Siquijor are all insurgency-free.

The government, meanwhile, is targeting to declare Negros Oriental insurgency-free in another two years or so, according to Brig. Gen. Patrimonio.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=639372

Suspected NPA rebels clash with Army troopers in northern Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Suspected NPA rebels clash with Army troopers in northern Negros Oriental

Seven suspected members of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA), including one female, clashed with government forces at Barangay Tanlad, Tayasan town in northern Negros Oriental early Wednesday morning.

An initial report disclosed that members of the Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) of the Philippine Army, while conducting security patrol around 2:15 a.m. some 300 meters from their detachment in Sitio Bulabog 2, Barangay Tanlad, came across the alleged NPA group.

The CAAs, led by a certain Corporal Galapin, exchanged fire with the suspected rebels for about 20 minutes before the latter splintered into two groups as they withdrew towards Sitio Pagatanan, also in Barangay Tanlad.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

Recovered from the site of the encounter were one calilber .45 pistol with Serial Number 3093040 and one magazine with six rounds of live ammunition.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, disclosed that based on intelligence reports, the NPA had allegedly long been planning to launch a tactical offensive at the CAA detachment in Tayasan.

However, the suspected rebels could not come any closer to the well-secured detachment, he added.

Brig. Gen. Patrimonio described Wednesday’s encounter as a show of force by the NPA which is now feeling the pressure of the government in obtaining lasting peace in Negros Oriental.

Patrimonio said the NPA’s Larangan Guerilla-1 operating in northern Negros Oriental now has only about 40 members from 74 as many have already transferred to Negros Occidental.

According to Patrimonio, while Negros Oriental is soon to be declared conflict manageable and development ready by early May, there is still a risk that NPAs from the Negros Occidental side would cross boundaries and undertake harassment activities in Negros Oriental.

But, despite such risks, the military is ready to take them on any time, Patrimonio added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=639387

15 killed as military, ASG brigands clash in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 15 killed as military, ASG brigands clash in Sulu

Fourteen Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands and a Marine soldier were killed in a three-hour clash in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday, the military reported.

Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, 2nd Marine Brigade Civil-Military Operations Officer, said 19 other soldiers were wounded in the fighting.

The encounter between the two groups started at 4 p.m. and lasted until 7 p.m., Lacuesta added.

Marine troopers, aided by two MG-520 attack helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), fought an estimated 100 ASG members led by Yasser Igasan, Idan Susukan, Ninok Sappari, and Radullan Sahiron, Lacuesta said.

The clash occurred near a one-hectare ASG camp in Sitio Kan Jimao, Barangay Buhanginan, which the troops seized after an assault on Monday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639214

Attack against PHL on WPS part of 1951 PHL-U.S. treaty -- Del Rosario

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Attack against PHL on WPS part of 1951 PHL-U.S. treaty -- Del Rosario

The United States has officially declared that it would come to the Philippines’ defense under a 1951 treaty if it comes under attack even in the disputed South China Sea, where Manila and China are locked in a long-running territorial row, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Wednesday.

Del Rosario cited a May 24, 1999 letter by former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Thomas Hubbard to then Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon of this commitment.

In that letter, Hubbard mentioned ex-U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen's statement that “the U.S. considers the South China Sea to be part of the Pacific Area.”

“Under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States will come to the assistance of the Philippines if our metropolitan territory is attacked or if our Armed Forces are attacked in the Pacific area,” said Del Rosario, in a statement issued a day after visiting U.S. President Barack Obama affirmed U.S. military support for the Philippines against any foreign aggression.

“In 1999, in a diplomatic letter, the United States affirmed that the South China Sea is considered as part of the Pacific area,” Del Rosario noted.

The U.S. President as Commander-in-Chief may commit its armed forces into action overseas, but must notify the U.S. Congress within 48 hours of such action, as provided for under the U.S. War Powers Resolution of 1973.

Without U.S. congressional authorization, the U.S. President can deploy its armed forces only within 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period.

However, U.S. congressional authorization is needed if the engagement of U.S. armed forces abroad would go beyond 60 days.

China is claiming ownership of virtually the entire South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, a major international trade route where huge gas and oil deposits have been discovered.

Overlapping claims by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan over the resource-rich waters have sparked occasional violence and now regarded as a potential regional flashpoint for armed conflict.

The Philippines and Vietnam have separately accused China of incursions and harassing their fishermen in areas they say are within its sovereign territories.

Manila brought China before an international tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands to try to declare its massive claim illegal.

The Philippines, whose ill-equipped military is no match to China’s, had sought assistance from the U.S. to bolster its defense capability.

Both allies have signed on Monday a 10-year defense accord that will enhance their military engagement while giving greater access to American forces in the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639243

3 NPAs killed in Compostela Valley encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 3 NPAs killed in Compostela Valley encounter

Troopers from the 25th Infantry Battalion killed three New People's Army (NPA) fighters during an encounter in Montevista, Compostela Valley Wednesday morning.

The encounter took place in Sitio Tibungco, Barangay Poblacion in Montevista town in an abandoned NPA base.

Capt. Ernest Carolina, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the clash took place around 9:30 a.m.

He added that their soldiers were conducting search and patrol operations in the above-mentioned area when they encountered 20 NPA fighters, triggering a 10-minute firefight.

Three of the rebels were immediately killed while an undetermined number wounded.

Carolina said that the remaining NPAs quickly retreated leaving behind three backpacks and one 9-mm pistol.

No casualty was sustained by government forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639234

'Balikatan' field office in Nueva Ecija activated

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 'Balikatan' field office in Nueva Ecija activated

The Nueva Ecija-based 7th Infantry Division announced that it has activated the "BK Combined Army Forces Field Training Exercise Headquarters" (CARFOR FTX HQS) in preparation for "Balikatan 2014".

Capt. Mark Anthony Ruelos, 7th Infantry Division spokesman, said this is in line with this year's combined military exercises.

"Balikatan" is an annual Philippines–US military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement.

“Balikatan” in Filipino means “shoulder to shoulder” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise.

It will take place in the Philippines from May 5 to 16.

"Balikatan 2014" is the 30th iteration of the annual exercise.

This year, the Philippines and the United States have invited a number of personnel from other regional partner nations to attend a portion of the exercise.

During "Balikatan 2014", Philippines and US service members will conduct humanitarian civic assistance projects throughout Legazpi City, Albay.

Meanwhile, in Fort Magsaysay, military medical personnel will offer free medical and other community infrastructure in selected communities.

"Balikatan" exercise focuses on training members of both Philippine and US Armed Forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disaster and other crisis that will endanger public health and safety.

Additionally, military service members from both countries will conduct combined staff exercises and field training in Crow Valley in Tarlac; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija and Clark Airfield in Pampanga to improve their interoperability and contingency planning.

The annual exercise is consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US.

Both countries aim to continue each others commitment to train, share information and provide support.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639262

24 rebel fighters surrender to 4th Infantry Division

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 24 rebel fighters surrender to 4th Infantry Division

Twenty four New People's Army (NPA) fighters, from various guerilla fronts, have surrendered to 4th Infantry Division troopers in Loreto town, Agusan Del Sur Tuesday morning.

Lt. Col. Leonard Gille, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the surrender took place around 8 a.m.

He added that these rebels gave themselves up to the 26th Infantry Battalion.

Gille said the rebels can be broken into the following:

-Four from Guerilla Front 34 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee;

-Two from Guerilla Front 88; and

-18 from Guerilla Front 89 both under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Their surrender was made possible with the assistance of Loreto Mayor Dario E. Otaza and Loreto Municipal Police Station under Senior Insp. Chris Arthemius A. Devaras.

Otaza, a former NPA rebel himself who experienced suffering from the rotten system of the revolutionary organization is very determined to make his town insurgency free and become a developed municipality.

The rebels brought with them and surrendered a total 24 firearms and communication materials. These were a carbine rifle, six shotguns, 12 caliber .38 revolvers, two Springfield sniper rifles, one Bushmaster M-4, one caliber .22 rifle, one caliber .22 revolver, and one base radio.

The surrender is the fourth batch of mass surrenderees to the 4th Infantry Division in the last six months with 24 rebels and 24 firearms.

Those who surrendered on October 26, 2013 were 35 former NPA members with 42 firearms; on March 28, 2014 were 72 former NPA regulars with 69 firearms; and last April 14 were 37 former rebels with 36 firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639285

3rd Infantry Division to secure Labor Day celebration in W. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 3rd Infantry Division to secure Labor Day celebration in W. Visayas
 
The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division has said it will be securing the Labor Day celebration in Western Visayas on Thursday.

"The 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army joins the working class of Western Visayas in celebrating the 'Labor Day' on May 1, 2014," 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

"We recognize the efforts of the working class in the region, being the partner of the industry and for helping the economy move forward. It is but fitting to give due respect to our workers," he added.

Baladad said the officers and men of the 3rd Infantry Division will continue to advocate just and lasting peace and remain committed in maintaining an environment conducive for sustainable economic development here in Western Visayas in order to create more job opportunities to be availed by the people.

"May the theme for this year’s celebration 'Sipag, Tiyaga at Talino, Buong Mundo Saludo sa Manggagawang Filipino' inspire us to strive more in our respective endeavors and contribute in our pursuit for a peaceful, secured and developed region," Baladad stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639275

1 soldier, 14 Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu clashes

From Rappler (Apr 30): 1 soldier, 14 Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu clashes

Fifteen were killed in clashes between government forces and Abu Sayyaf members seeking to regain their captured camp in Patikul, Sulu, on Tuesday, April 29, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, said in an interview with ANC that the group involved in the ongoing firefight with government forces is believed to be led by senior Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron.

“We have a heavy firefight that ensued between the Marines and the Abu Sayyaf Group at Sitio Kan Jimao...in Patikul, Sulu, Zagala said.

He initially said that one Marine and about 10 Abu Sayyaf were killed. In later media reports, he said a total of 14 members of the terrorist group were killed.

Zagala said the incident occured at 4 pm Tuesday, and was ongoing as of press time. “There was still a heavy firefight at about 2 am this morning and we expect that there will still be more….They are trying to regain control of their former stronghold,” the AFP spokesperson said.

He said the AFP had anticipated the attack after the 2nd Marine Brigade captured the camp on Monday, April 28, since the camp is known to be a “haven for the Abu Sayyaf.”

“We believe that Kan Jimao serves as their storage area and their training and resting grounds, so maybe this is the reason why they really want to [regain it],” Zagala said.

He added: “We were expecting that they would try to retake it and they did, a day after….However, we have already occupied the camp and we are currently securing it.”

Zagala said there are enough government forces in the area to reinforce troops in Kan Jimao.

Captain Ryan Lacuesta, a spokesman for the marine unit engaged in the battle, said, "We have employed air support using MG-520 helicopters and (artillery) shelling, which resulted in large casualties on their side."

Sahiron involved in attack

Zagala said that based on reports, the group involved in the attack includes Sahiron, who is responsible for the abduction of journalist Ces Drilon and her crew in 2008, and Australian Warren Rodwell who was abducted in 2011 but released only in 2013.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered a $1-million reward for information leading to the arrest of Sahiron, who has been on its Most Wanted list of terrorists since 2012. He is the second Filipino to be in the list after another Abu Sayyaf leader, Isnilon Hapilon.

Sahiron, also known as “Commander Putol,” is in the Al Qaida Sanctions List of the Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council, which includes individuals, groups and entities associated with the terrorist network.

Government troops captured the major Abu Sayyaf camp early morning Monday.

Brigadier General Martin Pinto, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said earlier that because of the proximity of the camp to feeder road and trails "it was also being utilized as a staging and rendezvous area before and after their conduct of atrocities like kidnapping."

He said the camp had around 50 makeshift huts that can accommodate 100 bandits.

“It has a good water source and the whole area is concealed under a thickly vegetated forest. The camp is heavily fortified with bunkers. Individual foxholes are strategically emplaced and scattered in different defensive positions," Pinto said.

The developments come a week after Philippine forces captured ASG member Nabil Talahi Idjiran, who took part in the abduction of tourists and locals in a resort in Sipadan, Malaysia on 2001.

In 2001, the group abducted local and foreign tourists in Dos Palmas resort in Palawan, including US missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham.

The Abu Sayyaf is believed to be behind the kidnapping of a Chinese tourist and a Filipino resort worker from a resort on Malaysia's Borneo island on April 2.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/56767-ph-troops-abu-sayyaf-sulu-clashes

US affirms 'ironclad' commitment to defend PH

From Rappler (Apr 30): US affirms 'ironclad' commitment to defend PH

US President Barack Obama says, "friends never stand alone."

US President Barack Obama says the defense deal marks a “new chapter” in the alliance between the Philippines and the US.

He was vague and noncommittal on day 1, when asked about defending the Philippines against external threats. But the President, known for his social media savvy, fine tunes his message on day 2. He now says “friends never stand alone.”

Carmela Fonbuena reports.

BARACK OBAMA, US PRESIDENT: Hello everybody! Please have a seat. Kumusta kayo? (How are you?)

 

A day after the signing of a new military deal with the Philippines, US President Barack Obama gathers Filipino and American troops. literally shoulder to shoulder. It’s a long history of cooperation dating as far back as the World War 2.

 

BARACK OBAMA, US PRESIDENT: To our Filipino armed forces -- thank you for being such an outstanding ally. Together, you are helping to secure the prosperity and peace of both our nations.

 

Obama says joint operations in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda captures the strength of the US-Philippines alliance.

 

BARACK OBAMA, US PRESIDENT: I want to leave you with an incredible story that captures the strength of our alliance. What few people realize is that it started all with a single aircraft carrying a handful of Filipino and American troops and civilians. The storm hit land that Friday. The very next morning, the first aircraft took off -- a Philippine C-130 carrying Captain Roy Trinidad, a Philippine Navy SEAL; Colonel Mike Wylie, United States Marines; and Major George Hapalisok, U.S. Air Force. They worked together -- Filipinos and Americans -- setting up a medical station, clearing debris from the runway, reopening that airport. Our troops worked together to help local residents aboard so that they could be evacuated to safety. And over and over, those grateful Filipinos responded with a simple word -- salamat. (Thank you.) I want them to stand again and accept our thanks. We are proud of their outstanding service.

 

ROY TRINIDAD, PHILIPPINE NAVY CAPTAIN: It surprised us. To be mentioned. It was not part of the game plan but you know for us it’s just another day in the office. Just another job to do. People recognize you maraming salamat po. Kung wala, walang hinanakit trabaho lang ito. (People recognize you? Thank you very much. If they don’t, there are no hard feelings. This is just work.)

 

The Philippines used to host large American bases. There were tens of thousands of American troops here until the Senate in 1991 voted to evict them. Still, the ties between the Philippines and US militaries did not end. The new enhanced defense cooperation brings that relationship to a new level.

 

The new threat is China and this is why the Philippines wants increased US presence. On day 1, Obama evades the question of how far will the US go to defend the Philippines.

 

But in front of the troops, Obama sends out a stronger message upholding US commitment.

 

BARACK OBAMA, US PRESIDENT: This treaty means our two nations pledge -- and I’m quoting -- our “common determination to defend themselves against external armed attacks, so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone. In other words, our commitment to defend the Philippines is ironclad and the United States will keep that commitment, because allies never stand alone."

 

Critics are expected to bring the deal to the Supreme Court to question its constitutionality. But the government is confident it will hurdle legal challenges.

 

http://www.rappler.com/video/reports/56731-us-affirms-ironclad-commitment-to-defend-ph

Alleged Al Khobar extortion gang member nabbed in Maguindanao

From InterAksyon (Apr 30): Alleged Al Khobar extortion gang member nabbed in Maguindanao

Military and police intelligence agents captured in Maguindanao province on Tuesday an alleged member of the Al Khobar gang, which has been linked to several bombings to extort money from businesses in Mindanao.

Quoting reports from Chief Superintendent Lester Camba, Region 12 police director, Philippine National Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor said Tahir Abubakar was arrested in Buluan town on a warrant of arrest for murder.

The suspect, who has a P400,000 bounty for his capture, was allegedly involved in several bombings in Regions 11 and 12.

Abubakar is in the custody of the police in President Quirino town, Sultan Kudarat.

Meanwhile, in Pampanga, police seized a cache of firearms and ammunition in a raid on the home of Amado Serrano in Porac town.

Senior Superintendent Ismael Fernandez of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of the Region 3 police office said 14 9mm pistols, 14 12-gauge shotguns, 16 .38 caliber revolvers and assorted ammunition were seized in the raid.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/85750/alleged-al-khobar-extortion-gang-member-nabbed-in-maguindanao

15 dead as Marines, Abu Sayyaf duel with mortars

From InterAksyon (Apr 30): 15 dead as Marines, Abu Sayyaf duel with mortars



The military said Wednesday it had launched an air and ground assault against members of the Abu Sayyaf wanted for a spate of kidnappings, with 14 gunmen and one soldier killed in the clashes.

The fighting began on Tuesday after marines overran an Abu Sayyaf camp in Jolo, military spokesmen said.

Brigadier General Martin Pinto said a soldier was killed and 19 others were wounded as sporadic fighting continued early on Wednesday in Patikul, Sulu, a known hotbed of the Abu Sayyaf.

Pinto said the marines and the Islamists had traded mortar fire.

"We have employed air support using MG-520 helicopters and (artillery) shelling, which resulted in large casualties on their side," said Marine spokesman  Captain Ryan Lacuesta.

"The wounded marines, most of them are caused by mortar shelling from the Abu Sayyaf, were evacuated to an army hospital for treatment," Pinto said.

Pinto said about 300 rebels launched an offensive to retake their base. "Our troops held their ground for three hours and repulsed the attack as reinforcement came," he added.

The military captured the Abu Sayyaf camp on Monday on the fringes of the small Muslim-populated town of Patikul, a well-known stronghold of the group.

The camp had been used as a training ground for the Abu Sayyaf's new recruits and as a launching pad for its frequent kidnapping raids, said Captain Rowena Muyuela, spokeswoman for the military in the south.

The Abu Sayyaf, formed in the 1990s with seed money from Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden, has been blamed for the worst terror attacks in Philippine history, including kidnappings of foreigners and locals who are then held for ransom.

The group is suspected of abducting a female Chinese tourist and a Filipina resort worker from the neighboring Malaysian island of Sabah this month.
The Malaysian government said the kidnappers had demanded 36.4 million ringgit ($11.25 million) for the release of the Chinese woman.

But the whereabouts of the two women are not known and Muyuela said there were no signs of hostages at the Patikul camp.

A rotating batch of about 500 US special forces have been stationed in the south for more than a decade to train the Philippine military in how to combat the Abu Sayyaf.

The group is believed to have only a few hundred militants, according to the military.

But it has been able to remain a threat and replenish its numbers with the support of local Muslim communities, some members of whom feel they have been mistreated by the country's Catholic rulers in Manila.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/85768/15-dead-as-marines-abu-sayyaf-duel-with-mortars

Scores killed, wounded in new clashes in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 30): Scores killed, wounded in new clashes in Southern Philippines

One marine was killed and 18 others wounded in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Officials said the fighting erupted near Buhanginan village in Sulu’s Patikul town after militants led by Abu Sayyaf subleader Jihad Susukan and Jamiri Jawhari ambushed soldiers near a marine base on Tuesday afternoon.

The attack sparked a running gunbattle and military operation continued until early Wednesday with security officials insisting that as many as 14 militants were slain in the fighting, although no cadavers had been recovered in the town.

Philippine military spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the Abu Sayyaf was trying to regain a jungle base in Patikul captured by the marines on Monday following a massive assault.

Marine Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the operation against the Abu Sayyaf is continuing in the town, a known stronghold of the militant group linked by authorities to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya.

Muyuela said the Monday assault killed a still undetermined number of militants. She said troops have occupied the fortified camp which can accommodate at least 100 people.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/scores-killed-wounded-in-new-clashes-in.html

Troops kill 3 NPA rebels in Compostela Valley

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 30): Troops kill 3 NPA rebels in Compostela Valley

Government troops killed three communist rebels in a clash Wednesday in the southern Philippine province of Compostela Valley, officials said.

Officials said the fighting broke out in the village of Tibungco in Montevista town after patrolling troops ran into a small band of New People’s Army rebels. The fighting stopped after rebels fled and soldiers recovered an automatic pistol and several backpacks from the slain gunmen.

Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the rebels were allegedly extorting money from villagers. “The villagers themselves are saying the rebels were extorting money from them,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, the regional military chief, has ordered security forces to hunt down the rebels and deploy soldiers in villages frequented by the NPA. “The order of General Cruz is clear and that is for troops run after the rebels and to protect the communities from harassment and extortion by the NPA,” Caber said.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA about the military allegations. The rebels have been fighting for decades for the establishment of a separate Maoist state in the country.

Government peace talks with the rebels had collapsed after Manila rejected demands by communist leaders for the release of all political prisoners. But there are efforts from both sides to resume the negotiations following the arrest in March of communist rebel chieftain Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma, in Cebu province.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/troops-kill-3-npa-rebels-in-compostela.html

CCTV pins murder of mayor on NPA rebels

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 30): CCTV pins murder of mayor on NPA rebels

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan —The murder of Gonzaga Mayor Carlito Pentecostes last Monday was recorded by a closed-circuit television camera and the killers have been identified, Cagayan Valley police director, Chief Supt. Migueld Laurel said.

He said David Soriano, second in command of the New People’s Army (NPA) Northern Front Committee, shot dead the mayor as he was about to deliver a speech during a flag ceremony, and his back up was identified as Rolando Ibis.

“The hard drive of the CCTV camera has been brought to Manila for decoding,” Laurel said.

The two gunmen walked up to the mayor after the singing of the national anthem and one of them shot him several times in front of the crowd. A total of 30 guerrillas were involved and many of them were posted in various parts of the municipal grounds.

But the Pentecostes family believed the mayor was ordered killed by his political enemies. They rejected claims the mayor was killed because he allowed black sand mining in Gonzaga.

Three days after the killing, the NPA West Cagayan Front issued a statement admitting responsibility for the killing and NPA spokesperson Ester Falcon said the mayor was found guilty of spying and aiding the military in their operations against the rebels.

The Gonzaga municipal council has declared a state of mourning in the town and  the municipal government cancelled the town’s annual fiesta on May 12 to 16.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/04/30/cctv-pins-murder-of-mayor-on-npa-rebels/

AFP to use former US Army facilities in Maguindanao

From ABS-CBN (Apr 29): AFP to use former US Army facilities in Maguindanao

Around 2 hectares of former US Army facilities inside Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao will be used by soldiers of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the military said Tuesday.

6ID spokesperson Col. Dickson Hermoso said American soldiers left the facilities last April 17, about two weeks before US President Barack Obama visited the Philippines.

"Ito ang kagandahan, parang ito yung lease contract, yung mga facilities nila tulad nung 8 buildings na fully airconditioned at may water and electrical facility, may mga ref at washing machines at mga office equipment iniwan nila para magamit ng ating kasundaluhan," Hermoso said.

According to Hermoso, two teams of US soldiers composed of about 20 individuals stayed at the 6ID's camp since 2008.

"Nagre-position sila at tapos na yung mission nila rito sa Central Mindanao at nagsi-uwian na sila dun sa kanilang mother unit," Hermoso said.

"Ang kanilang role dito ay tulungan tayo sa training, yung paggamit ng mga equipment na gawa sa Amerika, at sa humanitarian assistance at disaster response operation," he added.

Now that the United States and the Philippine government have signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDAC), Hermoso said US soldiers might come back to their camp anytime soon.

"Hindi natin mai-aalis na the American forces helped us a lot in terms of skills acquisition, capacitating us sa mga bagay na wala sa ating imbentaryo at of course yung mas malawak na pananaw sa pag intindi sa conflict," he said.

The 6ID is planning to move some of its offices to the buildings previously used by the American soldiers.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/29/14/afp-use-former-us-army-facilities-maguindanao

Intensified security for Davao del Sur enterprises amid NPA extortion

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 29): Intensified security for Davao del Sur enterprises amid NPA extortion

DIGOS CITY – The military confirmed that it has doubled security efforts for big enterprises in nearby Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur because of the continued extortion activities of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“We could not deny the fact that the NPA still extorts money from some traders in Sta. Cruz (Davao del Sur) despite tight security measures the army has been implementing for a long time,” Lt. Catherine Delima, speaking for the army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, said.

Delima said the 39th IB, headed by Lt. Col. Apollo Lamaton Jr., believes that the NPA would eventually harass large enterprises in the town if its demands continue to be rejected.

She said among the measures being taken is regular combat operations to ensure the rebels would not come close to the areas there businesses are located.

Among big businesses located in Sta. Cruz are the brewery of San Miguel Corp., Pryce Gas facilities, and the bulk depot of Sea Oil.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/598124/intensified-security-for-davao-del-sur-enterprises-amid-npa-extortion

More ‘NPA supporters pledge support to gov't

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 29): More ‘NPA supporters pledge support to gov't

More self-proclaimed supporters of the New People's Army in Negros Oriental have taken their oath before authorities as a sign of their support to the duly constituted government.

The latest batch included 37 members of the Komiteng Pang-Organisa or KP (organizing committee) from Barangay Apoloy in Siaton town, Lt. Alex Robillos, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 79 th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said in a press release.

He said the Battalion, in collaboration with the Siaton town government, held a culmination program recently for its Bayanihan Team activities in Barangay Apoloy, and Sangguniang Bayan member Judith Lagos was present at the oath-taking.

In his testimony before the 405 witnesses present, KP leader, Renante Senda, urged others “to break free from the grip of influence the NPA had on them and support the government on its quest for development and lasting peace”.

In his message, Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302 nd Infantry Brigade, said people need to be committed in helping win the peace to achieve development, Robillos said.

An outreach program was also conducted during the activity, that benefited around 405 individuals, through medical consultation, circumcision, free haircut, massage, animal vaccination and feeding program.

The mission was through the collaborative efforts of the 79 th IB, the 302 nd Brigade, 703 rd CDC, LGU- Siaton, barangay officials of Apoloy, and volunteer nurses from the Negros Oriental High School Batch '94.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/April/29/negor4.htm

Opinion: US and Philippines: How strategic is the partnership?

Opinion/propaganda piece posted to Al-Jazeera (Apr 28): US and Philippines: How strategic is the partnership?

Servility to the US in economic and security matters will not save the Aquino regime from its growing disrepute.

Hyped as a major advance in the strategic partnership of the US and the Philippines, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) highlights the meeting of US President Barack Obama and Philippine President Benigno Aquino in Manila this week.

EDCA circumvents the ban on foreign military bases and troops by the Philippine constitution and allows the US to increase the so-called rotational presence of its troops and build military bases under the guise of authorised temporary facilities in areas of the Philippine armed forces.

The Filipino people's negative sentiments against EDCA are rising. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and other organisations have issued statements denouncing it as a violation of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity. They have called for mass protests against Obama and the Aquino regime.

Filipinos are averse to US military bases as they are reminders of the brutal US conquest of the Philippines. More than 10 percent or 700,000 of the Philippine population were killed in the Filipino-American War of 1899-1902. The carnage continued until 1913, bringing the total of Filipinos killed to 1.5 million.

In more recent history, the Filipinos hatred for the US military bases intensified when they perceived these as the main reason for US support of former President Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorial rule from 1972 to 1986. Thus, the architects of the 1987 Philippine constitution decided to ban foreign military bases, troops and nuclear weapons from Philippine territory.

However, the 1947 US-RP Military Assistance Agreement and 1951 US-RP Mutual Defense Treaty have remained intact. The US military bases were dismantled in 1992 after the Philippine Senate passed the 1991 resolution ending leases for the US military bases. Since then, the US has manoeuvred to circumvent the ban and obtain the US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in 1998 to cover the annual joint US-RP military exercises.

The VFA allows the the rotational presence of US military forces and their operations anywhere in the Philippines for any length of time to train and inter-operate with the Philippine armed forces, use their facilities and retain jurisdiction over criminal cases, including capital offences, involving US troops.

EDCA is now widely considered far worse than the VFA as it allows not only unlimited increase in the rotational presence of US military forces but also the building of US military bases and stations in areas of the Philippine armed forces, thus reducing Filipino troops to mere perimeter guards at the Philippines' expense.

The US requires the Philippines to upgrade certain AFP camps and reservations in Palawan and Rizal to US military bases. It is spending P1 billion ($22.4m) to improve naval facilities in Ulugan Bay and Oyster Bay in Palawan to accommodate and service the growing traffic of US warships, planes and combat troops.

Filipinos are further outraged by the Aquino government's promise to the US to amend the Philippine constitution in order to allow foreign investors unlimited ownership of land and businesses. The regime also intends to impress Obama with the capture of alleged leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines as proof of the success of Oplan Bayanihan, a military plan aligned with the US Counterinsurgency Guide.

The Aquino government is painting the EDCA as a major help towards the continuing US-directed war against "terrorism" and to the US pivot to East Asia, which aims to deploy 60 percent of US naval forces and 50 percent of US ground and air forces in the region.

Both US and Philippine authorities tout EDCA as part of the US military's rebalancing which aims to restrain China from threatening neighbouring countries. It also intends to keep the South China sea open to international navigation and commerce.

Protected from China's bullying

Because the Philippines now feels protected from China's bullying this has emboldened the Aquino government to oppose China's nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. The exaggerated image of China as a threat to the security of other countries is used as justification to further entrench US military power in the Philippines and has given the US an opportunity to expand militarily in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, China itself has not helped to allay fears because of its claims to 90 percent of the South China sea, including the high seas. China has also threatened to grab the Philippine exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf to the extent of 90 percent and 100 percent, respectively, in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Aquino regime supports the US scheme to pressure China economically by participating actively in the US-instigated Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), a mega-free trade agreement which pointedly excludes China, and offering the US and its closest allies 100 percent ownership of land and businesses in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the US maintains a dual policy of cooperation and contention towards China. The US and China maintain close bilateral economic and trade relations under the policy of neoliberal globalisation. Their economic and political relations far outweigh those between the US and the Philippines. The Aquino regime deludes itself by imagining that the US values more its relations with the Philippines than those with China.

The US military pivot to East Asia is not meant to provoke a war with China, but it is calculated to encourage so-called political liberalisation within China, discourage ultranationalist outbursts of the Chinese political leaders and blockade North Korea. The TPPA seeks to pressure China to privatise state-owned enterprises completely and further liberalise the economy in favour of foreign investors.

Servility to the US in economic and security matters will not save the Aquino regime from its growing disrepute for exploitativeness, incompetence, corruption and repression. The Philippines continues to reel from the ever worsening and deepening crisis of global capitalism and the domestic ruling system.

Social discontent is widespread and about to explode in massive protests. Meanwhile, the people's armed movement for national and social liberation is conspicuously advancing with the nationwide guerrilla offensives of the New People's Army.

 

Jose Maria Sison is a professor of political science and author of several books on Philippine and global issues. He is Chairperson of the International League of People's Struggle and Chief Political Consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in peace negotiations with Manila.

 

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial policy.

 

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/04/us-philippines-how-strategic-pa-201442871034598657.html