3 killed in Basilan ambush

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 24): 3 killed in Basilan ambush

Three people were killed in ambush in the troubled province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, an army spokesman said.

Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, of the 1st Infantry Division, said the jeep was travelling in the village of Bohe Baca in Tipo-Tipo town when gunmen attacked the vehicle with automatic weapons.

He said one passenger was also wounded in the ambush believed to be connected to a clan war. Those killed in the attack have been identified as Amir Saribin, 21; Halim Randa, 18 ; and Hadji Alih Ibrahim, 38; and the wounded passenger as Haber Cuevas, 25.

Mamauag, quoting a report from Lt. Col. Cristobal Julian Paolo Perez, commander of the 18th Infantry Battalion, said the jeep – owned by Hakim Tahil – was heading to Lamitan City when the attackers opened fire on the passengers.

“Rido is likely motive of the attack,” Perez said.

Rido is the local term for clan war or family feud, which is not uncommon in Basilan, just several nautical miles south of Zamboanga City.

Perez said troops retrieved the corpses in the area after they cleared the village and handed them over to their respective families. Authorities are investigating the attack to determine who were behind the ambush.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20140224092545

Army-NPA encounters anew in Surigao, one NPA died

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 24): Army-NPA encounters anew in Surigao, one NPA died

An encounter ensued between the troops of 30th Infantry Battalion and New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Mabini an outskirt barangay of Surigao City at 9:30 AM, Sunday.

The presence of the NPAs was tipped by a concern citizen in the area. According to him, 20 armed men are extorting from the populace in their community.

This prompted the 30IB to send troops to the said area but was fired upon and immediately encountered the said armed group as the troops approached the general vicinity. The encounter that lasted for 15 minutes resulted to the death of one NPA (Name is for confirmation), recovery of one AK 47, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Ltc Arsenio Sadural, Commanding Officer of the 30IB said, “the civilian populace in the area are now aware of the dangers brought by the NPA’s in the community and so they are more cooperative with the military especially in monitoring the movements of this communist armed group.”

“We are saddened for another Filipino losing his life in this nonsense battle. For the bereaved family of the NPA, we are sorry for your loss,” Ltc Sadural added.

He immediately ordered his troops to conduct pursuit operation to drive away the NPAs in the surrounding communities.

Meantime, Col. Ferdinand F. Quidilla, Commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, has also congratulated the troops for their display of courage. "They have earned distinct credit and honor not only for the Armed Forces of the Philippines but for the entire Filipino people whom we dedicate our service,” Quidilla said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1701393228360

Program for MNLF communities bared

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 24): Program for MNLF communities bared

Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) recently visited Lanao del Norte to update the members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) regarding the latest development in the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Montalbo delivered his report during the regular meeting of the PPOC at the Macapagal Training Center in Tubod town, where he also disclosed a program that will give attention to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) communities.

He said the visit was to update the PPOC about the various activities that OPAPP is having, and are related to the peace process with the MNLF, as well as to inform them about what has been happening to the MILF peace process, the framework agreement, and the signed annexes.

The PPOC meeting was presided by Governor Khalid Dimaporo, and was attended by Lanao del Norte town mayors, chiefs of police (COPS), Philippine Army officials, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) personnel, and Pakigdait Director Musa Sanguila.

Dimaporo said OPAPP has done a good job in showing its sincerity that the peace agreement is for all – not only for the MILF, but also for the MNLF.

Dimaporo said he is thankful that OPAPP has chosen the Lanao del Norte to be one of the pilot recipients of a program that will give attention to the MNLF communities.

In connection with OPAPP’s peace-building initiative under the PAMANA program, a brief presentation on the status of implemented projects was made by DILG Provincial Director Carmelo Enrique Libot.

PAMANA is one of the cornerstones of the national government to alleviate poverty, and reduce vulnerability in conflict-affected areas through sustainable rural development, community infrastructure, and focused delivery of social services.

Among Lanao del Norte towns that benefited from the PAMANA program include Kauswagan, Munai, Poona Piagapo, Salvador, Tangkal, and Kolambugan.

http://www.mb.com.ph/program-for-mnlf-communities-bared/

Military drills to test inter-Korean détente

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 24): PH-US military talks hit snag

Control Over, Access To Temporary American Facilities A Contentious Issue

The Framework Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation and Rotational Presence between the Philippines and the United States suffered another setback after a key member of the local negotiating panel was sacked supposedly due to disagreements with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario over certain provisions of the framework.

Well-placed sources at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) told Manila Bulletin that Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos King Soreta was removed from his position even before President Aquino announced a few days ago that the agreement is nearing completion.

Soreta apparently earned the ire of Del Rosario and co-members in the negotiating panel as delays continue to plague the talks which began August the previous year.

In one of their heated discussions, Soreta reportedly threatened to resign from the panel at the height of their disagreement over some contentious issues in the document.

One key issue identified was the US’ failure to clearly agree to Philippine control over and access to the temporary US facilities set up in local camps.

Sources said Soreta, who was also the former chief of the Office of American Affairs, has now been relegated to head the Foreign Service Institute.

He will be replaced by his former executive director Gina Jamoralin as acting assistant secretary of the Office of American Affairs.

Philippine Consul General to Los Angeles Maria Hellen Barber Dela Vega, on the other hand, will take over the position to be vacated by Jamoralin.

Other members of the Philippine negotiating panel are Defense Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs and Strategic Concerns Pio Lorenzo Batino, Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, and Defense Assistant Secretary Raymund Jose Quilop.

Negotiations on the policy which increases the presence of US forces in Philippine territory to support the country’s development of a minimum credible defense posture amid territorial threats through capability-building and combined activities commenced on August 14 in Washington.

In the first round of consultations and negotiations, the two sides discussed salient features, such as the working title, preamble, objectives, and scope of the discussions that will give US troops and defense equipment temporary access to Philippine military camps – an arrangement, according to Philippine officials, that will help the country achieve a minimum credible defense amid territorial threats and boost plans to modernize the armed forces.

Immediately following the first round, the Philippines and the US issued a Joint Vision Statement which was billed as a partnership for the 21st century.

The second round of bilateral talks was held in Manila on August 30 during the visit of US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

One stumbling block was the length of the deal: the US suggested a 10 to 20 year-period while the Philippines preferred a much shorter length of time.

The third round was held in Washington, DC from September 13 to 18 during which both panels agreed that all the access to and use of military facilities and areas by the US will be at the invitation of the Philippine government.

At this stage, the draft framework agreement under discussion reportedly included five provisions: scope; agreed installations/AFP facilities; prepositioning of defense equipment, supplies, and material; ownership; and security.

During the fourth round, held in Manila on October 3, the talks quickly reached an impasse over the issue of Philippines access to temporary facilities to be built by the US to support its rotational forces and joint use of US military equipment.

Nevertheless, both sides affirmed that no new agreement would provide for either a permanent US military presence or the basing of US combat aircraft, which is prohibited under the Philippine Constitution.

The 5th round of talks was held in Washington DC on January 30 while Round Six is scheduled next month.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-us-military-talks-hit-snag/

US Navy brass in town for ‘pivot’ talks

From the Manila Times (Feb 24): US Navy brass in town for ‘pivot’ talks

The commander of the US Navy Pacific Fleet arrived in Manila on Monday to discuss with Philippine government officials the “implications” of its rebalance to Asia policy, which is seen as America’s way to counter China’s rising power in the region.

Admiral Harry Harris Jr. is in his first official visit to the Philippines, one of Washington’s most important allies in the Asia Pacific region.

According to a statement from the US Embassy in Manila, Harris would like to take this opportunity to discuss the “implications” of President Barack Obama’s repivot to Asia policy, which paved the way for negotiations on the increased rotational presence of American troops on Philippine soil.

The policy was announced during Obama’s first term, and stretched to his second term as commander-in-chief of the US military.

The refocus on Asia and the strategic increase of American presence in the region came a decade after its preoccupation on the “War Against Terror” campaign in the Middle East in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Discussing the implications of the repivot to Asia policy might also unravel American policies when it comes to Manila’s territorial disputes with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The negotiations on the increased rotational presence is seen as Manila’s way to counter Chinese aggressions in the resource-rich region as Beijing slowly creeps into Philippine-claimed territories in the disputed waters.

China has frowned upon what it sees as Washington’s interference in the issues.

But besides discussing the policy, Harris will also talk to officials about “the strong and enduring relationships between the US and Philippine navies and the importance of naval engagement and cooperation for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”

Harris is scheduled to meet with US Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg, make an office call on Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, Flag-Officer-In-Command, at the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and visit Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Harris is the 34th officer to command the US Pacific Fleet since it was established in February 1941 with headquarters at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

He is the highest ranking Asian-American in the history of the US Navy.

http://manilatimes.net/us-navy-brass-in-town-for-pivot-talks/78190/

Tribute for Ratin, Peasant Leader Aired by Revolutionaries

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Feb 25): Tribute for Ratin, Peasant Leader Aired by Revolutionaries

Revolutionaries in the Southwest Negros front under the Armando Sumayang Jrs. Front and Command paid profuse tribute to peasant leader, Greg Ratin whom they paid accolade to in a statement whom they said tirelessly and courageously push for the interests of the exploited and oppressed masses in the island and the country.

Spokesperson, Andrea Guerrero, in her tribute said, Ratin came from a peasant family and inspite of his lack of resources was able to finish a college education through hard work.

"His selfless devotion to the poor, and his love of country pushed him to the ultimate sacrifice for the liberation of Philippine society from the claws of oppression," said Guerrero.

This, said Guerrero is a big challenge to his comrades to do the same, to free the country and the people from globalization and neo-liberation which is the main cause of the poverty the people are experiencing.

On the other hand, she said the policies of trade liberalization, privatization, deregulation and de-nationalization, the activists of smuggling syndicates and massive corruption, harm the people’s interests.

Meanwhile, the people suffer from untold of sufferings are drowning in poverty, high prices of goods, high taxes, low wages and salaries, unemployment, land grabbing in farming areas and shorelines, ejection, lack of social services including the violation of their human rights and democratic rights through militarization.

Illegal logging and mining also destroy their livelihood and the environment, their wherewithal for sustenance and survival.

Meanwhile, the economic crisis which translate into a political crisis is proving to be a social volcano which could explode anytime.

Ratin died after several month’s stay in Manila and having a operation for an ailing heart. A few days after he was operated on, he succumbed to his disease.

Like a farmer that he is, Ratin has sowed the seeds of revolution and liberation, Ka Andrea Guerrero ended.

http://ndb-online.com/022514/local-news/local-news-tribute-ratin-peasant-leader-aired-revolutionaries

Top Ranking NPA Gives Up

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Feb 25): Top Ranking NPA Gives Up

The reported number 2 leader of the New Peoples Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental has surrendered to the government troops in Friday, February 21. In a press release of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army in Siaton, Negros oriental, the surrenderee was identified as @ CHESAM/BERNIE, 22 years old is the second in command of Squad 2, SDG Platoon, SEF, KRN operating in the areas of Pamplona, San Jose and boundaries of Sta Catalina and Siaton, Negros Oriental, decided to return to the mainstream society, facilitated by Cong. George Arnaiz of the 2nd District of Negros Oriental.

The former rebel affirmed that he decided to leave the Underground Movement since he lost interest to pursue the armed struggle because of internal conflicts in the organization and to have a lawful and peaceful life in the mainstream society.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Anthony F. Pascua, Acting Commanding Officer of 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion expressed optimism that with more people supporting IPSP "Bayanihan", the prospects for achieving peace and development is no longer afar in Negros Oriental. He encourages other members of NPA to lay down their arms and join the mainstream society and avail the program of the government, for armed struggle is not a solution to any problem. It only adds to the factors of hindrance to the developing Negros Oriental.

http://ndb-online.com/022514/local-news/local-news-top-ranking-npa-gives

Duterte seeks probe of alleged military abuses in ComVal

From MindaNews (Feb 24): Duterte seeks probe of alleged military abuses in ComVal

City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has offered to ask regional prosecutor Antonio B. Arellano to investigate alleged cases of harassment and encampments of the 10th Infantry Division in areas in Compostela Valley which should be off-limits to military presence.

Duterte announced the move during a dialogue held at the Grand Men Seng Hotel last week where human rights groups and residents of the affected communities demanded a military pullout from schools and residential areas.

Military officials and members of Karapatan, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and the Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) attended the dialogue which Duterte volunteered to mediate.

But the mayor clarified accusations by the military against members of the New People’s Army will also be investigated to be fair to all parties.

“Let’s go directly to the prosecution. Identify the culprits, and everybody pays for his deeds,” he said.

 

He added that as a matter of courtesy, he would also talk with Governor Arturo Uy and other local officials on the issue.

“I am friends with both sides because I go everywhere,” Duterte said, adding he was in constant contact with both government and rebel forces.

He, however, said he would draw the line whenever civilians were hurt as a result of clashes between the NPA and the military.

CRC advocacy officer Rius Valle said a school in Purok 4-B, Barangay Mangayon in Compostela town has called Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center Inc., had been used as camp by the 67th Infantry Battalion (IB) since August 2013.

Valle added other parts of the area had been used as military camps since 2011.
He said the 25th and 26th IBs had also occupied Sitio Bongkilaton, Barangay Ngan, Compostela and Quelangcog, Loreto, Agusan Del Sur, respectively.

He said around 60 elements of the 25th IB had encamped inside the public school in Ngan.

Valle said military presence had “threatened” local residents, adding some of them were interrogated and tagged as NPA members.

Lt. Col. Elmer Aterado, 25th IB commander, admitted during the dialogue that they were in the area on October 4, 5, and 6 to conduct resupply operations.

Aterado said resupply operations are necessary to ensure safety for their units.

He added they had intercepted minors in the area who initially reported supplying rice to their communities but had been seen in intelligence photos as NPA members.

Meanwhile, Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief General Ariel Bernardo said troops are needed in the area due to NPA presence.

He, however, conceded that military forces are not allowed to use civilian facilities as encampments and promised to order the remaining troops to pull out of the area.

Bernardo also denied allegations by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Southern Mindanao and other groups that the 10ID had bombed farmlands and communities in Compostela Valley.

He said aerial bombings don’t happen without the presence of spotters on the ground.
“I have even ordered the pilots never to bomb areas that had a civilian population,” he added.

Rev. Jurie Jaime, spokesperson of Karapatan in Southern Mindanao, said the military presence threatened the livelihoods and safety of the residents.

Duterte assured there would be no more military presence in communities, particularly in schools and other government facilities.

“Do not involve civilians,” he said.

The mayor held the dialogue a week after protesters clashed with police during a rally last Feb. 13 outside the Eastmincom headquarters.

He said the protesters were not from the city.

Photojournalist Barry Ohaylan was injured during the protest. Duterte said he would investigate the matter.

The mayor, however, told the protesters in the dialogue that while he respected their right to freedom of expression, the soldiers were “not in the position to talk to them.”
“It would have been better if you all went directly to me,” he said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/02/24/duterte-seeks-probe-of-alleged-military-abuses-in-comval/

2 women snatched in Sulu

From the Philippine Star (Feb 25): 2 women snatched in Sulu

Two women were kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul town in Sulu on Sunday, authorities reported yesterday.

Merilyn Suhali and Fatima Hussein, both of Jolo, were seized hours after the kidnappers released two workers of the provincial office of the Department of Public Works and Highways, who were snatched on Saturday.

Suhali and Hussein were in a jeepney heading for Jolo when two gunmen flagged them down at Sitio Santol in Barangay Latih at about 3 p.m.

The area has been the site of a series of kidnappings, including the snatching of sisters Nadjoua and Lina Bansil, who were released only last Thursday after eight months in captivity.

Authorities launched a pursuit operation against the kidnappers of Suhali and Hussein, who were believed to have escaped toward the mountains.       

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/02/25/1294077/2-women-snatched-sulu

MILF: Youth Consultation on Basic Law held in Upi, Maguindanao

From the MILF Website (Feb 25): Youth Consultation on Basic Law held in Upi, Maguindanao



Last February 19, a Youth Consultation on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was held in Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao. The consultation was attended by youth comprising different tribes and beliefs from various schools in the municipalities of Upi and South Upi, both in the Province of Maguindanao.
   

Commissioner Melanio Ulama, of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) representing the indigenous peoples delivered his message during the opening program.

Datuan Magon, United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc (UNYPAD) Deputy Secretary General for Administration, explained the contents of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four annexes. He told the participants that the results of the consultations will be submitted to the BTC as reference in drafting of the BBL.

Magon was accompanied by  Baisanie Macabuat, UNYPAD_National Women Affairs  Committee; Hamsa Landangan-UNYPAD Central Mindanao Regioanal Secretary; Julfikhar Samsaraji-UNYPAD Western Mindanao Coordinator; Solaiman Pagaruan UNYPAD Provincial President for Tawitawi.

 Some of the issues raised concerns the welfare of the youth; expansion of scholarship grants to deserving youth,    justice system for IPs, and Shariah Law for Muslims; strict implementation and compliance of environmental  protection and development; and the control and/or elimination of discotique pub-houses/ktv bars that lure women into prostitution.     
The consultation was spearheaded by eight organizations with the Theme: “Building Peace in Mindanao through Public Participation in Governance”.

The eight program partners were MindaNews, Bangsamoro Leadership & Management Institute (BLMI), United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), Mindanao Business Council, Mindanao Association of State Colleges & Universities (MASCUF), Teduray Lambangian Women’s Organization (TLWOI), Nisaa ul Haqq Fii Bangsamoro and The Asia Foundation (TAF) as associate partner.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/831-youth-consultation-on-basic-law-held-in-upi-maguindanao

CPP: Video--Kawalang Hanapbuhay at Kahirapan

Propaganda video posted to the CPP Website (Feb 21): Kawalang Hanapbuhay at Kahirapan [Ang Bayan, Pebrero 21, 2014]



[Video: Kawalang Hanapbuhay at Kahirapan [Ang Bayan, Pebrero 21, 2014]  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFCEDjasP7s]

The Filipino people were angered no end when Benigno Aquino III claimed last week that he was surprised at the rising unemployment and poverty in the country.

He feigned innocence before the people when he made a show of demanding that his cabinet officials explain to him why his much-vaunted economic growth has not led to more jobs and better lives for ordinary Filipinos.

Even more execrable was the response given by Aquino officials who said that the unemployment problem was due to recent natural calamities. In fact, Philippine unemployment rates have long been rising to unprecedented levels on a yearly basis. At the same time, hunger and poverty have been stalking Filipinos more and more.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP/KM: Pagbayarin si Aquino sa kriminal na kapabayaan nito sa mga biktima ng Yolanda—Kabataang Makabayan

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Feb 24): Pagbayarin si Aquino sa kriminal na kapabayaan nito sa mga biktima ng Yolanda—Kabataang Makabayan

Kabataang Makabayan

 

“Baka dapat huwag na lang akong magkometaryo dahil tila naasikaso nilang pumunta dito, puwede naman sigurong maasikaso ‘yung pangkabuhayan nila doon.”

Ito ang aroganteng sagot ni Aquino sa lider at delegado ng Peoples Surge na tumungo sa Malakanyang sa ika-100 araw ng trahedya ng superbagyong Yolanda. Mas pinili ni Aquino na humarap sa midya, kaysa harapin ang lider ng Peoples Surge na pinag-antay nito ng tatlong oras para paasahin at sa huli ay hindi siputin. Daing ng Peoples Surge ang P40,000 agarang pampinansiyal na suporta para sa mga biktima, na agad binasura ni Aquino diumano dahil hindi limitless ang pondo ng gobyerno. Nang-uuyam pang sinabi ni Aquino na kung kaya ng mga biktima na tumungo ng Maynila, diumano dapat may pondo rin sila para sustentuhan ang sarili.

“Arogante, taksil at walang pakinabang si Aquino sa mga biktima ng Yolanda at sa mamamayan. Seryoso ang Peoples Surge na magkasa ng mga demonstrasyon para singilin ito sa kanyang kriminal na kapabayaan, at resolbado ang kabataan at estudyante na sumuporta sa kanilang mga pagkilos,” ani ni Ma. Laya Guerrero, tagapagsalita ng Kabataang Makabayan.

Bigo ang mga kabataan at estudyante na makakuha ng agarang suporta para maluwag na maipagpatuloy ang kanilang edukasyon. Hindi dininig ang makatarungang panawagan ng mga taga UP Tacloban para sa libreng edukasyon. Ang malaking bilang naman ng Iskolar ng Bayan na pinalad makapagpatuloy sa iba pang kampus ng UP sa bansa ay nakasandal sa inisyatiba’t suporta ng makabayang guro at estudyante.

Nanatiling palaisipan ang kapalaran ng UP School for Health Sciences sa Palo, Leyte na isa sa mga pinakanasalanta ng bagyo. Ang UP Palo, kabilang sa iilang pang-akademikong institusyon na naglilikha ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan na nagsisilbing health workers ng komunidad.

“Isang daang araw matapos ang trahedya, ang tanging nagawa ni Aquino ay makapagtayo ng mga mamahaling bunk houses at ilako ang mga lupain at proyekto ng rehabilitasyon sa mga dayuhan at pribadong sektor. Pinaghati-hatian nila ang lugar para pagtayuan ng mga proyekto para sa turismo at negosyo, ilan sa mga lugar na ito ay binakuran na at tinawag na “no build zones”. Balak din ni Aquino na pagbayarin ng buwis ang mga maralitang mangingisda at traysikel drayber para umano’y maabot ang P1.36T pondo para sa relief at rehabilitation ng mga biktima ng kalamidad sa bansa," dagdag ni Guerrero.

Bilang pangwakas, ayon kay Guerrero: “Duwag si Aquino na harapin ang kanyang pananagutan sa mga makatarungang daing ng taumbayan. Kasamang hahatulan ng mamamayan ang mga taksil na miyemro ng kanyang administrasyon tulad ni Dinky Soliman, Mar Roxas, Ping Lacson at Kim Henares. Matagal nang said ang pasensiya ng taumbayan, at nalalapit na ang panahon ng pagdagundong ng kilos protesta na yayanig at titibag sa muog ng reaksiyunaryong kapangyarihan ni Aquino at ng Malakanyang.” ###

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140224_pagbayarin-si-aquino-sa-kriminal-na-kapabayaan-nito-sa-mga-biktima-ng-yolanda-kabataang-makabayan

CPP/KM: Pagtaas ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin, bibiguin ng pagkilos ng kabataan!—Kabataang Makabayan

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Feb 24): Pagtaas ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin, bibiguin ng pagkilos ng kabataan!—Kabataang Makabayan

Kabataang Makabayan

 

Hindi matuldukan ang serye ng mga pagtaas ng serbisyo at batayang pangangailangan sa unang kwarto ng taon. At para sa mga estudyante, ang buwan ng Pebrero ay buwan ng panibagong pagmamahal ng mga matrikula at iba pang bayarin sa mga pamantasan. Minamadali ng mga administrador ng pribadong pamantasan ang mga “konsultasyon” para umabot sa deadline ng Pebrero 28, ayon sa CHED Memo 3, Series of 2012.

“Para sa susunod na akademikong taon, tinatayang may 400 na bilang ng mga pamantasan sa buong bansa ang magtataas ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin.

Tinatayang 3-18% ang tantos ng pagtaas ng matrikula sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo at pamantasan sa buong bansa. Labas pa dito ang mga mungkahing miscellaneous fees na maaaring umabot sa P17,000 tulad na lamang sa Far East Air Transport Incorporated (FEATI),“ ayon kay Ma. Laya Guerrero, Pambansang Tagapagsalita, Kabataang Makabayan.

Ang di-maampat na pagsirit ng presyo ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin ay pagpapakatuta ni Aquino sa pandaigdigang dikta ng mga kapitalista na huthutan at gawing negosyo ang edukasyon. Plano pa itong palalain ni Aquino sa polisiyang Roadmap for Public Higher Education Reform (RPHER) na naglalayon na ipasara ang maraming bilang ng mga pampublikong pamantasan, gawin itong self-sustaining sa pamamagitan ng mga income-generating projects para hindi na umasa sa subsidyo ng gobyerno.

Ayon sa KM, ginagamit ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ang mga konsultasyon para ipalabas na dumadaan sa demokratikong paraan ang mga pagtaas.

Ngunit, sa marami, kung hindi man, sa lahat ng pagkakataon, ang pagtutol ng mga estudyante ay hindi dinidinig ng CHED at ni Aquino. Taun-taon may pagtaas, ibig sabihin, taun-taon ay iligal na sinisingil ang mga estudyante ng mga bayarin. Labas pa dito may kalayaan ng mga kapitalista-edukador na magpataw ng taunang increase sa mga incoming freshmen na hindi kinakailangan dumaan sa proseso ng konsultasyon.

“Malinaw na hindi dapat magpakulong ang mga estudyante sa mga konsultasyon. Isa lamang itong pormalidad para aprubahan ng CHED at ni Aquino ang mga pagtaas. At sa katunayan, walang intensyon ang gobyerno na pigilin ang mga pagtaas ng matrikula at at iba pang bayarin. Sapat ang mga batayan na ito para magkasa ng malawak at masaklaw na pagkakaisa ang mga estudyante at sumulong sa paglaban,” ani ni Guerrero.

Dagdag pa ni Guerrero, dapat maging inspirasyon ng estudyante ang mga welgang pangkampus ng 2010-2011. Naging susi ito para mapigilan ang mungkahing 2000% tuition increase sa PUP. At kamakailan lamang, ang militanteng pagkilos ng mga estudyante ng Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) ang naging susi para iatras ng administrasyon nito ang P1,000 na “Developmental Fee.”

“Hindi dapat masadlak sa pagtitiis at pagtitimpi ang mga estudyante. May isang antas na ng galit ang nag-aalimpuyo sa hanay ng estudyante, at ito ay dapat magluwal ng mapagpasya at matagumpay na paglaban,” giit ni Guerrero.

Maktwiran lamang na kumilos ang mga estudyante at ikasa ang malalawak na pagtitipon at pagkilos sa iba’t ibang pamantasan sa bansa. Nanawagan ang KM na tipunin ang lakas ng hanay ng kabataan at estudyante, biguin ang mga pagtaatas ng matrikula at bayarin, at ibayong pagpapasahol ng rehimeng US-Aquino sa krisis sa edukasyon sa bansa.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140224_pagtaas-ng-matrikula-at-iba-pang-bayarin-bibiguin-ng-pagkilos-ng-kabataan-kabataang-makabayan

CPP/Sison/KM: “KM@50: MAGHIMAGSIK AY MAKATARUNGAN"

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Feb 20): Message to the forum “KM@50: MAGHIMAGSIK AY MAKATARUNGAN"

Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairman
Kabataang Makabayan

 

Thank you for requesting me to address a message to your forum concerning the Kabataang Makabayan. I am happy, as I presume, that you are already in the process of preparing for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of this glorious youth organization, which has played such a great role in Philippine history up to now.

It is appropriate that you recall the KM in connection with the current celebration of the First Quarter Storm of 1970 and the Diliman Commune of 1971. In these events, the KM and other youth organizations brought to an unprecedented high point the patriotic and progressive youth movement that had developed in the entire 1960s.

I am asked to talk about how we founded the Kabataang Makabayan on November 30, 1964 and what was the socio-economic and political context that necessitated the radicalism and militancy of the Filipino students and youth. Let me say right away that the KM arose from the student youth organizing since 1959 in resistance to the chronic crisis conditions of a semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system.

We organized the Student Cultural Association of the University of the Philippines (SCAUP) in 1959 in order to side with the bourgeois liberals against the attempts of the dominant church to transgress the separation of church and state and violate the academic freedom of the state university. But we had the higher purpose of bringing the level of debate and struggle to one between the people and the forces of national liberation and democracy on the one hand and those status quo forces of pro-imperialism and reaction on the other side.

We were not afraid of the prevalent anti-communist atmosphere and the Anti-Subversion Law which had been promulgated in 1957. When the congressional Committee on Anti-Filipino Activities (CAFA) engaged in an anti-communist witch hunt in 1960-61, the SCAUP was intellectually and politically prepared to engage in united front with most of the campus organizations and to launch in 1961 a big demonstration of 5000 students that literally scuttled the CAFA. The objective was to defend academic freedom and also to promote the national democratic line against imperialsm and local reaction.

The anti-CAFA mass action was a signal event in breaching the dominance of anti-communist reaction and coincided with the worsening social crisis. On the basis of our anti-CAFA experience, we proceeded to encourage the students in the downtown colleges and universities to form associations similar to SCAUP, which had an open level of national democratic studies and a discreet level of Marxist-Leninist studies. Soon enough, after the SCAUP developed partners in other schools, it became possible to organize national student conferences taking the national democratic line from 1962 onwards.

Together with other student activists, we joined the trade union movement through the Lapiang Manggagawa (Workers’ Party) and certain labor federations in the latter half of 1962. We focused on research and education work and came into close relations with young workers whom we would subsequently recruit to become members of Kabataang Makabayan. We also came into contact with peasant organizations and recruited the young peasants to become KM members. We had easy access to the young teachers and other young professionals.

Thus, in 1964 we were able to organize the Kabataang Makabayan as a comprehensive patriotic and progressive youth organization of students and young workers, peasants and professionals. The delegates to the founding Congress of the KM on November 30, 1964 at the auditorium of the YMCA came from student organizations in the University of the Philippines, Lyceum of the Philippines, Philippine College of Commerce, MLQ University, University of the East and so on, from the trade unions of the National Association of Trade Unions and from peasant associations in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.

The KM was attractive to the youth because it had a national democratic program and became well-known for its militant mass protest actions. It engaged in alliances with the organizations of workers, peasants, women, professionals and other sectors. The KM described itself as the assistant of the working class and as the training school for cadres. Just like the SCAUP, the KM openly conducted national democratic studies and discreetly Marxist-Leninist studies. It was resolute and vigorous in arousing, organizing and moblizing the youth on a national scale. The more the Marcos regime threatened the KM and tried to suppress its mass actions, the more the youth wanted to join the KM.

You must keep in mind that the gigantic mass actions in the First Quarter Storm of 1970 and the Diliman Commune of 1971 were the products of resolute and militant struggles since the 1960s. The earlier high points in mass mobilization included the Omnibus rally against unequal treaties with the US in 1965, the nationwide student strikes from 1967 onwards, the peasant rally in 1969 and the protests against the US war of aggression in Vietnam. As the Marcos regime exposed its evil scheme to impose fascist dictatorship on them, the youth and the broad masses of the people intensified their efforts to build their organized strength and launch mass actions.

The revolutionary theoretical, political and practical training of the KM activists was of such a high quality that many of them became cadres and members of the Communist Party of the Phillippines, which was reestablished in 1968 under the guidance of Marxism-Leninism-Mao Zedong Thought. The KM facilitated the nationwide expansion of the CPP. When Marcos suspended the writ of habeas corpus in 1971 and proclaimed martial law in 1972, KM members joined the revolutionary underground and the New People’s Army in accordance with the line that people’s war is the answer to martial law.

The KM made important contributions to the revolutionary struggle against the Marcos fascist dictatorship and was one of the major forces weakening and isolating the reign of terror and greed until Marcos ruling clique was overthrown in 1986. The KM did not surface anymore as a legal organization after the fall of Marcos. Since then, it has become the Communist Youth League even as it has retained its original name. It continues its role as the training school of the revolutionary youth in order to develop them as full-fledged communists. We can say that more than ever the KM is playing a major role in the people’s democratic revolution through people’s war.

All kinds of preparations must be made in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the KM in a big and meaningful way. They must include campaigns and activities, with definite goals to achieve in promoting theoretical studies, political education, organizational expansion, mass mobilization and cultural work, especially in the various art forms. I welcome the campaign to oust the Aquino regime. This is a good preparation for the golden anniversary of the KM. Whether the campaign can oust the regime or not before 2016, it can serve to strengthen the national democratic movement of the youth and entire people.

Through mass struggles, we build the revolutionary strength to overthrow the ruling system and achieve national liberation and democracy.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140220_message-to-the-forum-km-50-maghimagsik-ay-makatarungan

Rebels gun down ex-Cafgu man in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24): Rebels gun down ex-Cafgu man in Sorsogon

A former member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) was gunned by New People's Army (NPA) rebels while on his way home in Barangay Bagsangan, Irosin, Sorsogon, at about 9 a.m. Sunday.

A police report identified the victim as Melchor Fernandez, 49, married and resident of Barangay San Juan, Irosin.

The report said four young-looking men approached Fernandez and shot him on the head and body with a .45-caliber pistol.

It has been a practice of the NPA to send new recruits on a liquidation mission.

The report added that Fernandez came from a confrontation at the barangay hall about his complaint against the alleged threat of siblings Rosal and Bongbong Saverola on him.

After the confrontation, the victim asked permission from the village official concerned to go home and the incident took place.

The suspects reportedly got the belt bag of the victim before fleeing the crime scene.

Responding authorities brought Fernandez’s body to the funeral home.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=619358

MILF assures GPH it won't use force after arrest of field commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24): MILF assures GPH it won't use force after arrest of field commander

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday dismissed reports their group will "rescue" by force their arrested ranking official,

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, said the issue of the arrest of Wahid Tundok, MILF's 108th base commander in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, is now being investigated by the joint ceasefire panel.

"Rescue is already out of the question, I would like to assure the government that we will not resort to violence that may affect the peace process," Jaafar said in a radio interview.

Superintendent Jovit Culaway, regional chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM), confirmed that police and Marine forces have arrested Tundok based on the warrants of arrest against him for multiple murder and arson charges.

Culaway said the police are only doing their job of serving the arrest warrants.

Jaafar said the MILF central committee has ordered followers of Tundok to remain sober and refrain from putting the law into their hands.

He added that Tundok, as legitimate official of the MILF has the immunity from arrest as stipulated in the GPH-MILF ceasefire agreement.

Culaway said they learned of Tundok’s route from Cam Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao to Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Piang, both in Maguindanao where the MILF 108th base command is located.

The arrest of Tundok came after another MILF commander was killed in a shootout with police in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

Yusop Kusain alias Commander TMX was arrested due to his alleged involvement in the bombing incident in Gen. Santos City that left four people killed in 2007.

Instead of surrendering to authorities, Kusain traded shots with the arresting officers that led to his death.

Von Al-Haq, spokesman of the MILF, said the MILF will file formal protest against government forces based on the 1997 government-MILF ceasefire accord.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=619508

Arrested top MILF field commander remains committed to peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): Arrested top MILF field commander remains committed to peace

Arrested Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 118th Base Command chieftain, Wahid Tundok, remains steadfast in supporting the peace process despite his arrest by military authorities.

Tundok was apprehended at a checkpoint along Matampay Bridge here by elements of the Philippine Marines and police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Saturday evening following a meeting with fellow MILF leaders at Camp Darapanan in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Tundok was aboard his black Toyota Hilux when seized by the lawmen. Found in his vehicle were two high-powered firearms.

Long wanted by the law, Tundok is facing a string of murder and arson cases before the local courts.

He was immediately taken for custody to Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the Army’s Sixth Infantry Division situated at Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, pending the decision of the government and MILF peace panel over his case.

In an interview by newsmen, Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, noted that MILF leaders were earlier granted temporary immunity from arrest as part of the ongoing GPH-MILF peace overture.

The government expects to forge final peace accord with the MILF before 2016 to end the decades-old Moro rebellion in Mindanao.

Despite his arrest, however, visiting Shariff Aguak Mayor Zaharah Ampatuan said Tundok remains calm and committed to the peace talks when asked at his holding quarters inside Camp Siongco.

“He (Tundok) believes that all of these will come to pass and everything would be all right soon for the sake of peace,” said the lady mayor who stayed for several hours with the MILF leader following his arrest.

Another visiting local chief executive, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom, said Tundok is treated well inside the camp, even as he reechoed the latter’s concern over the MILF’s ongoing peace venture with the government.

“Tundok just hopes that his arrest would not affect the current local truce as both GPH-MILF parties have worked hard for years to reach the near completion of their talks,” Dimaukom said.

This developed as two top police officials maintained that soldiers and cops were just doing their jobs when they arrested Tundok.

"If we saw people we know who has standing warrant of arrest and we let them go or pass, we become guilty of contempt," Philippine National Police–Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PNP-ARMM) Director, Chief Supt. Noel delos Reyes, said.

"We, in PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) were saddened about the news but we will still continue to enforce the law. The arrest warrant was issued by the court and we, as law enforcers, should respect and follow it", Chief Supt. Getulio Napeñas, head of the PNP-SAF added.

Napeñas was special guest to Monday’s PNP-ARMM’s 23rd foundation anniversary held at Camp Brigadier General Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao.

Napeñas said he lost one PNP-SAF personnel during the Feb. 17 law enforcement operation against Yusoph Kusain, another wanted MILF commander, at Barangay Madidis, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

Kusain was implicated in deadly bombings in Central Mindanao in recent years.

Cops gunned down Kusain when he resisted arrest and engaged the arresting team in a shootout.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=619611

Bangsamoro peace deal to play key role in 2015 ASEAN integration

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 24): Bangsamoro peace deal to play key role in 2015 ASEAN integration

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles has pushed for broad-based support for the Mindanao peace process, saying that the Philippines is at a threshold of shared security and prosperity, up to the regional community, and perhaps the whole world.

In her speech before members of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, Secretary Deles noted that the Philippines is next door to countries with the largest Muslim constituencies in the world.

“The Bangsamoro will form part of our front door to regional trade,” Deles said.

She also shared five scenarios to highlight the strategic importance of the government’s peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in relation to national economic growth and regional security:

1. President Aquino, with his “tuwid na daan” policy, has strengthened the ramparts of constitutional democracy through the restoration of the institutional checks and balances in the Republican system, a relentless fight against corruption and a strong push for inclusive growth and social justice. The Bangsamoro falls squarely within the ambit of these ideals.

2. The Philippines is preparing to join the ASEAN community coming up next year. Hopefully, the Bangsamoro, with its strategic location in southern Philippines, will be an integral part of that community.

3. Mindanao is the locus of severe climate change events. The peace agreement dovetails with the needed impetus for political stability, consolidation and cooperation among all communities – Christian, Muslim and Lumad – in meeting the challenge of climate change.

4. The Philippines is on a continuous trend of steady GDP growth. The inception of the Bangsamoro comes at a most auspicious time as an added booster to the national economy.

5. Successive reversals have now tightly constricted the global threat of Islamic extremism, transforming the threat to isolated, localized and homegrown terrorist cells. The same is true for some parts of Muslim Mindanao, which the Bangsamoro will eventually clear of extremism and terror. This will be the core contribution of the Bangsamoro to national security and the security of the entire region.

In reference to climate change, the presidential peace adviser stressed that the Philippines would be hard put in dealing with climate change and conflict in Mindanao at the same time.

“National peace of mind is a precious treasure,” Deles said. “We must listen to those who have spent whole lives in the arena of conflict – waking to the sound of cannons at dawn, cobbling their loved ones in evacuation tents at day, and being pounded by nightmares of death in the night – to appreciate the value of what we have achieved,” she added.

The Secretary pointed out that while gains have been achieved in the Mindanao peace process, there are still enormous difficulties that lay ahead.

“Spoilers still abound. There are those who will persist in their own agenda for self-serving or ideological reasons. They shall be dealt with through means of political consolidation or limited security operations,” Deles said.

President Aquino’s chief peace adviser also confirmed that the administration expects a rigid scrutiny of the prospective Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress.

“We shall fight for the bill with utmost transparency and professionalism, and with only the national interest in mind. In this, we have the full support of the national leadership,” she said.

The presidential peace adviser closed her speech with an appeal to the media:

“We ask for the principled support of the media in our quest of a just and lasting peace. We cannot cover all the imaginable bases to a home run, we will never be able to anticipate all the pitfalls in this hard journey. Please help us with your wise counsel and fair reporting.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=619363

Rebel slain in Surigao City encounter with Army troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24): Rebel slain in Surigao City encounter with Army troops

Troopers from the 30th Infantry Battalion killed a New People's Army (NPA) fighter during an encounter in Surigao City Sunday morning.

Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Capt. Alberto Caber said that soldiers were responding to extortion complaints of residents when the 15-minute firefight occurred around 9:30 a.m. in Sitio Bedrock, Barangay Mabini.

Recovered from the slain NPA fighter was an AK-47 automatic rifle.

No casualty was reported in the government side.

Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III commended the soldiers of 30th Infantry Battalion for their successful mission in protecting communities from the rebels' extortion attempts.

He earlier reminded all military units in the area to undertake joint operations with the local police.

“Our soldiers are on its effort for the protection of communities from the NPA’s extortion, deception and anti-people works," Cruz said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=619392

AFP steadily winning the peace against rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24): AFP steadily winning the peace against rebels

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff on Monday said the military is steadily winning the peace against the New People's Army (NPA).

He made this statement after noting that in 2013, violent incidents initiated by the NPAs have reached 477, which is significantly lower than the 587 recorded in 2008.

"More importantly, last year, 16 insurgency-affected provinces were normalized. Early this year, Pampanga followed suit bringing to 42 the number of provinces normalized.

 The AFP will continue the conduct of operations towards the normalization of 33 remaining provinces in accordance with the time-frame of 'Bayanihan'," Bautista stressed.

Normalization means that the armed threats have been reduced significantly to a level that will allow the local government to assume the lead role in addressing these issues.

"In many areas of the country the insurgents have lost their ideological mooring and have degenerated into bandit groups primarily focused on extortion activities only. Popular support to the insurgents has waned and people have been getting tired of armed violence," the AFP chief pointed out.

Bautista said that improvements in internal security will allow the government to refocus its resources to other pressing national security concerns.

Among these are territorial defense and the adverse effects of climate change. Let me now talk about these issues.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=619388

AFP HSC on alert for 28th EDSA 1 Revolution anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24): AFP HSC on alert for 28th EDSA 1 Revolution anniversary

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Headquarter Support Command (HSC) was placed on red alert as the country celebrates the 28th anniversary of the EDSA 1 Revolution Tuesday, Feb. 25.

"The red alert status was declared at Camp Aguinaldo's headquarters service level because (the) People Power Shrine is located within the environs of the AFP general headquarters, with HSC as the only unit on alert to secure the shrine," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

He also clarified that there are no security threats detected for the annual event.

Zagala said that red alert status for HSC started 5 p.m Sunday and will be terminated once the celebration of EDSA 1 Revolution concludes.

HSC is composed of around 100 officers and enlisted personnel.

These include the military police, explosive ordnance division and K-9 units.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=619458

PA joins nation in celebrating 28th anniversary of EDSA-1

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24): PA joins nation in celebrating 28th anniversary of EDSA-1

The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday joins the entire nation in the 28th anniversary of the EDSA-1 People Power Revolution which will take place this Tuesday, fEB. 25.

The Army also recalled the pivotal role played by the Filipino people in the restoration of democracy.

Army commander Major Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri will join Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, as the military hosts the annual celebration which will be held for the first time at the Provincial Capitol of Cebu City.

This will start around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is the guest-of-honor and speaker.

The day's activities will kick off with a flag raising ceremony followed by the traditional "Salubungan".

The "Salubungan" is a re-enactment of the meeting of uniformed personnel and civilian contingents along EDSA during the historic People Power Revolution in 1986.

A wreath laying ceremony was also conducted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, "Libingan ng mga Bayani" in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last Feb. 24 with former President Fidel V Ramos, one of the key players in the 1986 bloodless revolt, as guest-of-honor.

"Today, the nationalism that the soldiers exemplified in 1986 continues to be a source of inspiration to the soldiers in protecting the very freedom and independence that they, together with the whole Filipino nation, have fought for," the former president said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=619553

PHL committed to resolving West Philippine Sea issue peacefully

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24): PHL committed to resolving West Philippine Sea issue peacefully

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Monday said the country remains committed on resolving its territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea peacefully.

"With regards to our territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, we continue to give primacy to its peaceful resolution principally thru international arbitration. All our actions are in support to that. We remain hopeful that the issue can be resolved peacefully and result to peace and stability in the region," he added.

But Bautista stressed that this does not weaken the military's resolve to perform our mandate as protectors of the people and the state and the national territory.

"And we will continue to perform that mandate with whatever we've got," the AFP chief stressed.

"We have not invested much in terms of territorial defense for a long time as we have been so preoccupied with internal security concerns. But now we have an opportunity to do that with our new Modernization Program. And as our recent experience with 'Yolanda' has brought to the fore, we need to upgrade and modernize our capability to address calamities and disasters as well," he added.

Bautista also stressed that the AFP Modernization Program is designed to develop a minimum credible defense force and will transform the military into a multi-mission-oriented force, capable of effectively addressing the various security threats that the country faces including disasters and calamities.

"The AFP is currently in Phase 1 of the AFP Modernization Program which is from 2013-2017. This initial Phase focuses on the development of the AFP's core processes, systems and capabilities, and will establish the basic requirements for minimum credible defense and complete internal security operations requirements. This should likewise enable us to contribute to regional peace and stability, international peacekeeping as well as contribute to our collective capability to respond to disasters and calamities," he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=619380

Deles cites gains of peace talks with MILF but warns of spoilers

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24): Deles cites gains of peace talks with MILF but warns of spoilers

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said gains have been achieved in the Mindanao peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) but warned of enormous difficulties ahead because of spoilers.

“Spoilers still abound. There are those who will persist in their own agenda for self-serving or ideological reasons, Deles said in a speech before the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines,(FOCAP) at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City Monday night.

However, Deles assured that spoilers of the peace talks “shall be dealt with through means of political consolidation or limited security operations.”

A breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has opposed the peace talks between the government and the MILF.

At the same time, she said the administration expects a rigid scrutiny of the prospective Bangsamoro Basic Law due for deliberation in Congress.

“We shall fight for the bill with utmost transparency and professionalism, and with only the national interest in mind. In this, we have the full support of the national leadership,” she said.

Deles is pushing for broad-based support for the Mindanao peace process, saying that the Philippines is at a threshold of shared security and prosperity, up to the regional community, and perhaps the whole world.

“The Bangsamoro will form part of our front door to regional trade,” Deles said.

Deles cited five scenarios to highlight the strategic importance of the government’s peace agreement with the MILF in relation to national economic growth and regional security:

-- President Benigno S. Aquino III, with his “tuwid na daan” policy, has strengthened the ramparts of constitutional democracy through the restoration of the institutional checks and balances in the Republican system, a relentless fight against corruption and a strong push for inclusive growth and social justice. The Bangsamoro falls squarely within the ambit of these ideals.

-- The Philippines is preparing to join the ASEAN community coming up next year. Hopefully, the Bangsamoro, with its strategic location in sourthern Philippines, will be an integral part of that community.

-- Mindanao is the locus of severe climate change events. The peace agreement dovetails with the needed impetus for political stability, consolidation and cooperation among all communities –- Christian, Muslim and Lumad -– in meeting the challenge of climate change.

-- The Philippines is on a continuous trend of steady GDP growth. The inception of the Bangsamoro comes at a most auspicious time as an added booster to the national economy.

-- Successive reversals have now tightly constricted the global threat of Islamic extremism, transforming the threat to isolated, localized and homegrown terrorist cells. The same is true for some parts of Muslim Mindanao, which the Bangsamoro will eventually clear of extremism and terror. This will be the core contribution of the Bangsamoro to national security and the security of the entire region.

In reference to climate change, the Presidential Peace Adviser stressed that the Philippines would be hard put in dealing with climate change and conflict in Mindanao at the same time.

“National peace of mind is a precious treasure,” Deles said, adding that, “We must listen to those who have spent whole lives in the arena of conflict -– waking to the sound of cannons at dawn, cobbling their loved ones in evacuation tents at day, and being pounded by nightmares of death in the night -– to appreciate the value of what we have achieved,” she added.

Deles closed her speech with an appeal to the media: “We ask for the principled support of the media in our quest of a just and lasting peace. We cannot cover all the imaginable bases to a home run. We will never be able to anticipate all the pitfalls in this hard journey. Please help us with your wise counsel and fair reporting.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=619582

Trooper killed in encounter with NPA extortion teams in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): Trooper killed in encounter with NPA extortion teams in Samar

A trooper from the 87th Infantry Battalion was killed following a 15-minute firefight with suspected New People's Army (NPA) extortion teams in Jiabong town, Samar last Sunday.

Belated reports from Capt. Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the encounter took place around 9:30 a.m. on February 23.

He added that soldiers from their 87th Infantry Battalion were conducting routine security patrols and community service in the vicinity of Barangays Lulugayan and Camarubo-an, Jiabong town when it chanced upon NPA extortion teams resulting in the encounter.

Gutierrez said the rebels immediately retreated after taking an undetermined number of injured or casualty. Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

He declined to identify the fallen soldier pending notification of the latter's next-of-kin.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=619637

China envoy arrives as PH deadline looms

From Rappler (Feb 24): China envoy arrives as PH deadline looms

FROM LIBERIA TO PH. Zhao Jianhua (right), then China's ambassador to Liberia, poses after signing an agreement with the Liberian Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan (left). File photo courtesy of the Liberian Foreign

Facing an early challenge, China's new ambassador to the Philippines has arrived in the poor country that dared to bring a rising superpower to court.

Chinese Embassy spokesman Zhang Hua told Rappler that their new envoy, Zhao Jianhua, landed in the Philippines on Sunday evening, February 23.

Zhao arrived in Manila nearly a month before the deadline for the Philippines' written pleading in its case against China at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The written pleading, called a memorial, should be submitted to the ITLOS by March 30.

Zhang, the spokesman, said the embassy is coordinating with the Philippine government on when Zhao can present his credentials to President Benigno Aquino III.
Only after presenting his credentials can Zhao, previously China's ambassador to Liberia, actively begin his work in Manila.

Like his predecessor, Ma Keqing, he is expected to address a host of issues involving the dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In fact, a day after he arrived, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Emmanuel Bautista said Chinese ships drove away Filipino fishing vessels from the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal using water cannons. The Chinese Embassy has not commented on this as of posting time.

More than this, the Philippines' written pleading will also put Zhao in the hot seat.
Under Article 62 of the ITLOS Rules of the Tribunal, a memorial shall contain “a statement of the relevant facts, a statement of law, and the submissions.”

PH's lawyer confident

In an e-mail to Rappler, the Philippines' lawyer in its case against China, Paul Reichler, said their legal team “believes that the Philippines has a strong case, both on jurisdiction and on the merits.”

Proceedings “will go a lot faster” after the Philippines files its memorial, Reichler said in a previous interview with the Wall Street Journal.

TOPNOTCH LAWYER. The Philippines' lead counsel against China, Paul Reichler, has defended sovereign states for over 25 years. File photo from ITLOS
He said arbitrations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) usually take 3 to 5 years. The lawyer, however, expects a ruling by mid-2015.

China, after all, has consistently rejected arbitration as a means to settle its dispute with the Philippines.

Reichler told the Wall Street Journal: “Normally, the respondent state (in this case China) would be given an equal amount of time (8 months) to submit its counter-memorial. Then, in the normal sequence, the parties would have had a second round of written pleadings, with the Philippines getting 4 or 5 months to submit a reply, and China getting the same amount of time to submit a rejoinder. However, since China has announced that it will not actively participate in the arbitration, the tribunal only fixed the date for the filing of the Philippines’ memorial.”

No to 'int'l outlaws'

In a US-based forum in December 2013, Reichler said the Philippines arms itself with the following claims before the ITLOS:

• “first and foremost,” a declaration against China's controversial 9-dash line;
• a determination that Scarborough Shoal is not an island but a group of rocks;
• and a similar determination that classifies disputed portions of the Spratly Islands as rocks

“Fundamentally, what the Philippines seeks is a declaration that all of the rights and entitlements in the South China Sea, including the rights to the resources, living and non-living, are governed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. And under that convention, the 9-dash line is inconsistent and unlawful,” he said in a forum hosted by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He added that while international tribunals like the ITLOS have no police force to “make the defendant comply with the order,” losing parties comply “at least 95%” of the time.

“Part of the explanation is that there is a heavy price to pay for a state that defies an international court order, or a judgment of an arbitral tribunal that is seen, that is recognized, in the international community as legitimate, as fair, as correct, as appropriate,” Reichler said. (READ: PH lawyer on China: Being 'int'l outlaw' has its price)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/51459-china-ambassador-philippines-zhao-jianhua-memorial

'No such thing as 9-dash line' – US envoy

From Rappler (Feb 24): 'No such thing as 9-dash line' – US envoy

US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

 "There is no such thing as 9-dash line," United States ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg told reporters on Monday, February 24, reiterating his country's rejection of China's basis for claiming portions of the South China Sea that are closer to the Philippines.

"We do not believe that the 9-dash line claim passes the legal test for determining or resolving disputes over South China Sea matters," Goldberg said during the annual prospects forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines in Makati City.

[Video: 'No such thing as 9-dash line' -- US envoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7FYWScJYxE]

The ambassador was reiterating the statement of US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel before the US Congress earlier in February.

Russel's statement is considered the first time that the US publicly rejected China's 9-dash line claim in the South China Sea. More US policymakers and military officers have since issued strong statements against China's aggressiveness. (WATCH: Expect stronger US message VS China's aggression)

The US supports the move of the Philippines to bring the maritime disputes to the United Nations body, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The US maintains it is not taking sides on the maritime disputes but it has taken a position against any unilateral move to change the status quo. The US also opposes the establishment of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea and similar attempts to do the same over the West Philippines Sea.

Treaty allies, the US and the Philippines are finalizing a military-to-military agreement that will increase the presence of American troops in the Philippines. The Philippines sought the help of the US against the backdrop of escalating sea tensions.

"We want to conclude the agreement as soon as we can. There are still some details to work out. We have made progress in the agreement. We want to conclude it as quickly as possible but I won't set the date," said Goldberg.

Goldberg said the US military commits to continue helping the Philippines in terms of disaster relief, maritime security, peacekeeping, defense reform, and human rights.

"The Philippines has embarked on a program to build a minimum credible defense as is the right of sovereign nations. The US supports that effort. Nations need to be able to protect their borders and defend their people not just from traditional aggression but from transnational crime, smuggling, and international terrorism," Goldberg said.

The request of the Philippines coincides with the US strategy to rebalance to the Asia Pacific. Goldberg said the US wants to deepen alliance with the Philippines for the following interests: commercial, people to people, military and strategic ties.

"Note the order in which I put those priorities. If you think about the genesis of the rebalance, it starts on the recognition of the rise of Asia – the rise of China and Southeast Asia in terms of economic growth, population growth, and trade," he explained.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/51422-goldberg-china-claim

Ranking US admiral awarded PH Military Civic Action Medal for Yolanda relief efforts

From InterAksyon (Feb 24): Ranking US admiral awarded PH Military Civic Action Medal for Yolanda relief efforts

For expediting assistance during relief operations for Yolanda-battered areas in Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Navy presented US Pacific Fleet commander, Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., with the Military Civic Action Medal during his visit Monday to PN headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

As head of the above-mentioned unit, Harris effectively and efficiently exercised command and control over the US Navy vessels and assets throughout the duration of their operations in the waters of the provinces of Samar and Leyte.

The American official arrived in the country Sunday and called on the PN flag-in-officer-in-charge Vice Adm. Jose Luis M. Alano Monday.

The former is on an official visit to the Philippines to engage with senior military officials with the aim of strengthening the US and Philippine alliance.

After his meeting with Alano, Harris also called on  the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.

CogitASIA, a blog of the Asia programs at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, describes Harris as a person who believes strongly in working closely with allies and partners in the Asia Pacific.

“As a Japanese-American with a strong academic background in East Asian affairs, he is equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to build rapport with strategic partners in the region. Expect him to make frequent high-level visits to countries in the region and press for multilateral military cooperation as an important component of the US rebalance to Asia,” it stated.

Just this Feb. 14, the US Navy Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert arrived in the country for same purpose. During his visit, he spoke with the students at the National Defense College of the Philippines about the importance of maritime cooperation and open communication among international navies.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81474/ranking-us-admiral-awarded-ph-military-civic-action-medal-for-yolanda-relief-efforts

KINK IN MINDANAO PEACE PROCESS? Top MILF commander arrested in Cotabato City

From InterAksyon (Feb 24): KINK IN MINDANAO PEACE PROCESS? Top MILF commander arrested in Cotabato City



MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar appealed to the authorities to respect the ceasefire agreement that prohibits the arrest of any of their members. (Bernard Testa/InterAksyon.com)

A ranking commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was arrested in Cotabato City at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

118th Base Commander Wahid Tondok was arrested on the basis of a warrant over multiple murder and arson from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Tondok was arrested at a checkpoint of the joint forces of Marines, police, and CIDG on Matampay Bridge.

The MILF commander was reported to have come from a meeting at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

In relation to the arrest, MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar appealed to the authorities to respect the ceasefire agreement that prohibits the arrest of any of their members. He said this is for the peace that the MILF and the government are pursuing in the region.

The government and the MILF have recently finalized the peace talks following years of ceasefire between the two parties.

It will be recalled that the MILF formalized its complaint over the killing of another ranking MILF commander, Yusoph Kusain alias Kumander TMX, last week.

Meanwhile, the authorities are on alert in and around Cotabato and Maguindanao due to the threats from supporters of Kumander Tondok, whom Moros consider a hero.

Tondok is now in the custody of the 6th Infantry Division.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81379/kink-in-mindanao-peace-process-top-milf-commander-arrested-in-cotabato-city

Amid tension over West Philippine Sea, US Pacific Fleet commander visits Manila

From InterAksyon (Feb 24): Amid tension over West Philippine Sea, US Pacific Fleet commander visits Manila



Admiral Harry Harris Jr. PHOTO FROM THE U.S. EMBASSY

The top commander of the United States Pacific Fleet is in town for what the United States embassy in Manila calls “an official visit” amid the heightening territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

“Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr. arrived in Manila today on his first official visit to the Philippines as the commander of the US Pacific Fleet. During his visit Adm. Harris is scheduled to meet with Ambassador Philip Goldberg, make an office call on Vice Admiral Jose Luis M. Alano, Flag-Officer-In-Command, at the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and visit Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” a statement from the US embassy said.

It said the fleet commander “plans to use this opportunity to discuss the strong and enduring relationships between the US and Philippine navies, the implications of the US military’s rebalance to the Pacific, and the importance of naval engagement and cooperation for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”

Harris’s fleet has its headquarters at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81386/amid-tension-over-west-philippine-sea-us-pacific-fleet-commander-visits-manila